ZHAKANAKA: The Word -
A little girl named Alex is troubled and discouraged by the cruel treatment of
her peers. An insightful teacher, Mr. Jesse (Jesus), comes to her aid, sharing
knowledge, history and a higher perspective that strengthens her to continue
confidently on her way. He leaves her with a single word of encouragement:
"Zhakanaka". Book Review | Preview All Authors
Living in the suburban community where the Oblate Sisters of
Providence (OSP) have been present since the 1930s, Mrs. Sharon
Knecht was aware that an order of women religious of African descent
actually existed, but that was all she knew about them. She would
see them from time to time in the local shops or in the post office
and wondered about them. In 2002 God's Providence gave her the life
changing opportunity to become part of the Oblate Sisters of
Providence extended family. As part of the fulfillment requirements
for her Masters of Historical Studies at the University of Maryland
Baltimore County she was required to complete two internships. On
the list of possibilities was the Oblate Sisters of Providence
Archives. Without hesitation she called the OSP archivist at the
time, Sr. Reginald Gerdes, OSP to see if she could intern in the
archives. She was accepted as an intern and has worked with the
sisters since that time. Currently she is the Oblate Sisters of
Providence archivist.
Prior to returning to college Mrs.
Knecht was a business owner. She and her husband Mickey live in
Catonsville, Maryland. They have two children and one grandchild.
Ms. Knecht is a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in
Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Historical Society, the Archivists
for Congregations of Women Religious, and several local community
service organizations.
Oblate Sisters of Providence A Pictorial History By Sharon C. Knecht
8.5" x 11", hard cover and soft cover
available, limited edition, 144 pages and over 250 historic
photographs
For more information,
please contact the author:
Sharon Knecht, OSP Archivist
701 Gun Road
Baltimore, MD 21227
(410) 242-1603
184 Business Park Drive, Suite 206
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Phone: 757-497-1789 Toll Free: 800-296-8572
Fax: 757-497-2542
E-Mail:
Website: www.donning.com
ZHAKANAKA: The Word
Living in the suburban community where the Oblate Sisters of
Providence (OSP) have been present since the 1930s, Mrs. Sharon
Knecht was aware that an order of women religious of African descent
actually existed, but that was all she knew about them. She would
see them from time to time in the local shops or in the post office
and wondered about them. In 2002 God's Providence gave her the life
changing opportunity to become part of the Oblate Sisters of
Providence extended family. As part of the fulfillment requirements
for her Masters of Historical Studies at the University of Maryland
Baltimore County she was required to complete two internships. On
the list of possibilities was the Oblate Sisters of Providence
Archives. Without hesitation she called the OSP archivist at the
time, Sr. Reginald Gerdes, OSP to see if she could intern in the
archives. She was accepted as an intern and has worked with the
sisters since that time. Currently she is the Oblate Sisters of
Providence archivist.
