Identity

By Trudy Cusella

“Lord Have Mercy,” Sister Gabriel said.  “Nicolena Magdalena. Who named you, child?”

“My dad named me, Sister”

“What was the man thinking? Nicolena is not the name of a saint, and Magdalena…”

Sister blessed herself with the silver crucifix hanging from the black belt circling her waist, and considered Mary Magdalene’s legion of sins.

“Stand in the corner until I call you, young lady.”

“Mary Anna,” Sister called out a few minutes later.  She motioned to Nicolena.

Nicolena walked to the front of the classroom.

“Mary and Anna—Jesus’ mother and grandmother—that solves the problem. Take your seat, Mary Anna,”