Most of us can look to childhood memories that have
influenced our lives in one way or another and Sr. Rose Immaculate Waller is
no exception. She remembers, for example, that September morning in 1926 when,
accompanied by her mother, she arrived at Nativity
BVM School Philadelphia ;
Washington , DC Allentown diocese.
Another childhood memory continues to impact Sr. Rose even in
her retirement years. When she was 10 years old, her Uncle George, a
professional photographer, gave her a camera. “When the first set of prints
were developed, they were one inch in size,” she laughed, “But until I entered,
he increased my interest in taking pictures and provided new cameras.”
In the early 1990s, Sr. Rose’s interest in photography was
rekindled. She is particularly drawn to nature scenes—flowers, birds, animals,
mountains, rivers—anything that reminds her of God’s goodness and God’s beauty.
A quick visit to the second floor at Our Lady of Angels Convent provides visitors with just a small
glimpse of Sr. Rose’s photographic gems—enlarged and beautifully framed, many of
them sporting award ribbons. Each year she displays her work at the Penn
State Brandywine
campus) Art Show. For the past 10 years, Sr. Rose has received a first prize ribbon
at the Woodcarver Show segment of the event.
Our Lady of Angels Convent is not the only place where Sr. Rose’s photos are on display. Visitors can enjoy framed copies at Neumann
University Riddle
Memorial Hospital Medford ,
New Jersey
So why photography? Why spend time having the photos
enlarged and framed? Why bother to make gifts for others from her prints. Is it
an enjoyable hobby, a way for this 91-year old woman to occupy her time? Sr.
Rose will tell you it’s much more than that. “I consider my photography a
ministry of capturing God’s creation so people can see and praise God by
looking at his magnificent world,” she explained. She has also written a
beautiful and poetic paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm which she calls “A
Photographer’s 23rd Psalm” and which embodies her idea of her
photography as a ministry and an act of praise. In fact, Sr. Rose finds that her
photography provides enrichment for her as well as for those who view and enjoy
it. “My photography enriches me in many ways,” she said, “especially the gift
that God has given me to share His beautiful world with others.”
This is Sr. Rose's version of the 23rd Psalm.
This is Sr. Rose's version of the 23rd Psalm.
A Photographer’s 23rd Psalm
God is my divine
photographer: I shall never want for all the wonders of His beautiful world.
He guides me to open
wide my camera lens for breathtaking scenes of snow-capped mountains, rolling
green hills, and tall trees.
Foaming ocean waves,
rivers, cool streams, and clear brooks are where He leads me for quiet
reflection.
With a macro-zoom
lens flowers, animals, birds, and other creatures come alive for praise.
All these beauties of
creation God has given with love to share everywhere.
God, your world is
never out of focus nor do you use the wrong lens.
Gift me with photo
techniques while capturing the fleeting moment.
Hear my plea, dear
God;
May my pictures hang
in the house of the Lord forever.
Rose Immaculate Waller, OSF
3 comments:
This is Beautiful - the entire story - and, I'm still re-reading her translation of the 23rd Psalm . .
Thank you Very Much - Thank you For sharing your world, i always feel as if i have family when i visit.
I'm so happy to know you are now easily able to connect - I'd made a mistake in my "code" - thanks to you - it is now repaired.
Love & Love,
-g-
Very nice story about her and I love she likes to take photos.
I loved this post Sr Ann Marie. Your Sr Rose is Gods own eyes looking out on creation and being thankful. Her joy hasn't been kept to herself, but shared to inspire others. That a lovely lady. God smiles on her I am sure.
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