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.