Sr. Augustine Marie (Georganne) Molnar, SSCJ
May 12, 1980 - November 18, 2023
With broken hearts, we must share the terrible news that our dear Sister Augustine Marie Molnar went unexpectedly into eternal life yesterday, November 18, 2023 at 9:33AM in a car accident in Jefferson Township, Berks County, PA as Sister was traveling to promote vocations.
Sr. Augustine Marie entered the Congregation of the Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 8, 2013. She made her first profession on March 19, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Cresson, PA.
Since August 1, 2023, she belonged to the local community of St. Maximilian Kolbe at the Province house in Cresson. Sister served the glory of the Sacred Heart at All Saints Catholic School and at our Sisters' personal care home, John Paul II Manor.
She died unexpectedly as a result of a car accident in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania as she was going to promote vocations.
Sister Augustine Marie is loved by her religious Sisters, her family and friends who mourn her sudden and untimely passing. May Sister Augustine Marie, and all our beloved departed, rest in peace.
In the Parish Church of St. Francis Xavier, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, Pennsylvania 16630
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023
Sr. Augustine Marie entered the Congregation of the Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 8, 2013. She made her first profession on March 19, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Cresson, PA.
Since August 1, 2023, she belonged to the local community of St. Maximilian Kolbe at the Province house in Cresson. Sister served the glory of the Sacred Heart at All Saints Catholic School and at our Sisters' personal care home, John Paul II Manor.
She died unexpectedly as a result of a car accident in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania as she was going to promote vocations.
Sister Augustine Marie is loved by her religious Sisters, her family and friends who mourn her sudden and untimely passing. May Sister Augustine Marie, and all our beloved departed, rest in peace.
In the Parish Church of St. Francis Xavier, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, Pennsylvania 16630
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023
- 3:00-6:00PM - Vigil rites followed by viewing for the deceased
- 9:45-10:45AM - Additional viewing for the deceased
- 10:45 AM - Rosary
- 11:30 AM - Holy Mass (Funeral)
- Transferral of the body of the deceased to our Sisters’ section at St. Francis Xavier Parish Cemetery in Cresson.
Glory Be to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mother Amabilis Debicka, SSCJ
(1926-2020)
The Institute on Religious Life has featured
Mother Amabilis in their latest issue
Mother Amabilis in their latest issue
Mother Amabilis Debicka, age 94, a perpetually professed Sister of the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entered into eternal life on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at St. Joseph Convent, Munster Township, Portage, PA after 66 years in religious vows.
Mother Amabilis Debicka was born Urszula Wanda Maria Debicka in Slawoszyno, Poland on June 14, 1926, to Stanislaw and Jadwiga (Knutkowska) Debicki. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Kazemierz and Antony. Mother Amabilis is survived by her religious Sisters, as well as her niece, nephews and their families.
Mother Amabilis’ youth was marked by suffering, as she was abducted during World War II by the Nazi’s during her eighth grade and was subjected to slavery in Germany, later being sold to an SS family who wished to adopt her. As the war was waning, Mother managed to escape from her captivity and walked back to Poland. Due to conditions as a fugitive, she acquired tuberculosis, and, at a sanatorium for treatment, met a nurse who recommended entering the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Mother Amabilis entered the Congregation on July 2, 1950, making her First Profession of religious vows on August 2, 1953, and Perpetual Profession on August 2, 1959 in Krakow, Poland. She was sent to Czestochowa, Poland to study organ music and Gregorian chant, after which she served for several years as an organist in Poland until 1961, when her superiors sent her to serve in the Congregation’s fledgling foundation of Sacred Heart Sisters in the United States.
