Sister Benedicta Berger
Harriet Louise Berger hailed from near Columbus, Ohio. She celebrated her 21st birthday in Miami. This was during World War II—with no lights at night and submarines off shore. When she thinks back, she was grateful for the events that guided or turned her direction in life to new experiences and opportunities.
She was baking cookies at the time the shocking news on the radio told about the Pearl Harbor attack. Within a few months, it led her to move and work as a riveter in the Curtiss Airplane Factory in Columbus, Ohio. “Once I was taken to the area to buck rivets in the tail area of the plane because I was small enough to climb into the tail, curl up and pray I did it right. I hoped ‘my planes’ never had to go down with the pilots in danger,” Sister said.
In November 1947, she took a train from Cincinnati to Merrill, WI, to become a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. A brochure of the Holy Cross Sisters said that they were involved in hospitals, schools, and orphanages. Her intent was to give her life and service to God. “I thought that there was something that I certainly would fit into with the sisters,” Sister Benedicta said.
Her ministry with the Holy Cross Sisters pinned her down to a definite goal and work she felt would be helpful. She stayed close to the church and she’s been very satisfied.
Of everything that she has done from dietary aide, coordinator for retired sisters, and parish work, she points to teaching as being the most satisfying. “I tried to help others learn and make their life easier,” she said.
Sister Benedicta worked in the south when Civil Rights were a major issue. “When I went down in the 60’s, it was right during the period of time of integration. I wasn’t sure how they would take a young, white sister. I wasn’t sure of anything. I had visited the New Orleans area, but never been where our sisters were. I felt at home and accepted.” They were very good to the sisters, according to Sister.
Retirement didn’t stop Sister Ben from using her teaching skills to help others. For ten years she volunteered in the Foster Grandparent Program at Lincoln Hills School in Irma, WI. “I never thought that as a religious sister I would be called “grandma.” It was a rewarding way to help and encourage young men because even a “non-grandma” is better than none under the circumstance.”
It was July 2, 1949, when Sister Benedicta celebrated her First Profession. Sixty years later she is observing her Diamond Jubilee as a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross. Today she resides at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI, the same building that served as Holy Cross Convent in 1947. “I saw the tower and knew that was where I was heading. Today when I see Bell Tower, I know this is my home.”
If you would like to send your best wishes to Sister Benedicta Berger, you can do so at: Bell Tower Residence, 1500 O’ Day Street, Merrill, WI 54452