Sister Edwina Rudolph, RSM



This story was originally published in January 2006.

My introduction to Mercy began at St. James Elementary School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and then on to St. Mary’s High School in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.  I was fortunate enough to be exposed not only to outstanding teachers from grades 1-12, but also to ones who were caring, kind, and cheerful.  At that time, the principals and teachers were Sisters of Mercy, all of whom knew every student, and each of us, every Sister.  I owe a great deal to these women who served as role models for me, especially Sister M. Raphael, my sponsor, who while not one of my teachers, was a mentor during my high school years.  She was not only an outstanding teacher, but also an example of joy and merriment with her class of 70 first graders!

And so the seed was sown.  I had the support of my family in my pursuit of a religious vocation, reluctantly, at first, but then wholeheartedly.  My novitiate days were challenging at times.  As I look back, I can’t help wondering how those who directed us put up with our antics.  In reality, they didn’t put up with them, but continued against great odds to do their best to form us into dedicated, holy, and virtuous Sisters of Mercy.  I do believe that this happened eventually, despite the fact that we were finding much enjoyment behind the scenes!  It’s the fun times that raised my spirits then and still do today!  What would we have done without them?

Speaking of fun, I take heart when I read of our renowned foundress Catherine McAuley’s light and witty sense of humor.  She maintained a joyful heart despite many trials that faced her, and she knew how to laugh at herself and with others.  Her letters are full of delightful flashes of humor, playfulness, and witty anecdotes.

One of my favorites outlines the establishment of a Nonsensical Club, of which she would be the president, another Sister, the vice president, and in which a third Sister would give lectures as “Professor of Folly!”  Another letter describes the founding of a new convent with “rooms so small that two cats could scarcely dance in them!” In a lighthearted letter to one of her friends when she was going to visit one of her convents, she said, “I am determined not to behave well, and you must join me!”

I have a picture of Jesus with His head thrown back and a laugh welling up so loud and clear that I can almost hear it.  It reminds me, as with Catherine McAuley, not to take life or myself too seriously and to stay focused on the bright side of things.

It tickles me to remember some amusing and at times, humbling experiences, for example, when one of my third graders told her mother that her new Sister was seven feet tall!  Her mother couldn’t wait to come to the first PTA meeting.  Then there was the sophomore boy who, when I arrived wearing new glasses, announced to the class that I looked like a Martian, and the college student who told me that my skirt resembled a shower curtain!

However, the real classic story occurred when we changed from the traditional to the modified habit, which we made ourselves.  I was quite proud of my accomplishment, even though I wasn’t a seamstress by any means.  One of our revered senior Sisters took one look at me and said, “I wouldn’t give two cents for the way you look!”  Needless to say, my friends have never let me live that one down!  Today as I look at pictures of myself in the modified habit, I have to admit that she was right!

It’s a heartwarming experience for me to meet people with whom I’ve been associated over the years and to pick up where we left off with our whimsical stories, and I might add, new versions of the old stories!  The ones that I remember best are those connected with comical enjoyment and eruptions of good-natured laughter!

I have a picture of Jesus with His head thrown back and a laugh welling up so loud and clear that I can almost hear it.  It reminds me, as with Catherine McAuley, not to take life or myself too seriously and to stay focused on the bright side of things.

My hope is that many of you will recognize yourselves as being part of my unforgettable memories.  You know who you are.  I’m eternally grateful to each of you for having touched and enriched my life.

If you would like to talk further with Sister Edwina about her life and ministry, you may contact her at: rudolphse@georgian.edu