Sister Margaret Ginty

January 14, 1917 – August 31, 2013

There are no coincidences in life and it was no accident that I had the privilege, over this past year to become acquainted with S. Margaret Ginty. It was not only Diana Nyad, the swimmer who had perseverance, a never give up attitude, or the ability to transcend challenges and still chase a dream. Margaret did also even when she lost her ability to speak, she found a way to communicate and let her thoughts and needs be known. I came to recognize in a small way her inner spirit and appreciate her unique personhood.For the first ten years of Margaret’s ministerial life, she cared for the youngest children who were boarders at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She became their second parent. The graphics that Catherine selected for Margaret’s program booklet, both the picture of joyous children dancing and having fun at the seashore and the dancer made me think about the words on the cover of Joyce Rupp’s book, May I Have This Dance. It reads, I think that deep within, everyone wants to have the freedom and joy of dancing with a wonderful person…Prayer is a dance with the Divine, a joyous hop-filled experience, an inner dance in which God takes the lead, guiding one through the joys and sorrows of life…I thought, isn’t that Margaret?January 14, 1917 – August 31, 2013January 14, 1917 – August 31, 2013

January 14, 1917 – August 31,

Sister Margaret Ginty (S. Dorothea)

Margaret Ginty2There are no coincidences in life and it was no accident that I had the privilege, over this past year to become acquainted with S. Margaret Ginty. It was not only Diana Nyad, the swimmer who had perseverance, a never give up attitude, or the ability to transcend challenges and still chase a dream. Margaret did also even when she lost her ability to speak, she found a way to communicate and let her thoughts and needs be known. I came to recognize in a small way her inner spirit and appreciate her unique personhood.

For the first ten years of Margaret’s ministerial life, she cared for the youngest children who were boarders at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She became their second parent. The graphics that Catherine selected for Margaret’s program booklet, both the picture of joyous children dancing and having fun at the seashore and the dancer made me think about the words on the cover of Joyce Rupp’s book, May I Have This Dance. It reads, I think that deep within, everyone wants to have the freedom and joy of dancing with a wonderful person…Prayer is a dance with the Divine, a joyous hop-filled experience, an inner dance in which God takes the lead, guiding one through the joys and sorrows of life…I thought, isn’t that Margaret?

As I said, I only recently became acquainted with Margaret, but, her younger sister, Sister Catherine, knew Margaret very well. Catherine will share her reflections of Margaret with us.

Roseann Amico, CSJ

REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE OF SISTER MARGARET GINTY, CSJ

We come together in this sacred place to thank God for the life of Sister Margaret Ginty Who, for 76 years as a Sister of St. Joseph, always moved towards profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction. (Consensus Statement). This is a celebration of joy and gratitude! Thank you for your prayerful presence.

My reflection about my sister’s journey brought before me the image of a vibrant stream of water flowing across an open fertile field amid unexpected turns and curves. On fair and cloudy days it moves steadily towards its goal, the wide ocean, which draws it into mystery and promise.

Margaret was the third daughter of Anthony and Margaret Ginty, who created a home environment of warmth, love, and laughter for all four children. Margaret loved her older siblings, Anne and Thomas, who shared her interests in art and music. She and I developed a close relationship that became stronger in later years. In school, church and neighborhood activities, Margaret moved in circles of relationship outside the family. Gradually she became aware of her call to religious life. With loving support from our family, her teachers and friends, she began her new journey as a Sister of St. Joseph. Again, her circle of relationship extended to her sisters in community and dear neighbors in the ministries to which she was missioned. She reflected on the words in our Constitution: “Our mission of unity requires that we be Christ’s healing presence among people…” Ministry, p. 32.

As a classroom teacher Margaret diligently prepared lessons for her students and focused on individual needs, encouraging self-esteem and self-confidence. She knew from experience that these values open the mind to effective learning. Her gentle reminder to students and parents was God’s unconditional love for everyone.

Margaret answered a variety of needs in our congregation that included relationships with adults…members of the staffs in institutions where Sisters of St. Joseph lived and worked. Her YES to these calls, although not always an easy response, was sustained by her life of prayer described in our Constitution: “Our life of prayer is a dynamic relationship with God, an ever-increasing intimacy with the God who is the source and center of our lives.” Prayer, p. 42.

While Margaret continued “to live the message of Jesus and to bear witness to his love,”(Constitution, Community Life, p. 38) she welcomed into her family two nieces, Peggy and Nancy, their children and grandchildren. Photos of them covered the walls of Margaret’s room in Bethany. How Margaret appreciated Peggy and Nancy for their faithful presence to her throughout these many years!

For the past 15 years Margaret has been moving like the stream in my reflection image. Her vibrant spirit has been challenged to grow and change as Parkinson’s disease claimed her mobility. Her power to sustain, to communicate, to empathize came from within. She became a prayerful presence to everyone who touched her life, and her circle of relationships extended far beyond her space in Bethany Health Care Center.

How grateful she was to each member of the medical staff in Bethany and to all the staff who contributed to her every need. Whenever I asked her to give me a message for her at the Care Plan meetings, her response was always, “Thank you.” This was my response, too.

The constant companionship of the residents provided stimulation for Margaret to keep in touch with the world around her. She loved being with them.

So we celebrate your life, Margaret! As a Sister of St. Joseph, you have moved always towards profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction. Now your spirit enters the ocean of God’s eternal love which holds for you the revelation of mystery and the promise of eternal joy and peace. Pray for us!

Catherine Ginty, CSJ September 5, 2013