OBITUARIES: Sister M. Benigna, teacher, school administrator (06/16/02)

OBITUARIES

Sister M. Benigna, teacher, school administrator

FOX CHASE, Pa. - Early in May the Sisters of St. Basil the Great entrusted into the caring, loving and compassionate hands of the Lord the soul of Sister M. Benigna, OSBM, who died on May 5.

There were quiet words of thanks that the Lord had chosen to free Sister Benigna from the burden of pain that she had borne so patiently for so many years. There were, as well, quiet words of thanks that the Lord had allowed the sisters to know a woman who served as friend, mentor and example. Individually and as a community, the sisters reflected on a life filled with grace, hope and service.

Born on December 21, 1920, Anna Wowchuk was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Philadelphia. She responded to God's loving call at an early age, entering the convent at 16. She made her final profession at the age of 25 and on August 28, 1945, at a joyful liturgy celebrated by Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky, Anna Wowchuk became Sister Benigna.

After earning a bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and a master's degree from Villanova University, Sister Benigna was asked to serve the faithful of the four Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchies as a teacher and school administrator. It was a ministry that spanned half a century and touched the lives of countless children in six states.

Always flexible and always willing to go anywhere and do whatever she was asked to do, Sister Benigna humbly and cheerfully moved from one school to another with the equanimity of one who truly knows that God's plan is a good plan.

She never questioned the circuitous path that took her from Philadelphia to the Immaculate Conception School in Hamtramck, Mich.; to St. John's in Newark, N.J.; to St. Nicholas in Watervliet, N.Y.; to Ss. Peter and Paul in Jersey City, N.J.; to St. Basil Academy in Fox Chase, Pa.; to Ss. Peter and Paul in Cleveland; to St. Nicholas in Chicago; to St. John the Baptist in Syracuse, N.Y.; and back to Philadelphia to St. Basil School.

Sister Benigna served on the Renewal Team for the Sisters of St. Basil the Great from 1978 to 1980 and as director of development at Manor College from 1988 to 1994, the year she retired. It was a retirement that was hastened by ill health, and here again Sister Benigna showed the courage and unwavering faith that are given to those who truly believe in God's divine plan. Through 10 years of dialysis and excruciating pain, Sister Benigna prayed. She did not rage against her suffering. She did not protest the unfairness of her burden. She never questioned why. Instead she nurtured the little bud of compassion that miraculously blossoms in the desert of pain and continued to give to others, generously and even with a sense of humor.

Those who visited her during her last few weeks in the hospital will recall how Sister Benigna always asked about others. They will also recall the strength and perseverance that enabled the short but agonizing journeys from the health care unit to the chapel. Those whose lives she touched in earlier years will recall the sweet treats that appeared as if magically from the capacious pockets of her habit. They will also recall someone who taught not merely from textbooks, but by example.

Sister Benigna died on May 5, predeceased by her father and mother, Harry Wowchuk and Eva Madjar (Wowchuk); her brother, Nicholas Wowchuk; and her sister, Mary Louise Sharpley. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dolores McCreery; nieces, Barbara and Ellen; and nephew, Harry.

The Rev. Edward Higgins officiated at the parastas services held Tuesday, May 7. A funeral liturgy was concelebrated by the Revs. Orest Mychailuk and Edward Higgins on May 8, with the sisters' choir singing responses.

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