SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

2023 JUBILARIANS

Sister Maxine
Tancraitor, CDP
75th Jubilee

Sister Maxine Tancraitor, CDP entered religious life from St. Joseph Parish in Braddock, Pa. As a teenager, she dreamed of joining the army or navy; the idea of travel fascinated her. She thought she might become a missionary nurse. She also found herself being influenced by the Sisters who taught her—the Sisters of Divine Providence. She noticed their generosity and kindness to students and parishioners alike. With strong support from her mom, but resistance from her dad, she entered the community in 1948.

Sister Maxine became a teacher rather than a nurse; however, her missionary desires were met when she was sent to Puerto Rico in her early 30s. It was here that she taught and later became principal of a high school (1963-1976). Her knowledge of Spanish, familiarity with Hispanic cultures, and educational expertise prepared her well for pastoral ministry among the growing Hispanic population in North Carolina. She served in parish ministry (English/Spanish) at Our Lady of Lourdes in Monroe, N.C. (1996-1998), Sacred Heart (Mission) in Wadesboro, N.C. (1996-2001) and St. James in Hamlet, N.C. (1998-2001).

Since 2002, she has lived in community with Sister Therésine Gildea, and both have been involved in sacramental preparation, faith formation, visits to the sick and immigration issues at Immaculate Conception parish in Clinton, N.C.

In trying tolive out the charism of the community, she said, “Inspired by our founders, Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler and Mother Marie de la Roche, I try to keep focused in a deeply rooted faith vision, leading me to trust that God’s love will provide for me in every way. I want to be a witness to God’s love for creation, to love all who are poor and powerless and try to make a difference. Each new day is a gift from God, and I want to make it the best!”

She continued, “The aspect of my religious life that I have found most satisfying, rewarding and surprising is living in community for the past 75 years. Each decade gave me an opportunity to live fully the charism of my community, which I have cherished every moment, and I am grateful for all the many graces that have been bestowed upon me. I thank God every day for my vocation to be able to give God my best in a variety of ministries with my Sisters.”

Sister Veronica
Oravec, CDP
75th Jubilee

Sister Veronica Oravec, CDP entered religious life from St. Michael’s Parish in Johnstown, Pa. She credits the Sisters of Divine Providence, who taught her at St. Michael’s, for influencing her decision to become a Sister. She says, “I made a vocation retreat at Providence Heights at the end of eighth grade and entered Providence Villa in September 1946 for two years.”

During her annual retreat in 1966, Sister Veronica was moved by a desire to be a missionary. She volunteered to go to Puerto Rico, where the Sisters have a mission, and was accepted for a three-year assignment. She became a teacher at Colegio San Miguel in Utuado and, a year later, was transferred to Colegio San Felipe in Arecibo. After three years, Sister Veronica returned to the United States, where she carried fond memories of her missionary experience in Puerto Rico and maintained an interest in the Sisters’ work there.

In June 1982, the ProvincialSister Mary Joan Coultas, asked Sister Veronica if she would like to return to Puerto Rico. She enthusiastically responded, “Yes!” By August 1982, Sister Veronica was back in Puerto Rico, where she spent three years as a teacher and nine years as a principal at Colegio San Felipe in Arecibo (1985-1994). She also spent a year teaching in Colegio Nuestra Senora del Rosario Vega Baja (1995-1996).

In 1996, after 14 years in education, Sister Veronica was recruited by Sister Roberta Grzelak to work in the newly-established social concerns office in the Diocese of Arecibo as a VISTA volunteer. Sister Veronica was later appointed the financial administrator of the office, a position she held until her retirement in 2018.

“I give thanks to God for the many graces and blessings I received during the time I served in Puerto Rico,” she says. Self-described as responsible, faithful, cheerful and caring, Sister Veronica enjoys playing games, listening to classical music and reading spiritual and historical literature. Her favorite authors are Father Ronald Rolheiser, Ken Follett, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Sister Joan Chittister and Father Richard Rohr.