of the Agony in the Garden
(Constance Brzuska)
February 3, 1896 - June 12, 1977
Immaculate Conception Province
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“Lord, give her the reward of her goodness.”
Sister M. Agatonika (Constance Brzuska) was born in Poland on February 23, 1896. Upon her arrival to America, she felt a strong calling from God to enter our Community. Sister was accepted into the Congregation on August 15, 1914. She spent her Novitiate days in Des Plaines; made her First Vows in 1917 and pronounced her Final Vows in 1923. Throughout her life, she has lived her mystery of the Agony in the Garden to the fullest imitating Christ’s saddest hours in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Sister Agatonika worked conscientiously and diligently in her domestic chores. She enjoyed surprising the Sisters on various occasions with her baked finery. As in life, so in illness, Sister was very patient. She suffered much, spoke little, usually with a sunny countenance.
As a devoted member of the Community, she prayed devotedly, especially the Rosary, in the intention that the Lord of the vineyard send many laborers to Nazareth. Besides, she carried the heavy cross of sickness for many years. Finally, in 1967, Sister was transferred to Nazareth Hospital where she still rendered her services cheerfully and willingly in spite of her suffering. In 1973, Sister was admitted to the Infirmary where she began her intensive preparation for her final call to the heavenly home.
On June 12, 1977, the Angel of Death summoned Sister Agatonika to join her loving Spouse in Heaven. She left this vale of tears in peace and tranquility. The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on June 14, 1977 at 4:30 p.m. at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the Provincialate. From there, Sister was buried in the Community Cemetery midst prayer and chant of “Salve Regina.” Peace of the Lord be hers forever!
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: February 2006