ONE ON ONE | Sister Carolyn Capuano 'A real privilege' to help others on spiritual quest

Do you have a favorite retreat spot?
There are a lot of those. Closer to home I like Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, which is outside of Detroit.
Why do you like to go there?
It's not too far away, but it's far enough away that it has some distance from work and it's quiet and I don't have to worry about work. I could never retreat here because I would be aware of everything that has to be done. It has quiet and wonderful places to walk. It's very well maintained.
What do you enjoy about your work?
I enjoy all of the wonderful people that I have the opportunity to meet and also in giving some of the retreats. Being spiritual director, it is such a gift to be able to be present as they share their journey of life, their journey of God. That's a real privilege.
Is there anyone who has really influenced your life?
Many people have influenced me. I don't know if I could narrow it down to just one person. Truly, my parents both influenced me, quite a bit. I think they gave me a real appreciation of the diversity that's in our country. They both went to public schools, so they imparted to us a strong sense of citizenship. And we lived in a very diverse neighborhood and played with children of all different national backgrounds and all different religious backgrounds. Really, I think it was broadening, and we all came to appreciate the differences and learn from each other.
Do you have any heroes?
I guess I don't really think in terms of heroes and heroines. But I would say there are some historical people, because of reading their writings, who really had a great influence. One would be St. Ignatius Loyola because of all that he shared by way of his writings and reflections on spirituality and that's the primary way in which my theological studies were directed. I greatly admire what he gave to all of us with his insights into the spiritual life. If I went back further in history I would have to say the women of the Gospels were really heroes to me -- the more I find out about the early church and the role that women played in the earliest days of the church.
What do you like to read?
I read a lot of theology and a lot of spirituality, and while that contributes to my ministry, it also is important to me as a person. I like to read mysteries for light, escape kind of reading and the historical novel or history that is very personal like something that is based on the writings of someone.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I don't go to the movies. Rarely, once in a while, I will get out to a film.
Do you have a favorite food?
I would have to say my mother's Italian food and [her] wedding soup.
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
I'm always trying to interest people in restaurants in western Pennsylvania because most of our sisters are Ohioans and so when they are in this area they tend to go back to Ohio. I tend to remind them there is life across the state line. I like in the Hermitage area Combine Bros. and I like Rachel's Roadhouse on Route 19. And I love Medure's in New Castle.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like to walk in Buhl Park in Sharon. It's a lovely city park. I enjoy walking there because it's beautiful and also because there is a friendly, neighborly spirit. You can't walk that loop without receiving and giving friendly greetings to others.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to do needlepoint. I'm not real good at it, but when I have time I enjoy doing it. Reading would be a hobby. I used to play the organ, but I'm so rusty I haven't touched that in quite a few years.
What type of music to you enjoy?
I like New Age music. It's kind of reflective, melodic music. Some of it is based on the classics.
Any favorite performers?
I like Enya and a group called White Stones. I like George Winston.
You sound like a feminist. Are you?
I think I am a feminist in the sense that feminism is -- you talk about feminist spirituality and it's a liberation type of spirituality or stance. I had a rather well-known feminist Scripture scholar who taught in my theology studies, Elizabeth Schussler-Fiorenza, and she used to say that the feminist stance is that until every woman is free and respected, no one is really free or respected.