We could fill volumes with the accomplishments of Sister Mary — with stories of her cleverness, perseverance, humor, and faith. Instead, we offer these few pages as a humble expression of gratitude, not only for all that she did, but more importantly for who she was.
Sister Mary was, without question, a legend. She was a strong leader, a creative mind that never stopped working her way through challenges, and a woman with a sharp and delightful sense of humor. Above all, she was a joyful and faithful Daughter of Mary Help of Christians for 61 years. Her heart belonged completely to Jesus, and it was from that deep union with Him that she loved everyone she met.
When I first came to the development office, a young Salesian priest asked me what my favorite part of the job was. I think he expected me to say traveling, meeting new people, or planning events. Instead, I answered: working with Sister Mary. And I meant it.
Sister Mary held nothing back from me so that I could succeed. That was who she was, someone who set others up for success. When we first approached her about honoring her at the Autumn Gala, she was adamantly against it. She did not want the attention. But when I explained that it would help ensure the success of my very first gala, she agreed immediately. It was never about her; it was always about helping others.
She loved me well. And I love her more than my poor words can capture.
In these pages, you will find a brief biography, tributes from friends and Sisters, and reflections on her work in her own words. My hope is that this special issue of Partners in Giving helps you come to know Sister Mary a little more, and that it gives you something to hold onto as a beautiful memory of all the love she brought into the world.
Sister Katie Flanagan, FMA Director of Development
P ARTNERS IN GIVIN G
is a bimonthly magazine published by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco 659 Belmont Avenue
Your name, address, and other information are held in confidence by our ministry and will never be sold, rented, or given to any other organization.
Cover: Photos of Sister Mary with her mother; as a novice; as a young Sister in Newton; receiving a corsage on the occasion of her 60th anniversary of religious vows; and enjoying the changing of seasons
She Built Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Sister Mary Rinaldi, FMA, our sister, mentor, and friend left a lasting legacy. She served as Director of Development, driving the growth of our Province of St. Joseph. Sister Mary had a Midas touch; where she went, communities grew; faith deepened; and hope turned strangers into Salesian Family members.
This year, we rejoiced as Sister Mary received the inaugural Salesian Sisters Lifetime Achievement Award and was named an Alumna of Distinction from Mary Help of Christians Academy, the first to receive both at the same time, a fitting tribute to a Sister whose work affected generations of young people.
Sister Mary embodied faith, practicality, and passion in a way that made the hand of God visible. She shaped the physical landscape of our Province. Together with you, Sister Mary enabled the expansion of the Provincial House Chapel, the construction of our Retirement Home, and the renovation (and eventual rebuild) of the St. Joseph Chapel at MHC Academy. She raised enough funds to build 12 rooms at Sacred Heart Center for our Novitiate, in addition to creating our Youth Center and Pavilion at Villa Madonna School in Tampa.
At MHC Academy, her influence is everywhere. She raised funds for new dormitories, the science wing, library upgrades, and even “MaryLee’s Kitchen,” the home economics room. She made quality-of-life improvements possible, including air conditioning for the gym and the cafeteria. She made sure the gymnasium got new bleachers and new bathrooms, benefitting both students and summer campers alike. She had a soft spot in her heart for our summer campers, having worked with them before starting the Development Office. She raised funds to restore the Provincial House pond used for summer camp.
Her tireless work yielded scholarships and financial aid awards, allowing kids to enjoy a Salesian education or summer camp. Her work supporting the Vocations Office broadened our reach, allowing young women to explore the possibility of a call to Salesian life. In addition, she enriched our Formation program so that our Sisters always have the resources and training they need.
Sister Mary cared deeply for our retired Sisters’ comfort, ensuring enhancements to the kitchenette and patio, along with new chairs and mattresses at the Provincial House. As she became increasingly disabled, a generous benefactor — one of you — purchased a wheelchair-accessible van for us. She christened the van in its first venture out, and left this additional enhancement to be used by her surviving Sisters. She gave to us all…until she had nothing left to give.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Sister Mary built programs to secure the future of our Salesian mission. She established the Adopt-a-Sister program and the Partners’ Circle, two initiatives that rapidly became critical to our Province. She created a network of faithfilled friends who continue to keep the lights on, the doors open, and our apostolate thriving.
Of course, Sister Mary would be the first to say that these achievements were shared. In her humility, she always gave credit to God’s grace, to you, our benefactors, and to her Sisters’ prayers. Nevertheless, Sister Mary drew others in and inspired them to become part of the Salesian mission. Beyond her fundraising prowess, she had a heart wholly given to God and to the young. Sister Mary’s lifetime of joyful dedication mirrored the vision of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, transforming lives through education, loving-kindness, and unwavering faith.
Now and always, we all give thanks for Sister Mary’s truly Salesian legacy: contagious joy, faith-filled courage, and unwavering dedication to the young. I leave you in the heart and hands of Our Lady,
— Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph
Sr. Mary, Sr. Katie, Sr. Kim Keraitis, Sr. Myriam Meus, and Sr. Eileen Tickner with students in Miami, FL
MY LIFE BELONGS TO
God
From First Communion to Eternal Communion—the life of Sister Mary Rinaldi
Mary was born on May 13, 1944 in Tampa, Florida the third child of Augustus and Nancy Midili. Her father and mother raised seven children in an atmosphere of simple and strong faith, serenity, and affection.
Augustus and Nancy had first met after Gus had immigrated to the United States with his brothers and found work at Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa. Their marriage was blessed by Gus’ brothers, Salesian priests, Father Louis Rinaldi, SDB and Father Peter Rinaldi, SDB at Sacred Heart Church on September 24, 1940.
