Seven decades after entering the convent together, local Franciscan Sisters reminisce … and look ahead
Class of 70 years ago, standing from left, Sister Theresa Chow, Sister Mary Edward Sugioka and Sister Rose Annette Ahuna. Seated, Sister M. Ancilla Yim. (Photo courtesy of Lora Ann Otagawa)
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Four island-born Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities renewed their vows for the 70th time in front of family and friends at a special celebration Aug. 23 at the Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu.
They are Sister M. Ancilla Yim of Honolulu, 92; Sister Theresa Chow of Kalihi, 90; Sister Rose Annette Ahuna of Hilo, 88; and Sister Mary Edward Sugioka of Aiea, 88.
There were originally six Hawaii women in their class. The others were Sister Agnes Vera Hino, who died in 2018, and Sister Marion Inouye, who died in 2014.
Remarkable as it is to be together seven decades after they entered the Franciscan convent in Syracuse, N.Y., three of them took a moment to share a lighthearted stroll down memory lane.
SISTER MALIA DOMINICA: It is very impressive to find four 70th jubilarians together here in Hawaii. What is your secret to your longevity?
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: Selective hearing. (Everyone laughs.)
SISTER THERESA: Swimming every day, except the days I volunteer at hospice.
SISTER MARY EDWARD: We all watch what we eat.
SISTER THERESA: I am 90 years old. And one of four children in my family.
SISTER MARY EDWARD: I am one of 13 children and will be 89 on Oct. 8. But Japanese style, that means 90.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: I’m eight days older than Sister Mary Edward, one of six in my family, and also will be 89. Sister Ancilla is 92.
SISTER MALIA DOMINICA: Could you share with me how all of you got to Syracuse?
SISTER MARY EDWARD: Sister Rose Annette and I were classmates at St. Francis School when we decided to enter the convent. Sister Ancilla was already a professional and went ahead. Sister Theresa joined us. She was a Farrington High School graduate. The three of us took the Lurline and sailed to California.
SISTER THERESA: My brother came to pick us up after work and gave us a tour around San Francisco.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: It was a beautiful week’s tour!
SISTER THERESA: Then we took the train from San Francisco to New York. It was so exciting to see all the scenery.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: The porter was like a father to us.
SISTER THERESA: He asked us: “Where are you young girls going?” We responded, “To college.” “What’s the name of the college?” he further inquired. “St. Francis College,” we chimed. He said, “I never heard of that one.”
We giggled.
The three of us had a dream plan that when we reached Syracuse, we would first go on a tour to see the city, then have a nice lunch, and top it off with going to a movie before going to the convent. We could hardly wait to get there!
But, as the train approached the station, Sister Rose Annette recognized Mother Carmela. She exclaimed, “Oh, Mother Carmela!” We looked at each other and sullenly said, “There goes our tour.” Mother Carmela called the taxi that took us directly to the convent.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: Sister Ancilla was already there. Because she had worked as a secretary for an attorney after graduating, her mother told her that she should go traveling with the money she earned. She left with her sister, Winnie, and planned that after the last stop, Syracuse, Winnie was to return home alone. Sister Ancilla’s mother later was supportive of her decision.
SISTER MARY EDWARD: Sister Marion Inouye and Sister Agnes Vera arrived later.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: In our batch, we were 25 members total. Now, 70 years after, due to some leaving the convent and others passing away, we are five remaining.
The four of us were known for our talent in sewing and were always called on to sew — the veils, habits and other accessories of the sisters. Sister Ancilla directed us. As boarders at St. Francis School, Sister Mary Edward and I had to take sewing lessons. My mother thought that was a good idea. We were taught how to draft, instead of just being given a pattern. That was so hard. But, it was fun.
We were a good, happy group. We worked together in the laundry. In Syracuse, there was a machine as big as a sheet to press it. We did the washing, ironing and folding, and had fun.
SISTER THERESA: We were such a big group, that they also assigned us to clean the Motherhouse chapel.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: Our group was also always told to go into the study room to copy our rules, etc.
SISTER THERESA: I think I read the Bible three times then!
SISTER MARY EDWARD: But most of the time we were called on to sew. Sometimes we were called to bring the food leftovers over from the Motherhouse to the novitiate. As we did so, we snuck some tastes.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: Regarding our meals, they were taken in silence. Sister Theresa, tell the story of the eggs.
SISTER THERESA: Most of us were not used to eating hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Food was passed down the table for us to take. As we couldn’t talk, we picked up the thing, looked at it, and put it back on the tray not knowing what to do with it.
SISTER MARY EDWARD: We all put our eggs back.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: Later, Sister Mercedes Foley, our novice directress, explained to us how to crack it and eat it.
SISTER MALIA DOMINICA: Were you always together as a group?
SISTER THERESA: After our first profession, most of us were assigned to different missions. I was assigned to a school in Albany.
SISTER MARY EDWARD: I was assigned to Mount Carmel School, Utica.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: I was assigned to a different house from Sister Theresa in Albany at Our Lady Help of Christians School.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: Whenever we got back from the missions, we were warmly welcomed by Sister Mercedes. She was so glad to see us when we came home. She was very conscious that we were from Hawaii, and took care of us.
SISTER THERESA: However, we were a really noisy group. So, when we needed to get away, do you know where we went? To the basement. Way in the back of the cellar where the luggage trunks of the sisters were, there we would meet and talk story.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: We were so happy to see each other.
SISTER MALIA DOMINICA: So when did you get to tour Syracuse?
SISTER THERESA: That ended. (Everyone laughs.)
SISTER MARY EDWARD: Once we were older and sent out on the missions we could go around.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: After one year in mission, I was assigned back to Hawaii.
SISTER THERESA: This is the first time we have been back together in years.
SISTER MALIA DOMINICA: So, now, 70 forward … what does that look like for you? What advice do you have to share to encourage others in their spiritual life?
SISTER THERESA: Well, we are all a bit more tired.
SISTER MARY EDWARD: When you think about it, we had a good life. We all still have our chores. I oversee the dining room. Everyone should just keep smiling.
SISTER ROSE ANNETTE: God has been good to us. We are true Franciscans. I still give some talks when asked. What Mother Marianne went through however, can never compare with what we went through. She keeps us going. Now that we are older, we are very fortunate that we have the opportunity to go to chapel anytime to pray.
SISTER THERESA: My advice? I still volunteer at St. Francis Hospice. Don’t give up, keep faithful to Jesus and just keep walking the straight path no matter what others are doing. Focus. Continue to focus on what we professed to do.
