A quote today from Frances Warde, our American foundress:
My God, I will look to you confidently for grace.
The news today: fog a cause for deaths of two truck drivers, death of Sister, delays at airports due to fog, deadlines loom for... "My God,I look confidently to you for grace." I look to you for the strength to live this day as you would want me to live it. I look to you in my time of need to guide me in the right words to say and the right actions to take.
As I reflect on the life of Frances Warde, She had need to pray this simple prayer often. She was a woman who did much, going where no religious had gone before. She was bold: she was a woman of foresight. In her day she established around 100 foundations ans missions. what a woman- a pioneer woman, a woman builder. I'm sure it was not easy at times to know if what she were doing was what God wanted. Yet she looked to God with confidence.
We, too can have that confidence if we but place our day, in God's hands. What do you need today to place in God's hands?
Today we celebrate the foundation of the Sisters of Mercy to Pittsburgh from Carlow, Ireland, the first foundation in the United States in 1843!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Cause for Wonder
A quote from Catherine:
Preserve union and peace. Do this and your happiness will be so
great as to cause you to wonder.
I was reflecting the other day about how gentle our Sister Cecelia is. She is a great example of a gentlewoman. Her simplicity and truly serene demeanor are inspiring. Her health is good, but her mind is not. She remembers but for a moment, yet she is always gracious and pleasant. She is an embodiment of happiness and wonder.
As I recall her in earlier years, she always was gracious. I don't know how she was in her ministry, but I am assuming she was much the same. I'm sure the high school students took advantage of her, but somehow she came across as a gracious woman.
I was also reflecting about the women in my house. There are 4 of us, all different temperaments and ministries. All of us work with people in a daily and somewhat close relationship. One is in health care, one works in alternative health, I as a vocation minister and the fourth with those with disabilities.
When we sit down to discuss matters that need to be taken care of, whether scheduling events, working out details for some project or to listening to the needs of one of us, we do it out of union and peace. That does not mean we don't have differences of opinion, we do. But somehow we work out the way that works best for the moment.
When Catherine was speaking, she was giving a vital piece of wisdom. Union and peace. Let no strife come between you. If there is peace in the house-real peace, then there is also peace in the hearts of those who live there. It brings about such happiness that others will notice.
Now I'm not saying we are a perfect community. We have so much yet to learn. But we do have some strong gifts and blessings that help us to be about life we lead. Some of us create prayer well, some of us create food well. Some of us are great at the yard work and others at the housework. Some of us connect with what's going on better than others. Some of us have a lot of energy and some of us don't. If we use the strengths we have and acknowledge them aloud, we can build an even better community.
I challenge each of you this Advent and Christmas season, to take time to share with a few others what you see as their gifts. Strengthen your bonds by expressing what you already have and grow from there. Then you, too, will have so much happiness that it will cause you to wonder.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Preserve union and peace. Do this and your happiness will be so
great as to cause you to wonder.
I was reflecting the other day about how gentle our Sister Cecelia is. She is a great example of a gentlewoman. Her simplicity and truly serene demeanor are inspiring. Her health is good, but her mind is not. She remembers but for a moment, yet she is always gracious and pleasant. She is an embodiment of happiness and wonder.
As I recall her in earlier years, she always was gracious. I don't know how she was in her ministry, but I am assuming she was much the same. I'm sure the high school students took advantage of her, but somehow she came across as a gracious woman.
I was also reflecting about the women in my house. There are 4 of us, all different temperaments and ministries. All of us work with people in a daily and somewhat close relationship. One is in health care, one works in alternative health, I as a vocation minister and the fourth with those with disabilities.
When we sit down to discuss matters that need to be taken care of, whether scheduling events, working out details for some project or to listening to the needs of one of us, we do it out of union and peace. That does not mean we don't have differences of opinion, we do. But somehow we work out the way that works best for the moment.
When Catherine was speaking, she was giving a vital piece of wisdom. Union and peace. Let no strife come between you. If there is peace in the house-real peace, then there is also peace in the hearts of those who live there. It brings about such happiness that others will notice.
Now I'm not saying we are a perfect community. We have so much yet to learn. But we do have some strong gifts and blessings that help us to be about life we lead. Some of us create prayer well, some of us create food well. Some of us are great at the yard work and others at the housework. Some of us connect with what's going on better than others. Some of us have a lot of energy and some of us don't. If we use the strengths we have and acknowledge them aloud, we can build an even better community.