The birth of children brought joy but added responsibility and worry to the household. Mary grew up very close to her father, but those delightful years came abruptly to an end when her father became ill and passed away suddenly. Shock and grief persisted for a long time. The loss also left Nancy with the responsibility of earning a living to support herself and her seven children, aged four to sixteen years old.
Later, as an adult, Mary confided that she had always wanted to be a Sister. The greatest influence was her father, who often spoke to her of God’s special love for
each person and the joy of religious life. He encouraged spiritual reading as well as personal and family prayer.
Preeminent in Mary’s mind was her First Communion day in May of 1952. It was then that Mary made her commitment to Jesus to be His forever. From that day forward, she would experience great joy in visiting the Sisters or welcoming them when they came to her house.
“Mary confided that she had always wanted to be a Sister.”
The years that followed her father’s death were most difficult, but with the grace of God, the family was able to move ahead, so at age sixteen, Mary asked her mother for permission to enter into the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Her mother’s generous response was: “After God gave me seven children, how can I refuse Him even one? Go and don’t worry about us, we’ll be alright.”
Mary began her formation to the consecrated life in Haledon, New Jersey on August 28, 1960. She entered the Novitiate in Newton, NJ on August 5, 1962, and
professed her first vows on August 5, 1964. It was at this time that Sister Rose Bucci, FMA who was close to the Rinaldi family, revealed to Sister Mary a secret she had kept to herself for some time. Before dying, Sister Mary’s father had asked Sister Rose to take special care of Mary because, he said, “She has a vocation to the Salesian life.”
Sister Mary’s studies at Salesian College in Theology, Philosophy and the Humanities were completed at Seton Hall University from where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Pedagogy. She then attended William Paterson College for her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education.
“The presence of Mary Help of Christians in her life and mission gave her an outgoing love for people and a vibrant energy...”
Her teaching years enriched her, but they also left an indelible mark on others. Her special rapport with parents and children, and her gift of relating to young people who came for prayer and retreat experiences, strengthened in her the gifts of the Spirit and made fruitful the ministries which were entrusted to her. She made friends easily and kept those friendships with simplicity and love. Sister Mary was known for her cheerfulness, trust-filled optimism, and generous availability.
From her deep family roots in Lu Monferrato, Italy, she drew her indomitable faith in God and the courage to work for Him alone. The presence of Mary Help of Christians in her life and mission gave her an outgoing love for people and a vibrant energy which are among her many notable characteristics. Sister Mary embodied the virtues of humility, good humor, openness, determination, honesty, firm resolve, and complete confidence in God which guarded her evangelical simplicity even as she was wise to the ways of the world.
Sister Mary was the first Director of Development for the Eastern Province of the Salesian Sisters, serving for 36 years. Though sad to be removed from the classroom and her beloved summer camp ministry, she continued to educate with the firm conviction that development was not just about fundraising, but primarily about inviting others into the mission to advance God’s kingdom on earth. (continued on next page)
Sister Mary Rinaldi with Sister Rose Bucci in Newton, NJ
Sister Mary Rinaldi (far right) with her family
Sister Mary worked tirelessly, creating and nurturing a vast, international network of friends who shared with the Sisters an overflow of spiritual and material goods: provision for the excellent care of the elderly and retired Sisters, support for the ongoing mission of many schools, especially Mary Help of Christians Academy, the re-building of St. Joseph’s Chapel after it burnt to the ground, formation of generations of newly professed Sisters, the steady renewal of the province through new vocations and much more. All of this bears testimony to the immense and often hidden labor of love which Sister Mary effected in collaboration with loyal benefactors and grateful Sisters in her lifetime of service.
In July 2025, Sister Mary was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an inoperable, aggressive brain cancer. She testified, “I am grateful for all I have received from God and the Institute. I have lived a full and happy life, and I give my fiat now the same as I have since the day I entered. My life belongs to God.” Throughout her rapid decline, Sister Mary remained ever serene, deeply grateful, humorously humble, “tiptoeing” away peacefully at sunrise on the First Sunday of Advent.
Sister Mary, you began your new life of eternity on the first day of a new liturgical year and we know that you will continue to pray for us from Heaven as you always did while here on earth.
SR. MARY C. RINALDI, FMA ENDOWMENT FOR SALESIAN SISTERS
The Story I Never Expected to Tell
Tom Goldstone, Executive Producer, CNN
Inmy time at ABC News and CNN, I have produced interviews with Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Paul McCartney (amongst many others that start with a “p” or otherwise). But one of my favorite subjects wasn’t in the traditional halls of power (although she was mighty in many ways) and she wasn’t world famous (although she was certainly quite famous in some circles).
Her name was Sister Mary Rinaldi.
Never did I think I would have a nun as a friend. But I did.
Sadly, Sister Mary died late last year and I want to share the story of our friendship.
We met when I was an associate producer at 20/20. One of my duties in that role was to read a couple of regional newspapers in hopes of finding good stories that might make good fodder for the show. Each PA and AP was assigned a few to read—the Denver Post or the Providence Journal or the Miami Herald, etc. This was 1999, long before most of those papers had a comprehensive web presence, so the Philadelphia Inquirer would land with a thunk on my desk a few times a week.
One day I found a story that I thought would be great on TV. It was about a convent in North Haledon, NJ, that had found a powerful solution for at least part of a vexing problem.
The issue was that in the modern world fewer and fewer young women wanted to become nuns, and, like all issues, this caused compounding problems. The one that the Salesian Sisters needed to solve (and quickly) was this: because there were so few young nuns coming on-board, there was nobody to take care of the old nuns as they aged. I came to learn that that had been the natural cycle in convents and monasteries — the fresh-faced new monks or nuns would take care of their institute’s elderly.
