First group of Basilian Associates initiated (03/30/97)

First group of Basilian Associates initiated

FOX CHASE MANOR, Pa. - In an initiation ceremony celebrated at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great here in December 1996, the first group of Basilian Associates was welcomed to the order by the sisters.

The group of six completed a yearlong preparatory program that began on November 20, 1995 - the Eve of the Feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple. Over the past year, the group met regularly to pray and learn about the Basilian spirit, identity and mission.

The program offers Christian men and women of varied circumstances the shared experience of coming together and engaging in the spirit and mission of the Basilian Sisters. The Basilian Associates will devote time daily to Scripture reading, and Psalm recitation, participate in the celebration of the divine liturgy and liturgical services, pray the Divine Office during group gatherings and join the local Basilian community in liturgical worship and days of prayer.

Initiated as Basilian Associates were: Tess Bury and Elizabeth Wolfrum of Philadelphia, whose sister, Sister Chrysantha, is a Sister of St. Basil the Great; Mary DeChiara of Philadelphia; Maria S. Harmaty of Philadelphia; Florence Marie Heckler of Bensalem; and Helen Reiche of Philadelphia.

According to the new Basilian Associates, being an associate helps them deepen their spiritual relationship and personal spiritual growth. Most have been active within their Church and with the Sisters of St. Basil; several have attended St. Basil Academy and Manor Junior College, both operated by the order.

For more information on the Basilian Associate Program contact: Sister Laura Palka OSBM, director of the Basilian Associate Program, or Sister Elizabeth Bertoldi OSBM at the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, 710 Fox Chase Road, Fox Chase Manor, PA 19046; telephone (215) 379-0628.

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