Her daily prayers was four pages long

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sister Anthony Davis, OSBS, died at the age of 95. Fr. Gary and I traveled to Marty Indian Mission for her funeral. I worked with Sr. Anthony in Eagle Butte years ago. She was a gentle, happy person, and a woman of deep prayer. In her latest years of convalescence, the list of people she kept in her daily prayers was four pages long! I knew I was in good hands since I was included on that list. I was happy to share a few of my memories with her relatives and friends who gathered to remember and say their farewells.

Sr. Anthony was Chippewa, hailing from the Turtle Mountain reservation in North Dakota. Last year, Sr. Anthony celebrated her 75th anniversary of religious profession! She is the last founding member of the Oblate Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, an order specifically started for Native American women.

The community was organized by Fr. Sylvester, a Benedictine under the patronage of Saint Katherine Drexel. When I think of a Saint, it’s often a distant historical figure, but Sr. Anthony met and spoke with her.

When Mother Drexel visited the community, Sr. Anthony was working in the kitchen, very nervous about getting everything right. She got so busy with potatoes that she left the buns in the oven too long and they started burning. Though mortified, during those depression years the community didn’t have the luxury of much extra, so Sr. Anthony had to serve the bread as it was. Mother Drexel came from a wealthy Philadelphia family and was undoubtedly used to the finer things in life. But she ate what was offered, and commented “These are the best buns I’ve ever had”!

Fr. Gary worked in Marty for several years and recounted many memories.

The roads coming home were difficult, with large drifts blowing across the road; the snow that had earlier melted turning back to ice. But we just took it slow, and with the camaraderie, the hundred mile journey really took no time at all.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

4 thoughts on “Her daily prayers was four pages long”

  1. You know, she had a point, believe it or not. I only eat buns burned.! They really do taste better that way, I believe..!
    We wish we had known her..!
    GThe results of her prayers for you are pretty obvious. You better stay in touch..!
    Prayers..
    Mia and Bob

  2. Wow..75 years of religious life! She sounds pretty awesome. Meeting a saint is something you never forget. I had the chance to meet Mother Theresa of Calcutta when I was young and have never gotten over the event. It was a true life event for me. I can imagine that it gave Sr Anthony a sharpened focus on her life.
    I am doing well..and it sounds like you are too…Take care of yourself..spring is coming fast!

  3. What a lovely posting! I so enjoyed reading about the lovely Sr. Anthony and the living saint Mother Drexel. It sounds as if Sr. Anthony was a candidate for sainthood herself — a very special woman.

    I eaten many a burned bun or piece of toast myself and if the burnt part is scraped off some, it’s not too bad.

  4. I am always in awe Of all the traveling and things you do. Sr.Anthony sounds as though she was a very good nun-meeting a saint! WOW! She is praying for continued good health for you,you can be sure.
    God bless you!

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