Twenty-six years ago, as we reported in our story, more than 70% of all nuns were over the age of 60. I would note that today, there’s a much starker statistic: fewer than 1% of the nuns in America are younger than 40.
So with the natural cycle of care and aging mostly broken, the Salesian Sisters needed to build a retirement home/elder care facility for the older nuns where they could be cared for by others.
Great idea, but: where in the world would they get the $8 million they needed to build a state-of-the-art retirement in the high cost of living suburbs of New York City? That’s where Sister Mary really shined. In her role as the development director for the Salesian Sisters in New Jersey, it was her job to figure out how to raise the funds.
As she would tell me, she had an “ah ha!” moment in Tampa when talking to a donor who helped her come to a key realization: lay people had money and needed prayers while nuns needed money and said prayers all day long. So why not bring the two together? The “Adopt-A-Sister” program was born from that conversation.
The idea was that anybody could send a letter to Sister Mary along with a donation to the convent. Sister Mary
Sister Mary's grandniece watches her interview on 20/20.
Sisters from the Provincial House get camera ready
and her band of helpers would match the letter writer with a Salesian Sister who, in gratitude for the donation, would pray for them every day—and, even more frequently, if they needed extra prayers.
After getting the word out, they got a ton of letters that usually followed a formula of sorts: here’s a check for X amount of dollars, I would like your nuns to pray for <<fill in the blank>> —my grandma who is sick or my daughter who is trying to have a baby or myself because I’m struggling, etc, etc, etc. But that influx of letters only helped them raise tens of thousands of dollars. That wasn’t going to cut it.
Now, one of my LEAST favorite things to do back then (and still to this day) is to cold call people. But once my bosses expressed interest in pursuing the story idea that I pitched, my first step was to cold call Sister Mary. Now, as a non-religious Jewish person who grew up in NYC, my interactions with nuns before this were… zero. I think I probably believed the stereotypes from movies: make a wrong step and they will bash your knuckles with a ruler.
I didn’t want to get hurt, so I was quite trepidatious as I called Sister Mary, but within about 5 seconds she had completely charmed me with her warmth and sense of possibility: “Did you say you are calling from 20/20? Like ABC News? Like Barbara Walters? Oh my! I can’t believe this is happening. Well, we invite you to drive on out to the convent: the sisters and I would LOVE to meet you!”
Having not yet attained the title of “producer,” I was assigned a producer to work with. I lucked out. Nola Safro was assigned. She was an amazing producer (and also another extraordinary woman who was taken too
soon by cancer). Nola and I took Sister Mary up on her offer and drove out to take a look around.
Sister Mary showed us the convent, the chapel and the burgeoning construction site. She introduced us to all of her sisters. Then she suggested we grab lunch at a local Italian restaurant.
Sister Mary told us which dishes were the ones to order … and strongly suggested we relax and “maybe have a glass of wine?”.
It might have been AFTER that glass of wine that I asked Sister Mary a question that had been on my mind. I said, “Sister Mary, do you think it’s a little odd that Nola and I, two Upper West Side Jews, are producing a story about a bunch of nuns?”
“Don’t be silly, Tom”, she replied, “I don’t think that’s odd at all. And, please don’t forget: I’m married to a Jew”. Again, it might have been that glass of wine, but I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how she was a nun … but also married to a Jew.
It wasn’t until several hours later that I had an “ah ha” moment of my own: the “husband” she was talking about was none other than Jesus Christ.
At that lunch, Nola and I committed to telling the story of Sister Mary and her fellow nuns. We didn’t need the top brass to weigh in. Nola knew this was a slam dunk and she knew just the person to tell the story: 20/20 correspondent Bob Brown.
Bob is like no other person I’ve worked with on TV. He is a wonderful, kind-hearted man who I don’t believe
Sister Virginia D’Alessandro prepares to be interviewed
ever gets angry or has ever said a negative thing about another human being—certainly not in my presence. Also crucial for these purposes: he is a brilliant interviewer & extraordinary writer.
We spent many days filming in North Haledon (and around the country) over the next few weeks. This included interviews with Sister Mary, with Sister Agatha Cosentino who was running the construction project, and with people from all walks of life who had adopted a sister…and found their life better for it.
Included in that last category was a couple who had had years of trouble trying to conceive a child. They adopted Sister Claire Perino who wrote back to them: “Yes I will pray. Now, be careful because sometimes we ask God for an apple and He wants to give us the orchard.” Soon thereafter, the couple learned that they were expecting quadruplets!
The story aired on May 5th, 1999. The response, to hear Sister Mary tell it, was extraordinary. The formerly quiet convent was abuzz with so many calls and letters, it became an all-hands-on-deck situation to answer them. And, if I remember correctly, it wasn’t more than a few months later that they had raised ALL the money they needed to finish the retirement home.
Nola and Bob and I went back out to North Haledon for the ribbon cutting where we were totally surprised to learn that the TV room in the retirement home had been named the “20/20 TV Room” in gratitude for our work.
Now that the piece had aired and there was no more potential conflict of interest, I adopted my own Sister. She would send me birthday cards and Christmas cards and Easter cards. In each one would be a note of thanks for what we “helped” to build.
For her part, Sister Mary would call me when she was coming into the city. We would have lunch or coffee to catch up. She would email me often with news of the “Adopt A Sister” program. She came to see us at ABC, then later came to visit me at CNN. I probably kept in better touch with Sister Mary in the early aughts than I did with most of my friends.
Selfishly, I’m glad I kept up the friendship because there came a series of events in my life when I really needed her and her colleagues. In 2011, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I immediately asked “my” sister to pray for mom…and then I adopted mom a nun of her own.
Two years later, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. It was a rather devastating diagnosis for a 41 year-old guy with a wife and two boys under the age of ten. So I turned to Sister Mary again.
