Celebrating Wanda Russell’s Life and Ministry

(Left to right: Wanda Russell ARCWP, Diane Dougherty ARCWP and Miriam Picconi ARCWP celebrating liturgy with a Catholic Community in Florida at Castle Otttis. 

Wanda was ordained a deacon on April 4, 2011 and a priest on April 15, 2012 .

Wanda Russell with story of “Flat Jesus at the Beach”

 https://youtube.com/shorts/l6mFNcNzhU4?si=Bx_Bk0qfbAgMtxuQ

https://youtu.be/rXakEhDq6Z8?si=n1Cj9IeaDuT75r9a

Diane Dougherty writes:

Wanda gave me a Religious Education Lesson at Flagler Beach in 2018 (encouraged by Miriam) with Flat Jesus that she carried in her purse.
Now I share it with you because it took away that deep sadness I feel at her loss. She made me smile and remember her life has just changed...she is still speaking...smiling...revealing secrets...laughing and loving us-She would want us to remember her as pure joy incarnate as she carried the Jesus she loved and wore her call daily on earth and in heaven!


And here we are at the castle-the joy of us sharing our priesthood....

Elaine Phaff ARCWP writes:

From the moment of my first meeting with Wanda in Fort Meyers in July 0f 2022 I knew her to be a dedicated and passionate companion on the Way of Jesus with us in ARCWP. It was our annual retreat. She and Miriam arrived after an unfortunate car accident that could have derailed anyone else! Not Wanda. She and Miriam were responsible to help lead a prayer experience, and they did so with utmost grace.


In the ensuing 3 years, I've enjoyed several prayer sessions with Wanda through our Circle of Prayer and Healing, which meets on the First Friday of each month at noon Eastern time.


Again, she facilitated prayer with Miriam ~ much to the benefit of all of us.


I have no doubt that our dear Wanda is beaming from the heavens, even as she shed light here with us. Her life and love live on. Such a big soul! Thank you Dear Wanda. We will always remember you!

Shelley Gilchrist writes:

Dear Friends,
As many of you know, Wanda and Miriam were very instrumental in my journey to priesthood. Their love, Wanda's love, was always so non-judgemental and unconditional. I could share any frustration, anxiety and depressive thoughts and Wanda would listen, give advice and assure me that" all shall we well." I was also very impressed by the active love she had for her mother and family. She was unselfish and of course, very fun. She was mighty in her way and had an absolutely unfailing love of and for the Divine.Feels like a wee part of me is gone, but I know her spirit is near. She would see to that.
For the dearest soul in this world, Miriam, I grieve deeply. Wanda was a beautiful force and I will miss that, I do that enormously.
Love
Shelley