Mosaic

Sister Patricia Flynn
Sister Patricia Flynn
General Superior 1987–1998

The Fall of the Berlin Wall, November 9, 1989, had consequences that we are still living into today. Within the School Sisters of Notre Dame, these consequences continue to unfold as sisters restructure and rebuild. This segment looks at some of those events through the lens of circular letters, written by Sister Patricia Flynn, General Superior 1987–1998. They were received with faith and deep gratitude by many School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Members of the General Council visited Eastern Europe from September 10–December 1, 1989. Their observations are an overview of history in Europe and convey the sacredness of their visits.

Imagine the challenges and joys that faced sisters in Yugoslavia, Hungary, Poland, and Berlin. The unique history of Czechoslovakia, its status in 1990, and the elections led to new members.

In her Epiphany letter, Sister Patricia shares the vision of sisters hoping for a new way of life.

Circular 16/90 Rome, Italy, January 15, 1990

School Sisters of Notre Dame
Dear Sisters,

Epiphany is a special time in the liturgical year of the Church. On this feast we celebrate the myriad ways God is manifested to us and to the world. On this 15th day of January, in the first month of this New Year, new decade, we commemorate another manifestation, another epiphany as we witness the open borders and new governments developing in the many countries of East Europe.

We rejoice with all the people of East Europe as they claim their full rights and dignity. We stand in solidarity with them and, in a special way we stand in solidarity with our Sisters in Czechoslovakia, the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), Hungary, Poland, Rumania, and Yugoslavia. We offer them our prayers and our support as they, in their respective countries, move with hope into the future.

 

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Learn more about Living Under Communism by exploring the options below:

Extended Family Final VowsBerlinMosaicRestructuringInterrupted LivesReturn to Living Under Communism

 

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