Sister Alys (Gerontia) Currier is 100-years-old.
Sister Alys’ birthday was Aug. 10. She got a visit from Monroe Mayor Robert Clark and was honored at an IHM-hosted dessert reception. She received a papal blessing from Pope Leo and a video greeting from a classroom of preschoolers in Howick, South Africa.
See a two-minute video of her birthday highlights from Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary here.
Born and raised in Battle Creek, Sister Alys was one of nine children. Her sister, Ann (Agnes Cecile) Currier, also was an IHM sister. She died Feb. 13, 2020. Two of their brothers went to the seminary.
Sister Alys attended St. Philip School, where she first met IHM Sisters.
“She remembers being drawn to them, not only because of their teaching, but because of their joyful presence,” said Calley Duffey, director of communications for the IHM.
“It’s about faith,” Sister Alys says. “But not a passive kind. St. James said, ‘Faith without works is dead.’ Faith is something that has to grow in you, something you question. Something you challenge yourself with. Sometimes you make a mess of it. The only way to get through the mess is to be humble. You’re not God.”
At age 20, without any formal education taining, Sister Alys was asked to teach first grade at St. John School in Monroe.
“I got through it by speaking softly,” Sister Alys said. “They kept quiet just to hear what I was saying.”
She went on to teach for decades, at schools such as Holy Redeemer in Detroit, Holy Name in Birmingham, Sacred Heart in Auburn Heights and schools in Highland Park.
Then, she became a director of religious education for an adult program.
“We grew together,” Sister Alys said. “Ninety percent became good friends. It was one of the most productive times in my life.”
For the next 21 years, she was pastoral associate at St. Anne in Sterling Heights. There, she helped start Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programs, visited the sick, worked with the homeless and supported parents of LGBTQ children.
“Pastoral ministry was my favorite. Every day was something new. I never felt like I was ‘in charge.’ I believed the best way to lead was from behind. Let people own their work. I was there to be with them, not to direct them,” she explained.
Sister Alys’ favorite hobby continues to be learning new things. She still takes daily walks. Her other hobbies over the years included reading, needlepoint and Japanese painting. With her sister, Sister Ann, she planted thousands of flowers on the IHM grounds for many years.
“My life has been blessed. My family, the IHM community and my ministries were my mentors. Through them, I experienced God’s presence and love. I’m deeply grateful to each person who has graced my life,” Sister Alys said.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: ‘My life has been blessed’: Sister Alys Currier celebrates 100th birthday
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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