I met †Sr. Virginia Sztorc in Rome in July 1982, while touring Europe and staying at the convent as arranged by my aunt, †Sr. Mary Augustinia Sliwinski (Buffalo, 19211997). Both were in Rome for various assignments. Sr. Virginia was a marvelous tour guide and I have fond memories of our trooping about the major sites of Rome—in 114-degree heat! Especially warm in my memory is our day trip to Assisi. In a small chapel under the main basilica, the sisters, in a moment of spontaneity, decided to renew their vows in both English and Polish. I will never forget it. As strange as it sounds, it was the first time in my life that I saw my Aunt Blanche as a nun. Sr. Virginia and I corresponded for a while after my trip and even later, our lives connected through my work in archives, starting my federal career with the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. I would like to think she nods approval at my career choice.
-C. Jean
