Family History in Unexpected Places

Yesterday I had an unexpected run-in with a bit of my own family history, in a poignant way.

I walked into a Pastoral Care office at the Hospital of St. Raphael after lunch, and one of our chaplains was sitting with two sisters (nuns, in habits).  As we were working in the kitchen around them and their conversation, I overheard one sister say that she was an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  I stopped in my tracks.

"Sister, are you based here in Hamden?"

"Yes."

"Did you know Sister Caroline Berra?"

A second passed, "I was with her when she passed away."

Sr. Caroline was my grandfather's aunt.  She left St. Louis, MO in August 1941 to enter the religious life.  She professed her first vows August 24, 1943 and took her final vows July 1, 1947.  As far as I know, her life of ministry was completely based in the Hamden/New Haven area.  She celebrated her Golden jubilee in 1993, and passed away March 22, 1995.  March 22 is a day of memorial for Caroline at the convent.

"Caroline was my grandfather's aunt."

Sixteen years had passed since Caroline's funeral, but without missing a beat she said, "Oh, are you from St. Louis too?"  

"No, sister, my father left St. Louis for college.  I was born in Mobile, AL.  But I've been to St. Louis occasionally to see family.  You know, I knew the convent was in the area and I've driven by it occasionally but I wasn't sure what the rules were for visitors.  Would it be possible for me to visit and pray with you all?"

"Of course, we would love to have you, just call and let us know you are coming," she said, smiling. 

I constantly ask myself this question:  what is the power of a coincidence theologized?  Working in a Catholic hospital, and with the convent 10 minutes away, there was always a chance I would meet a sister of the order. 

But...

Over the past six months, I've felt called to visit the convent and I don't know why.  It could be to reconnect with part of my family and the religious heritage that is attached.  It could be something that will only be revealed there.  What has stopped me was not knowing the rules about visiting the convent, seeing that I'm a man.  Now I feel like I have permission.  And I'd want to visit sooner rather than later.  I expect I'll go before the fall semester begins.