Nuns celebrate milestones

Two members of St. Francis of Philadelphia nuns, whose career paths included Spokane, were among those recently honored for their years of service with the church.

Sister Patricia Novak and Sister Madonna Marie Cunningham, both former teachers here, and members of the Franciscan order were among the 34 nuns who celebrated their milestones June 11 at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston, Pa.

Cunningham, 72, celebrated her 50th anniversary while Novak, 52, has served 25 years. Novak taught at St. Charles School from 1980 to 1981 and 1985 to 1987. She also taught at St. Francis School from 1987 to 1990.

Originally from Klamath Falls, Ore., Novak entered the congregation in 1978. She made her first vows in 1981 and her final vows in 1990. She lives in Portland and travels the West Coast as a vocation recruiter, encouraging young women to become sisters. She also co-organizes a program called “the busy-person’s retreat.”

“She’s very enthusiastic,” said Sister Ann Marie Slavin, Our Lady of Angels associate director of communication, based at the motherhouse in suburban Philadelphia. “She’s great for the job that she is doing. She relates well to young women.”

Cunningham is originally from Trenton, N.J., and entered the congregation in 1953. She made her first vows in 1956 and followed by working at St. Charles for one year. She made her final vows in 1962.

Cunningham has held the jobs of president of Neumann College (1971-1983) and congregational minister (1986-1996). She has a degree in psychology and works at a retirement residence for her congregation. She also lives at the motherhouse.

“She’s very important to us,” Slavin said, “She’s a very gifted woman who is also very humble.”

The Franciscan jubilarians – celebrating 25, 50 or 75 years – were joined by about 200 members of the Sisters of St. Francis for their day of celebration. The ministries of the honored jubilarians have taken them to 17 states and 34 dioceses. Collectively they have 1,835 years of service.