Sylvia Ann Gattas, OPA

Born into life on April 25, 1946

Became an Associate on September 2, 2002

Born into eternal life on April 17, 2009

Sylvia became a Dominican Associate on September 2, 2002 in Memphis.  During these past seven years as an associate, Sylvia has truly loved her Dominican family.  Despite many and chronic health problems, she was a faithful member of our local chapter group, the Jonquil Bunch, and attended most of our area’s gatherings.  As she pledged in her initial covenant, Sylvia did share with us her prayer life, her service to St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Birthright, and her offering of the suffering she endured through her illnesses.

Sylvia first came to know the Dominicans when she attended St. Agnes as a freshmen and sophomore where she was a classmate of Sr. Joye Gros.  While attending Siena College, she was inspired by Sr. Adrian Marie to become a science teacher.  She taught at Bishop Byrne High School for twenty-five years.  Becoming an associate answered a deep need within Sylvia to be a part of the Dominican community of sisters and associates that helped her to grow in her own faith. She wanted to deepen her spiritual life, and she felt that Dominicans knew how to do this very well.

Just a few weeks prior to her death, Sylvia had finalized her plans to be buried in the cemetery at St. Catharine’s.  When she visited Sr. Joye during the Easter Season a few years ago, she truly loved the “holy ground” of Kentucky.  At her wake, among the family pictures of Sylvia, there was also a framed photograph of St. Catharine’s and Sylvia’s Associate Covenant.

In her letter requesting to become an associate, Sylvia wrote that she had found the Dominicans to be “devout, faith-filled, intelligent, life-loving and inspiring.”  We could certainly say the same for Sylvia.  Her faith, devotion, and love of life inspired us to be a bit more prayerful, compassionate, and trusting.  I’m sure that Sylvia will spend eternity as she did on earth, in prayer for her sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends as well as her Dominican family.  Sylvia’s faith blesses us all.

“What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9

 Submitted by Betty Pate, OPA

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