Celebrating 50 years as a Visitation Sister: Katherine Mullin, VHM
by Brigid Ryan-Ling, Vis Alumna
“As I reflect back on my ‘one wild life’ [from Mary Oliver, The Summer Day],
it has been one of growth in faith, seeking insight into life,
and being adaptable to what God is calling me to do.”
Minneapolis, MN — Sister Katherine Mullin, VHM, is celebrating her Jubilee 50th Anniversary of becoming a Visitation Sister. She joined the Visitation Sisters when she was 19 years old, in 1961. Sister Katherine Mullin joined the Monastery at the Visitation School, first in St. Paul and more recently in Mendota Heights, before moving to the north Minneapolis monastery in 2001.
Working with students and their families in the earlier years of her vocation strengthened in her the virtue of hope, as she was able to experience life through the eyes of a child and feel the energy that children bring to the school setting.
And now, after ten years of living in an urban monastic community on the north side of Minneapolis, Sister Katherine says she has deepened her ability to love and feel gratitude. Says Sister Katherine, “When I ask our neighbors, “How are you?,” they tell me, “Blessed and highly favored!” This response often comes despite great adversity in their lives. Such is love.”
“I feel blessed to be a member of the Visitation community…women of joy, women dedicated to prayer and community. I consider this celebration of my 50th anniversary of vows to be a celebration of God’s fidelity, not only to me, but to all people who try to live a life of faithful loving.”
Do you have a story to share about Sr. Katherine?
Invitation:
Do you have a favorite story, memory, image of Sr. Katherine to share? Please post here – in the comments section below, or email to Visitation Companion, Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde at queenmab31@yahoo.com and these will be compiled and given to Sr. Katherine on her jubilee.
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Sister Katherine’s Jubilee Celebration
Saturday, August 27 at North Commons Park,
1801 James Ave. N
Minneapolis, MN 55411.
Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by a picnic lunch.
19 Comments
Kelli Kester · August 15, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Always able to lift spirits and listen well, Sr. Katherine reassured me one morning when I was feeling a little sad. I joked about the little poem depicting the days of the week and connecting each of them to a child’s birth. I told her that, unfortunately, I was born on a Wednesday and, “Wednesday’s Child is full of woe.” Katherine replied, “Now just you wait a minute. God doesn’t know or care about the days of the week!” Then, and as always when I am with Sr. Katherine, I felt loved, cared for and understood.
Megan Kelsey · August 15, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Sr. Katherine has been such an inspiration for me since I met she and the other visitation sisters a few years. In the short time we were all together we grew very close and I was able to share a lot about myself because I felt so comofortable and welcomed. I was able to reconnect with Sr. Katherine a year or so later through a program called ytm and was blown away that she actaully remembered me and was so kind and loving! She had truly listened when I had first met her and it felt like it had hardly been anytime since I had last seen her. She took such interest in both myself and my close friends, and she continues to do so. Everything about Sr. Katherine, even the tone of her loving voice is comforting, and her smile just radiates. Knowing Sr. Katherine has, and I know will continue to be a very big blessing in my life!
Patty Stromen · August 15, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Sr. Katherine,
It is always so wonderful to see your twinkling eyes at the Monastery or at Ascension. You are ever so gracious as you ask about things at the parish, Katelyn, or my own life. You take such interest in each person you talk to, it’s as if no one else exists at that moment in time. You indeed live the Salesian spirituality and virtues, and I am very grateful that you are part of my life and the life of Ascension! Congratulations on your Jubilee!
Anna Dourgarian · August 18, 2011 at 9:48 pm
I had the privilege and pleasure of watching Sister Katherine interact with the North Minneapolis community a few weeks ago, and I was floored by her power of socializing. She knew people everywhere she went, she remembered everyone’s name, and she struck up comfortable conversations with perfect strangers. Once, she walked into a crowded dance studio and within minutes was on a first-name basis with two managers. I have always associated such formidable social networking skills with business professionals and go-getters, but she proved to me that all talents, including the stereotypically secular, can be put to use by God. She is an inspiration, and I thank the Lord for giving her to us.
Julie McNearney · August 21, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Sr. Katherine shared her Vis graduation ring with grads in following years and I was one of the lucky recipients. I returned the ring to Sr. Katherine and wonder how many other grads were given the gift of her class ring. Thank You!
Mary Hasbrouck,CSJ · August 22, 2011 at 8:46 pm
S. Katherine, it was Darlene who introduced us when both of you were in Mendota.
From that meeting on, I always enjoy your gentle presence and beautiful smile.
I was delighted to hear that you were coming to north Minneapolis. I enjoyed our
time together doing vocation work, and continue to enjoy seeing you walk or
bike through the neighborhood. Blessings on your 50th jubilee. You have been/are a blessing to so many, especially me!
Betty Lou Miller · August 23, 2011 at 12:47 pm
God blesses you and all of us through you and your gifts which you share: lovely smile; eyes of welcome and understanding; ready hug; happy countenance; humor; other centered; faithful.
Thank you for all you do and are. Enjoy your Jubilee!
