MOUNT CARMEL - In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of people from Italy, Tyrol and present-day Poland, Lithuania and Slovakia left their homelands behind and immigrated to the Mount Carmel area to mine a better life for themselves, but especially for their children.
One of them, the Lithuania immigrant Casimira Kaupas who became Mother Maria Kaupas, returned in spirit Sunday morning to Mount Carmel, the place where she took some of her first steps toward sainthood over a century ago. Her journey was commemorated during the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Divine Redeemer Church as part of efforts by the Diocese of Harrisburg, the Sisters of St. Casimir and Divine Redeemer Parish.
"How wonderful it is to welcome her spirit back to the community," said the Very Rev. Martin O. Moran III, pastor. He blessed a portrait of Mother Maria donated by the Sisters of St. Casimir, the congregation she founded.
The artwork was carried to a prominent place near the altar by Marion Wydra, one of Divine Redeemer's oldest Lithuanian members, who was accompanied by her great-nephew, Jared Shutt.
Mother Maria was declared venerable in 2010. Her cause is awaiting confirmation of one miracle that would permit her beatification and a second one for her canonization as a saint. She and Mothers Immaculata Dvaranauskas and Mother Concepta Unguraitis began as a congregation in Mount Carmel in 1907, founding the first Lithuanian Catholic school at Holy Cross Parish. Holy Cross was part of the 1995 merger with Our Mother of Consolation, St. John the Baptist, St. Peter's and St. Paul's into Divine Redeemer.
Coincidentally, a portrait of St. Pauline Visintainer, who has relatives in the area, was formally accepted by the parish during the Mass. Divine Redeemer is working with the St. Pauline Spiritual Center in Kulpmont in honoring both Mother Maria and St. Pauline.
"On behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, I am very happy to express our gratitude and excitement to Sister Regina Marie Dubickus, superior general of the Sisters of Saint Casimir, to her provincial council and to Father Moran for these initiatives that are emerging to honor the legacy and promote knowledge of the good works of the Venerable Mother Maria Kaupas," Bishop Ronald W. Gainer noted in a statement.
"This holy, valiant woman's dedicated service to and care for the immigrants of Central Pennsylvania is a story that must be preserved and communicated to Catholics and the entire community. These exciting efforts are also so timely as the cause for mother's canonization moves forward and as we eagerly await a Coal Region saint. "
The Sisters of St. Casimir, who are leading the cause for sainthood for Mother Maria, are equally enthusiastic.
"We feel very blessed at this outpouring of love and interest in Mother Maria Kaupas, our foundress," stated Sister Regina Dubickas. "From her humble beginnings in Lithuania, she was brought by God's providence to the United States and to the discovery of her vocation. Her life of faith, her devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, her courage and deep trust in God enabled her to respond generously to the needs of her times. This is the charism that inspires the Sisters of St. Casimir and so many other people today, and the circle continues to grow ever wider, embracing and inspiring many more toward holiness of life and service in God's name. "
The superior general pointed out the appropriateness of Mother Maria's return. "In a way, the love for Mother Maria Kaupas has come to full circle through the efforts to give her a place of honor in Mount Carmel, home of the first mission of the Sisters of St. Casimir," she stated. "How appropriate that her portrait was placed near the statue of the Sacred Heart.
"There is a beautiful experience related in Mother Maria's account of the founding in which she describes how she and two other sisters entered the house where they were to live. In the entrance was a statue of the Sacred Heart. The three of them knelt down. Mother Maria writes that one hand of Jesus was placed on his heart and the other was extended toward them. She said that it was as if she could hear him say, 'My love has gathered you here' I believe that that same love is gathering us together once again."
"Sisters are grateful to Father Moran and to all those who are working with him to make the spirit of Mother Maria alive in this part of the world that was her first mission. May the graces God gave her help all of us to live our vocation faithfully, for God's glory and the good of God's people. "
"Something new is happening in the Mount Carmel area and the Sisters of St. Casimir, former teachers there, are saying it is a truly blessed renewal," commented Sister Margaret Petcavage, who directs the cause of Maria Kaupas. "Through the inspirational leadership of the pastor of Divine Redeemer parish, Father Moran, and his parishioners, the devotion to Venerable Servant of God Maria Kaupas has taken a wonderful revival.
"Mother Maria and her first two sister companions arrived in Mount Carmel in 1907 when she opened up the first Sisters of St. Casimir School at Holy Cross. How awesome to think that a true American saint had walked the streets of Mount Carmel for the three years when she had taught there.
"It is also quite probable that Mother Maria had actually prayed in Divine Redeemer Church (then Our Mother of Consolation), for she had that great devotion to visit churches on Holy Thursday. Mother always held a special place in her heart for the little town and its people. Subsequently, several young women entered the community from Mount Carmel and touched many people's lives. "
Petcavage noted Mother Maria cherished the Harrisburg diocese since Bishop John Shanahan supported the efforts to found the Sisters of St. Casimir. He took a special interest in this new community. "How blessed are we that Bishop Gainer is following in Bishop Shanahan's footsteps by continuing that tremendous task of supporting devotion to Venerable Mother Maria, a saint of the coal region. "
Gregory Sacavage was a parishioner at the former Holy Cross Parish and part of local efforts to honor Mother Maria.
"Not only the Lithuanian community, but our entire community was truly blessed to have had the physical presence of Maria Kaupas in our community and to know that Order of the Sisters of Saint Casimir was founded within our borders," he said. "We are equally blessed to have her spirt watch over us today and proud that soon one day, the people of the Mount Carmel area can have their own patroness. "