Sister Mary Ann Carotenuto, CSJ

Our hearts are saddened but as we celebrate this Eucharist to thank God for Mary Ann Carotenuto, a Sister of St. Joseph for sixty years, we can rejoice and be glad because she is with the God who loved her so dearly. After revealing that love to everyone she met, Mary Ann is at peace.

Mary Ann’s dear and ever-faithful friend, Sister Mary St. John has written a reflection she has asked me to share with all of you today.

“Sister Mary Ann was born in Brooklyn to Rose and Louis Carotenuto, who had waited and prayed for 12 years for her, since the birth of her brother, Louis. Her uncle, Father Felix Chierco, who served in Sacred Heart/St. Stephen, baptized her and was influential in her life. Dedicated to Our Lady, how appropriate that she be called home to share in Marys feast celebration, December 8, and that she is buried today, feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her “party” will tell you how she played the role of Juan Diego in a Novitiate skit.

Recently a morning prayer asked that we leave an imprint of God’s love on all we meet that day. I think this was Mary Ann’s greatest gift to us all. And if we get her love so strongly, how great must our God love us! She sincerely cared for all she met, called everyone by name, knew what intention they needed her to keep in our prayers. This was true whether you were friend, student, parent or just sat next to her in the parish church. Even here at Maria Regina, every aide was called by name and always got a “Thank you” when they left.

Mary Ann gave herself while “wearing many hat:” teacher, religious educator, director, principal, maintenance supervisor, while moderating youth groups, summer camps, senior citizens, and serving on Community committees and school boards. Her contribution was always wise, future-oriented, and very practical.

From all of the shared stories of how Mary Ann touched your lives we know that she will live on in many memories, as we distance ourselves from her last years of suffering and recall the happier times.   She kept the motto chosen by Sister Angelica long ago for the Mary Louis girls, she fought the good fight, she finished the race and she kept the faith.

Mary Ann, you will be missed, but we know you are home and greeting family members and friends…and introducing yourself to anyone you don’t know! Rest in Peace!”

Sister Mary Ann Carotenuto, CSJ died on December 8, 2018 in the 61st year of her religious life.