I wrote to her: “Sister Mary, I was diagnosed with lymphoma yesterday. The group's prayers seemed to work well for Mom. She has her hopefully last round of chemo next week, then we're expected she'll be declared cancer free. Soooo...can I get some of the same? Pick a great nun please and I'll send you a check.”
Sisters carrying a statue of Mary Help of Christians into the new St. Joseph Provincial House in 1999
Her reply: “Dear Tom, Yes, ‘the God Squad' springs into action for you. Sister Claire Perino is a real holy nun and she and the other Sisters in the Retirement Home have your name and your special needs in prayer. Tom, expect a miracle!! You have done so much for us, we owe it to you!! Feel me near, Sr. Mary”.
I did, indeed, feel her near…and I promptly wept.
When I composed myself, I replied “Thanks, Sister Mary. I’ll be looking for that miracle”.
My mother, who was still undergoing her own cancer treatment, was more worried about me than she was about herself. That’s just the way she was. Mom—who grew up Christian—wanted even MORE prayer for me than what I had already “ordered up”.
She emailed Sister Mary saying: “I am due for my 'last' chemo this week and feeling quite good, so if I am still on that [prayer] list you can take me off. And I thank you for the divine help provided. But any and all help you can give Tom now with your prayers will be a blessing!”
Sister Mary responded: “Actually when I heard [Tom’s] news, I felt it deeply. I trust that our good God loves him even more than we do and He will hold Tom in his healing hand.”
Four months later—after 3 rounds of chemo and 17 sessions of radiation—I was declared NED: “no evidence of disease.” I will let you, dear reader, decide how much of that was modern medicine…and how much was the power of prayer.
As Sister Mary wrote to me once: “Faith and good doctors do wonders”.
Unfortunately, neither of those things seemed to help my beloved mom. She had more and more operations and more and more chemo. Those procedures would stave off the cancer and the symptoms for a few weeks, but then they would come roaring back.
When there seemed no other hope for mom, I wrote to Sister Mary to request extra intercession for her. The response: “I will certainly remind my Sisters to storm Heaven for your Mom.”
My mom passed away a few weeks later.
Regretfully, Sister Mary and I hadn’t been in touch much in the last few years, although I thought of her often. I really wanted to bring my kids out to North Haledon to meet her and the other sisters and to see the “20/20 TV Room”. But, like a lot of things in life, I never got around to it. Among other excuses, I thought that with all that prayer Sister Mary would probably live forever.
That dream was shattered about a month ago when I got a message from a friend and former colleague of Sister Mary who told me that our mutual friend had glioblastoma (a particularly brutal form of brain cancer) and the prognosis was not good.
I am quite certain that some higher power was looking after her, though. How do I know that?
Well, during her illness, Sister Mary was living at the St. Joseph’s Retirement Home for the Salesian Sisters in North Haledon, NJ. That was the very building that Sister Mary made happen with the “Adopt-ASister” program.
Our mutual friend wrote to me: “The nursing home she built with your fantastic help, that of 20/20, and countless friends around the country, is where Sr. Mary spent her final weeks and days. She was so peaceful sleeping in one of the beautiful infirmary rooms on the second floor.”
I, for one, think there’s some real beauty in that.
Rest easy, my friend (and please give my mom a big hug)!
Bob Brown, Sister Mary, and Sister Rosalie Di Peri
The Sister Mary We Knew & Loved
The following pages gather a selection of memories and reflections from past pupils, friends, and Sisters who lived and worked alongside Sister Mary — glimpses of a life marked by zeal, generosity, and joy. Thank you to all who contributed and shared their appreciation and love of Sister Mary.
One unforgettable memory about Sister Mary Rinaldi was her great love and trust in Mary and how she instilled that love to the campers during the camp season while Director of Camp Auxilium’s summer resident program. Each week she would organize an outing for all the campers and staff to a Marian site… walking campers to Mt. Carmel Church to pray the rosary, taking a bus trip to the Salesians' Marian Shrine, evening candlelight rosary at Sacred Heart Center, candlelight rosary around the swimming pool, participating in the Marian Procession at Don Bosco College… Sister Kim Keraitis, FMA
In the early 70’s, at seven years old, my parents sent me to Camp Dominic Savio for a week of sleep away camp and I loved it! I couldn’t wait to go back the following summer, but unfortunately, the camp closed down. Somehow, my parents learned about Camp Auxilium in Newton, New Jersey and sent me there the following summer and every summer after for the next 10 years or so. I was a full 8 week sleep away camper for all those years.
Sister Mary was the head honcho at Camp Auxilium for every summer that I attended. She “was” Camp Auxilium. Everything she did on a daily basis was to make the campers happy or to teach us a lesson about God or the Salesian way. Her joy was contagious and spread throughout the camp. The campers would do anything for her with a smile.
Every June, she was the first one to greet us as we all came back for the best summer ever and every September she was the last one waving as we drove away crying. She was the heart and soul of that camp and her goodness spread to every one of us. That Salesian Spirit is deep within me all these years later and I will be forever grateful for having known Sister Mary and all the other Salesian Sisters that have touched my life over the years. Lorraine Cortazzo
In my younger days I spent my time helping the Sisters in Paterson. Sister Mary would let me sleep in the cabins at Camp Auxilium come August 4 and 5, this way I didn’t have to go back and forth. One time my car broke down and she sent me to her mechanic and they took good care of me. They charged me nothing because of Sister Mary. She asked me to help send kids to camp. We’ve been doing it for decades.