I challenge each of you this Advent and Christmas season, to take time to share with a few others what you see as their gifts. Strengthen your bonds by expressing what you already have and grow from there. Then you, too, will have so much happiness that it will cause you to wonder.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, December 13, 2007
After Darkness and Winter
Today's quote comes from Sr.M. Concillia Moran:
It is my hope and prayer that after the period of darkness
and winter has accomplished its purpose,
we shall see the bright promise of another spring...
It's day two after an ice storm that blanketed much of the Midwest. The sun is out and the ice coating the trees sparkle as diamonds. Each breeze brings more radiant bursts as well as showers of ice to the ground below. It is as if the trees were tinselled for the coming Christmas Day!
As lovely as it looks outside, it will soon be dark and the night will fall, as will the temperatures! It can be a cold night for travelers and animals as winter begins to tighten up its hold on the world in which I live.
This quote for Sr. Concillia though, is filled with hope. The winter does have its purpose as do all seasons. Each has it brightness and each it's darkness. I guess it depends on your attitude. What do you see? The cold and dark of winter or the radiant skies of a clear cold day? The greening of spring or the March winds and the sodden rains? The hot, humid summer or the wonderful growing sunshine? The dying of plants or the brilliant hues of fall?
As we continue during this Advent time of waiting, of darker days and longer nights, what is being stirred in you waiting for the promise of spring?
www.sistersofmercy.org
It is my hope and prayer that after the period of darkness
and winter has accomplished its purpose,
we shall see the bright promise of another spring...
It's day two after an ice storm that blanketed much of the Midwest. The sun is out and the ice coating the trees sparkle as diamonds. Each breeze brings more radiant bursts as well as showers of ice to the ground below. It is as if the trees were tinselled for the coming Christmas Day!
As lovely as it looks outside, it will soon be dark and the night will fall, as will the temperatures! It can be a cold night for travelers and animals as winter begins to tighten up its hold on the world in which I live.
This quote for Sr. Concillia though, is filled with hope. The winter does have its purpose as do all seasons. Each has it brightness and each it's darkness. I guess it depends on your attitude. What do you see? The cold and dark of winter or the radiant skies of a clear cold day? The greening of spring or the March winds and the sodden rains? The hot, humid summer or the wonderful growing sunshine? The dying of plants or the brilliant hues of fall?
As we continue during this Advent time of waiting, of darker days and longer nights, what is being stirred in you waiting for the promise of spring?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Foundation Day
Today is Foundation Day, the day the Sisters of Mercy remember our beginnings. This quote from Catherine is so appropriate for this day:
My God I am yours for time and eternity.
We know this line as the first line of Catherine's Suscipe, a prayer of commitment and giving of oneself to God totally.
Today all over the world this prayer will be said and sung. It is in the hearts of all Sisters of Mercy and hopefully in your heart, too. "My God, I am yours for time and eternity..."
May this day be a day you commit yourself to God, totally.
It is also the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Millions of men women and children honor Mary as the patron of the poor and oppressed. So fitting these two feast are today since they fit together so well. Catherine's love for the poor and Mary's appearance to the poor native, Juan Diego in Mexico bridging the continents.
Today may you give yourself entirely to the Lord and serve God through an action to alleviate the needs of the poor in some way.
www.sistersofmercy.org
My God I am yours for time and eternity.
We know this line as the first line of Catherine's Suscipe, a prayer of commitment and giving of oneself to God totally.
Today all over the world this prayer will be said and sung. It is in the hearts of all Sisters of Mercy and hopefully in your heart, too. "My God, I am yours for time and eternity..."
May this day be a day you commit yourself to God, totally.
It is also the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Millions of men women and children honor Mary as the patron of the poor and oppressed. So fitting these two feast are today since they fit together so well. Catherine's love for the poor and Mary's appearance to the poor native, Juan Diego in Mexico bridging the continents.
Today may you give yourself entirely to the Lord and serve God through an action to alleviate the needs of the poor in some way.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Poor and Little Children
A quote from Sr. M. Clare Moore-a contemporary of Catherine's
Catherine "loved and sought to do good to all,
but the poor and the little children were her favorites."
The holiday season is said to be for children. The wonders of Christmas,the gifts, the stories,the people, the celebrations, are a wonder and amazement for them. Unfortunately there will be children who will not have that experience this year. The extra kindness to the children, a hallmark of Catherine should be ours this season.
