By Claudia Mathis
The Catholic Sun Staff Writer

Sister Celine Angelo, OSF initially wanted to become an actress, but instead, taught for many years in the Syracuse and Albany Dioceses and in Hawaii.  Sister Celine spoke with passion about her many positive teaching experiences.  “I loved teaching,” she said.

Born in Marshall, Colorado, Sister Celine and her family moved east, settling in the St. Mary of Mount Carmel Parish in Utica, right before the end of World War I.

It was in 1925, when Sister Celine was 12 years old, that she felt called to serve as a religious.  It happened when she attended a Little Flower Novena.  “I looked directly at the Little Flower and that’s when I knew,” said Sister Celine.

Sister Celine entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1928 at the age of 15.  “I would relive my novitiate anytime,” commented Sister Celine.  “My novice mistress, Sister Ferdinand, stressed the necessity of physical activities being combined with the spiritual.”

She explained how attending a diocesan normal school in Albany before attending Catholic University changed her life.  “It was enlivening in every respect – it was delightful.”

Sister Celine also attended Syracuse University and Le Moyne College.

At 97 years old, Sister Celine has slowed down considerably.  She spends her time answering correspondence, attending community prayer and participating in a prayer network.

Looking back on her 80 years as a Franciscan, Sister Celine relishes the friendships she has formed and her life in the convent.  “I have known some wonderful sisters,” she said.  “And I like the serenity and security of life in the convent.”

Sister Eloise Emm, OSF retired last year from her position as vicar for religious for the Syracuse Diocese while at the same time celebrating her 70 jubilee as a Franciscan Sister.

Sister Eloise was born in Syracuse and as a student of St. Mary of the Assumption on the north side of Syracuse, she admired the sisters who taught her so much that she wanted to be just like them.  “They were always aware of me – they respected and loved me and wanted me to succeed,” said Sister Eloise.

Sister Eloise professed her initial vows in 1939 and her final vows in 1944.

A dedicated teacher, Sister Eloise’s first assignment was teaching second grade at Our Lady Help of Christians School in Albany, NY.  In 1941, Sister Eloise taught first graders at St. Peter’s School in Riverside, NJ.

In 1945, Sister Eloise returned to Syracuse to teach at St. Anthony Convent and Convent School.

She received her bachelor’s degree in social studies from Le Moyne College in 1954, and her master’s degree and doctoral diploma in music from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1958.

After returning to Syracuse in 1958, she helped establish Maria Regina College.

After traveling to Europe and teaching at St. Anthony’s Elementary and High School in Long Branch, California, Sister Eloise returned to Syracuse in 1971.  She then became director of curriculum at the Catholic Schools Office.

In 1987, Sister Eloise became superior general.  “I’ve been intrigued by the changes in our mission,” she said.  “presently we reach out to the poor, the handicapped and refugees.”

Sister Eloise was appointed vicar for religious twice – in 1991 and then again in 2003.

She is gifted with musical talent – she plays the piano, organ, saxophone, harp and harmonica.  In the 1970’s Sister Eloise served as director of the Singing Sisters, a group of 80 sisters who performed at schools in Syracuse, Watertown and Utica.  “It was wonderful,” said Sister Eloise.  She has also been responsible for the Franciscan community’s liturgical music.