Mother became the first Superior and formator for the Americans entering the Congregation in the United States and longtime financial administrator for the Sisters in America. There were many challenges in the early years, but Mother credited remaining in America to the counsel of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, to whom she had written. When the American foundation became a province in 1986, Mother became the first Provincial Superior, a position she held for a decade. Because of her unique role in establishing the Congregation of the Sacred Heart Sisters in America, she was accorded the title “Mother” in perpetuity. In addition to her service in administration in the community, Mother Amabilis also served as an organist, kindergarten teacher, catechist and sodality director. Mother loved her homeland and was a great support to her Sisters and people in Poland during time of Communism. She kept in contact and visited on occasion the Sisters of her Congregation who were serving in the papal household and was known to St. John Paul II. Mother was a 1992 recipient of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Prince Gallitzin Cross Award.
Mother Amabilis Debicka was one of the first major superiors to belong to the Institute on Religious Life and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious.
Mother Amabilis’s personal holiness, Franciscan joy, wit, and wonderful personality drew many to seek her counsel and prayers. She was the spiritual Mother for nearly all the American Sisters of the Sacred Heart and was a living rule and example. Her beautiful spirit of love and devotion will long be remembered among her Sisters. Since July 16, 2017, Mother was stationed at St. Joseph Convent in Munster Township, Portage, Pennsylvania.
Vigil Rites for Mother Amabilis were held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, PA, beginning with the Rite of Reception at 5:00 PM, with the Reverend Leo F. Arnone, officiating. Viewing hours followed on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the church.
An additional viewing was held on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2020, from 9:15 to 10:15 AM, in St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, JCD, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, was Celebrant. The Reverend Leo F. Arnone, Pastor, was con-celebrate along with other visiting clergy, and the Reverend Louis Kolenkiewicz, served as Homilist.
Committal took place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Cresson, led by Rev. Fr. Leo F. Arnone where Mother was laid to rest alongside her fellow departed Sisters.
The Sisters gratefully acknowledge teh gifts made in Mother Amabilis Debicka’s memory to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St., Cresson, PA 16630.
Funeral Arrangements were made in conjunction with the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 (www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com) and the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home, 532 Main Street, Portage, PA 15946 (www.decortfh.com).
Mother Amabilis Debicka was born Urszula Wanda Maria Debicka in Slawoszyno, Poland on June 14, 1926, to Stanislaw and Jadwiga (Knutkowska) Debicki. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Kazemierz and Antony. Mother Amabilis is survived by her religious Sisters, as well as her niece, nephews and their families.
Mother Amabilis’ youth was marked by suffering, as she was abducted during World War II by the Nazi’s during her eighth grade and was subjected to slavery in Germany, later being sold to an SS family who wished to adopt her. As the war was waning, Mother managed to escape from her captivity and walked back to Poland. Due to conditions as a fugitive, she acquired tuberculosis, and, at a sanatorium for treatment, met a nurse who recommended entering the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Mother Amabilis entered the Congregation on July 2, 1950, making her First Profession of religious vows on August 2, 1953, and Perpetual Profession on August 2, 1959 in Krakow, Poland. She was sent to Czestochowa, Poland to study organ music and Gregorian chant, after which she served for several years as an organist in Poland until 1961, when her superiors sent her to serve in the Congregation’s fledgling foundation of Sacred Heart Sisters in the United States.
Mother became the first Superior and formator for the Americans entering the Congregation in the United States and longtime financial administrator for the Sisters in America. There were many challenges in the early years, but Mother credited remaining in America to the counsel of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, to whom she had written. When the American foundation became a province in 1986, Mother became the first Provincial Superior, a position she held for a decade. Because of her unique role in establishing the Congregation of the Sacred Heart Sisters in America, she was accorded the title “Mother” in perpetuity. In addition to her service in administration in the community, Mother Amabilis also served as an organist, kindergarten teacher, catechist and sodality director. Mother loved her homeland and was a great support to her Sisters and people in Poland during time of Communism. She kept in contact and visited on occasion the Sisters of her Congregation who were serving in the papal household and was known to St. John Paul II. Mother was a 1992 recipient of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Prince Gallitzin Cross Award.
Mother Amabilis Debicka was one of the first major superiors to belong to the Institute on Religious Life and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious.
Mother Amabilis’s personal holiness, Franciscan joy, wit, and wonderful personality drew many to seek her counsel and prayers. She was the spiritual Mother for nearly all the American Sisters of the Sacred Heart and was a living rule and example. Her beautiful spirit of love and devotion will long be remembered among her Sisters. Since July 16, 2017, Mother was stationed at St. Joseph Convent in Munster Township, Portage, Pennsylvania.
Vigil Rites for Mother Amabilis were held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, PA, beginning with the Rite of Reception at 5:00 PM, with the Reverend Leo F. Arnone, officiating. Viewing hours followed on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the church.
An additional viewing was held on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2020, from 9:15 to 10:15 AM, in St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, JCD, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, was Celebrant. The Reverend Leo F. Arnone, Pastor, was con-celebrate along with other visiting clergy, and the Reverend Louis Kolenkiewicz, served as Homilist.
Committal took place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Cresson, led by Rev. Fr. Leo F. Arnone where Mother was laid to rest alongside her fellow departed Sisters.
The Sisters gratefully acknowledge teh gifts made in Mother Amabilis Debicka’s memory to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St., Cresson, PA 16630.
Funeral Arrangements were made in conjunction with the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 (www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com) and the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home, 532 Main Street, Portage, PA 15946 (www.decortfh.com).
Sister Theresa Marie Kukla SSCJ
Monday, July 17, 1944 — Thursday, August 22, 2019
Sister Theresa Marie Kukla, SSCJ, a perpetually professed Sister of the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entered into eternal life on Thursday morning, August 22, 2019, the feast of the Queenship of Mary, at Family Hospice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness.
Born Patricia Kukla in Lilly, PA on July 17, 1944, Sister Theresa Marie was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary (Slebodnick) Kukla.
She leaves behind her fellow religious Sisters who loved her dearly, as well as her beloved siblings, Helen Campbell; Stanley (Barbara) Kukla Jr; Virginia “Jeannie” (Michael) Maness; and Priscilla Caron; as well as her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph.
Sr. Theresa Marie entered the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 15, 1970, professing her first vows on June 29, 1973 and professing her perpetual vows on June 29, 1978. She observed the Silver Jubilee of her religious profession on December 27, 1998 at Sacred Heart Province in Cresson, Pennsylvania. She was among the first Americans to enter the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, where she later served as the second provincial superior of the American Province and was a longtime Mistress of Novices and local superior. Since August 1, 2017, she resided at St. Joseph Convent, in Munster Township, Portage, PA where she devotedly cared for Mother Amabilis Debicka.
Sister Theresa Marie obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from St. Francis University, Loretto, PA and a Masters degree in Religious Education from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Throughout her religious life, she served the glory of the Most Sacred Heart with love and zeal in the areas of education and catechesis, youth ministry and administration within the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown and Wheeling-Charleston. At the time of her death, Sister Theresa Marie was assigned as Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Parish in Lilly, PA.
Vigil Rites for Sister Theresa Marie will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, PA, beginning with the Rite of Reception at 5:00 PM, with the Reverend Leo F. Arnone, officiating. Viewing hours will follow on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the church.
An additional viewing will be held on Wednesday morning, August 28, 2019 from 9:00 to 10:00AM, in St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00AM. The Reverend Leo F. Arnone, Pastor, will be the celebrant, and Monsignor John R. Sasway, will serve as homilist.
Committal will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Cresson, where she will be laid to rest alongside her fellow departed Sisters.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sr. Theresa Marie’s memory to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St, Cresson, PA 16630.
In your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Sr. Theresa Marie Kukla, SSCJ and for all our beloved faithful departed. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Funeral Arrangements have been made in conjunction with the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 (www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com) and the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home, 532 Main Street, Portage, PA 15946 (www.decortfh.com).
Monday, July 17, 1944 — Thursday, August 22, 2019
Sister Theresa Marie Kukla, SSCJ, a perpetually professed Sister of the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entered into eternal life on Thursday morning, August 22, 2019, the feast of the Queenship of Mary, at Family Hospice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness.
