Sister Maureen McGoey, former General Councilor, recently spoke with Associate Patricia Stortz about her past experience of living and working in Rome at the Generalate. She is currently missioned to Notre Dame Convent in Waterdown, Ontario.
“There is nothing like the international congregation; it is such a gift and such a challenge,” Sister Maureen said. She is grateful to have participated in various programs held during her years in Rome, when Sisters and lay staff came from all over the congregation. “It was as if the world came to our doorstep, and we, in turn, took it with us when we went to them.”
There are two communities at the Generalate: the General Council and the Generalate community, who support the work of the General Council. “We could not have done our work without the support of the Generalate community and lay staff,” said Sister Maureen, adding that the Sisters did this ministry at a cost, since they left behind their friends and family and were unable to go home for special occasions, such as Christmas.
Yet celebrations at the Generalate were memorable. With their festive meals and special liturgies, they were also celebrations of the diverse languages and cultures that make up the congregation. “I miss that here. Everything is in English now.”
Challenges of living at the Generalate included learning the Italian language. “I gave it an honest attempt and felt proud that I could say a few sentences,” Sister Maureen shared.
Was driving in Rome a challenge? “I wasn’t afraid of driving itself. The Italian drivers are not that bad. I was afraid of getting lost. The GPS near the end of my time in Rome was a blessing.”
What else did she love? “The weather – no matter how hot it got.” And the Generalate building. “It’s a beautiful space, especially now with the renovations made for the congregational novitiate.”
Sister Maureen is especially grateful for the leadership ministry to which she was called. “It was a privilege to serve the congregation in this way.” She served as the point person for two General Chapters, was the contact for the congregational communications coordinator and the congregational technology coordinator, and worked with other groups as needed.
She is also grateful to the family and friends who came to visit. “If I didn’t have visitors, I probably would not have gotten out as much,” she admitted.
While in Rome, Sister Maureen says she was always looking to the future, planning and working through two five-year calendars. It has been three years now since she left, and she is still moving into the future with new challenges. Nonetheless, she does miss the sights and sounds of Rome, the multicultural community, and – of course – the pizza.
