Women religious of the diocese reflect on favorite Christmas gifts

Women religious of the Diocese of Marquette share memories of some of their favorite Christmas gifts they have received over the years.

Sister Margey Schmelzle, OSF 

“I have received many, many wonderful gifts over the years—both at Christmas and throughout the year. I don’t focus in on any one specific gift but on the generosity, the kindness and the care of so many wonderful people who think of me. That is what speaks to my heart and brings forth prayers of gratitude for them.”
-Sister Margey Schmelzle, OSF

“The best gift for Christmas, of course, is the Lord Jesus! But of all possible gifts that I have received from someone, the ones that we exchange at the convent every year are the best ones. Around the end of November, often at Thanksgiving, we put all the sisters’ names in a container, and each of us draws a name. We become “Advent Angels” for one another.

Sister Mary Ann Laurin, SPC

In addition to offering up our daily prayers for all those in need—such as the Holy Mass, meditation, Divine Office, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet—I make an intention during Advent to pray in a special way for the person whose name I got, and one of the sisters prays especially for me. This gift of prayers is better than any material present. The sisters pray daily for other intentions as well.
On Christmas Day, we give a Christmas card to the sister whose name we drew and tell something about the prayers we offered for her. Every year I look forward to receiving from an “Advent Angel” a note telling me about her prayers and sacrifices. This spiritual gift is truly a gift of love, better than all the material goods the world could offer.”
-Sister Mary Ann Laurin, SPC

“Christmas is such a special time of year after we travel through Advent in anticipation, celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day, and rejoice through the Christmas season. I have received so many wonderful gifts through the years but the greatest gifts I have received involve relationships and experiences with others, especially family and friends. One of my favorite gifts I received this year. The gift was an announcement from one of my cousins to the family over a Zoom chat last month. About six

Sister Catherine Peter Logan, OSF

years ago my cousin received a cancer diagnosis and after a long road of cancer treatments, she was cancer-free. My cousin faced a trial and she overcame it with God and the support of her family, friends, and husband by her side.
As a young couple, my cousin and her husband were unsure of what it might look like to have children in the future. Well, God has truly blessed them as they shared with us not only that she is pregnant with a baby boy but that the due date is Dec. 21. This news is a gift and my heart is overjoyed. It is a blessing to see how God is working in their lives at this time. This is one of my favorite gifts because they are bringing new life into the world through their love and the hand of God.”
-Sister Catherine Peter Logan, OSF

“My favorite gift that I received for Christmas was the book “Witness to Hope.” This book is the most extensive biography of Pope John Paul II by George Weigel who traveled with the Pope to get to know Karol Wojtyla.
I started to read this book on one mission, but did not get far into it before I was transferred to another mission. Sad to say, the book was not at that convent. When my family asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I mentioned the book, so I could finish reading it, and I received it!

Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, OSF

I knew bits and pieces of Wojtyla’s (Pope John Paul II) life, but I did not realize the influence he had on the world. I impressed myself by reading the whole book which was over 1,000 pages—a feat I had never undertaken before.My peaked interest in Wojtyla’s life mushroomed into reading and studying more about his works. Encouraged by my young high school faith formation coordinator, he inspired me to read the “Theology of the Body” by Pope John Paul II, and “Theology of the Body Explained” by Christopher West.
For a Catechist’s meeting I presented a PowerPoint on Wojtyla’s life. I even took a course called “Theology of the Body—Head and Heart Immersion Course” by Christopher West.
The young prodigy would also prod me to read “Love and Responsibility” by Karol Wojtyla, and I learned more about the pope’s philosophy about life and faith. This was the beginning of my reading/studying/giving retreats on Pope John Paul II.
If you haven’t read a good spiritual book, be open to others’ suggestions, especially ones about saints and holy people. By the way, be careful what you ask for at Christmas, it could change your whole life-view, and it could draw you closer to God and his wonderful works.”
-Sister Jacqueline Spaniola, OSF

“I was in our chapel in our Mother House in Marquette, contemplating on t

Sister Fidelia Villa, SPC

he Nativity. Right there and then, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a poem to describe my prayer experience. I have received a lot of gifts which I’m very grateful for, especially at Christmas time. However, this is extra special because it is God Himself who gave this gift to me. It’s so precious to me.”
-Sister Fidelia Villa, SPC
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Sister Fidelia's poem may be read below: