Sister Mary Gianini, OP, also known as Sister Mary Mystica, a native of Cleveland, Miss., celebrated 60 years as a Dominican Sister on April 28 with her family. She will have a second private celebration with her fellow Sisters of the Springfield Province in August. Sister Gianini professed her vows August 5, 1955, in the Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Ill.
She holds a B.A. in education/English from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa.
Sister Gianini taught kindergarten, first and second grades in Catholic parish elementary schools in the Springfield, Peoria, San Diego dioceses and the Chicago Archdiocese. After retiring from teaching, Sister Mary Gianini assisted with retreat ministries at the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL Benincasa Ministries in Illinois.
Being from Mississippi, she is especially known for her “southern hospitality,” her generous spirit and her willingness to help wherever needed.
Currently, Sister Gianini takes very seriously her “prayer ministry” for the needs of individuals requesting prayers and the needs of all people. She lives at the Sacred Heart convent in Springfield.