Kate Andre
Sister Mary receives a thank you card from Camp Auxilium summer campers
Sister Mary was my assistant when I entered as an aspirant. I have always held her in high esteem. Imagine my shock when I was sent as the Animator of Mary Help of Christians Academy where she also was stationed. However, my shock was short lived. Sister Mary, true to her identity as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians lived her vows and her community life like no other. I always knew what she was doing, where she was going, who she was going with, and when she would return. She is the most submissive FMA I have ever met. She, who raised friends, benefactors, buildings, and funds, would submit to me, her former aspirant. This example of a faithful FMA will be with me for a lifetime. Sister Maria Colombo, FMA
I first met Sister Mary when I was just eight years old, attending Camp Auxilium. I didn’t know it then, but that little girl was about to meet someone who would shape her faith, her confidence, and ultimately, her path in life.
Sister Mary had a presence that was impossible to forget — strong yet gentle, firm yet deeply loving. Even as a child, I felt seen by her. And as I grew older, she became a steady guide in my spiritual life. We didn’t always see eye to eye (and she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!) but our intentions always aligned. Somehow, no matter how different our perspectives were, we always arrived at the same place with respect, clarity, and shared purpose.
I miss her more than I ever expected. Her voice, her conviction, her ability to challenge me in the most loving way—they still echo in my life today. Jo Ann Caracappa
At Camp Auxilium in the 1980s
Summer of 1985
I always looked forward to the two weeks each summer I spent at Camp Auxilium when I was a child. Sister Mary was a huge part of that — helping to grow my Catholic faith while having so much fun in the process. One of my favorite camp memories is when all the sisters put us to bed early because of a huge storm. We were all so scared only to be woken up in the middle of the night for a huge Christmas in July celebration with Santa and everything. Sister Mary then got us all back in bed and in the morning made us feel like it was all a dream. It was truly magical. Sister Mary will be missed. May she rest in peace. Rosary Rinaldi Pabey
Camp Auxilium reunion in 2025
Sister Mary was the true definition of saint here on Earth. She genuinely prayed and cared for you each and every day. Even only seeing her in person a few times, she was only ever a phone call or Facebook message away. She taught us all how to live fully in our faith and there was none better than her. She inspired me daily and I can’t wait to share memories of our times together for years to come. When we came to one of the Christmas parties, I brought her nun salt and pepper shakers and she thought that was the funniest thing! She also had a favorite saying of getting gifts in January prolongs the holiday season in a magical way! The purest memory I have with Sister Mary was when we came for her Jubilee. The first thing she said to me was, “You came all this way for me?” (We are in Ohio!) Yes, Sister Mary we did and we are better for it and better for knowing you! Whitney McAfee with the McAfees
My family and I visited the Holy Shroud Shrine in Port Chester and became friendly with Fr. Peter. Fast forward 8 years and I’m an Aspirant at Camp Auxilium. I kept hearing “Sister Mary RINALDI” over and over. I asked her if she knew a Fr. Peter Rinaldi. Taking a step back she extended her arm, pointed her finger at me and said, “It’s YOU! I’ve been praying for you for all this time. Fr. Peter is my uncle! He told me to pray for a young lady who has a vocation!” Add to this that Sister Rose Bucci was a close friend to Sister Mary. When I had come to visit in 1983, I decided to say yes to God’s call on Holy Thursday, Sister Rose died the next day, Good Friday. Between Sister Mary and Sister Rose, I’m an FMA today. Sister Eileen Tickner, FMA
My memories of Sister Mary are of her energy and warmth. She was one of the most joyful Sisters I’ve ever met. My most vivid memory of here were the opening remarks she gave at a retreat I was at. Her remarks were about the meaning of prayer. She said that prayer is conversation between you and God — conversation goes two ways so there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. God will always answer your prayer. You may not like the answer because it was not the answer you were hoping for, but He will answer it. It was the wisest piece of advice on prayer that I have ever received, and I’ve never forgotten it. Especially, when the answer to my prayer is no. Teresa McKiernan Ferris
in 1983
with Mother Lydia Carini
Sister Mary having fun with her Sisters at camp
Sister Arlene Rubino and Sister Mary preparing for a reception after Mass in 2017
When my aunt, Sister Mary, would come to Tampa, she always picked up my kids early from Villa Madonna School and would spend time with them coming up with "little gifts" to surprise them. One day, when Anna was in kindergarten, she played with her for awhile after school and told me to go to my parent's house and wait for her there. My parents live next door to me on a farm in San Antonio, so it wasn't a problem, but I knew something was up! I was at mom's playing with my son Joseph. The door bell rang, and through the living room window I saw Sister Mary running as fast as she could to her car; she jumped in and left. Mom opened the front door to find four ducks in a cage and Anna standing there smiling! She said "Nana, Auntie has a gift for you and me! They are Sister Rosemary's ducks and are too big for her to keep!" Mom said, "NO NO NO" while I just laughed! Mom picked up the phone and called her sister to express her displeasure that she did not ask first! She knew that Mom and Anna would take care of those ducks but had she asked, Mom would have said NO to ducks! And they did take good care of them! Theresa Anderson
Sister Mary with her family on the occasion of her 60th anniversary of religious profession
Sister Mary and Sister Suzanne in Haiti
My first encounter with Sr. Mary was 40 years ago. I was discerning religious life and had already been accepted in another congregation when I stumbled upon a magazine about the Salesian Sisters from a dear friend. Two months later after reading the magazine and casually deciding to fill out a card that was enclosed, I met the Salesian Sisters in Port Chester, NY. I’d never even heard of St. John Bosco, let alone the sisters, and they were only about 45 minutes away from where I grew up in Queens. The minute I stepped into the church where the sisters were with hundreds of children at Mass, I felt at home. The problem was I was already going to join another order…or so I thought I was until I met the one and only Sister Mary Rinaldi. The sisters invited me to attend a special “retreat” in June of 1986 at Camp Auxilium where Sister Mary was the director. Unbeknownst to me, all the sisters there knew I was discerning religious life, and was going to join this other order, but left me alone to pray and discern. Enter Sister Mary! Unlike the other sisters at camp, she wasted no time! There I was on the second day, sitting alone, minding my own business, eating a bowl of Captain Crunch cereal, when this “force of nature” slides herself across from me, “commands“ me to look at her, and proceeds to tell me why I cannot join the other congregation, and why I should enter with the Salesian Sisters. Admittedly, I was a bit taken aback and thought to myself, “Who in God’s name is this “crazy” sister?! Well, here I am 40 years later thanks to this beautiful “force of nature”. She gave me the wake up call I needed! And I’ve never looked at a box of Captain Crunch without thinking of her and the first time we met. Sister Suzanne Dauwalter
Remembered by Sister Mary Herself
As Sister Mary reflected on her years in the Development Office, she chose to write down a few moments that stayed with her — experiences that strengthened her courage, and revealed God’s unmistakable hand at work. Shared here in her own words, these two stories allow us to hear her voice once more and to see the faith that guided her every step.
