Community living

Yesterday I was engaged in three meetings, all of which make me proud to be an SSM: one with my local community, another with the two combined local communities here in NJ and another at the parish where another sister and I worship and serve on Sundays.  My local community met for renewal, at which we reflected upon one of the virtues of Mother Frances, namely that of prudence.  We were amazed at the way our Foundress practiced this virtue and the number of persons who gave testimony of this fact.  She was prudent in all of her dealings whether conducting community business with the laity or priests associated with the community or assuring that the values of religious life and community building were being respected by the sisters.  What an example to all of us. What also inspired me during this meeting was listening to each sister share the highlights of her summer experiences. Not only did the experiences touch me but so, too, did the respect given each sister.  The meeting of the combined local communities focused on the positive impact of the visit of our general superior with each member of the province. She, too, is a woman of great prudence  who also lives a deeply spiritual life.  We concluded that meeting with a resolve of how we here in NJ can continue to improve our ways of living out the charism of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.   The two sisters with whom I live closed the day by attending an ecumenical prayer service at St. Matthew’s Parish in Randolph, NJ,  to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 and pray for those who lost their lives on that day and the survivors of that day who carry the burden of grief to this very day.

Serving, being blessed, witnessing God's delight in His children

What a privilege to be a staff member of the 2011 Summer Bible School at St. Rose Modern Secondary School in Grenada.  Several incidents stand out that communicated God’s caring, compassionate love at work among the participants. First of all were the volunteer young people and Sisters  who  orchestrated the daily schedule as well as helped organize the breakout sessions: bible study, banner-making, Tai Chi Chih, Karate, Arts-and-Crafts, sport events, and dance.   A support staff provided meals for the students and the staff as well. The chefs went out of their way to provide delicious lunches.  Throughout the two-weeks, teachers were completing and/or preparing for next year’s regular classes.  The children participating in the summer school experience were eager to learn and excited about being a part of this experience.  I was deeply touched by being able to help students learn ways of dealing with anger that would not add fuel to volatile emotional atmospheres and that would bring them increased self-confidence in their ability to defuse anger. It was a delight to witness students take pride in learning songs that expressed their desire to deepen their God-experiences, in discovering their artistic creations and proudly sharing the Scriptures their group was given to memorize.  I certainly would say that the challenges/difficulties and disappointments we staff members encountered along the way in planning this event were overshadowed by the results of seeing children’s delight in the service provided. As a friend recently reminded me, God did not say it would be easy but God did say it would be worth it! I am proud of everyone who made this experience an memorable one!  I am proud to be a Sister of the Sorrowful Mother and to have joined my companion Sisters in the Caribbean  in their efforts to reach out in love to those in need.