INTRODUCTION

The information contained on this page is taken from one source, a paper by Sister M. Roberta, O.S.F. Sister Roberta is a cousin of Virginia's. In this paper Sister provides some family background, and also relies upon two different written responses that Virginia made to her request for information. I say two different responses because one response is identified as having been written when Virginia was a Junior in high school, but in another set of comments Virginia speaks of living at Good Samaritan in Kokomo, which she did not do until several years after her Junior year. From information contained in this paper, I have attempted to piece together something of a chronology of Virginia's life.

(Virginia writes)

 When I was a baby, not even a day old, my loving Father in heaven tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I'd like to do something special for Him. I was just bursting with enthusiasm, and in my timid, baby way, I accepted the challenge.

And what a challenge it was, and is, bringing disappointments, but far outnumbered by physical and spiritual joys.

As can be expected of babies, I soon started growing, doing some of the feats and antics expected of babies, not accomplishing others. Then came the comparing. Mother talked with other mothers; Daddy called home every once in a while to see what I had accomplished. I'm afraid I really disappointed them. Of course, they didn't know my secret, that special agreement between God and me.

God permitted me to see other little children who had much more important jobs to do for Him. He sent me on visits every so often to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. There I saw small children who were giving the use of their arms and speech to God. I realized how much they were giving compared to my little offering.

After my giving Him so little, God gave me His Son as my very own Guest in Holy Communion. And He made me a soldier.

He sent me to Saint John's Crippled Children's Hospital, where He permitted me to help those less fortunate than I. Oh what joy I found in this! Then I graduated from the eighth grade.

Then, when it looked as if no high school would take me, things turned for the better--as they usually do. I became a full-fledged SJA'er (student of St. Joseph Academy in Tipton, Indiana.) So here I am now, a junior already. I have the best of classes, teachers, and just everything. A trip to Lourdes this month looks promising. I'll ask our Lady for the Will of Her Son. What more could I ask for than I already have? Deo gratias.

Deprived of our mother, Jimmy and I were placed in one foster home after another, a few nightmares for two frightened little ones. Some weeks at Riley Clinic at I.U. Medical Center in Indianapolis to train cerebral palsied arms, legs and speech. Then first grade at last. I remember getting a star on a page of new M's, sloppy and I knew it. But after my frustration, joy in knowing that the teacher graded me on effort, and THAT I'd put into it. I also remember being first to recite prayers by heart. I was so happy to show off now and then. Truly, I lacked nothing, and I saw and was glad.

Next, Jimmy and I were taken to St. Vincent Villa in Fort Wayne. Wonderful joy and peace of childhood. Fantasies easily came true. And in this atmosphere, Jesus came to my heart for the first time. (First Holy Communion?) It was like having a little retreat in which I might welcome Him, and also be strengthened for far greater battles with the Spirit of His Love in the Sacrament of Confirmation. From just fantasies back into the world of heartaches. One school after another, from house to house, never to a home.

Of St. John's Crippled Children's School and Hospital she writes: So many little brothers and sisters to care for, feed, clothe, teach and love. Plus my own schooling and therapy. Learning to type. And finally 8th grade graduation.

Of her time at St. Joseph Academy, she writes: Now even a high school education is mine. Thank God! Freshie: very great physical demands, stairs, stairs, stairs. A tired but very proud SJAer was I. Sophomore: difficult years of adolescence. The pressing need for a mother brought me always closer to your Mother and mine. O so good to find her always here. Junior: very, very full year. Editor of school paper, SHAVINGS. Trip to Lourdes that fall for eight days at the spot so dear. Plea to see and accomplish only God's Holy Will always. A P.S., told Mother (the Blessed Virgin) of my lifelong dream of being a Sister. And now I see what miracles She has wrought to let me be a little sister of all, and to give me the whole world for my convent!

Overwork had brought me a very grave illness. Months in hospitals, all 58 pounds of me struggling for a drop of strength, even my brain dehydrated so that I couldn't read or converse much. One day I lay there and saw a crucifix, and told Jesus if He wished He could leave me thus always. But that was the day He chose to begin my return to health. He had awaited my abandonment, that's all. Thus one semester of my Senior year was gone. But nothing lost. I had the honor of being the salutatorian of the class of ' 60, with an average of 95.5%.

God is so good! Stayed at SJA to work in the office. Jesus sent me a spiritual director (Father Keith Hosey) that year (1960-61?). He, in turn, introduced me to Brother Charles de Foucauld. Religious vocation began taking shape.

Three months in a virtual Nazareth, a private home (The Tanzilli's). Then to Good Samaritan Home for the elderly in Kokomo. Apostolate among our abandoned people in their twilight years. I'm the "baby." Outside activities have increased so that I have many opportunities to bring Jesus to others.

The future for Jesus' little vagabond will no doubt be exciting. But only He knows what it holds. Finally, I'll go Home eternally with Him. Deo gratias!

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