Friday, August 15, 2014

Assumption of Mary

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary!  As I prayed this morning I was struck with the profound memories I have of this Feast Day.  It is more that just having to go to Church during my summer vacation.  One of the traditions of our neighborhood growing up was a special procession on this day.  The Villa Avenue Feast was a highlight of this day.  All the girls would be invited to dress up in white dresses and would wear blue capes as we processed with the statue of Our Lady through the streets and down the Grand Concourse ending the procession at our parish church, St. Philip Neri.  The evening would culminate with a special mass.  As I prayed this morning I was struck by Mary's "yes" once again.  A very simple word to say, yet it is probably one of the most difficult ones to utter.  Mary said yes to an invitation that changed the world and history.  Our "yeses" may not be as significant but are just as important.  Let us take some time today to say "yes" to the God of love and compassion.  

Blessings of peace and joy,

Sr. Pat



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Reflection on Water

The theme of this summer has certainly been water for me.  I had the opportunity to go on a family cruise, my retreat was on Enders Island off Mystic, Connecticut and now I am just finishing a few days of vacation at the Jersey Shore.  Last night we had one of those wild shore storms where the water and wind were thrashing everywhere.  As I listened to the rain and the ocean in the distance I was struck by the many ways water moves.  From the crashing of waves to the torrential rain that was coming down I remained in awe of what was going on around me. Above all I was reminded that all of this is a gift God's great love for us.  Our God is an awesome God who loves each of us for who we are.  Here are some images of God's love. Enjoy.






Saturday, August 9, 2014

Being Together

I just returned from some time in Seattle with friends from Giving Voice, a group of younger women religious under the age of 50.  We hosted a 40s retreat there and had a wonderful time. We shared about our childhood, call to religious life and what it is like living as a woman religious today.  It was so great to be with peers-that is not always the case in religious life. But this gathering showed me there are others like me with the same heart tugs, struggles, challenges and joys.  It was such a life-giving experience for me.  We shopped, talked, ate, played, drank, swam, barbecued, cleaned, and went out on paddleboats on the Lake right outside our back door.  Laughter was present throughout our time together.  Thank God that I am able to periodically gather with these other younger women religious. They reinforce my call and desire to live out my religious vocation as an Ursuline Sister.

Sr. Jeannie