Retirement Fund for Religious

“As a retired sister, I’ve seen firsthand how many of our communities struggle to meet even basic living expenses. The support we receive from the Retirement Fund for Religious—and from the donors who give so generously—helps us live with dignity and peace of mind. Your kindness fills a need that we could never meet on our own. Thank you,” shares Sister Maria Ciglioni, an 86-year-old member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinian) community in Melrose Park, Illinois.

Born in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to a family of nine brothers and sisters, Sister Maria grew up in a large family deeply committed to their Catholic faith. Guided by her parents’ devout example, which included attending Mass and participating in catechism classes every Sunday, and praying the Rosary nightly, Sister Maria’s faith was nurtured from childhood.

Her spiritual journey was also influenced by her older brother, a seminarian whose visits home sparked her interest in religious life. Equally impactful was the encouragement from Scalabrinian priests and sisters who served in her parish and school, guiding her toward her vocation.

In February 1954, at a very young age, Sister Maria formally began her religious journey with the Scalabrinian Sisters. After two formative years in her local convent, she continued her education in another city, solidifying her lifelong commitment to faith, education, and service.

Following her studies, Sister Maria dedicated herself to education for more than 40 years. She taught kindergarten for five years, served as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine coordinator for two decades, and profoundly impacted numerous lives through her compassionate teaching and spiritual guidance.

Yet, it was her 22 years as a nursing home chaplain that Sister Maria cherishes most deeply. In this role, she became both caregiver and spiritual companion, bringing daily communion, facilitating attendance at the Rosary and Mass, and supporting priests as they administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. She accompanied residents and their families during their life’s final chapters, arranging funerals, comforting grieving loved ones, and prayerfully entrusting souls to the Lord.

Today, in retirement, Sister Maria continues to exemplify the Scalabrinian spirit of prayerful compassion and service. She remains active within her religious community, dedicating herself to prayer, spiritual reflection, and lovingly crafting scarves and hats for those in need.

Guided always by the comforting words of Psalm 23, Sister Maria advises all to “keep your mind occupied, spiritually and manually, be a prayerful person, and stay close to the Lord.”