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Miriam Malone, SNJM

My mother Margaret Hartlein grew up in St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Altadena, California, an SNJM parish, and then attended Ramona Convent High School with her friend Ann Malone. Ann had an older brother, Eugene Ives Malone, who attended the U.S. Naval Academy. Madge and Gene, who lived a 60+ year love-story, married and on January 28, 1946, in Key West, Florida, I was born the eldest of four girls and one boy, and was baptized at the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea where the Sisters of the Holy Names ministered and taught.

I am forever indebted to my parents for providing a stable, loving home despite the frequent moves the U.S. Navy required. They sacrificed to provide a Catholic education that led me to Ramona Secondary School in Alhambra, California, where the Sisters gave me what my mother called “a scholarship of love.” It was at Ramona that I recognized the desire to become a member of their community.

Those of us who entered the community in 1963 were caught in the middle of the pre- and post-Vatican Church, the Vietnam era and the social revolution of the ‘60s. It was at once challenging and exciting to grow into adulthood in religious life during those years. Inspired by Vatican II theology, I found my path in religious education, liturgical formation and pastoral ministry. I spent many years facilitating the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults throughout the country, and in the formal education of pastoral ministers. Teaching adults seeking a master’s degree in pastoral ministry at Holy Names University in Oakland was grace and privilege. I owe a debt of great gratitude to the community for encouraging me in my later years to pursue a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Following the sale of our Los Gatos, California, property, it was my honor to be part of a pastoral team ministering among our Sisters in skilled nursing and assisted living and currently to coordinate liturgical life at Holy Spirit Chapel in Campbell as well as serve as volunteer chaplain to the residents of a health care facility in Santa Cruz. Also, as a member of the volunteer organization Furry Friends, I accompany Macintosh, our Pet-Assisted Therapy Labradoodle, as he brings joy to residents in various care facilities.

My life mantra has been and continues to be, “Live the questions now” (Rilke). My heart’s song is Magnificat in the Mystery.