Jesus loved the little children. He said, “Let the little children come to me … for it is such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:14) Sister Elizabeth slipped away quietly, dying as she had lived. As her physical limitations developed, Sister Elizabeth anticipated her death by selecting songs and readings for her funeral. Though ready to leave this life and meet Jesus to whom she had dedicated her life, she was gifted by God with time beyond her expectations. For her, every new day was a surprise and blessing. Born in 1920, baptized Elizabeth Monica Hirsch at St. Martin's, West End, Pittsburgh , Elizabeth was one of four children born to Clara and Pius Hirsch. Her brother, “Father Joe,” her sisters, Marie and Florence (Dolly), and Dolly's daughter, Alverna, preceded her in death. Joe, Dolly's son, is her only surviving relative. Sister Elizabeth was very devoted to her family and is now reunited with them and celebrating the joy, peace and love of eternal life. At age 16, Elizabeth left her natural family, to begin her adult journey as a member of a new family inspirited by God's abundant Providence . Given the name Sister Domitilla, she began a lifelong dedication and ministry with children. After teaching thirteen years in the Pittsburgh area, in 1952, Sister Domitilla was missioned to New England, where she taught in Stamford , CT seven years and later in Orleans , MA for six. In 1965, Sister Domitilla was sent to Sacred Heart Elementary School in Kingston , MA , where she remained for more than thirty years, eventually reclaiming her baptismal name when she had that choice. Sister Elizabeth, like Jesus, loved the children and loved teaching them. As she aged, she fulfilled a long-time dream to earn a library science degree and moved from the classroom to become a librarian. She enjoyed an avocation as a story teller, valuing greatly the lessons that stories teach. Whether as a classroom teacher or librarian, Sister Elizabeth took every opportunity to tell or read stories to children. For Sister Elizabeth, her faith life and relationship to God and Jesus was central to every other reality. Over many years, companioned by Spiritual Directors, Sister Elizabeth grew in self-knowledge, inner freedom, and an ever-deepening love and trust of our Provident God. With great honesty and simplicity, Sister Elizabeth shared many personal stories of her faith experiences. A favorite prayer of hers, written by Cardinal Newman, indicates her life's goal: Dear Jesus, … Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may be only a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every person with whom I come in contact may feel thy Presence in my soul. Let them look up … and see no longer me, but only Jesus. Sister Elizabeth, like Jesus, loved the little children, bringing life and faith lessons home to them through stories. As a faithful woman of Providence , she entrusted her spirit and life to her Beloved so fully, that slowly God transformed her to shine with the “radiance” of Jesus' compassion, gentleness and peace. As she leaves us, we can well say we looked up and saw “only Jesus.” Birthday: February 8 SMFF
|
