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Reflections Sister Elizabeth Bernadette Mulvany was affectionately known to many of us as E.B. Just as E.B. usually was known as a woman of few words, so, too, in death, she remained a woman of few words in her written autobiography. The following is a compilation of her words, and reflective memories from Julie Harrigan, Dorothy Clare and myself. Elizabeth Bernadette writes: "I was born on December 16, 1915, to the parents of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mulvany and named Dorothy D’Arcy. I had two sisters, Geraldine and Bernadette, both born after me. Our father left the family in 1925, leaving our mother with the full responsibility of raising three children by herself. Mother provided us with a Catholic education at Our Lady of Lourdes School and at Holy Names High School. I felt a keen responsibility to my mother during my high school years in gratitude for her loving care of us, and for her hard work in providing us with our Catholic education. I tried to assist her in taking care of our home, preparing meals, shopping and the like. At times I was too bossy and domineering. My younger sister Bernie could probably add much to this part of the story! Tennis was my favorite sport and playing gave me many happy hours of fun and relaxation." "In 1933 when I asked to enter the Sisters of the Holy Names, my wonderful Mother gave me her full permission and blessing if that was what I wanted. With the assistance of Sister Aloysia Mary and the permission of Mother Mary Redempta. I joined a group of sixteen young women entering religious life June 26, 1933. However, due to illness I had to leave the Novitiate after four months. After a year’s recuperation, I went to college for a summer session and a fall semester . Then it was with great joy, I returned to the novitiate. In time I completed my BA and received my teaching credential." Sister Elizabeth Bernadette utilized her education to the fullest during her years of service in our Community: elementary teacher and principal, teacher in high school, children at Casa Maria Montessori, the RCIA program at St. Mary’s, Los Gatos, and the women in the RENEW prayer group who continue to gather here each week in our Convent. She served the community as local treasurer, care center staff, and as a member of the retreat team. If there was a need, E.B. was often there to respond to it. Service was her middle name! Our presider this evening is Father Paul Warren, E.B.’s pupil and friend, from her teaching years at St. Cecilia’s. The years she ministered in the Care Center, her membership on the Province Retreat Team, the RCIA program and the RENEW prayer group, were especially meaningful and enriching for E.B. A never-to-be-forgotten highlight for Sister Elizabeth Bernadette was the 41st International Eucharistic Congress she attended in 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in early August with Sister Dorothy Clare. The theme was "Hungers of the World, Jesus the Living Bread." The experience was powerful and beautiful. It was also the bicentennial year, 1976, and E.B. and Dorothy Clare took in some historic tours and sites in Philadelphia, Boston and New York City. They continued their travels by going to the Motherhouse in Montreal, and for four days visited our sisters and places of interest in the community’s history. A memorable time for both of them! When Elizabeth Bernadette was the convent treasurer here at Los Gatos, she ministered with Julie Harrigan, the Convent Administrator. Julie shares with us some of her memories . . . "I respected and loved Sister Elizabeth Bernadette because of her openness to people living in our changing times. We had many, many conversations about people’s lifestyles, family situations (including my own and hers), challenges, etc. and she was so non-judgmental about them. She was so sure of God’s love of each person. She really taught me a great deal about being accepting of others." "We had talks about ‘reconfiguration’ and again, her willingness to accept that changes were being made with all of the best intentions, and after much thought, and always with the good of the community and its mission. This impressed me so much." "She was always so respectful of the work that others did. She would tell me after Community Days or Budget meetings, that the Leadership Teams and others were so wonderful and hard-working in their commitment to the community, and how blessed she felt." "Her wish to be of service never stopped. Up until last week, she asked me about forms that she was responsible for in the Care Center! And finally . . . she was always gracious and kind to everyone she met!" And so on Good Friday, April 6, our beloved Elizabeth Bernadette went home to her God to reap the rewards of her many years of loving God and ministering to God’s people. E.B., may you now rest in peace in the loving arms of God! Michaeline Falvey, snjm
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