subject: Chapter 13: The Transfer Phenomena [print this page] Chapter 13: The Transfer Phenomena Chapter 13: The Transfer Phenomena
Chapter 13: The Transfer Phenomena
While I was involved in Fremont, Ohio, my friend from the academy in Toledo had decided to transfer to Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a congregation founded by St. Julie Billiart and of which our present congregation was an offshoot. Transferring from congregation to congregation became quite common after Vatican II as some congregations renewed and changed and others held back. At the same tmie a Sister of Charity who worked with the migrants in Fremont had a friend whom she was driving around, working on a transfer to her community. I found myself asking jokingly if I could ride along.
Both of these events set me to thinking that an alternative was posssible. Since I still had the boils, I had scheduled a doctor's appointment. While I was there, I asked the doctor if he thought a congregation with less rules and regulations would be better for me. He was the doctor who had seen me through the sedatives and so he knew my past record in dealing with stress. He said that perhaps that would work even though I would be taking myself with me. Encouraging me to see the vicar of religious, he also wrote a letter recommending the transfer.
As I did not want anyone to forbid me doing this, I simply said that I had another appointment recommedned by my medical doctor and I asked my mother to pick me up and take me to see the vicar of religious. On my way I explained to my mother what I was sgoing to do and as always she supported me. The vicar was very understanding and asked if I did not want to transfer to a congregation in Toledo so as to be closer to my parents. I explained that I believed transferring to the original congregation of St. Julie Billiart would help me to keep within the charism of my vows. One of my concerns was whether or not I would get a direct transfer, as my friend had been left with the necessity of completely leaving and reentering. He said that even if that happened to me, it was only a piece of paper and that my consecration and vows were in my heart. This was indeed good advice and put me at peace.
Next I set about getting an interview with the provincial of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. This too was quite a chore as our home visits were restricted and had a three-form procedure accompanying them. I had become a good friend of one of the parish priests who worked with the migrants, and so I asked his advice. I explained to him that I would like to use my home visit as a time to go to Cincinnati to meet the provincial of the new congregation and that only on the third form would I tell my present congregtion where I had been and what I was going to do. He advised me that this would be fine as it was information to which they had no right. I was hapy with his moral theology and proceeded to take my home visit by traveling to Cincinnati with my parents.
Having been accepted, the next weeks were very difficult. When I finally handed in the third form, my provincial sent word that she would like to see me. My priest friend was afraid I would fold and told me to stick to my guns. She was very dismayed about my decision and said that my new congregation was way out on a limb and that given my background I would not do well. She said I could go to any ministry I desired, if I stayed. But I explained it was too late, my body had decided for me.
The Cincinnati provincial had given me permission to spend the summer at home being renewed and also getting my driver's license. When school was over, I was eager to go, but the papers had not yet come. My parents wanted me to wait at home, but the Toledo provincial said that only Reverend Mother in Rome could give that permission. My Dad asked them to call Reverend Mother and he would pay for the phone call. I was thus released and permitted to wait at home.
When the call finally came to come and sign the papers, I asked whether it was a direct transsfer. They replied that I would find out when I signed. At the paper signing I was told that they were sorry I was deserting the community that loved me and still did. So much for a good guilt trip!. But when I saw it was a direct transfer from Rome, I was delighted.
That summer was great. My driving lessons went well . Mom made me a few jumpers and I purchased some blouses to wear, having left the habit behind. During the summer my grandfather, who was then living with us, took me regularly for a Dairy Queen. This helped add a few pounds to the hundred which I had left. The worst of the purgative way was over. I was about to begin a new adventure. In retrospect, I am really grateful for the eighteen years spent there. They were filled with many happy teaching experiences, with good friendships, times of prayer and life events that strengthened my endurance. I do not believe that anyone meant to directly harm me; they were only acting out of their beliefs of what was best for me.