Born Patricia Kukla in Lilly, PA on July 17, 1944, Sister Theresa Marie was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary (Slebodnick) Kukla.
She leaves behind her fellow religious Sisters who loved her dearly, as well as her beloved siblings, Helen Campbell; Stanley (Barbara) Kukla Jr; Virginia “Jeannie” (Michael) Maness; and Priscilla Caron; as well as her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph.
Sr. Theresa Marie entered the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 15, 1970, professing her first vows on June 29, 1973 and professing her perpetual vows on June 29, 1978. She observed the Silver Jubilee of her religious profession on December 27, 1998 at Sacred Heart Province in Cresson, Pennsylvania. She was among the first Americans to enter the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, where she later served as the second provincial superior of the American Province and was a longtime Mistress of Novices and local superior. Since August 1, 2017, she resided at St. Joseph Convent, in Munster Township, Portage, PA where she devotedly cared for Mother Amabilis Debicka.
Sister Theresa Marie obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from St. Francis University, Loretto, PA and a Masters degree in Religious Education from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Throughout her religious life, she served the glory of the Most Sacred Heart with love and zeal in the areas of education and catechesis, youth ministry and administration within the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown and Wheeling-Charleston. At the time of her death, Sister Theresa Marie was assigned as Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Parish in Lilly, PA.
Vigil Rites for Sister Theresa Marie will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, PA, beginning with the Rite of Reception at 5:00 PM, with the Reverend Leo F. Arnone, officiating. Viewing hours will follow on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the church.
An additional viewing will be held on Wednesday morning, August 28, 2019 from 9:00 to 10:00AM, in St. Francis Xavier Church, 211 Powell Avenue, Cresson, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00AM. The Reverend Leo F. Arnone, Pastor, will be the celebrant, and Monsignor John R. Sasway, will serve as homilist.
Committal will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Cresson, where she will be laid to rest alongside her fellow departed Sisters.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sr. Theresa Marie’s memory to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St, Cresson, PA 16630.
In your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Sr. Theresa Marie Kukla, SSCJ and for all our beloved faithful departed. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Funeral Arrangements have been made in conjunction with the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 (www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com) and the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home, 532 Main Street, Portage, PA 15946 (www.decortfh.com).
Sr. Marietta Therese, SSCJ
June 11, 1962 - August 3, 2018
Sr. Marietta Therese, SSCJ, a perpetually professed Sister of the Congregation of Sister Servant of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entered into eternal life on August 3, 2018 at St. Joseph Convent, Munster Twp, Portage, PA after a lengthy illness. Born Emmelia Marthamay Hanley on June 11, 1962 in Philadelphia, Sr. Marietta Therese was the daughter of Julia Teresa (Hack) Hanley and the late John Francis Hanley. She leaves behind her fellow religious Sisters who loved her dearly, as well as her beloved siblings, Teresa, Tom (Sandy), Raphael (Patty), Basil, Macrina (Denny) Hennessy, Miryam (Emil) Ghaly, Sr. Jacinta Miryam, SSCJ, Gregory (Maria), Junstin (Jen) Lazarus, Albertus, Marthamary (Tom) Rinkavage. Sister Marietta Therese entered the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on December 28, 1980, professed her first vows on June 21, 1983 and her perpetual vows on June 21, 1988 in Cresson, Pennsylvania. She observed the Silver Jubilee of her religious profession on June 21, 2008 at Sacred Heart Province in Cresson, Pennsylvania. Sister Marietta Therese obtained a B.S. (summa cum laude) in Education from St. Francis University and an M.A. (magna cum laude) in Theology and Catechetics from Notre Dame Catechetical Institute (Christendom College) Throughout her religious life, Sister Marietta Therese served the glory of the Most Sacred Heart with love and zeal in the areas of education, administration, pastoral care, youth, retreat, summer camp and music ministries in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and in the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Metuchen, Scranton and Wheeling-Charlestown. Sister will forever be remembered for her joy and enthusiasm. She loved with her whole heart and soul and was a true spiritual mother to all those who were privileged to know her. In her last illness, Sister Marietta Therese distinguished herself with the same beautiful spirit of trustful surrender and love that characterized her entire life.
