Sister Giacinta Basile, former teacher and administrator, dies

Sister Giacinta Basile, MPF, who served at St. Joseph High School, Hammonton, and Paul VI High School, Haddon Township, died Sept. 2 at St. Joseph Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, N.J. She was 93.

A viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 5, from 2-4 p.m. at Villa Walsh, Morristown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow. Interment will take place at Ave Maria Cemetery.

Sister Giacinta taught at Villa Walsh College and was a teacher and administrator at several high schools. In the Camden Diocese, she taught at St. Joseph, Hammonton, 1959-61 and 1972-73, and was principal there 1978-84. She was vice principal at Paul VI, Haddon Township, 1966-72.

Since 1998, Sister Giacinta had been involved in pastoral ministry. Her last 14 years were spent at St. Mary Mt. Virgin (Parish of the Visitation) New Brunswick, N.J. She retired in July.

Sister Giacinta held many administrative positions in the Religious Teachers Filippini.

Sister Giacinta, together with Sister Geraldine Calabrese (deceased),  authored the 1978 book “Forever Yes,” the story of the life of St. Lucy Filippini, foundress of the Religious Teachers Filippini.

Known as an innovator and initiator. Sister Giacinta worked with Sister Geraldine to form the Associates of St. Lucy Filippini, a group of women committed to prayer and to the study of the life of St. Lucy.

They were also given the responsibility to provide a program “Empowering the Mission” for teachers who teach in schools administered by the Filippini Sisters. Its purpose is to educate teachers on the philosophy and mission of Catholic schools in the spirit of St. Lucy.

Sister Giacinta became a resident at St. Joseph Hall Infirmary, Villa Walsh, Morristown, N.J. in July.

She is survived by her sisters Mary Navarra and Josephine Basile, both of Syracuse, NY, and nieces and nephews.

Donations in memory of Sister Giacinta will be accepted to the St. Joseph Hall Infirmary, c/o Sister Ascenza Tizzano, MPF, Provincial Superior, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960-4928.