My very first year and my very first event was the Lou Piniella roast in Tampa. Event tickets were $100.00 which was quite aggressive for 1990! I returned to St. Joseph Convent quite discouraged at about 4 PM one afternoon. I went directly into the Chapel to just find quiet and peace for my troubled spirit. I began to speak to Our Blessed Lady and candidly told her of my insecurity and lack of qualification for this development job. It was late in the day and I had come home with nothing. Unaccustomed to asking for signs, I felt the need to do so, and so I prayed, “Dearest Mother, please send me a rose so I am sure this is God's will for me!" No sooner had I finished my request that Sr. Mary Terzo called me from the Chapel. Mr. Frank Campisi had called for me to meet with me in his office just down the road to Jennie's Florist. I left immediately. As I sat in his office he asked to buy a table of 10! Gee, my first $1,000 for the roast. As I got up to leave he asked, "Are you going right back to the Convent?" I answered, Yes. He told me to wait. As he returned he brought me one dozen long stem red roses! I was speechless and dumbfounded, not only did I get my sign, but I felt that I had the greatest confirmation that I was in God's plan. Overjoyed, I arrived home to place the bouquet on Our Lady's altar!! As they say, "the rest is history."
My first major event was held in Tampa Florida. Past pupil of St. Joseph School, Lou Piniella had just won the World Series, managing the Cincinnati Reds! Lou had stayed in touch with his fifth grade teacher, Sr. Jerome Parinello. I asked her for his contact information and before we knew it, he answered "Yes", he would be our honored guest and raise money for his Sisters who were in the retirement home in NJ. Soon a committee was formed and we were off to a very good start. We were still an unknown group who needed a BIG name from the community. It was suggested that I contact the owner of the NY Yankees, the late Mr. George Steinbrenner himself. Ok! It took many phone calls on my part and I was advised, when he does return the call, be ready to drop everything and go. The day came. The call came and I was off to his office on Rocky Point. There was no waiting, he saw me right away. Somehow, I felt very strong in his powerful presence. I began to speak of the Lou Piniella Roast and asked for his support. His first question was, "Where is the money going?" I answered and he yelled, "So, you are taking good money from Florida and sending it to New Jersey?" I answered in the same tone, "No sir, I'm taking good Florida money to take care of the Sisters who gave education and all their energy to Tampa's great ones!!! Lou Piniella was one of them." Mr. Steinbrenner relaxed and right there told me that he would completely sponsor the event and pay for the entertainers who he flew down from the Friars Roast in NYC. We had Henny Youngman and Freddy Roman! George wanted to insure that all the proceeds benefited the retired Sisters! At the end of the evening we had $50,000. What a grand success and what a good lesson I got!!! The incident strengthened me and I became brave in the face of the world's successful and very strong business people. I realized that we both put our feet on the floor in the same way each morning. What we did, did not make us who we were!