A vigil for the deceased was held at Saint Francis Xavier Church, Cresson, PA on Tuesday August 7, 2018, beginning with a rite of reception led by Fr. Angelo Patti at 2:00pm, with visitation until 8 p.m. Funeral Mass with celebrant the Very Reverend John Byrnes, will be held at St. Aloysius Church Cresson, PA on Wednesday August 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. preceded by viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Sisters are truly grateful for every kindness extended to Sister Marietta Therese, particularly to her doctors and health care providers, to the Franciscan Friars TOR, Very Rev. Fr. John Byrnes, Fr. Leo Arnone and Fr. Matthew Reese. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Sr. Marietta Thereses name to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St, Cresson, PA 16630. In your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Sr. Marietta Therese Hanley and all our beloved faithful departed. May they rest in peace. Arrangements handled by Kennedy-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 233 Keystone Ave., Cresson. Condolences may be made at KennedyAndersonFuneralHome.com
June 11, 1962 - August 3, 2018
Sr. Marietta Therese, SSCJ, a perpetually professed Sister of the Congregation of Sister Servant of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entered into eternal life on August 3, 2018 at St. Joseph Convent, Munster Twp, Portage, PA after a lengthy illness. Born Emmelia Marthamay Hanley on June 11, 1962 in Philadelphia, Sr. Marietta Therese was the daughter of Julia Teresa (Hack) Hanley and the late John Francis Hanley. She leaves behind her fellow religious Sisters who loved her dearly, as well as her beloved siblings, Teresa, Tom (Sandy), Raphael (Patty), Basil, Macrina (Denny) Hennessy, Miryam (Emil) Ghaly, Sr. Jacinta Miryam, SSCJ, Gregory (Maria), Junstin (Jen) Lazarus, Albertus, Marthamary (Tom) Rinkavage. Sister Marietta Therese entered the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on December 28, 1980, professed her first vows on June 21, 1983 and her perpetual vows on June 21, 1988 in Cresson, Pennsylvania. She observed the Silver Jubilee of her religious profession on June 21, 2008 at Sacred Heart Province in Cresson, Pennsylvania. Sister Marietta Therese obtained a B.S. (summa cum laude) in Education from St. Francis University and an M.A. (magna cum laude) in Theology and Catechetics from Notre Dame Catechetical Institute (Christendom College) Throughout her religious life, Sister Marietta Therese served the glory of the Most Sacred Heart with love and zeal in the areas of education, administration, pastoral care, youth, retreat, summer camp and music ministries in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and in the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Metuchen, Scranton and Wheeling-Charlestown. Sister will forever be remembered for her joy and enthusiasm. She loved with her whole heart and soul and was a true spiritual mother to all those who were privileged to know her. In her last illness, Sister Marietta Therese distinguished herself with the same beautiful spirit of trustful surrender and love that characterized her entire life.
A vigil for the deceased was held at Saint Francis Xavier Church, Cresson, PA on Tuesday August 7, 2018, beginning with a rite of reception led by Fr. Angelo Patti at 2:00pm, with visitation until 8 p.m. Funeral Mass with celebrant the Very Reverend John Byrnes, will be held at St. Aloysius Church Cresson, PA on Wednesday August 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. preceded by viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Sisters are truly grateful for every kindness extended to Sister Marietta Therese, particularly to her doctors and health care providers, to the Franciscan Friars TOR, Very Rev. Fr. John Byrnes, Fr. Leo Arnone and Fr. Matthew Reese. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Sr. Marietta Thereses name to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St, Cresson, PA 16630. In your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Sr. Marietta Therese Hanley and all our beloved faithful departed. May they rest in peace. Arrangements handled by Kennedy-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 233 Keystone Ave., Cresson. Condolences may be made at KennedyAndersonFuneralHome.com
