Franciscan Federation honors Sister Marilyn

It's 7:30 a.m. on a Wednesday and Sister Marilyn Herr is at work at St. Vincent Dialysis Center on Saint Joseph Street in Allouez.  As a hospital chaplain, she chats with the attending nurse, Patty, before heading into the patient area where she will care for people's spiritual needs.

Much like a blood donation site, patients are seated in a common area.  Each has his or her own reclining chair, privacy curtain and, most importantly, filtration machine.  The machine's slow, rhythmic pumping punctuates the quiet air.  Each pump -- reminiscent of a resting heart beat - reveals what the kidneys can no longer do:  Filter waste and excess fluid that, if left unattended, would pollute a person's body.  

Given this reality, it's not a surprise that the average dialysis patient, who must undergo this life-saving measure three times a week, develops a ministerial relationship with Sister Marilyn.  They share life's funny moments as well as life's deepest concerns.

"I get to hear family stories, both the funny and the sad," says Sister Marilyn.  "That bond is how we relate to each other and, ultimately, how we relate to God."

For more than 15 years, Sister Marilyn has been providing chaplaincy services at St. Vincent Hospital and eight of those years at the dialysis center, a ministry she describes as "opening her world."

"I like that long-term, person-to-person relationship," says Sister Marilyn.  "It's a way for me to live out the mission of our Franciscan community and to share my spirituality and theology not only with patients but also with their families and the medical staff."

This work, along with serving her community as Director of Associates, has inspired the Leadership Team to nominate Sister Marilyn for this year's Franciscan Federation award, which she received at the end of July at the 2011 Annual Franciscan Federation Conference in Milwaukee.

"Becoming a Sacred Flame: Francis, Clare and John's Gospel" was the theme of this year's conference.  Sister Marilyn was chosen by the Leadership Team based on the criteria established by the federation this year.  All who know her would agree that she sparks enthusiasm for our charism, exhibits passionate love of life and people, and embodies the spirit of our founders.  

"Given the Federation's focus on St. Francis, St. Clare and the Gospel of John this year, I'm incredibly honored," says Sister Marilyn. "Of all the Gospels, John's resonates with me, particularly chapter 15 verse 4 which reads, 'Remain in Me, as I remain in you.'  That goes back to all of our relationships - with each other and with God. My relationship with Christ is first and the Gospel is my guide."