It was 1960, and the beginning of my sophomore year at Villa Cabrini Academy, Burbank, California.

Knowing that I had done horribly in Geometry the previous year, and that I was facing the first day of another math class, I found it very difficult to even get out of bed. Furthermore, I would have Sister Catherine DeFranco as my instructor. I was scared beyond belief!

Walking to school that morning, my mind was racing. I thought to myself, it’s not bad enough having another math class, but I’m also about to face Sister Catherine:

• Whose dark, laser like eyes could bore a hole right through you.
  
  
• Who wouldn’t stand for any nonsense and was all business all the time.
  
  
• Who didn’t casually walk through our high school halls, but rather floated over the linoleum like a spirit in high gear.
  
  
• Who was a mathematical genius, and probably wouldn’t have the time or patience to put up with someone who hated math like me

Was I ever wrong! Yes, I passed the class, and even pulled an “A”. But what I really learned from Sister Catherine has helped me through my entire life. She taught me to listen, to believe in myself, to face my fears, that nothing was impossible, and to persevere.

Sister Catherine, I owe you a lot! Many thanks and much love to you for showing me the way.

Sr. Catherine DeFranco’s Story of the Heart was written by Roa Brand, a Villa Cabrini Academy alumna and former student of Sr. Catherine’s.

-----

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.