1881 Winona - 1962 Saint Francis
My earthly remains may lie buried far away,
Not a mile from Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee County,
But my spirit could never leave Pine Creek.
Not that I was born there: my parents Paul and Antonia Libera
Donated the land where Sacred Heart Church now stands,
And Sacred Heart Cemetery, but they had moved to Winona
By the time I was born, and christened Emma Helena.
I wish I could have grown up on the farm.
I never felt happier, never felt more secure in our Father's love
Than when I could wander, aimless, among
The hills, streams, and pastures of His bountiful creation,
Giving praise for being allowed to share in its beauty.
My parents just assumed I was "dreamy," thought
I could never be happy, or trusted, with a family.
Perhaps the good Sisters of Saint Francis would take me
As a novice Sister, setting my life's path for all time.
I was overjoyed to move to the convent on the big lake
With its own unique sounds and smells and sea birds
I might never have seen had I never left the River.
I felt more blessed still to draw my first assignment,
Playing the organ at Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek
And keeping house for the Sisters who taught in the school.
In my free moments free to wander about,
As few women were allowed to wander at the time,
In my silly and beautiful black habit through the woods
Of my ancestral Pine Creek. When I took to the classroom,
The dear little ones competed to have their fun with me
(I was, in fact, "dreamy" all my life) until they realized
My spirituality was a gift from God - my vocation in fact.
And that I loved them no matter how they acted.
Over the years they became as little angels,
As did their children. Did I wear them down by loving them?
And taking them on walks along the paths I loved so well
When I should have been teaching them about participles.
I was crushed when our Order left Sacred Heart:
I was not even turned sixty, and I had so much more to offer
I obeyed and spent the rest of life at the mother house.
Still I regret nothing. I loved more and lived more happily
Than any of the children I grew up with. Therefore
I am more grateful, Almighty Father, that You chose
To bestow this joyous life upon
Mary Apollinaria, ever Your unworthy servant.
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