First Sunday of Advent

Today we begin my most favorite time of year – Advent. The word "Advent" means "coming" and refers to the anticipation of Jesus Christ's birth on Christmas and his eventual second coming. I love Advent as it is the preparation time for Christmas. It is also a very busy time. As we prepare for Christmas let us take time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Let us develop a little space where God can dwell within us, and we can be in the stillness with our God of love and mercy.

From the Advent candle we begin to light this week until we experience the glory of Christmas in four weeks, a single flame of hope will grow brighter as me move toward our celebration of the incarnation at Christmas. Being “awake” as both our second reading and gospel call us to be, includes being attentive to the goodness, not just the darkness, in our world. Let us be intentional in this time of naming the hope we see in our communities and in our world. In doing so, we prepare not only our hearts but the hearts of others to embrace and believe in the mystery of the incarnation, Christ’s presence that overcomes any of humanity’s actions that attempt to dim the light.

From our JPIC Team:

In the darkness of winter, we approach the holy season of Advent, 
preparing ourselves to be bearers of the light and hope
of God's own Love Incarnate.

If you are looking for some inspiration this Advent, 
here are links to several possibilities:

•  Advent Simplicity Challenge
• Advent Serviceberry Book Group
• Advent Calendar from Boston College
• Dilexi Te Reflection Guide (Network)

Feast of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday in Ordinary time. Christ the King Sunday celebrates the reign of Jesus Christ as the spiritual ruler of the universe. Established to counter secularism and remind people of Christ's authority over all earthly powers, it concludes the liturgical year and serves as a reminder to surrender our will to Christ. The celebration highlights Jesus's kingship, his redemption through sacrifice, and the ultimate hope of his eternal kingdom. 

Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in 1925 to remind people that Christ's authority is supreme, especially in a time of rising nationalism and secularism. The feast day affirms that Jesus is the divine King of the Universe, a spiritual and eternal ruler, not a political one. It serves as a reminder for Christians to place their ultimate allegiance in Christ, their spiritual leader, rather than in any earthly power.

Christ the King Sunday is celebrated on the last Sunday before Advent, bringing the church year to a close with a reflection on Christ's life, teachings, and his coming kingdom. It highlights Christ's kingship as one of service, sacrifice, love, and redemption, rather than one of military might. His crucifixion and resurrection are seen as vindication of this authority. 

Today as we celebrate Christ the King let us be bold enough to petition a place beside Jesus. Let us be bold enough to follow Jesus and willing to give all for Him.

World Kindness

World Kindness Day 2025 is a global observance dedicated to promoting and celebrating acts of kindness. This day serves as a reminder of the positive impact that kindness can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large. It encourages people to perform intentional acts of kindness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity.

World Kindness Day is an annual event that encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world.

World Kindness Day was observed on November 13^th. Participating in World Kindness Day was a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world. Here are some of the ways people got involved:

• Perform Acts of Kindness: Throughout the day, people consciously performed acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or donating to a charity.
• Spread Positivity: Shared uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.
• Volunteer: Offered time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
• Donate: Made a donation to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether it’s for humanitarian aid, education, or healthcare.
• Teach Kindness: Educated children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Surprised others with a random act of kindness, such as buying a stranger’s coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.

In a world filled with pain and suffering we need to practice World Kindness Day everyday.

Gratitude

 From our Ursuline JPIC Team

November, a month of Gratitude!!

 

The vast number of Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants and we have much to learn from the Indigenous People who were here before we arrived. So as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and move toward our Thanksgiving holiday, let's reflect on gratitude which is so central to indigenous cultures. Let's be thankful for the earth beneath our feet, the waterways that connect us and quench our thirsts, the plants and animals that provide our food and clothing and for everyone who is part of the fabric of this country. We are all connected and we give thanks for the contributions of each and every one to this country! As we reflect with gratitude, we also recall that the 30th UN climate conference will take place this November in Belém, Brazil. It will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions  to tackle climate change. COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29. COP 30 Prayer At a time when so many men and women are already suffering from the consequences of global warming, touch our hearts! At a time when everyone, young and old, individuals, communities and states, must make concrete commitments, draw us into Your surge of love! At a time when all of humanity is called upon to tune up for its own future, send us Your Spirit! Amen.

