When Sr. Lena Angelella was in Dobbs Ferry, NY, from 1942 to 1955, her main ministry was child care. She treated the children as if they were her own. During World War II, with fathers drafted, mothers had to go out to work and many of their children from NYC were boarders in Dobbs Ferry. She was often called to the telephone to speak with these mothers. At first they may have voiced concern for their children, but the underlying reason for their calls was their own loneliness and Sr. Lena was someone to whom they could talk.

Sr. Lena once saved the life of a child who was very ill with pneumonia by calling for a second physician to evaluate and treat her when she wasn’t getting well. On many occasions, she showed her love for the children by responding to their individual needs.

Sr. Lena has celebrated many years of religious life and at her Jubilee celebration, the chapel was filled with relatives who loved her and one another. It was apparent where she learned her concern and love for children.

Sr. Lena’s Story of the Heart was written by Sr. Philippa Provenzano, MSC.

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Stories of the Heart: The Missionary Sisters are as diverse as the ministries in which we work. We are educators, nurses, social workers, campus ministers, pastoral care workers, spiritual directors, and administrators. We invite you to share in our stories.