TRUTH

Although Sr. Regivic did not talk a lot, in fact, she was very discrete, but when she had to speak you know it’s important. We would look forward to her contribution to meetings and conversations. She was never afraid to speak the truth. I remember in the Provincial Chapter of 2024, in our small group table conversations she emphasized that it is important for each one to contribute, share, and build on one another’s inspiration or insights. It’s so typical of what RVic lived, always honest and truthful. She taught us to be simple. One of the many life lessons from her that we will cherish is “to say what you mean and to mean what you say; to admit where you are and ask for help.” In other words, “Be simple!” and I could still hear her say this when we were Juniors. She lived SME’s reminder, “To be simple is to be humble.”

SRV majored in history when she was in college which may be why she was a champion for preserving history (the truth) through the archives and the museum. As well as the articles and writings she shared on the spirituality, and the charism of SME, with which she communicated most effectively. SME and MTE came alive through her stories, lectures, and formation sessions. Truth is an Assumption core value which she aligned and lived daily in her options as a Religious of the Assumption. 

DISCIPLINE

With the multiple roles that RVic generously assumed in the Province and the Congregation as General Councilor, Provincial Councilor, Local Superior, Formator, Head of the Marie Eugenie Institute, Provincial Archivist, etc. she was always so disciplined in her use of time and energy. I admire her focus and sense of duty. Some may not understand why she doesn’t linger much socializing, others would wonder where she went, and I remember her explaining, “For how do I get things done?” 

She did everything so well to a fault. We would sometimes joke on this that if you were under her care, she would take care of you and plan your life to the last detail. Although she is petite in stature, many of the Sisters consider her a ‘giant’ in the congregation. She placed all her God-given gifts whether it’s her intelligence, organizational skills, and wisdom in the various tasks entrusted to her. She was a pillar in the Marie Eugenie Institute. We give credit to her for the many modules and formation sessions she enthusiastically designed, efficiently prepared, and excellently delivered. Truly, as she had shown by her example, it took much discipline to live being a disciple of Christ. She reminds us of another saying of St. Marie Eugenie, to “keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and the extension of His Kingdom.”

FORMATOR

SRV was a formator in every sense of the word. For many generations of novices, Junior Sisters, lay partners, and friends we owe her a lot. Her mind is so brilliant with sharp perception. She’ll speak the truth that she had reflected on, verified, and prayed over. You know it’s the truth spoken out of love. She catches those teachable moments as opportunities for formation and accompanies one in her process. 

Moreover, as a formator, she had a unique way of showing love, not demonstrative but so attentive to details, thoughtful, and caring. She saw the best and encouraged the best selves in many of the young Sisters. She lived another quote of SME, “Do not clip their wings, direct their flight.” Though she comes across as stern and strict, it has always been for the good of the other for their own sake. She showed the example of childlikeness – happy and free, being unapologetically herself; unhindered by what other people will say, giving the young permission to also just be their true God-self.