All Souls Day

Today we commemorate All Souls Day, the day we remember those who have gone before us and who are now with God. Many cultures observe this time to remember and celebrate those who they loved and keep their memories alive. Today many people visit their loved ones at the cemetery or build altars to honor the dead. Some cultures celebrate at other times yet share the common theme of remembering and honoring. As we honor those today on All Souls’ Day let us pray for them and to them as we continue our life’s journey.

St. Angela Merici wrote this for those who come after her. “For understand that now I am more alive than I was when I lived on earth, and I see better and hold dearer and pleasing the good things which I see you constantly doing, and now, even more, I want and am able to help you and do you good in every way.” Just as St. Angela continues to be with us so too are those whom we have loved and known. May we always celebrate and honor those who have gone before us. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Two days ago, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a woman graduate of Academia Merici, an Ursuline School in Caracas, Venezuela.

María Corina Machado was given this award for “her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy".

Wonderful example of SERVIAM -- I will serve, and working for social justice.

May our loving God protect her always!

Nobel Peace Prize 2025

Conclusion of the Season of Creation

 

From our JPIC Committee

October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, marks the formal closing of the 2025 Season of Creation. St. Francis’s great love of God’s Creation, commitment to peace, global popularity, and ecumenical and interfaith importance all combine to make him an important inspiration for the Season of Creation, one capable of keeping its focus and energy dynamic through the rest of the year. In the spirit of his feast, we share here the famous Canticle of St. Francis celebrating the wonders of God’s Creation.

Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings.  To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor, Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair. Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, And fair and stormy, all weather's moods, by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water, So useful, humble, precious and pure. Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire, through whom You light the and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth who sustains and governs  us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs. Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape  Woe to  those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your will. No second death can do them harm.

Fourth Sunday of the Season of Creation

 

From our JPIC Committee As this year’s Season of Creation draws to its end, the warnings from the scriptures grow stronger and more dire. They reflect and support again the sense of urgency about climate change that Popes Leo XIV and Francis, climate scientists, the young, and so many around the world have been declaring. Amos focuses attention on those who remain indifferent to the suffering of their sisters and brothers and promises them punishment. The psalmist again insists that God loves and will lift up the poor. Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, warning that the time can come when it will be too late for our conversion. We need instead to listen to Moses, the prophets of our time, and Jesus himself, the one who has indeed risen from the dead. Paul urges Timothy and us to remain faithful, living and preaching our faith through all that lies ahead. As we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis let us reignite our love and care for creation. May we always be instruments of God’s peace for all.

Third Sunday of the Season of Creation and International Day of Peace

     From the Ursuline JPIC Team

The liturgy today focuses attention first on the dishonesty and unscrupulous attitudes and practices of those caught up in the idolatry of wealth and consumption. They value their unjust financial pursuits more than their religious practices or beliefs. In the context of the Season of Creation, these include the people today who will subordinate the sacred mission of care for Creation to the economy” and the advance of their personal financial interests. It includes those who have no concern or scruples about what their economic activities are doing to the poor and to the whole web of life. And it certainly includes those who use their power and resources to spread false information and lies, to hide the truth about climate change and ecological crisis from people who will suffer most and those who could help bring about salvific change. The prophet Amos and the psalmist warn that God will not forget their actions. God has special care for the poor and power to raise them up and “seat them with princes.” In the gospel, Jesus reminds us through the parable of the unjust steward what is most important in life and what constitutes the true “good life.” Let us pray for peace and justice on the International Day of Peace.

Second Sunday of the Season of Creation - the Exhaltation of the Cross

 The 1st Sunday of this Season of Creation called us to humility before the vast and intricate web of Creation and laid out before us some of the costs of discipleship to Christ in this time of urgent global crisis.

The complex, integral ecological crisis confronting us in these times bears witness to humanity’s lack of humility in relating to the rest of Creation, our attitude of domination toward nature and the lack of attention to the challenging dimensions of discipleship to Christ.

The punishing natural consequences of those failures – the more frequent and severe fires, floods, and many other impacts of the warming of the planet – threaten the future of life on Earth in all its dimensions.

