CHM Associate Gail Votroubek, left, and Alicia Owens decorate graves of Humility of Mary sisters at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Davenport May 20.
By Dan Russo
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM), their associates and friends recently honored deceased members of the order by decorating graves at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Davenport.
Mass and lunch at the community’s home on May 20 was followed by prayers at the cemetery in an area that contains the remains of 170 sisters who served in Iowa and beyond.
Sister Lynn Mousel, CHM, a member of the sisters’ leadership team and associate co-leader, was among those present. She said taking part in the gathering, held each year around the Memorial Day holiday, helps her connect with the Communion of Saints — the Church teaching that all faithful Christians, living and dead, are united by an eternal bond.
“It’s really a prayerful remembrance,” said Sister Mousel. “For me, it’s … a remembering of friendship and the inspiring way these sisters lived their lives.”
The group placed flowers on the graves and shared fellowship. There are 36 living CHM sisters, some of whom live at the motherhouse, others who live at the Kahl Home, also in Davenport, and still others who serve in other parts of the state or around the world, according to Sister Mousel. The presence of the associates this year was particularly important since they took the lead in planning the event. Associates are also stepping up in other ways to carry on the mission of the order since many of the living sisters are now retired.
“Being that there are few sisters in active roles, associates are taking the initiative and a leadership role,” said Sister Mousel.
In 1971 the CHM sisters — then based in Ottumwa — began an associate program for lay people who want to learn more about the sisters’ charism and assist them in their ministries. Alicia Owens, an associate who attended the recent gathering, first met CHM sisters while she was a student at Ottumwa Heights College, an institution of higher learning started by the order.
“I’ve had close relationships with the sisters over the years,” said Owens. “(Being an associate) is my way of giving back.”
The sisters’ liberal arts college in Ottumwa originally began as Visitation Academy in 1864. After closing in 1980, the campus was sold to Indian Hills Community College. While at Ottumwa Heights, Owens was touched by the faith and compassion of the sisters so much so that it inspired her to investigate the Catholic faith. She later joined the Church and has been active in many ministries over the years. These days, being present to the remaining CHM sisters is a priority.
“The associates have been going to the Kahl Home on a weekly basis to visit with the sisters there,” said Owens.
As the number of living sisters decreases, associates have been asked to carry on the order’s charism, which is “to listen to the Spirit in our changing world and, like Mary, to live the Gospel message in simplicity, humility and joy.”
The CHMs began in France during the 1850s, starting schools for children and engaging in other efforts to help the poor. In 1864, the group came to the United States, where they ministered in Pennsylvania. In 1870, they answered a call to come to remote areas of Missouri and, later, Iowa, where they founded other schools. They also founded St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ottumwa and took over the St. Vincent Home in Davenport to care for orphans, among many other ministries. The Ottumwa congregation relocated to Davenport in 1982.
“As pioneer people with diverse gifts, personalities and energies, we share the fullness of life with all we meet, especially the poor and those in need,” states the CHM charism.
The congregation and its associates currently support Humility of Mary Housing Inc., Humility of Mary Shelter and the Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat Center near Wheatland. Sister Mousel believes the sisters and the associates have been “on a spiritual journey together” and she hopes it will continue.
