March 3, 2023

Salesian Sisters of Tampa

Villa Madonna School | Salesian Youth Center | Alumni Association

March 2023

Alumni News Brief

Salesian Sister Corner

Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, FMA was born in New York City, the eldest of six children (three boys and three girls) born to Louis and Albina. She loved taking care of her family by helping with her siblings and cooking. Sr. Margaret Rose's parents worked long hours in their basement sewing and designing gowns for the bride and complete bridal party.

As early as third grade, she felt she called to be a Sister. Her mother needed her to help with the family so Sr. Margaret Rose put her desire aside and began volunteering at a nursing home and teaching religious education in Manhattan. As a sophomore, her life changed when she became a junior counselor at Camp Auxilium for the Salesian Sisters in Newton, NJ.

"I had Sisters in grammar school, five different orders in high school, and worked with Sisters in the nursing home, but none were like these Sisters. Their joy and family spirit, their love and dedication to the young people, their love for Jesus and Mary were awe-inspiring and I knew where I had to be: I wanted to be like them, " said Sr. Margaret Rose.

On August 5, 1974, she made her first vows as a Salesian Sister. While teaching at St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ, in 1988, Sr. Margaret Rose was in an accident that completely paralyzed her. Through the prayers of her Sisters and the children, with the grace of God, eight months later she was able to return to the classroom.

Sr. Margaret Rose in the atrium of the Good Shepherd with Villa Madonna third-graders.

The Buonaiuto family - Seated: Sr. Margaret Rose's parents: Albina and Louis. Standing L-R: Edward, Louis, Rosalinda, Sr. Margaret Rose, Joanne and Gerard.

Sr. Margaret Rose has served 15 years as a Director of Religious education and over 50 years teaching in Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In Florida, she taught children at Christ the King School (1992-94), St. Joseph School (2002-06), and Villa Madonna School (1993-2002).

This school year, Sr. Margaret Rose returned to Villa Madonna to do what she loves - teach the children. She prepares second graders to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. She teaches Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based program, for three-year-olds to third graders, gives retreats to first to seventh-graders, and gives students the opportunity to visit Jesus daily in the chapel and for Adoration.

On August 2024, Sr. Margaret Rose will celebrate 50 years of Salesian life. You can reach her on Facebook or via email.

Here is one of her favorite quotes:

"I can do all things in Christ that strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Lightning Round with Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto

Birthday	February 17
Favorite color	Yellow & Green
Schools you've worked at	Academy of St. James of the Marches (NJ), Christ the King School (FL), Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School (NY), Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (PA), St. Ann Catholic School (LA), St. Anthony Elementary School (NJ), St. Gerald Elementary School (NJ), St. Joseph School (FL), St. Theresa School (NJ) and Villa Madonna School (FL)
Siblings	3 brothers and 2 sisters
Nieces and nephews	7 nieces and 2 nephews; 3 great-nieces and 3 great-nephews
Favorite food	Fruit and nuts
Cats or dogs	Both

ADOPT A SISTER LUNCHEON

Over 200 friends and adopters attended the Adopt a Sister Luncheon on Friday, February 24. It was hard to stop the fun to take pictures, but we managed a few.

Above standing: Sr. Amy Nguyen, Sr. Suzanne Duawalter, Sr. Mary Rinaldi, and Sr. Colleen Clair.

Above seated: Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin, Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, Sr. Janet Keller, and Sr. Florine Lagace.

Below: alumni from various decades and schools including Tampa's Christ the King, St. Joseph, and Villa Madonna.

PHOTO CREDIT: Vidaroza Photography

You can adopt a Salesian Sister by clicking here.

EXCITING PAVILION NEWS!

On Friday, February 24th - the same day as the Adopt a Sister Luncheon, our new beautiful statute of Mary was installed in front of the pavilion.

Then something exciting happened! We received a

$100,000 Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Challenge

You can double your gift with this generous Matching Challenge. If you have been waiting for the right time to help or can help again, please do so today.

Click this link to donate or contact Theresa Anderson via phone at (813) 205-3195 or by email.

CALLING ALUMNI

Please help us by updating your contact information with this secure short form, and sharing with your classmates.

https://rb.gy/ryowru

ST. JOHN BOSCO

In 150 years, the Salesian Family has over 115 Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God.

Click here to learn about our Blessed (Beatified).