A friend for the last decade,
Through St. Philip’s and Now Ascension
Betty Lou
Nicholas Liemandt · August 24, 2011 at 6:02 pm
I remember when Sr. Katherine was at still at Visitation when I was in preschool and the kindergarten. She was always there to give you a smile, an encouraging word, or let you sit in her office when waiting to go home with pink eye. I was so excited to see her when she popped up at our peace dinners a few years ago. She is a wonderful blessing for all those who interact with her.
(from Facebook)
Louis Villaume · August 25, 2011 at 5:05 pm
When I was quite young we visited the convent is St.Paul to see Sister Katherine and Sister Mary Denise, both of whom are my aunts. I remember running through the empty halls despite warnings to stop. One time, I was running full speed with my head down and ran into a phone that stuck out of the wall. It was as if God had hit me with his shoe.. “Stop running in my halls”, he said.
I owe a part of my belief in God to Sr. Kath. From playing softball with me as a kid, to the light I feel now from her presence; she is one of my proofs. I only need point to her.
Bianca Franks · August 26, 2011 at 7:41 pm
I will never forget when I mentioned to Sister Katherine that I was looking for a tutor for Cemya and she made it her personal goal to find her one and arranged a back and forth through email with a teacher within 24 hours, although we couldn’t figure out a good schedule for both of us I have always loved that Sister Katherine has never forgotten anything I’ve told her which to me means she holds me as near and dear as I hold her 🙂
Rachel Rodenborg · August 26, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Sister Katherine was the director of admissions when I applied to Visitation as a sophomore. She made it possible for me to attend school there not once, but twice. The first time when I was accepted as a transfer from Brady High School–then closing–and my senior year when my family went through some tough financial times. She helped us close the gap to ensure I would become a Visitation graduate. I am forever indebted to her belief in my potential. Congratulations on your Jubilee, Sister!
Love,
Rachel
Charlotte Bovee · August 26, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Congratulations Sr. Katherine. You have a wonderful peace about you and I will always remember fondly being one of your Vis “Recruiting Goddesses”.
Jody Tigges · August 26, 2011 at 7:43 pm
S. Katherine;
On this joyous occasion of your 50th Jubilee I thank God for you and the way his light and love shine through your beautiful face. Thank you for your loving presence in my life.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and bring you his joy and peace.
Jody Tigges
Cheryl · August 26, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Congratulations and many, many Blessings!
–Cheryl Ricksham Corneliussen
Julie Costa · August 26, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Congratulations!
Melissa Kiemde · August 26, 2011 at 7:55 pm
The first time I met Sr. Katherine, I was standing on the side of the alter at the Church of St. Philips, in north Minneapolis, wrapping mic cord around my arm. It was a Sunday in the Summer of 2002 and I was heart-deep in spiritual and professional discernment, wondering what God was calling me to in my life. I had just written in my journal the day before a question to God, “Do you want me to become a nun?”
The next day, this smiling, vibrant, gray-haired woman wearing a silver cross around her neck came up to me, “Hello Melissa, I’m Sr. Katherine of the Visitation Sisters.
We are having a “come and see weekend” and wonder if you would like to come and see about becoming a sister.”
Can you imagine my life has never been the same!?
I love you Sr. Katherine and thank God daily for your personal invitation to “come and see” about your life and way of LIVING JESUS! Yes! Thank you for 50 years of your beautiful example living Christ in your midst.
AMEN.
Blessings!
–Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde, Visitation Companion
Elizabeth Sullivan · August 26, 2011 at 7:56 pm
I first met Sister Katherine when I started Visitation in seventh grade, and little did I know then it would be a lifelong friendship. That initial impression of her was one of great enthusiasm, quick wit, and gentle thoughtfulness. Oh my, how authentic these gifts are in Sr. Katherine! How grateful I am that she is in my life and my families, and how stunning to celebrate her 50th! Love! Live+Jesus!
Becky Schwnates-An · August 26, 2011 at 7:58 pm
S. Katherine was one of the first people I met at Visitation School and certainly the first sister of the Visitation I encountered. She was gentle, welcoming, genuinely concerned about prospective students, and helped me to leave the school during my first visit that day clearly knowing that Visitation was where I was supposed to be.
While in high school, S. Katherine was always interested in how I was doing and what my dreams were for the present and future. She asked often about my family, and when a difficult situation came up for us, she was there to help us through it.
When S. Katherine left the school for the Minneapolis Monastery, I was sad that she would not be there during my senior year, but I was happy for her knowing that she would bring so much to her new community and gain much in return. I’m honored to still be in touch with S. Katherine and visit the Minneapolis community as often as I can to see how it is growing and changing. I truly wish Linus and I could be with the community to celebrate S. Katherine’s 50th Jubilee, but since we cannot, our prayers and love are being sent up the Mississippi river.
May God continue to guide your work and help you share the joy and peace of Salesian Spirituality with all you meet.
With love and blessings,
Becky and Lnus
Linda Greeley · August 26, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Blessings from the Greeley Family!