Any of us who "survived Catholic School" have a favorite nun. There were several in my life who were both feared and beloved. My favorite was Sister Frances Jacobs who taught Honors English for many years at the then, all male Central Catholic High School. On a day in which she was especially disappointed in us, she opined that "This freshman class is a bunch of boobs!" There was a very pregnant pause as our 15 year-old minds landed on the very obvious sophomoric connotation. Quickly realizing the error of her phrasing, Sister Frances burst out laughing just a split second before the rest of us joined in. Great woman, great teacher.
I remember some of your musings about Sister Dolores. It is wonderful to hear how brightly her light still shines through the myriad others whom she touched.
As one who rode TriMet bus 15 up an icy road with chains engaged on Mt Tabor when it began to slide backwards at a 45 degree angle, I'm impressed with Sister D!!!!
Thanks John! Great story. I'm not Catholic but did attend Catholic school for two years. One of the best decisions my parents ever made. My teachers and the nuns there were instrumental in forming my life at a young age. To often we forget to honor them. Thank you for honoring Sister D.
Aug 2, 2022·edited Aug 3, 2022Liked by John Canzano
We have a few nuns in our family and Jesuit Priest, too. There are many more Sister D's than the ones known for their acumen with a ruler-as-punishment. Thanks for sharing, JC :).
Aug 2, 2022·edited Aug 2, 2022Liked by John Canzano
Another nice one John.
I'm 100% aligned with, "“Makes me feel bad when sports gets reduced to money-money,” she told me in 2011, “that bothers me.” Bothers me too. A lot. The priorities are problematic when decisions are reduced primarily to money. If the decisions are made with money, finance, budgets as the priority they may increase revenue. But, they will also increase in areas they don't really want--polarization, argument, opinion, conflict, worry, dissatisfaction, doubt, worry...
Why do we even have athletics at a university? Who benefits? How? What are the subjective rewards? What's the experience all the stakeholders want? The experiences are higher priorities than the methods and symbols. In the long run there will be more satisfaction, happiness, pleasure and reward by making decisions that intend to fulfill the inner experience and intentions than going for short term solutions intending to increase numbers.
What about the joy in the process, happiness, dignity, self-respect, integrity, fulfillment and satisfaction (of players, fans, community, other students...) These are higher values than increased revenue. And I'd argue that the long term marketability (and profit and revenue) will be increased with a focus first on these inner experiential objectives.
Canzano: A final lesson in perseverance from Sister D
Great story about an inspirational human. Many thanks for writing it.
Great story John
Any of us who "survived Catholic School" have a favorite nun. There were several in my life who were both feared and beloved. My favorite was Sister Frances Jacobs who taught Honors English for many years at the then, all male Central Catholic High School. On a day in which she was especially disappointed in us, she opined that "This freshman class is a bunch of boobs!" There was a very pregnant pause as our 15 year-old minds landed on the very obvious sophomoric connotation. Quickly realizing the error of her phrasing, Sister Frances burst out laughing just a split second before the rest of us joined in. Great woman, great teacher.
My Catholic chaplain wife and I love the story of Sister Dolores. Thanks for sharing, another great story told in your eloquent and wonderful fashion.
I remember some of your musings about Sister Dolores. It is wonderful to hear how brightly her light still shines through the myriad others whom she touched.
First and ten, Sister. D.
Wonderful, John, thank you, she sounds like she was an amazing person and leader.
Special people in your life deserve tributes like this, John. Bravo.
Just beautiful! Made my day.
Sister D will continue to inspire perseverance. Thanks for this one.
Thank you John. For this. And, for all that you do.
DANG!!! I am sharing this one with my family!! Thank you John!!!
Great story John. Takes me back to playing softball with Sister Emma in upstate New York. Boy, could she hit and run....even in her nun's habit!
As one who rode TriMet bus 15 up an icy road with chains engaged on Mt Tabor when it began to slide backwards at a 45 degree angle, I'm impressed with Sister D!!!!
Thanks John! Great story. I'm not Catholic but did attend Catholic school for two years. One of the best decisions my parents ever made. My teachers and the nuns there were instrumental in forming my life at a young age. To often we forget to honor them. Thank you for honoring Sister D.
We have a few nuns in our family and Jesuit Priest, too. There are many more Sister D's than the ones known for their acumen with a ruler-as-punishment. Thanks for sharing, JC :).
Another nice one John.
I'm 100% aligned with, "“Makes me feel bad when sports gets reduced to money-money,” she told me in 2011, “that bothers me.” Bothers me too. A lot. The priorities are problematic when decisions are reduced primarily to money. If the decisions are made with money, finance, budgets as the priority they may increase revenue. But, they will also increase in areas they don't really want--polarization, argument, opinion, conflict, worry, dissatisfaction, doubt, worry...
Why do we even have athletics at a university? Who benefits? How? What are the subjective rewards? What's the experience all the stakeholders want? The experiences are higher priorities than the methods and symbols. In the long run there will be more satisfaction, happiness, pleasure and reward by making decisions that intend to fulfill the inner experience and intentions than going for short term solutions intending to increase numbers.
What about the joy in the process, happiness, dignity, self-respect, integrity, fulfillment and satisfaction (of players, fans, community, other students...) These are higher values than increased revenue. And I'd argue that the long term marketability (and profit and revenue) will be increased with a focus first on these inner experiential objectives.
My 2¢ worth from a long time 79 year old fan...
I’m a Believer & a Practicing Believer!!!