of the Prisoner of Love
(Stella Pencak)
January 30, 1913 – April 18, 2006
Sacred Heart Province
Des Plaines, Illinois
“Remind them frequently that God is love: He created us out of love, and offered and sacrificed Himself out of love for us; He gives Himself to us in the Blessed Sacrament out of love, being the Source from which we derive life and truth by which we should regulate our life.”(Blessed Mary of the Good Shepherd, Counsels from the Heart, Letter to Mother Theresa, April 10, 1886)
Sister Agnes was born on January 30, 1913 to Julian and Angela Pencak. She was baptized Stella, at St. Wenceslaus Parish, February 13, 1913. As a child, sister was very frail and often had to miss school, which resulted in her graduating from Mark Twain School at a later age. However, God had special plans for her and as she matured her health and strength continued to improve.
Sister Agnes had a very close relationship with her mother. It was from her that she developed a love for prayer, the. arts and her social grace. Her mother encouraged her to join the St. Camillus Drama Circle and the choir. Her love for acting led her to dream about an acting career and surprisingly her second desire to be a physical education instructor. Her involvement in St. Camillus’ drama club and choir, under the guidance of Sisters Hippolyte and Alvina, slowly had an impact on her life. Sister admitted that she was often saddened when she witnessed the unhappy and difficult marriages her friends had experienced. Because of this, she struggled with the thought of being able to cope with the same difficulties and turned to God for guidance. God lovingly made his plan known to her. At the age of twenty, Sister entered Nazareth on September 14, 1932. She was invested on July 2, 1934, receiving the name Agnes. On July 17, 1936, she pronounced her first vows, her perpetual vows on August 23, 1942, choosing the Prisoner of Love as her mystery.
Sister Agnes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in nursing from DePaul University, a certificate of Theology from DeLourdes College and a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the Catholic University of America.
Sister devoted her life to caring for the sick and infirm. Her expectations of herself and others in nursing were never compromised. Sister believed that patients are to be treated with love and compassion, co-workers are to be available and supportive of each other and that prayer is the foundation of everything that one does. These convictions were evident in both her ministry and her daily relationships with the sisters.
For Sister Agnes, it was important to recognize and encourage the gifts, talents and efforts of others. She was careful to encourage the members of her family, the sisters and all those who worked with and for her. She was cordial, cheerful and sincerely concerned about others. All of her responsibilities were performed professionally and with deep respect for the person. Whether she was a floor nurse, in supervisory positions or as Director of the Nursing School she stressed the needs of the patient as the primary focus of the ministry of nursing. As a I fellow religious ministering to her sisters in the convent she exemplified the same aspects of love, compassion and kindness.
Sister Agnes was a devout person. Prayer played an important role in her life. It was before the Blessed Sacrament, the Prisoner of Love, that she found strength, learned wisdom and compassion. She was one who enjoyed the companionship and friendship of many sisters, looked forward to special celebrations and community gatherings.
Sister ministered at St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital for 60 years, and spent two years in Loretto Hospital in Texas and two years at Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, New Mexico. For sixty-four of her seventy-two years of religious life she faithfully ministered to Christ in the sick and infirm. She was a model and mentor to many sisters, nurses and physicians. In her simplicity , she made sure that none of the awards she was given clouded her perspective of life. Her focus in life was to do everything for the Glory of God and to further the Mission of Nazareth. She often said, “All we take with us at our death is our works of mercy, our love of God and what we accomplished to glorify him. We do not take our diplomas, certificates and awards.”
Sister Agnes continued to be active in ministry until the age of 87, when her health continued to decline. In 2000 she was transferred to Nazarethville. This was a difficult adjustment for her and Sister continued to find strength and peace in devoting her time to prayer. She sought times and places where she could serve others, spend her time reading, and being actively involved on the Residents’ Council, serving as president for a period of time.
As time went on her heart condition became more serious. She was taken to the hospital around the time of her 93rd birthday. As the months passed, Sister’s condition grew critical. On Tuesday, April 18, 2006, Sister quietly was called to be with her Savior and Lord. The Prisoner of Love freed her soul and brought her to his presence and gave her the reward of a faithful spouse. Her life is summarized in her own Creed.
“I believe that God is in every cloud I see on the horizon. I believe that Jesus is leading me in the right direction. I know that the Holy Family has selected me to journey along with other members in this community for my own sanctification. I strongly believe that the Lord is giving me this long life because He expects something special from me during this mission. I’m confident that when this journey ends I will find myself in the embrace of the Holy Trinity and Holy Family.” May 1998
Digitized by S. Brendan O'Brien, CSFN
Instructor
School of Arts & Sciences
History Department
Holy Family University
9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
215-637-7700 x3279
srbrendan@holyfamily.edu
http://web3.holyfamily.edu/srbrendan
Last updated: September 2006