The vision of the home was shared by the Felician Sisters and then-Bishop John Wright of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1960. It took three years to bring the vision into reality, with the first home on Mercer Road in Beaver County.
In the words of McGuire's mission statement:
McGuire Memorial is a co-sponsored ministry of the Felician Sisters of North America and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Forming a joy-filled community of Christian believers, McGuire Memorial is committed to providing comprehensive services to people with mental and physical disabilities that may include complex medical conditions and offers supportive services to their families and caregivers.
In its 50 year history, McGuire has only had two Executive Directors, Sister Mary Alice Sobieraj for 27 years, and Sister Mary Thaddeus Markelewicz, of the Felician Sisters, since 1990. Both have been excellent administrators, and both have been visionaries of service to "God's special children."
McGuire started with one large institutional building. But over the past 15 years it has expanded to include 22 residential homes, an educational center, a respite program, and employment and adult training center, and an outreach to the spectrum of autism care.
I invite you to learn more about McGuire by visiting their website, www.mcguirememorial.org . In the interest of full disclose, I represented the diocese for eight years on the board of directors when I was secretary for social concerns. And recently Sister Thaddeus asked me to rejoin the board, which I am happy to do.
Last Sunday, August 11, McGuire formally marked its golden anniversary with a Mass and festive dinner. Bishop David Zubik presided at the Eucharist, held at the convent of the Felician Sisters (their former motherhouse) in Coraopolis. The dinner for over 200 was held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Hotel.
One of the delights of the program was viewing a short portion of an interview in the Channel 11 studio with Sister Mary Alice conducted, I would guess, sometime in the 1960s, probably about 1964 or 5. Sister was in the severe face-pinching habit of the Felician Sisters at that time. Also interviewed was Bishop John Wright, in cassock, pectoral cross, and biretta. The grainy black-and-white film was touching, with the cameraman catching some of the children at the home playing with and being fed by the sisters.
The best was the last, however. After the awards had been given and the speeches made, MC Larry Richert of KDKA was interrupted by "Sister T". She barged to the microphone (Larry quipped, "I never say no to Sister T!") and blurted out, "I wasn't supposed to speak tonight, but I couldn't help myself." Everyone laughed at that truth.
She went on in her heartfelt way to thank everyone present and all who helped McGuire to be the driving force in the care of physically and mentally challenged individuals. Then she said with a straight face: "You know, when I became a Felician Sister 50 years ago, I made vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. Well, I have more bills than any of you out there. I have more bosses than any of you. And even though I made a vow of chastity, I have more men in my life than I ever thought possible. And I like them!" At this point, I looked at Bishop Zubik, who was sitting next to the speaker's podium. He was laughing so hard, so red in the face, I thought he was going to have a stroke. The audience was roaring with laughter.
Sister Thaddeus wouldn't stop. She mentioned among "her men," the great work and support of the Knights of Columbus, the men on the boards of directors, her senior staff and caring staff, Father Bill Gillum of the Capuchin Fathers, and all the men benefactors present.
Well, how could you top that?
McGuire Memorial Home is the institutionalization of our Catholic pro-life teaching. The guiding leadership of Sister Thaddues and the Felician Sisters, the support of the bishop and the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, its staff, parents and benefactors, all witness to what it means that God created every human being with worth and dignity. Visit the home. Offer to volunteer. Support it with your prayers and with your money. And may McGuire Memorial Home continue to serve the most fragile individuals in our midst for another 50 years.
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