Sister Clementina Givens marks 75 years in religious life

By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic

Photography: MARLENE QUARONI | FC

MIAMI BEACH | Back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sister Clementina Givens taught Katrenia Reeves-Jackman at Holy Redeemer School in Liberty City.

“What fond memories we have of her,” said Reeves-Jackman, director of the archdiocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry. “She taught us a lot about being black and Catholic. We know that we matter. She told us we could be and do anything we wanted. She’s a star.”

Reeves-Jackman was one of many who gathered Sept. 12 for a special Mass at St. Patrick Church in honor of Sister Clementina’s 75th anniversary as a religious.

Sister Clementina, 94, has been the director of religious education at the Miami Beach church and school for 19 years. Parents of children preparing for first Communion like her because she stresses that first Communion is not about a pretty white dress or having a party, said Fiorella Blaiki, whose daughter, Isabella, was one of Sister Clementina’s students.

“Sister Clementina stressed that preparation for first Communion was about what’s inside, not outside, your love of God,” said Blaikie.

Jackman-Reeves said that the Office of Black Catholics would like to continue Sister Clementina’s mission by helping young black Catholics attend Catholic schools.

“We are so proud to tell you that we are establishing an endowment fund in your name, Sister,” said Jackman-Reeves. “We can make sure that our young black Catholics can get into a good Catholic school and get the education they need.”

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, who was unable to attend, sent a proclamation to Sister Clementina naming Sept. 12, 2015 as Sister Clementina Givens Day in the Archdiocese of Miami.

“Your community has given great service to the Church, the country and the archdiocese,” he said. “Your life for 75 years has modeled for all of us the demands of discipleship.”

The Oblate Sisters of Providence were the first congregation founded for and by women of color, in 1829 in Baltimore. Sister Clementina entered the Oblate Sisters Sept. 8, 1940. In a written message, Sister Mary Alexis Fisher, superior general of the congregation, commended and congratulated Sister Clementina.

“You are absolutely remarkable,” Sister Alexis wrote. “You are certainly an example to all of us. Your commitment, your dedication and the fact that you continue to serve and inspire those at St. Patrick Church and School is truly a blessing and a privilege.”

In August, 17 members of the black Catholic ministry traveled with Sister Clementina to the congregation’s motherhouse in Baltimore for a jubilee Mass where Sister Alexis was present.

“It’s a custom for the Oblate congregation to anticipate the diamond jubilee,” said Sister Alexis in her message, “a celebration when a sister reaches 65 years from her entrance into religious life. Furthermore, when a sister completes 75 years as a servant of God, then the real diamond jubilee is celebrated!”

Father David Russell, a retired archdiocesan priest who helps out at St. Patrick, said that Sister Clementina’s life has been full of challenges as a black woman during a time of racial discrimination.

“There was a time when Sister Clementina had to ride in back of the bus,” he said. “Through all that, Sister was rock solid. When I think of Sister I think of her smile. It comes from her soul where Jesus Christ dwells. Amen!”

A photo of Sister Clementina greeted well-wishers as they entered the church for the diamond jubilee Mass and signed a guest book for her. About 200 names filled the book.

In April 2012, Sister Clementina had a moment of fame when paparazzi photographed actor Mark Wahlberg, a devout Catholic, helping Sister Clementina cross the street with her walker near the church. He was on his way to Sunday Mass at St. Patrick.