Sister Lorraine Giel

Visitation:
Thursday, February 2, 2017 from from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh
Friday, February 3, 2017 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Wake Service:
Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:  
Friday, February 3, 2017 at 3:30 p.m., Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Lorraine Giel
who departed this life on January 30, 2017
in the sixty-eighth year of her religious life
Age: 87 years, 6 months, 20 days

“To everything there is a season and a time for everything under heaven:  a time to be born and a time to die ….”    

On January 30, in the midst of winter ice and snow, Sister Lorraine smiled and whispered her warm good bye to all of us who knew and loved her.  She moved on from her life on earth to be one with the God of Providence who gifted, loved, and graced her throughout her life’s journey.

Born on July 11, 1929, in Glenshaw, PA, Virginia Mary Giel, the 9th of 10 children, was the daughter of John and Mary Reiner Giel.  As the mystery of her life unfolded, God’s special life plan for Virginia was shaped.  On December 27, 1949, Virginia said “yes” to a call that had been burning within her by entering the Community of the Sisters of Divine Providence.  She received the habit and her religious name, Sister Lorraine on June 29, 1950.  Indeed, there is a time and season for everything in life’s journey.  The demands of living her “yes” led her to the commitment of first vows on June 27, 1952 and Final Vows on August 12, 1956.  The longing within Lorraine to be drawn ever closer to her Provident God and to give herself to God’s people in ministry was strong.

Her prayer, “As the mystery of my life unfolds through the passing of years, draw my love ever nearer to you” was embodied and witnessed in her ministry of education for 35 years as both teacher and principal.  From 1987-1991, Lorraine shared her gift of life experience as Associate Director of the CSM (a diocesan service sponsored by Religious Communities to assist members looking for new ministries) and as a Secretary for a Diocesan Office from 1992 to 1994.

Faithful to the needs of the time, Lorraine began to share in internal ministry as Health Coordinator at Providence Heights and later as a volunteer at Kearns Spirituality Center.  Her continued search for growth and openness led her to new seasons in her earth journey.  She made a choice to embrace and help shape an intentional community from 1990 to the days of her retirement.  This choice impacted her life in deep ways, as well as the lives of others with whom she lived through prayer, faith sharing, community, and social outreach. Even in death, she continues to positively impact the lives of others through her decision to donate her brain tissue.
 
These words, written at the time of her 50th Jubilee, attest to her beauty and depth:  “Most of my 50 years have been a life of peace, challenging, with a variety of ministries and eagerness as to what each new day brings; God works in my daily life through people I meet and through much of nature; I like to pray in a quiet, restful place…sometimes outdoors…using Scripture or nature…away from the everyday activities…free to be alone with my God.  My favorite quotes include, ‘Visibly do I see in all things the wonderful providence of God’ and ‘Seek always the face of the Lord.’  What helps me sustain my enthusiasm and commitment to religious life is the support that I receive living in community, shared prayer with others I live with and time for quiet and reflection…opportunities to enjoy one another…freedom to be ME.”

Thank you, Provident God for allowing the spirit of Jesus to be enfleshed through Sister Lorraine Giel in all the seasons of her earth life.  May she know fullness of life and love with you, forever.

Birthday:  July 11
Sister Anne Winschel