Today’s liturgy assures us of God’s readiness to forgive us and to welcome our conversion while warning us of the punishing natural consequences of sinful values and actions so visible in the sufferings of the crucified Christ. In these times we need to see them as well in the crucifying suffering of Earth and of the poor.

The First Sunday of the Season of Creation

From the Ursuline JPIC Team

In recent years, under the leadership of Pope Francis, the Season of Creation has taken its place in the Catholic liturgical calendar, uniting Catholics worldwide with the more than 35-year Ecumenical/Orthodox history of its celebration. The Season of Creation extends from September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Season focuses on God as Creator of the vast, cosmic Universe, God’s revelation in Creation, and our response to our calling to care for Creation and address the urgent need to protect its rich diversity and its capacity to sustain life as we know it.

The celebration of the Season of Creation, since its foundation, has come amid a complex environmental, social, political, and cultural crisis. The impacts of this crisis make it hard to ignore the urgency of its message and the importance of our prayer and work to address it: record-setting heat waves killing people by the thousands around the planet, severe and long-term droughts, famines, massive wild fires and a never-ending fire “season,” serious water shortages facing major cities, more violent storms and destructive flash floods, rising sea levels, millions of people driven from their homes as climate-change refugees, and so much more….

The theme serving as a focus for this year’s Season of Creation is “Peace with Creation.” This theme reminds us that many human activities amount to a “war against Creation.” Unsustainable lifestyles, exploitive business models, excessive consumption and throw-away cultures, thoughtless destruction of habitats, disregard for biodiversity loss, and the devastation of literal wars are just a few of the human dynamics threatening the web of life around planet Earth.

The mission before us as people of faith and members of the human community is to work for the justice and global solidarity that are essential to establishing “Peace with Creation.” Coming to understand and enter into this process is one of the most important challenges of the Season of Creation.

The first scripture reading, from the Book of Wisdom, in today’s liturgy calls us to humility before the great Mystery we call God and to prayer for God’s Spirit of Wisdom to guide us into right living within this vast Web of Creation upon which we depend and of which we are a part. The second reading from St. Paul urges us to welcome as brothers and sisters in Christ people whose wisdom about Creation has for ages been disregarded and who themselves have been marginalized and even enslaved. In the gospel, Jesus wants us to hear the seriousness and costs of discipleship in the face of these challenging conditions.

Season of Creation

The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is observed annually on September 1 to encourage believers to pray for the planet and take action to protect it. Established by Pope Francis for the Catholic Church in 2015, the day marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, a month-long period of prayer and advocacy for environmental stewardship that extends to October 4. Pope Francis adopted the day for the Roman Catholic Church, coinciding with the release of his encyclical letter Laudato Si': Care for Our Common Home.

Communities are encouraged to engage in various forms of prayer, such as meditative nature walks, liturgical celebrations, and reading scripture.

The day promotes practical steps, including advocating for rapid decarbonization, supporting a just energy transition to renewable sources, and preserving natural resources.

It serves as a time to reflect on the connection between social justice and environmental protection, and the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable communities.

There are many resources available for this Season focusing on care for the planet and to advocate for it. Resources can be found online at: https://seasonofcreation.org/.

Go Out to All the World

A good friend of mine wrote a musical accompaniment for today’s responsorial psalm. I have always loved this psalm, but his musical accompaniment has brought it to life in a new way for me. Whenever I hear this psalm, I always find myself singing his version in my head.

The words are relatively simple, yet the message is profound. Psalm 117 states:

Go out to all the world and tell the good news and tell the good news.

Praise the Lord all you nations, glorify Him all you peoples.

For steadfast is His kindness to us and the fidelity of the Lod endures forever.

These rather simple words are a true call for us during our current times. We are called to go out and proclaim the message of Jesus. As ambassadors for Jesus, we are called to proclaim His love for all people in our daily life by our words and our actions. In a world full of pain and despair we are called to be light and hope for others. We are called to bring the good news to all people by our words and our actions. May we always  share the good news of Jesus with all.

Hope Unbroken: Journeying in God's Promise

 From the LCWR Website

The 2025 assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) entitled Hope Unbroken: Journeying in God’s Promise drew approximately 560 LCWR members as well as about 300 collaborators to Atlanta, Georgia from August 12-15. Throughout the event, participants acknowledged the struggle of these times and explored the practices that can ground them in faith so they can live “hope unbroken” for the sake of the world, the church, and their religious communities. 

