- MONSEY, NY -- Most
of the 400-plus Catholic women's orders in the United States were started
in the 1800s by Irish immigrants or their daughters to help Catholic immigrants
before a public welfare system existed. The sisters taught and opened schools
and hospitals, and as a welfare system came into being, concentrated more
on teaching and nursing.
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- The Sisters of Reparation of the Congregation of Mary
is an order of nuns founded in 1903 by an Irish immigrant who wanted to
aid women struggling to repair their lives. The order attempted to do this
by providing a safe haven for women, to the poor, to immigrants and to
senior citizens.
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- Since 1938, the sisters have lived at St. Zita's Villa
in the heart of downtown Monsey, New York. The surrounding neighborhood
is now home to mostly Orthodox Judaics, and Hasidic Judaics of the Satmar
sect.
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- Adjacent to the nuns' facility is an adult-care facility
that feels more homey than institutional exactly what the sisters wanted,
said the order's mother superior, Sister Maureen Francis, also the adult
home's executive director.
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- The sisters, with help from a small staff, care for 30
women in their 70s through 90s, providing meals and assistance in taking
medication, among other tasks. Many residents attend nearby senior center
programs; several have become close friends.
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- The villa is generally a quiet place, but its peace was
shattered Nov. 22, 2003 when a 6-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
was toppled. It had stood undisturbed on an outdoor pedestal for more than
40 years; it now lies face up on the ground with broken pieces nearby.
Experts have told the sisters the damage cannot be repaired; it would cost
$14,000 to replace.
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- Police continue to investigate, but they have said their
effort stalled over a lack of information from the surrounding Jewish community.
Three Judaics were seen near the statue minutes before it was discovered
toppled; police are seeking them as possible witnesses.
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- It was just the latest in a series of incidents Sister
Maureen described as "harassment." Judaics have sought to purchase
the 16-acre site for years. Fake "for sale" signs have been placed
along the property, developers make incessant phone calls to the order
and a lawsuit notice has been filed from a Jewish resident who claims to
have fallen on the sidewalk.
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- Nothing will chase the sisters away, however, because
they have a mission to fulfill.
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- "We are here to do our work, and we want to do that
and live in peace," Sister Maureen said.
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- Reward Offered
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- A $500 reward has been offered for information leading
to the arrest of those responsible for toppling a statue of Jesus at St.
Zita's Villa in Monsey on Nov. 22. All tips and information will be kept
confidential. Call Ramapo police at 845-357-2400.
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- How to Help:
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- Donations to help replace the statue of Jesus and letters
and cards of support for the beseiged nuns may be sent to: St. Zita's Villa,
50 Saddle River Road, Monsey, NY 10952.
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