- October 15, 2021 Community
In 1872, Sister John Facemaz purchased land on an apple orchard in south St. Louis for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet’s Nazareth Convent. On September 2, in anticipation of the Nazareth Living Center’s 150th anniversary year on this holy ground, sisters and members of the Nazareth community gathered for a ceremonial blessing of new apple trees.
Sister Facemaz’s original purpose for this property was not to care for the elderly, but was to be a house of formation for the young women wanting to join the Sisters of St. Joseph. “She saw this as good ground, land set apart,” says Sister Donna Gunn. “A place to teach and to form those wanting to turn their lives over to God in trust and service.”
In time, Nazareth Convent became home to the older sisters and a place of service for the younger ones. Through their wisdom and example, the elder sisters were sowing seeds of mission, generosity and goodness. “Those older women witnessed time and time again how to live meaningful lives,” Sister Donna says.
In 1992, the sisters expanded their mission beyond caring for retired sisters. Nazareth Living Center began its service to the broader community of lay people, meeting the growing need for elder care. “Sisters and lay men and women have brought, and still bring, their sacred lives to dwell among us,” says Sister Donna.
S. Donna says the apple trees symbolize that the 150th jubilee is more than just a celebration of years—it’s a celebration of lives. “We celebrate lives that have persevered, lives planted and nurtured, lives which have borne fruit and sent forth others to do the same,” she says.
The trees were blessed in the Nazareth Chapel and will be planted on the campus outside McGovern Commons. Attendees were given apple seeds to reflect upon the people who have “sown seeds” in their own lives.
Sister Laura Gruber says that these trees remind us to not only take comfort in the past but to ask ourselves how we are still growing as well. “We will not only be looking back,” she says. “We will also look around and delight in the present privilege of being surrounded by the sacred lives of one another.”
Watch the video of Nazareth's 150th Anniversary Apple Tree Blessing Ceremony
By Jenny Beatrice | Adapted from the Blessing Ceremony