Three Sisters of St. Joseph Turn 100 in One-Month Span

By Samantha Miller

Three Sisters of St. Joseph celebrated their 100th birthdays in a one-month span between March and April 2025. S. Virginia Chasas, S. Mary Tropeano, and S. Mary Florence Burns are all centenarians.

As a young girl, S. Virginia had a calling from God to volunteer in Puerto Rico. While she couldn’t speak Spanish at the time, she followed her calling to assist. She arrived in Puerto Rico with the idea of teaching English at the Sisters of St. Joseph high school, which had bilingual students. However, she was appointed to the Catholic University of Ponce. There, she taught for many years, quickly learning Spanish and finding herself at home.

“S. Virginia is very intelligent, resourceful, positive, compassionate, and has a great zest for life,” Athena
Delikanakis, administrator at the St. Joseph Convent where S. Virginia lives, said.

She celebrated her birthday, which is March 18, with many friends and family, including those from Puerto Rico.

S. Mary Tropeano, who resides at St Christopher’s Parish in Baldwin, turned 100 on March 23. The parish hosted a big Mass and celebration.

“My life has been full,” said S. Mary, who taught in four counties for more than 30 years before becoming a census worker, a coordinator of religious education, and a Eucharistic minister, to name a few of her roles. “I thank God for calling me to serve his people. I thank my community — the Sisters of St. Joseph — for the love and support given to me. I thank my loving parents, my sisters, and my extended family who have always given me love and support throughout my life.”

S. Mary Florence, whose birthday is April 23, celebrated with family and friends with a 5 p.m. Mass followed by dinner in Brooklyn.

“S. Mary Florence served St. Joseph’s College (as it was known then) as beloved professor of English, Dean, and Academic Vice President,” shared S. Elizabeth Hill, who was president of St. Joseph’s University, New York for 17 years. “Her brilliance, wisdom, and vision helped the College to grow and prosper, and she is remembered with great affection and gratitude by everyone who was privileged to work with her.”