In a moving personal reflection that stemmed from the experience of being diagnosed with cancer shortly after assuming her role as LCWR president Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ of LaGrange, Illinois shared in an address the questions she carried: “How could I lead when I had doubts about my own future, my own life, my own ability to be competent? How could I plan for a future that I had doubts would be available to me?” In her address, she recounted what she had learned about leadership for these times from the stance of greater vulnerability. “In surrendering to God’s strength, we can come to courage and grace and the dynamism of love. With that encouragement, we can face the future through the best and worst of times.”

Sister Simona Brambilla, MC prefect of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome, addressed how religious life can be a sign of hope today. She noted, “May consecrated life truly always be a humble prophecy of forgiveness, of reparation, of the rebuilding of bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, of peace, of trust, of communion. May it be a sentinel with senses sharpened and open to perceive in the night the breath of God, His gentle light, His whisper, His fragrance, His unmistakable taste, in order to welcome it, point it out, proclaim it, and walk the paths of hope that does not disappoint, because they are rooted in the Paschal Mystery, in the Heart of God.”

Rev. James Martin, SJ, editor-at-large at America Media, using the gospel story of the raising of Lazarus challenged the participants to apply the insights of this story to the realities of US religious life today. He posed the questions: “What is keeping us from hearing God’s voice in our lives, in our congregations, in our communities?” “What do you, what do we, need to leave behind to hear God calling us into a surprising new life?”

A panel of three women religious leaders, Sisters Barbara Beasley, RGS; Pat McDermott, RSM; and Sara Postlethwaite, VDMF, spoke to what has held them in the challenges of religious life leadership so that their hope remains unbroken. Drawing upon their own experiences, they shared what has kept them inspired and what have been their anchors as they face the complex questions that are before religious institutes today. 

Representatives from the Atlanta-based Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and The Carter Center joined the assembly in a panel presentation and shared their valuable insights on their work and how it connects to the LCWR Call for 2023-2028 and the LCWR assembly resolution.

A Pilgrimage of Hope took place on the morning of August 14, a one-mile walk through downtown Atlanta with prayer rooted in the commitment to addressing systemic injustice in the areas of racism, migration, and the climate crisis.   (A recording of the one-hour walk is available on the LCWR Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lcwr.org) 

During the assembly the members blessed the new leadership for the conference. Sister Debra Sciano, SSND, a School Sister of Notre Dame from Wisconsin was selected as the LCWR president-elect. She joins Sister Vicky Larson, BVM who will serve as president for 2025-2026, and Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ who will serve as immediate past-president. Elected to the national board were Sisters Karen Dietrich, SSJ; Sheena George, CSJP; Maribeth Larkin, SSS; and Maria Sheila Undang, O Carm. 

At the assembly closing, Sister Mary Pat Garvin, RSM was honored with the 2025 LCWR Outstanding Leadership Award. A Sister of Mercy of the Americas, Sister Mary Pat has served as an educator, consultant, and facilitator for national and international institutes and conferences of religious. 

Recordings and texts of the addresses and other materials are available at lcwr.org. 

Jubilee

Yesterday we celebrated our 2025 Jubilees. We had four of our sisters celebrate their 60th Anniversary of Profession. What a wonderful time to celebrate them in this Jubilee Year of Hope. Each of these women have ministered as educators on all levels, missionaries, an archivist. They have had a lasting inpact on many lives and are fondly remembered by their former students. They have given hope to many. This year we had one sister celebrate her 50th anniversary of her final profession. Combined we celebrated 290 years of vowed life.

Earlier this year we celebrated our 75th Anniversary Jubiliarian and her 100th birthday as they were a week apart. What an incredible milestone. Each of these sisters had given her life to God and the service of God's people. Their service continues even though most are retired now. They continue to live out the commitment they made many years ago. Each one has lived through many changes in our Church, our society and our world yet there is one constant -- their love of God and neighbor. May we continue to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Hope and be ready for big surprises!

Retreat a Time Apart

Today’s Gospel reading features Jesus' instruction to his disciples on prayer and not giving up. Jesus gives us the prayer called the "Lord's Prayer." In this prayer, which is used as a model for all prayer, Jesus directs us to give God praise and make our petitions known to him. The blessed assurance that God hears our prayer is central to our understanding of praying and never giving up. Prayer makes a difference and changes the way we look at things.

