of the Child Jesus
(Virginia Muszynska)
April 30, 1923 – March 20, 2007
Sacred Heart Province
Des Plaines, Illinois
“...what would have happened to mankind if Christ had not come to earth, and had not become man-a Divine Child? In him what happiness, support, fortitude, and strength for us!” (to Father Antoni Lechert, December 25, 1900. Journey with Her)
Virginia Muszynska was born to Joseph and Anna Muszynski on April 30, 1923. She was baptized at Holy Trinity Church on June 3, 1923. She was the oldest of three children and from a young age she developed a sense of responsibility.
She attended Holy Trinity Elementary school. It was at the early age of six, when she met the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, that she knew in her heart she wanted to devote her life to Jesus and serve Him faithfully. After completing her elementary education she had to attend Wells Public High School, but she never faltered in her vocation. She willingly remained at home in order to work and help her family financially. At the age of twenty, Virginia decided that it was time to entrust her family to God and follow her dream. On January 3, 1943, in the midst of the world’s turmoil, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Although her father was not pleased with her decision, she convinced him that this is where God wanted her. From that day, on she found a peace and contentment that was reflected in all her relationships with the sisters and in her ministry.
On August 2, 1945, Sister Aquinas made her temporary vows and her perpetual vows on September 1, 1951. It was then that she took the Child Jesus as her mystery and model of life. Her active ministry began in elementary education where she taught at St. Michael the Archangel, St. Hedwig and St. Ladislaus. In 1954 she began her studies in pharmacy at Creighton University and completed a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Administration at Wayne University.
She worked in the pharmacy department at St. Mary’s, Holy Family, Bethania, Mother Frances and South Shore hospitals. For forty years of her life, she was a dedicated pharmacist, well organized and a role model for all her employees. Sister Aquinas was noted for promoting the latest and most effective pharmaceutical services for her department. In 1967 she applied for the Lundsfort Richardson Pharmacy Award and received the regional award.
Her gentle and cheerful spirit was an inspiration to others. While pursing her studies at Wayne University she ministered to an Alcoholics Anonymous group, because she saw the need to offer them encouragement and understanding. If she knew that she could be of service to anyone, she was the first to volunteer.
Sister Aquinas was a prayerful religious, conscientious in fulfilling her religious and ministerial obligations. She was the first to offer a helping hand and was an active participant in many province undertakings. She recognized the goodness and talents of others, and offered them words of encouragement and praise. She was a very cheerful soul, who always radiated a smile that was accompanied by a gentle twinkle in her eyes. She loved life, nature and enjoyed singing, sewing, reading, watching sports, and walking.
In 2002 Sister Aquinas retired and continued to minister to the sisters in her simple and unassuming way. As it became more difficult for her to walk and be as independent as possible, she realized it was time for her to be transferred to Nazarethville. She continued to participate in activities, visit the sisters and residents and spend much of her time in Chapel.
Sister Aquinas would pray daily for her critically ill brother-in-law. After a year of suffering, he passed away on Marcy 14, 2007. Sister Aquinas’ niece came to Des Plaines to accompany her to California for the funeral. On March 17, Sister Aquinas arrived in California. It seems that God had some very unusual plans for her. Sister became very ill and her family was very concerned. While her sister and one niece were making funeral arrangements, her other niece stayed with Sister Aquinas. She suddenly collapsed on Tuesday, March 19. She was taken to Seton Hospital where she never regained consciousness. On March 20, St. Joseph escorted her soul into the presence of the Divine pharmacist, who filled each of the prescription she needed to fulfill her heart’s desire – “to faithfully serve Jesus, the Church and the people of God as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.” May you now help the Lord fill the prescriptions of those who turn to you, dear Sister, and assist them in serving Jesus as faithfully as you did.
Digitized by S. Brendan O’Brien, CSFN
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: April 2007