In 1966, I entered our Society, and shortly afterwards we were expecting a visit from Anna Dengel. It was my first personal encounter with our Foundress. I was very excited. How does one meet a woman like her? 

Everyone was standing on the large stone staircase of the mission house when the car drew up. My nervousness disappeared. I have never forgotten Mother Dengel’s radiant eyes. In that moment, I felt the fire that had accompanied her throughout her life. 

The following statement comes from her: 

“We should be women of trust, who work humbly and quietly behind the scenes, yet who are not afraid to accept responsibility in public life, in order to carry the leaven of truth and love of neighbour into the world.”

These were values that she herself lived by. I had many more personal encounters with Mother Dengel, and she often spoke of her love for the Church. Today, I often think of her witness when I painfully experience companions on the journey leaving the fellowship of the Church.
 
Living out the message of Jesus, Anna Dengel left us with these words:
 

“Be optimistic, whatever comes. We need not be afraid; we are in God’s hands.”

Sr Michaela Bank MMS