Sister Mary with Sister Katie Flanagan
Sister Mary and George Steinbrenner
Memorials for Sister Mary Rinaldi
Anonymous
Ms. Frieda Aboyoun
Ms. Rosemary Albrecht
Mrs. Rosaria Alfonso-Vias
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Apoldo
Janet Arias-Martinez and Eric Rodriguez
Col. (Ret) and Mrs. Babbitt
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barcia
Ms. Caroline Barnhill
Mr. William Barone
Mr. William Baumann
Ms. Lori Bello
Ms. Marianne Bestler
Ms. Rose Bielicki
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bonfiglio
Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Brew
Mrs. Cheri Brinkman
Mr. Wally Brunetti
Ms. Dianna Bruno
Ms. Angela F. Budano
Mrs. Michele Calamaras
Mrs. Regina Calcagno
Mrs. Christine Cann
Mrs. JoAnn Caracappa
Mrs. Trudy Carey
Ms. Angela M. Carlucci
Ms. Jordon Carroll
Ms. Martha Carvajal
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chernalis
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Chong
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Christiansen
Mrs. Bridget M. Cimilluca
Ms. Diane Cimilluca
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Clair
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Condosta
Mr. and Mrs. Andre Cote
Ms. Martha Cuesta
Mrs. Laurie Cugno
Mrs. Mary Cutler
Mrs. Barbara Dawson
Mr. Michael De Domenicis
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Dell'Orto, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Delmonico
Ms. Bernadette Dugan
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert G. Enyart
Ms. Patrice Enyart
Mrs. Lorraine Esposito
Mrs. Dominique Faust
Mr. John Ferra
Mr. and Mrs. Peter W. Fierro
Ms. Lauren Flanagan
Mr. Angelo Forta
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Franklin
Ms. Sara Franklin
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Fulton
Ms. Virginia F. Gagnon
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Galbraith
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gangi
Mrs. Elizabeth Gatti
Ms. Stella Giordano
Ms. Caroline Greco
Ms. Therese Grolly
Mr. Michael S. Guarnieri
Ms. Kerry Guerriero
Joe Guidry and Lenora Guidry
Ms. Kelley Halewicz
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Hanna
Ms. Carmen Hilmes
Mr. John Holleran
Ms. Maruja Honrado
Mrs. Jane Huston
Mrs. Jeanne Jenusaitis
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. Jones
Mr. and Mrs. David Jubanowsky
Mr. Rich Juliano
Ms. Deirdre A. Kelleher
Mrs. Adele E. Kiyota
Mr. Andrew Krakaur
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kuren
Mr. and Mrs. Loren LaBonte
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lebron
Ms. Maria Losurdo
Ms. Maureen Luongo
Ms. Gina Mackintosh
Ms. Beth Maguire
Mr. Kevin R. Manning
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Marra
Ms. Leslie J. Massaro
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew A. McAleer
Mrs. Marilyn McCoy
Mr. Peter McMahon
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Merkel
Mr. George Merlo
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick L. Michaels
The Middendorf Family
Mrs. Sherry A. Millar
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Milligan
Mrs. Rose Marie Mirra
Dr. Leigh Montejo
Ms. Jeanne Morrone
Mrs. Roseann Mosseau
Mr. and Mrs. David Nagrosst
Mrs. Elizabeth Nardone
Mrs. Mary Niewodowski
Mrs. Martha Obbink
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Obenberger
Ms. Jessica & Liliana Oscanoa Sime
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Pacosa
Mr. Frederico N. Padovan
Mrs. Joan Palmer
Mr. Philip Palmiero
Ms. Michele A. Paolella
Ms. Teresita Perez
Mr. Joe Pesci
Mr. John H. Pinkowski
Mrs. Janet Pitchford
Fr. Leonard J. Plazewski
Mrs. Catherine Pope
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Praiss
Ms. Lynne B. Prommersberger
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Reda
Ms. Patricia A. Rico
Mr. Caesar Rinaldi
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ripsteen
Ms. Louise Roberge
Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Rogan
Mrs. Beverly J. Rohde
Mrs. Nancy Romano
Dr. Maria S. Ruiz
Hon. and Mrs. E J Salcines
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Salerno
Mr. Joseph P. Saline, Jr.
Mrs. Dalila Sanger
Mrs. Donna Schiereck
Mrs. Bonnie S. Schneider
Mrs. Mary Jane Shaw
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Signoretti
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Smith
Ms. Annette Smith
Mr. Robert H. Sorbanelli, Jr.
Mr. Mark J. Spada
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Stanton
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sumas
Mr. Thomas G. Suprys
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Swartzberg
Ms. Teri Tomei
Ms. Mary Tookmanian
Ms. Theresa E. Unanue
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Verdone, Jr.
Ms. Doris Ververs
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel N. Walters
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Ward
Ms. Bruni Wenter
Mr. and Mrs. George Werner
Mrs. Rachel M. Wurtsbaugh
Ms. Marsha C. Young
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zangara, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Zimmer
Advancing the Mission, One Yes at a Time
The following reflection is from the homily given by Father Jim Heuser, SDB at the Funeral Mass for Sister Mary Rinaldi. In these words, he reflects on her incomparable zeal, her obedient listening to the Spirit, and the countless ways her faithful “yes” advanced the mission of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for the sake of the young.
By Fr. Jim Heuser, SDB
Sr. Mary meant business about business. She was focused, determined, and resolute in her work… in whatever assignment she was given, whatever task she was asked to do. A woman with incomparable zeal.
First as a primary school teacher, at Villa Madonna in Tampa for 6 years, she was a dynamo, with an enthusiasm and a youthfulness that left lifelong footprints in the hearts of her first graders.
“She felt the breath of the Spirit of God and bent herself to the inspiration.”
Then at Camp Auxilium in Newton, New Jersey for double-digit years, she noted the needs of the young and their families and, in response, not only developed a thriving camp but founded Auxilium School — a Head Start program — for children ages three to five.
And of course, for 36 years, founding and growing the province’s Development Office into a flourishing fundraising operation for the Salesian Sisters. This was a new world for her, stepping out of the classroom and camp settings — but boy, did she have the gifts for it.
Millions of dollars passed through her hands. This woman, born and reared in the farmlands of San Antonio, Florida, raised millions of dollars many times over as if she were born on Madison Ave. or Wall St.
This woman, born on the feast day of then-Blessed Mary Mazzarello, raised millions of dollars many times over to advance the mission of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians among the young, to provide for the formation of new Salesian Sisters, and to care for Sisters elderly and infirm who had borne the heat of the day.
Her formal studies were in elementary education and teaching, not in business, fundraising, marketing. How
did she do this? Blessed Philip Rinaldi, her great, great uncle, once wrote to a Salesian Sister these words: “Let our Lord work; let us bend ourselves to the slightest breath of the Spirit of God.”
Sister Mary bent herself to the slightest breath of the Spirit of God who whispered to her constantly on the way to go forward.
The Partners in Giving Magazine, the Partners Circle of Donors, at different levels of donations, the memorial gifts, tribute gifts, give us this day gifts — all of these were the fruit of her obedient listening. And, of course, the Adopt-a-Sister program, that took off like a rocket and landed her a segment on 20/20
Sr. Mary claimed that the words of a potential donor, appropriately named Fortune Bosco, inspired her. She was trying to raise funds for a retirement facility for the sisters. Fortune told her, “We have more need for your prayers than you do for our money.” And the Adopt-aSister Program was born.