Catherine took care of several children, adopting them and raising them even as she was building the house of Mercy and late as a Sister. She had a great fondness for children and a concern, especially for the poor children. She opened schools for them. She learned the latest techniques for teaching large groups going to France to study the latest.
Today we remember the children. What could I do today for a child? Do I have children of my own? Maybe today would be a good day to bake cookies, read a story, play a game. Today could be the day to donate clothes or ask my children to clean out their toy boxes of toys they no longer play with to donate so that the children who are poor might have something for Christmas. Maybe today I write a letter to my children (or even my younger brothers and sisters) to let them know how much they mean to me. Make this day count for someone!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Catherine "loved and sought to do good to all,
but the poor and the little children were her favorites."
The holiday season is said to be for children. The wonders of Christmas,the gifts, the stories,the people, the celebrations, are a wonder and amazement for them. Unfortunately there will be children who will not have that experience this year. The extra kindness to the children, a hallmark of Catherine should be ours this season.
Catherine took care of several children, adopting them and raising them even as she was building the house of Mercy and late as a Sister. She had a great fondness for children and a concern, especially for the poor children. She opened schools for them. She learned the latest techniques for teaching large groups going to France to study the latest.
Today we remember the children. What could I do today for a child? Do I have children of my own? Maybe today would be a good day to bake cookies, read a story, play a game. Today could be the day to donate clothes or ask my children to clean out their toy boxes of toys they no longer play with to donate so that the children who are poor might have something for Christmas. Maybe today I write a letter to my children (or even my younger brothers and sisters) to let them know how much they mean to me. Make this day count for someone!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Monday, December 10, 2007
Charisma of Catherine
A quote today about Catherine:
The charisma of Catherine is alive and vital in the lives of all
who share our commitment.
M. Christopher O'Rourke
As we approach Foundation Day, this quote is a reminder that the vowed Sisters are not the only ones who have an investment in the life of Catherine McAuley. The Associates, the Companions, the Volunteer Corp and our sponsored ministries (both formal or long-time) all share in the charisma of Catherine McAuley and have a stake in promoting her vision and works. Catherine's spirit is alive and well!
I attended our College Mass last night. One of the deliberate pieces of every Mass is to bring the Sisters of Mercy into the hearts and minds of the students. Last night the Sisters provided the treats after Mass. Special mention was made of it at the announcement time and the Sisters in the Assembly were named.
This can also be seen with a Mercy cross in every classroom, with quotes found on the t-shirts for the events of the service learning projects. Catherine makes it all around town in those shirts!
How can you renew your passion for Catherine McAuley and her works? When was the last time you picked up a book about her, read her letters, or a reflection about her or did something to reach out to Mercy Sisters in other regions or parts of the world? With Foundation Day coming so soon, now would be a good time to do so.
www.sistersofmercy.org
The charisma of Catherine is alive and vital in the lives of all
who share our commitment.
M. Christopher O'Rourke
As we approach Foundation Day, this quote is a reminder that the vowed Sisters are not the only ones who have an investment in the life of Catherine McAuley. The Associates, the Companions, the Volunteer Corp and our sponsored ministries (both formal or long-time) all share in the charisma of Catherine McAuley and have a stake in promoting her vision and works. Catherine's spirit is alive and well!
I attended our College Mass last night. One of the deliberate pieces of every Mass is to bring the Sisters of Mercy into the hearts and minds of the students. Last night the Sisters provided the treats after Mass. Special mention was made of it at the announcement time and the Sisters in the Assembly were named.
This can also be seen with a Mercy cross in every classroom, with quotes found on the t-shirts for the events of the service learning projects. Catherine makes it all around town in those shirts!
How can you renew your passion for Catherine McAuley and her works? When was the last time you picked up a book about her, read her letters, or a reflection about her or did something to reach out to Mercy Sisters in other regions or parts of the world? With Foundation Day coming so soon, now would be a good time to do so.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Friday, December 7, 2007
Blessings of Unity
A quote from Catherine:
The blessing of unity still dwells among us...
this is the true spirit of Mercy flowing on us...
Last night I was on a conference call dealing with the critical concerns of leadership for the emerging WestMidwest Community. One of our key points was unity. Unity wasn't stated as such but there were phrases like, keep in close communication, have decisions made with community input, refound and rethink what mercy means today, have structures in place so no one is left out, be of concern for the poor.