For the past week I was on retreat at Mercy Center in Madison, CT. It was a wonderful time to take time to pray, reflect and just be. During the days I had the opportunity to spend more time in prayer and in nature. The grounds of Mercy Center are beautiful, and it was nice to see bunnies, birds, and other wildlife during the day. One day a large log drifted onto the beach. It became a real center of prayer for me. I was able to sit by the water on it and reflect. Praying for our world, and many other things was a part of each day.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11:9-10 This scripture came to life for me this week. I was a time to ask, seek and knock and God was indeed very present. I am grateful that I had this opportunity and look forward to living out the graces of my retreat.

Listen WIth Your Heart

 Each morning, I receive a quote from Pope Leo via email and the one that came today seemed perfect for today’s Gospel. "Today, so often, we lose the ability to listen, to really listen. We listen to music, we have our ears flooded constantly with all kinds of digital input, but sometimes we forget to listen to our own hearts and it’s in our hearts that God speaks to us, that God calls us and invites us to know him better and to live in his love." Pope Leo XIV

In today’s Gospel we hear the familiar story of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. Martha was busy about many things and Mary choose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. Two opposite reactions to this special visit by Jesus. Martha exasperated told Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Jesus’ response must have shocked Martha to her core. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part, and it would not be taken from her. I can’t begin to think how Martha must have felt. Martha must have felt rejected and dismissed by Jesus.

When I prayed this morning, I realized that I have far more many Martha moments than Mary. I found myself looking at each one of them and came to the realization that while I desire to be more like Mary I do get caught up in the busyness of life and therefore relate to Martha more easily. Deep down I know I desire to be more like Mary, but it is very hard to change old habits.

Perhaps this is a good Gospel to pray with as I begin my own retreat tonight. I am looking forward to being on retreat this week and pray for the grace to be more like Mary as I enter into it. Have a great week and know that I will be praying for all and I count on your prayers for me. Blessings…

100 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Advocacy

On Wednesday, July 9^th Ursulines around the world gathered to participate in the 100 Days of Prayer, Fasting and Advocacy sponsored by the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious.) The impact of violence and conflict in our world has risen to epic proportions. In response to this situation, the LCWR invited religious congregations in the US to pray for our country. The three US provinces committed to July 9^th, the Feast of the Martyrs of Orange. During the troubles of the French Revolution, 29 Sisters, expelled from their convents, found refuge in a house at Bollène. During their eighteen months there, they shared their life of prayer and total poverty. Arrested in April 1794 because they refused to swear the oath required by the city officials, an oath their conscience condemned, they were jailed on May 2 at Orange.

They organized themselves and consecrated the essential part of their time to prayer. Condemned to die by the Popular Commission, then commanding in the actual Chapel of Saint-Louis, they were transferred to the ancient Theater, where they awaited to climb the guillotine erected in Saint Martin’s Court. They all went up to the scaffold joyfully, singing and praying for their persecutors, who admired their courage. These women took an unpopular stance and, in our world, today we are called to do the same. 

On July 9^th, we gathered via zoom to pray together and have small group discussion. There were a number of sisters from across the country and even one from Australia. It was a true experience of unity and commitment. Several of our provinces around the world gathered to pray together in solidarity with us.

Below is the prayer we used. As we continue the journey let us be people of hope and ambassadors of peace.

Seek to spread peace and concord wherever you are.” (Angela Merici)

O God, Source of all that is,

we find ourselves with heavy hearts these days –

hearts made heavy by the reality of violence, war, and disasters,

and the suffering and destruction they bring.

In places far and near, the violence and death seem endless.

We hold in our hearts and in our prayers

our wounded and weary world.

We pray for an end to the injustice, violence, and war

that seem to hold our world in their grip,

and that we sometimes find in our own hearts.

We pray you, O God,

disarm our hearts and disarm our world,

that the rights and dignity of all may be respected and protected;

remind us that we all share life together

as sisters and brothers to each other.

We pray for peace and justice, O God,

and that each of us may be an instrument

of peace and justice in our world. Amen.

Diane Fulgenzi, OSU