In this remark of Fortune Bosco she felt the breath of the Spirit of God and she bent herself to the inspiration …Sr. Mary meant business about business.
Fr. Jim, Sister Mary and Sister April Hoffman
Sr. Mary meant business about the human person. She was focused, determined, and resolute…in her relationships.
Relationships with her family, with the young, with her sisters, with colleagues, with donors…relationships were the arena in which she loved God.
Blessed Philip Rinaldi again was a touchstone here. He wrote: “Love the Lord, and in the love of the Lord, love your neighbor. It is the true carrying out of consecrated life. A deeply humble and gentle person gives herself to others, sacrifices herself generously for others, and in this way loves our Lord more perfectly.”
She saw in people — and their needs — God calling for her love. Living among others and for others were her means to love God.
Her smile was constant — not a false smile, but a knowing smile, a genuine smile. Her presence lit up a room. It was the counsel of St. Mary Mazzarello: Be always cheerful! And she was. With genuine joy.
And she was the same with Charles Schwab in San Francisco and with Joe Pesci in Lavalette, New Jersey as she was with a 15-year-old sophomore at the Academy or an 85-year-old Sister at St. Joseph’s Center. Smiling, caring, genuine.
She was not only given to fund-raising…she was given to friend-raising. As she herself once remarked, “I learned to make money, but best of all, I learned to make friends.”
“Relationships were the arena in which she loved God.”
How many phone calls she made, not only to thank donors but to check on them! How many notes she wrote to people — very early in the morning or very late in the evening — to offer a word of encouragement and hope.
Don Bosco had to overcome at first a certain shyness in asking people for money, but he learned to do so with passion for his boys and their needs…and also with passion for the well-being of the donors. He learned to give others the opportunity to share their blessings as a way to benefit the poor and to achieve their own spiritual fulfillment.
Sr. Mary did this as well. Her soliciting of funds were an invitation for people to perform saving acts of charity — saving for the young and saving for themselves. And you didn’t have to be Catholic. On the rolls of her donors are more than a few of other religions — or no religion.
And when we hear Jesus say in this evening’s gospel, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places,” I am sure there are numerous partners and adopters there, helped there by Sr. Mary.
I know of one. Sr. Mary called me once and asked me to visit a donor who was in hospice. “He’s not Catholic,” she said. “But you’ve got to go and help him let go.” At first, I wasn’t sure if she meant let go of his wallet or let go of this life! Sr. Mary meant business about the human person.
Sr. Mary meant business about her consecration by God. She was focused, determined, and resolute…with the Lord.
I understand that when she made her first communion, young Mary wanted only one thing: to have the Salesian Sisters present. So her father drove from San Antonio to Tampa, picked them up, and brought them back to San Antonio so they could be there.
Sister Mary with Tyler Bosco, son of Fortune Bosco
God drew her heart young to the Institute. By her own account, she made the decision to become a Salesian Sister when in 3rd grade. And it stayed with her throughout her life.
On the occasion of one jubilee she wrote: “I can attest that, although there were lots of ups and downs, God’s grace held me tight. And if I were asked would I do it again, I would say absolutely because God’s grace followed me and to this day sustains me and my complete giving to Him.”
She meant business about her consecration by God. She lived her vocation as a love affair with the Lord. And when you’re in love, there is no mediocrity.
She was all in. Daily she sought greater faithfulness in prayer and sacraments, in living as a sister to her sisters in community, in letting the evangelical counsels shape her life, in spending herself in the mission.
“I will come and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may also be.”
Hers was charismatic living, the result of an authentic search for God’s will and the strength to carry that out.
Perhaps that became so clear and visible in these five months of illness. She was ready for whatever the Lord asked of her. She was ready for death…for she understood it as the doorway to heaven, as the passageway into the arms of her Beloved.
Her only concerns were two: that she receive the Apostolic Pardon when death was near; and that she not stand in God’s way in her dying, not resist in any way his timing.
Sr. Mary was assured by the words from Wisdom: “Their hope is full of immortality…the faithful shall abide with him in love.” She knew her parents, some siblings, and other family members were there already enjoying immortality — including a niece Kaylee who had been taken by the same illness that was taking her.
Sr. Mary was assured by the words of Paul: “…we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us,” and that neither cancer nor death “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sr. Mary was assured by the words of Jesus: “I will come and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may also be.”
Because she meant business about her consecration by God, she lived intentionally her final days in the spirit of expectation described in Article 107 of the Constitutions of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians professes “… we await the Lord’s coming, preparing ourselves, with Mary’s motherly help, to share in the Lord’s Paschal Mystery in a new and definitive way, in the certainty that comes from the apostle’s words: ‘I know in whom I have placed my trust.’”
Although many will miss her, our hearts can only be grateful for what God accomplished in Sr. Mary, and grateful, too, how Mary the Help of Christians walked with her daughter. We have been privileged to see grace at work in her.
And we can thank God that early in the morning on the 1st Sunday of Advent, Sr. Mary said, “Come, Lord Jesus”, and Jesus responded, “Come, Sister Mary — my Beloved — come home now with me.” May God be praised.
Dr. Odette Harris, alumna of Mary Help of Christians Academy and fellow Alumna of Distinction, with Sister Kelly Schuster, Head of School of MHC Academy, and Sister Mary
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco
Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada
Top left, going clockwise: Sister Mary with Charles Schwab; receiving Communion from St. John Paul II; Sister Katie and Sister Mary with Irena and Mike Medavoy; with Jennifer Flavin Stallone; with Joe Pesci; with the Wathne sisters, with Tommy Lasorda
