Confidence in God...Sister Mary Margaret Agnes

November 23, 2011

Sister Mary Margaret Agnes Hemmerle, SND

With a deep passion and a desire to follow the Lord’s call, Sister Mary Margaret Agnes Hemmerle, SND, stepped off the U.S. Constitution ship in Naples, Italy, on November 18, 1955, for a vocation that has brought her much happiness, excitement, and fulfillment during the past 56 years.  Coming this May, Sister Mary Margaret Agnes will be returning to the Covington, Province to begin a new chapter in her life as a handmaiden of the Lord.

In 1951, Sr. Mary Margaret Agnes entered the SND community as a postulant.  She knew early in life (senior year of high school) that she wanted to be a Sister of Notre Dame and part of this vibrant community.   Before being asked to go to Rome to be an Adoration Sister and secretary, she worked two years as a second and fifth grade teacher at St. Martin in Cheviot and St. Joseph of Cold Spring.

“I’ve never ridden on a train before, let alone a ship,” said Sister Mary Margaret Agnes.  She went on to say, “The trip to Rome took 10 days which started out by train to New York, followed by a ship voyage to Naples, and then six hours on the road before we finally arrived in Rome.”  Her traveling companions were Reverend Mother Mary Vera and two Sisters from the Chardon Province. When Reverend Mother asked Sister Mary Margaret Agnes to go to Rome she was terrified, but humbled.  Her total faith in God helped her overcome her fears and anxiety of leaving family, friends and familiar places behind. 

What God gave Sister Mary Margaret Agnes for her obedience to his call was 56 years of spiritual blessings.  She had the wonderful opportunity to learn two languages (Italian and German) and be at the center of the Church; witnessing first-hand Vatican II, the election and death of six Popes, starting with Pope Piux XII to currently Pope Benedict.  Over the past several decades, she has experienced all the highlights and challenges of the Church.   As a secretary and Adoration Sister, she personally feels she has been given the chance to get to know each and every one of the 2000 Sisters of Notre Dame. 

As Thanksgiving draws near, Sister Mary Margaret Agnes reflects on all the blessings and graces God has given to her.  “I am so humbled and honored for the time I’ve spent in Rome and as an Adoration Sister.  I will leave with a grateful heart.”    Although Sister Mary Margaret Agnes doesn’t know what the future holds, she firmly believes she will hold tight to God’s hand for his call will be her call, too.

 

Comments

Nancy Meyers SND Assoc. said on November 23, 2011 - 2:31pm:

So good to see you again Sister.

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