The road of life brings us many new faces, some in passing, some that we enjoy for the moment and some that just are a gift from God, becoming our dear friends, connected to us always no matter the distance or time.

Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J. is one of those gifts in my life that sprang from an unlikely meeting in 1992. Suffice it to say, that the Mother of Jesus had plans to bring us into each other’s life. In her mid-teens, Sister Rene entered into discernment to become a Bride of Christ with the Sisters of Saint Joseph and ultimately did so. The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint Augustine arrived in America from Le Puy, France, in 1866, following the Civil War with the specific mission of educating the liberated slaves. They were part of the great foundation and growth of the Roman Catholic Church in the nineteenth-century in the Florida and southeast Georgia territories. Their beautiful Motherhouse stands amid ancient trees and gardens in the downtown historic area of Saint Augustine, with a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi amid the flowers and a peace that settles quickly upon you.

Every animal companion in Sister Rene’s life is a story, finding their way to her by divine providence….you know that God lead’s animals to us, don’t you? Sister Rene knew that. She always joked about being the least likely to be found, but, found she was and she cared for the animals as they came along.

Much of her life has been spent in Catholic schools in Florida, as a principal, teacher, leader, and friend to so many. Her beloved animals found their way into the school office and were always the “joy” and talk of the students who loved them.

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Wendy drinks from the water fountain, having mastered flipping the paddle to turn the water on.

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On her hind legs, Wendy was actually taller than Sister Marie Rene

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In the early years, when Wendy her dog would drink from the water fountain, the kids would laugh with glee!

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Suzanne peeks out from Sister Marie Rene’s coat

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A good bird, always honors Our Lady and prays the Rosary

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Sister Rene gets some editing advice from Suzanne

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Later, when Sister Rene was assigned another school, she would maker her rounds through the classrooms with Suzanne, a beautiful little parrot that became Sister’s protégé. Whether she was visiting with students, teachers or parents, Suzanne was a cooperative and observant assistant, one who ultimately won her way into my new book.

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Charlie, the Cat For All Season

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The Sisters of Saint Joseph have cared for cats, found home for cats and had a few that managed to capture their hearts, Charlie was one of those. Most cats seem to approach their family with the knowledge that they remember when they were worshipped as Gods, therefore you are ever so lucky to have them. Not Charlie! He was as devoted, attentive and loving a cat as God ever created who loved the Sisters dearly.

I admire Sister Rene and her entire congregation for the beauty and love that they have shared with so many uncountable souls in this country. They were, are and continue to be an order who loves the lesser brethren as Saint Francis of Assisi called them, being good stewards of creation and a congregation that brings the hope and love of Christ to all who meet them. I will always treasure my relationship with Sister Marie Rene and so many of the other Sisters whom I have been privileged to share beautiful moments with.

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