Sr. Lynn Chappell, SP, first contributed to the Chronicles in 1966. She has been involved with them, in one way or another, ever since.
Today, Sr. Lynn is training St. Joseph Residence (SJR) staff member Kate Flanagan to take over that ministry for SJR.
“The purpose of Chronicles is to create a historical record of the Sisters of Providence,” explains Sr. Lynn. “St. Joseph Residence – where I have has been preparing the data for Chronicles of late – is a very busy house.
“I enjoy compiling the data,” she says. “It’s something I have a talent for and it helps me feel useful.”
The term “chronicle” refers to a written account of the past year. Schools and hospitals run by the Sisters were required to produce three copies: one for the general administration at the motherhouse in Montreal; one for their provincial administration; and one copy to keep onsite. When Chronicles were handwritten (until about 1952), this was quite a chore, according to an article in the Winter 2021-22 edition of Past Forward, the Providence Archives’ newsletter.
In addition to Chronicles work, Sr. Lynn also helps keep track of documents pertaining to end-of-life medical care, wills, power of attorney and other documentation needed when one of the Sisters passes away. She is training Kate in that ministry as well.
The work requires precision and constant updating. Some health care professionals, for example, may question end-of-life instructions if the authorization is many years old. Sr. Lynn, who has served as provincial secretary in the past, not only ensures that this vital information is kept up-to-date but also helps to ensure that the wishes of the Sisters are honored.