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 Sr.
Virginia King, OP
(Sr. Ancilla)
Diamond Jubilarian
60 years (July 9, 1947)
Growing up in Zanesville, Ohio, Sr. Virginia King (formerly Sr. Ancilla) had never thought of becoming a teacher, let alone a Sister. But, she always trusted God to show her what she should do in life. After graduating from high school, she went to work for the phone company, and one summer day came to St. Mary of the Springs to visit a friend. "I just suddenly had the sense that this was what God wanted me to do with my life," shares Sr. Virginia. Very shortly thereafter, she left the phone company and entered the Dominican congregation of St. Mary of the Springs. Celebrating 60 years as a Dominican Sister today, she says that once she made the decision, she never looked back.
Sr. Virginia knew that in joining a teaching community, she would herself probably be asked to become a teacher. But even this she knew was part of God's plan for her, and she grew to love teaching, deriving great satisfaction in working with children. During her 44 years in elementary education, Sr. Virginia had the privilege of serving in New York, Ohio, and Michigan. She spent many years as both teacher and principal at Christ the King in Columbus, Ohio (1950-64, 83-90), and as principal at St. Mary in Marietta, Ohio (1964-75) and St. Clare in Grosse Pointe, Michigan (1975-83).
In 1991, Sr. Virginia retired from teaching to serve her Sisters at St. Mary of the Springs, first as Director of Resident Life for Mohun Health Care Center (1991-97), then in the congregation's printing department (1997-2000), and finally in the motherhouse, first as Director of Resident Life and later as a volunteer. Today she maintains an active life of volunteering and honing her favorite pastime – playing cards, especially bridge.
Sr. Virginia states that community life, which is an area of great focus for Dominicans, has been one of the greatest, life-giving gifts to her. "I love my Sisters and I love community living," she proclaims. "It is such a blessing to work, pray, eat, party and just share life with my Sisters. It has been an important part of my life as a Dominican." This, along with her great devotion to the Holy Spirit, has helped sustain her in her vocation these past 60 years and she is grateful for the many blessings she has had. |
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