These are key elements for a community of unity. Unity is not uniformity. In days gone by, the rules were more in keeping with uniformity. For instance when one group of sisters were changing from their traditional garb to the modified style it was made a rule that all hems would be 12 inches from the floor. Now imagine what that would be on a sister almost 6 feet tall and one who was barely five feet! That's uniformity, not unity!
Today as we reflect upon what the quote means let us consider these two questions:
By my presence and personality, do I promote unity or disharmony?
Is the spirit of Mercy alive in me or have I left it go dormant?
www.sistersofmercy.org
The blessing of unity still dwells among us...
this is the true spirit of Mercy flowing on us...
Last night I was on a conference call dealing with the critical concerns of leadership for the emerging WestMidwest Community. One of our key points was unity. Unity wasn't stated as such but there were phrases like, keep in close communication, have decisions made with community input, refound and rethink what mercy means today, have structures in place so no one is left out, be of concern for the poor.
These are key elements for a community of unity. Unity is not uniformity. In days gone by, the rules were more in keeping with uniformity. For instance when one group of sisters were changing from their traditional garb to the modified style it was made a rule that all hems would be 12 inches from the floor. Now imagine what that would be on a sister almost 6 feet tall and one who was barely five feet! That's uniformity, not unity!
Today as we reflect upon what the quote means let us consider these two questions:
By my presence and personality, do I promote unity or disharmony?
Is the spirit of Mercy alive in me or have I left it go dormant?
www.sistersofmercy.org
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Long Life
A quote for Catherine McAuley:
Should we live to be hundred; each day should be more perfect.
"Resolve to do good today, but better tomorrow..." Catherine wasn't so much focused on doing heroic feats each day, but rather to take small careful strides in the right direction each day. This is an inimical process toward perfection. It is something we can all strive to do and something that will never be accomplished. Yet is does not leave us discouraged.
Catherine was indeed a practical woman living in a time drawing other practical women to her work. When one has to be about the business of service, one does not have the luxury of long arduous times of prayer, penance and reflection. The work needs to be done as well.
That does not mean that Catherine did not spend time in prayer or penitential practices. We know she did. She did not want the penitential practices to override the practical work that needed to be done.
For us today, during this season of Advent, let us look at the resolve to be good to day and better tomorrow. What poor habits need to be broken and recreated anew? Is it time to give up smoking? Is it time to be kinder to a particular person? Is it time to be more generous in the giving of time? Who needs you to visit them?
Let us improve on this day, by resolving to be better than yesterday, to be aware of those who have needs around us and to be faithful to the ministry and state in life we have been given.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Should we live to be hundred; each day should be more perfect.
"Resolve to do good today, but better tomorrow..." Catherine wasn't so much focused on doing heroic feats each day, but rather to take small careful strides in the right direction each day. This is an inimical process toward perfection. It is something we can all strive to do and something that will never be accomplished. Yet is does not leave us discouraged.
Catherine was indeed a practical woman living in a time drawing other practical women to her work. When one has to be about the business of service, one does not have the luxury of long arduous times of prayer, penance and reflection. The work needs to be done as well.
That does not mean that Catherine did not spend time in prayer or penitential practices. We know she did. She did not want the penitential practices to override the practical work that needed to be done.
For us today, during this season of Advent, let us look at the resolve to be good to day and better tomorrow. What poor habits need to be broken and recreated anew? Is it time to give up smoking? Is it time to be kinder to a particular person? Is it time to be more generous in the giving of time? Who needs you to visit them?
Let us improve on this day, by resolving to be better than yesterday, to be aware of those who have needs around us and to be faithful to the ministry and state in life we have been given.
www.sistersofmercy.org
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Conversation
A quote from Catherine:
Your conversation should be simple, pleasant and useful.
During this Advent time, this could be one of the best pieces of advice from our beloved foundress. There is so much noise, hustle and bustle in the air that moments of peace should be sought after. Even if this is not a possibility, then our conversation should lend itself to peacefulness and grace.
This is a season when so many people are depressed, lonely and disillusioned. If our conversation is pleasant and useful, it can bring about harmony with others. Our works and words will then reflect another way of being in the world.Gone then would be the prattling on, the gossiping, the back stabbing and the lack of genuine cordialness. These are missing so much in our world.
Catherine wanted a cordial conversationalist to be part of the qualities for a woman of Mercy. That is still true today. Can we relate with others? Can we talk to anyone in a group? do we seek out only our friends? This season of holiday parties might be a good exercise for us to see if we can expand our graciousness by going out of our way to connect with people we do not usually converse. May our "conversation be simple, pleasant and useful."
www.sistersofmercy.org
Your conversation should be simple, pleasant and useful.
