By Anna Mastrolillo
My name is Anna Mastrolillo. I have been as Associate of the SSND since 1999. I started learning about the Associate program in 1998, and was happy to be covenanted for the first time in 1999.
During my years as an SSND Associate, I have met and talked with many of the SSND Sisters through the years. I have enjoyed many encounters with the SSND Sisters, sharing my life stories and hearing their life stories.
Through the years I have asked for many prayers for myself and for family and friends, and the Sisters have always been very kind in their response to pray for myself and for all my prayer requests.
When my nephew was overseas many of the Sisters took time to send him cards and letters, which he and I appreciated greatly. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, many of the Sisters were very supportive and encouraged me to keep my faith that things would go well.
One of the Sisters who was a cancer survivor herself shared her story with me. That was really encouraging to me.
When my mom and dad passed away, many of the Sisters supported me and my family with cards, notes, and encouraging words and prayers.
As an Associate, I was blessed with two special Companion Sisters: Beth McGlynn and Ilona Mensik. Both really helped me learn a lot about SSNDs, my faith, and my life in general.
Sisters Beth and Ilona were very different in their styles of teaching me, but both were great in everything they did with and for me. Meeting with them for prayer and reflection was always a pleasure and inspiration to me.
Since the Wilton SSND Sisters moved to The Watermark & Ozanam, I've been grateful to Sister Francis Mensik for keeping me updated on the SSND happenings, and for passing along all my prayer requests.
Many of the Sisters have taught me many things and shared so much with me. I hopefully have taught them things too.
Getting together with other Associates is always a pleasure. I have had many enjoyable experiences with other Associates through volunteering together, praying together, and just sharing fun times.
I can’t say enough about what it means to me to be an SSND Associate.
