of the Immaculate Conception
(Malvina Mary Mikutel)
November 15, 1911 – July 4, 2002
Immaculate Conception Province
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“I will ask Jesus to prepare your hearts as he prepared the heart of his Mother. Then you will be able to give yourselves to the service of the Kingdom of Divine Love and offer yourselves completely to Jesus, become his children, and serve him with devotion all your lives.” (Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Journey With Her)
Sister Annemarie of the Immaculate Conception ever implored Jesus, her Lord and Spouse, to fashion within her a disciple’s heart, like that of Mary, her model and guide. Certainly, the art of such fashioning is a path well-worn in the knowledge of joy and sorrow, reconciliation and separation, promise and challenge – it is a life lived in the constant search and seeking of the Beloved One who makes all things possible in every age. Indeed, much transpires within the hidden places and secret recesses of a heart prepared as God’s own dwelling place. In the ninety years spent on this earth, there are stories explored and those never to be told of the honored history and inner identity that is Sister Annemarie. Offering herself completely to Jesus seventy-six years ago, he alone knows her heart’s journey. And now – now, she dwells within his forever.
Soon after her birth on November 15, 1911, her parents Stanislaus Mikutel and Maryann Butrym brought Malvina Mary to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Norwich, Connecticut, where in the sacrament of Baptism on November 26, 1911, infant Malvina was consecrated, heart and soul, to the living God. Given over to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit in the cleansing waters of transforming love, Malvina’s heart was already being fashioned in secret according to God’s unique design for her.
It was no small wonder, then, that in a few short years on September 23, 1926, Malvina entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Lovingly formed in the way of religious life, Sister Annemarie, then known as Sister Amarilla, vowed chastity, poverty and obedience on July 9, 1929, in Torresdale, Pennsylvania. Realizing the gentle fashioning of a heart continuing to be made ready in the Lord Jesus, Sister Annemarie of the Immaculate Conception gave herself to the service of the Kingdom of Divine Love in perpetual profession in the same chapel on August 15, 1935.
Service in the Congregation included ministry as a teacher and principal amid higher education studies at Manhattan College, New York, New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Art degree in elementary education in 1950 and at Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island, where she earned a Master of Art in Religious Education in 1957.
With a willing and open heart, Sister Annemarie witnessed to her desire to serve God in the many experiences her life of active ministry afforded her. Sister served as educator at parish elementary schools in New York like: Saints Cyril and Methodius, St. John Cantius and St. Stanislaus in Brooklyn; St. Joseph, Jamaica; and St. Adalbert, Elmhurst. In the Philadelphia area, Sister Annemarie ministered at the John W. Hallahan High School for Girls Annex, St. HubertRsquo;s High School for Girls and Little Flower High School for Girls, as well as at St. Katherine of Siena parish elementary school, and at Visitation, BVM, Trooper, Pennsylvania. In Miami, Florida, Sister Annemarie was principal at St. Brendan Catholic elementary school, as well.
Whether in elementary or high school education, Sister Annemarie’s classroom set the stage for life-long learning. In her philosophy of education, the place of self-discipline and personal responsibility were much-needed assets in the learning process. Preparing her students for more than projects and annual examinations, Sister attempted to instill within each of their hearts a sense of pride in their identity as Christian disciples whose example and good living would last a lifetime, so, too, influencing others on the way. If truth be told, Sister Annemarie saw herself as more than a teacher of subject matter, but instead as one whose classroom values would rightly shape a future home and family.
Family played a significant role in Sister’s life. Dedicated to parents and siblings, Sister Annemarie was indeed the very proud “big sister” of Sister Monica, also a member of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Sisters and, more than that, faithful companions, Sisters Annemarie and Monica enjoyed a special bond that mirrored loyalty, mutual trust and unconditional love for one another throughout their lifetimes.
Whether family members, students or acquaintances, children of all ages always held a special place in Sister’s heart. Perhaps it was her own zest for life that attracted her to their simplicity and sense of wonder. Sister Annemarie, like God’s little ones, always seemed to enjoy the present moment, whether it be at table or at recreation, on a short shopping spree or annual vacation with loved ones. Sister enjoyed life and in it the people and places of good cheer, especially.
In 1981 Sister Annemarie retired to Mount Nazareth only to transfer three years later to Infant Jesus Convent where she spent the next several years in semi-retirement. Even in advancing age, Sister remained relatively healthy. As time went on, with a smile and a word of gratitude, Sister herself came to gladly accept and appreciate a helping hand when needed.
It became apparent, though, that Sister Annemarie needed more care than could be afforded her at Infant Jesus. After due consideration, Sister accepted a transfer to Mount Nazareth in 2001; her health was steadily deteriorating. With the onset of a stroke in these last weeks before her death, Sister’s days seemed numbered. A little after midnight on July 4, 2002, as most slept, Sister Annemarie peacefully slept into eternal life.
The good Lord had indeed fashioned and prepared the heart of Sister Annemarie, a heart like that of her Mother Mary to whom she was entirely devoted, a heart that told the story of a journey well-intentioned and faith-filled, along and enduring love story. Sister Annemarie, you lovingly served your Lord and God all your life. May you now reap the bounty of a well-fashioned and readied heart in the Kingdom of Divine Love. Rest now in the God who makes all things possible, dear Sister.
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: October 2006