During this Advent time, this could be one of the best pieces of advice from our beloved foundress. There is so much noise, hustle and bustle in the air that moments of peace should be sought after. Even if this is not a possibility, then our conversation should lend itself to peacefulness and grace.
This is a season when so many people are depressed, lonely and disillusioned. If our conversation is pleasant and useful, it can bring about harmony with others. Our works and words will then reflect another way of being in the world.Gone then would be the prattling on, the gossiping, the back stabbing and the lack of genuine cordialness. These are missing so much in our world.
Catherine wanted a cordial conversationalist to be part of the qualities for a woman of Mercy. That is still true today. Can we relate with others? Can we talk to anyone in a group? do we seek out only our friends? This season of holiday parties might be a good exercise for us to see if we can expand our graciousness by going out of our way to connect with people we do not usually converse. May our "conversation be simple, pleasant and useful."
www.sistersofmercy.org
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
God's Quiet Action
A quote from Catherine:
See how quietly the great God does all His mighty works: darkness is spread
over us at night and light returns in the morning, and there is no noise of
drawing curtains or closing shutters.
This morning was a gray morning and as I sat praying, slowly there was light that softened the gray morning and before I knew it, I saw the birds feeding at the bird feeders and the sounds of morning began. There was no fanfare, no noise; it just happened, just as it happens each day and each night.
So constant is that experience in our lives, if we but pay attention. That is the way of God. God comes softly, in silence. To notice we need to be paying attention to the subtle changes that announce God's Presence. Is it a stilling of our pulse? Is it a slowing of our breathing? is it a sense of peace stealing over us like a light, filmy curtain?
Sometime the darkness seems so long, so drawn out that the gray dawn leading to the light may be missed. It's then, I think that God walks closest to us, deepest within. With day, our cares become too much and we forget to pause.
During this Advent season, my prayer is that you pause, at the opening of day to look for God in the long gray dawning. May God be walking in your heart today!
www.sistersofmercy.org
See how quietly the great God does all His mighty works: darkness is spread
over us at night and light returns in the morning, and there is no noise of
drawing curtains or closing shutters.
This morning was a gray morning and as I sat praying, slowly there was light that softened the gray morning and before I knew it, I saw the birds feeding at the bird feeders and the sounds of morning began. There was no fanfare, no noise; it just happened, just as it happens each day and each night.
So constant is that experience in our lives, if we but pay attention. That is the way of God. God comes softly, in silence. To notice we need to be paying attention to the subtle changes that announce God's Presence. Is it a stilling of our pulse? Is it a slowing of our breathing? is it a sense of peace stealing over us like a light, filmy curtain?
Sometime the darkness seems so long, so drawn out that the gray dawn leading to the light may be missed. It's then, I think that God walks closest to us, deepest within. With day, our cares become too much and we forget to pause.
During this Advent season, my prayer is that you pause, at the opening of day to look for God in the long gray dawning. May God be walking in your heart today!
www.sistersofmercy.org
Monday, December 3, 2007
Mercy Quotes
Today I have a quote from M.C. Xavier Maguire:
I feel very, very happy...I am going with courage prepared to meet everything,
with my entire confidence in God.
We could wonder where she was going. Was it to a foreign land never to see Ireland again? Was it to start a foundation? Was it as she prepared for major surgery? Was it in preparation for death? Did she have an adversarial meeting to attend in order to ask for financing?
What the purpose of her going is, is not clear in this quote, but I would like to think we could say that everyday as we go out the door and get into our car whether to work, to school, on the way to the airport or to the doctor's office.
Placing our entire confidence in God...oh how happy we could and would be! Let us practice that today as we go about whatever the day brings us.
www.sistersofmercy.org
I feel very, very happy...I am going with courage prepared to meet everything,
with my entire confidence in God.
We could wonder where she was going. Was it to a foreign land never to see Ireland again? Was it to start a foundation? Was it as she prepared for major surgery? Was it in preparation for death? Did she have an adversarial meeting to attend in order to ask for financing?
What the purpose of her going is, is not clear in this quote, but I would like to think we could say that everyday as we go out the door and get into our car whether to work, to school, on the way to the airport or to the doctor's office.
Placing our entire confidence in God...oh how happy we could and would be! Let us practice that today as we go about whatever the day brings us.
www.sistersofmercy.org
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