February 12, 2010
Sister Geraldine Hedinger eulogized for her faith, affirming attitude
Sister Geraldine Hedinger, 63, died Feb. 2 at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand. Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
In emails, on a website and in letters to the editor, during a vigil service and at her funeral Mass, Benedictine Sister Geraldine Hedinger was praised for her joy, her smile, her generosity, her affirming attitude, the encouragement she gave to so many, and her acceptance of God’s will.
Her expressions of faith and acceptance are being repeated throughout her community and the Diocese of Evansville.
“I don’t know what is ahead,” she said as her cancer worsened. “But it is all right.” And to her doctor, members of her community also recall, she said, “I know where I am going. I have worked hard to get there all my life.”
“Develop the mustard seed concept. Start small. Be patient. God can grow large trees from small seeds,” said Sister Geraldine in a prayer she had written, which is now published on a memorial card. “Be leaven. Be salt. Be light. Make a difference,” she said.
She was eulogized as “salt of the earth” and “light to the world” by Sister Kristine Harpenau, prioress of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand.
Sister Kristine spoke at a vigil service at the monastery church on Feb. 5, drawing terms from a Gospel passage to describe Sister Geraldine, who died Feb. 2 at the age of 63.
Sister Geraldine had been a teacher, a school principal, diocesan director of the office of adult formation, and a mentor to many — just a few of the terms used to describe her multiple relationships within the diocese. (Related story from last week: Sister Geraldine, Director of Adult Formation, remembered as joyful, looking for the best in life)
She was earthy, authentic, salt and light, said Sister Kristine.
Sister Maria Tasto amplified those qualities, recalling a time when she and Sister Geraldine were at the sisters’ camping area many years ago. Sister Geraldine looked up at the canopy of stars and described the “experience of being filled with the light while being in darkness,” said Sister Maria. Sister Geraldine was a light to others, a witness to her faith.
Sister Maria quoted a column written by Sister Geraldine and published in the Sept. 14, 2007 issue of the Message, on the occasion of Catechetical Sunday.
“Christ is living today in the flesh and blood of human beings we rub elbows with every day. People know Christ by the way he touched their lives with hope, healing and challenge.
“As followers, as disciples, we need to ‘be Christ’ for others in the same way.”
Her column went on to say that “Everyone from the parish community to the parents to the bishop has a role to play in helping our children and adults know this living encounter with Christ. No one is exempt from being a living witness to the Christ who is alive today in our world.”
She was a living witness, said Sister Maria.
She was “mother of the diocese,” said Sister Jennie Miller, a classmate, at the vigil.
“You have lost a sister,” said Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger to the community of sisters at the funeral Mass. “So have I.”
Bishop Gettelfinger noted that Sister Geraldine’s casket was above the same spot in the church where she had professed her vows. During their profession, all Benedictines incorporate a text drawn from Psalm 119, known by its Latin title, Suscipe.
Bishop Gettelfinger sang the words three times, as is done by the sisters at Ferdinand, inviting the community to sing the third refrain together with him.
“Receive me, O Lord, according to your word, and I shall live, and do not fail me in my hope.”