CLAYTON – During Saint Michael the Archangel Regional School’s first Pen Pal Luncheon without its founder – Sister Bianca Camilleri, FMIHM – 94-year-old Theresa Kalapos reflected upon the impact the initiative has had on her life.
“Sister Bianca did a good thing, starting this program,” Kalapos said, glancing over at her pen pal, eighth-grader Giavanna Watts.
“Giavanna’s brought me a lot of joy,” she continued.
For the past four years, once a month during the academic school year, the two have exchanged letters and gifts, learning about each other’s lives, families, dreams and accomplishments – and forming a generational bond.
“Every time I get a letter from Theresa, I’m so happy,” Watts said.
It was appropriate, then, that on the day of the luncheon, May 16, the school honored Sister Bianca in dedicating its new school library to the beloved educator who died last fall. Sister Bianca served for 12 years at the school and more than 60 years in education.
In her time at Saint Michael, Sister Bianca was a librarian, school liturgy planner, substitute teacher, and leader of the Pen Pal and Rosary Clubs.
“Learning never ceased for this beautiful soul,” the school said in a press release announcing the library dedication.
Making Connections
Bringing the Pen Pal Club with her after starting the program at a previous school, Sister Bianca’s vision engaged Saint Michael’s students in grades four to eight in letter-writing with seniors. The initiative was intended to help youth “learn how to respect the elderly, pray for them and let them know they care,” Sister Bianca told the Catholic Star Herald in a 2022 interview.
The connection doesn’t stop with the letters. The seniors are remembered in the students’ prayers, and the year concludes with a luncheon for the writers to meet.
Natalie Drainville, a Saint Michael the Archangel Regional School parent and third-grade teacher, has taken over the majority of the Pen Pal Club’s efforts since Sister Bianca’s death. This year, she decided to include a few students from her own class. All told, 52 students gathered with 101 senior pen pals in the school gymnasium for the luncheon.
“Sister Bianca was the cornerstone of a lot of the lives of the school community,” Drainville said. “She saw the best in everybody, and she wanted the best for them.”
With the Pen Pal Club, students not only learn writing skills, communication and relationship-building, but also how to express their feelings, she said.
Mentor for Life
The dedication to Sister Bianca began with Drainville’s daughter, seventh-grader Alice, sharing with those in the gymnasium her relationship with the nun, dating back to when she first started at the school in 2016, in PreK-4.
“I had just moved schools, and I didn’t know anyone. It was a fresh start for everything, and Sister Bianca was one of the first people that I saw,” Alice explained.
Through the years, Sister Bianca was a constant encouraging presence, noticing Alice’s gifts in art and singing, and motivating her to sing for the annual Pen Pal Luncheon when she was in second grade.
“I was very nervous, but she gave me the confidence to try. She was an amazing supporter,” the youngster said. “Sister Bianca inspired me to do good. She gave me the confidence, courage and bravery to keep going. I am now in vocal lessons, and whenever I go on stage, I think back on Sister Bianca.”
“She is a song, something that you can listen to forever,” Alice said. “She is a tune in your head that you don’t want to go away. May she watch down on us as we continue the club she started.”
Attention soon turned to the school loudspeaker, as Father Michael Goyette, parish pastor, asked God to “bless this library … fill us with grace … and bless this school that Sister Bianca loved. Keep her memory alive in our hearts.”
Legacy of Dedication
Outside the library door, a plaque notes sister’s “love and dedication to the students of our school.” Among the new library’s bookshelves, chairs and desks are traces of Sister Bianca, and tributes to her from students.
A keepsake box attached to the wall includes a flag of Malta, her home country; pictures of her with her parents and siblings; a personal handkerchief; the U.S. flag that Sister Bianca proudly held when she became an American citizen in 2022; her rosary and chaplet; and school ID.
Student-created “Hearts for Sister Bianca” are scattered across the library walls, with messages from grateful youth.
“Faithful, kind, caring, loving,” read the words on one heart, above a rainbow and sunflower.
“She was a thoughtful teacher,” read the left side of another, with the right side sharing how Sister Bianca “dedicated her love to Jesus.”
Among the distinguished guests at the library dedication were Sister Nabila Abdel-Malek Gerges and Sister Bernarda Ribeiro, who belong to Sister Bianca’s religious community, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Looking over the photos, drawings and possessions, an emotional Sister Bernarda, who was close to Sister Bianca for 35 years, said she was grateful for the school’s gesture. “She’s in our hearts and prayers. I know she’s here with us, following this beautiful presentation.”
Continued Friendships
As the day wrapped up, pen pals Watts and Kalapos exchanged gifts before saying their goodbyes. Watts proudly wore a new beaded bracelet, while Kalapos was appreciative of the towels and candles.
Watts described the intangible, but just as valuable, gifts she’s received from her friend over the years.
“I was very anxious before. Now, every month when I get her letter, I feel peace, and I’m more confident in myself,” Watts said. “Theresa’s a hardworking, get-it-done type person. She’s taught me to be myself, go for what I want to accomplish, and never give up.”
Hearing these words, Kalapos clutched the youth’s hands and smiled. “She writes a good letter. I’m lucky to have her.”
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