Sister Mary Magdalen of the Cross, O.C.D., (née Frances Regina Vannicola) a cherished and blessed cloistered Nun of the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Flemington, died Monday, Oct. 14 at the Hunterdon Medical Center after a brief illness. She entered eternal life joyfully and peacefully on the vigil of their Holy Mother St. Teresa of Avila’s feast day.
Born September 7, 1943, in Lebanon County Pa, Sister Mary Magdalen was the daughter of the late Philip and Mary Magdalene (Scanlin) Vannicola. She is survived by her two sisters, Mary Ann and Theresa, and her brother, Anthony.
Sister entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill in 1961. After making her profession of vows, she taught first grade until 1976, when she felt Our Lord’s call to become a discalced Carmelite nun. She entered the Monastery in Flemington, New Jersey, and celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 2001. During her more than 48 years in Carmel, she held many offices in the community, including the vestry, habit room, provisor in the kitchen, sacristy, and answering the “turn” (when visitors come to speak to the nuns). She was always ready to lend a helping hand and show warmth and compassion to others. Even the doctors and nurses were astounded by her warmth and joy in her last days at the hospital. Sister will be greatly missed and continues to be loved both inside and outside the cloister.
Sister Mary Magdalen was also one of the three Carmelite Sisters whose photo graced the Nov. 16, 2023, cover of The Catholic Spirit on the occasion of Mass, opening the year of celebration for the 75th anniversary of the Carmelite founding in Flemington.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Magdalen was celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery, Flemington. Interment followed in the Carmelite Monastery Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Flemington, 26 Harmony School Road, Flemington N.J. 08822, with checks made out to the “Carmelite Monastery,” or made online through www.flemingtoncarmel.org or through the obituary https://www.holcombefisher.com/obituaries/mary-vannicola.