Pat Summit

Pat Summit, the legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach, died today at the age of 64.  She will be remembered as the all-time winningest Division 1 basketball coach in NCAA history.  Her coaching career spanned more than 38 years and she was more than a coach.  She was a mentor, a hero and a friend to many.  A woman of great faith she will live on in those who knew and loved her.

In 2011 she was diagnosed with early onset dementia but that news never stopped her from living passionately.  She stepped down in 2012 as Tennessee’s coach but remained involved holding the position of head coach emeritus.  Her accomplishments included eight national championships, NCAA coach of the year seven times, playing for the first women’s basketball Olympic team taking home a silver medal in 1976.  She was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

Pat Summit was a woman who had an insatiable work ethic.  Perhaps is stemmed from growing up on a dairy farm.  She began at the University of Tennessee when she was 22 years old and was known for her care and concern for her players.  The impact she had on her players is being shared in the media.  If she had no persevered women’s basketball would not be where it is today.  Her fiery energy and her stare after a bad play will be missed but her legacy will live on. 

Thank you for all you have done for women’s sports.  May she rest in peace now with her memory fully restored!

Pat Schifini, OSU

Namaste

"I honor the place in you where Spirit lives
I honor the place in you which is
of Love, of Truth, of Light, of Peace,
when you are in that place in you,
and I am in that place in me,
then we are One."

Over the years I have really come to love the Namaste blessing.  It speaks very simply something that is most profound.  May we come to honor that place in one another and become the people of love, truth, light and peace that we are meant to be!  Every person has the right and opportunity to be their best self.  Let us bless one another and encourage one another along the journey of life!

Pat Schifini, OSU

Pope Francis' Five Fingered Prayer

I came across this prayer by Pope Francis and I have to admit that it has become one of my favorite. There are times when praying does not come easy and I am grateful methods of prayer that help to make those dry times easier.  I hope that you find this prayer useful.




Pat Schifini, OSU

Chance Reunion

Today was a day that was filled with some unexpected blessings!  I was at school today where we are hosting along with the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula the Ursuline Education Network Student Leadership Conference.  It is an opportunity for leaders from all the Ursuline schools in the United States to get together and share ideas, dreams and hear many wonderful presentations.  I stopped in today during the Alumnae panel where three Alums from The Ursuline School and the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula spoke about their current careers and gave the leaders so many practical ideas.  As I sat there I realized that I had taught six of the seven alums who were present.  I have had the wonderful blessing of teaching at both of these schools and it was really neat to hear what these women are doing and catch up a bit.  Today I realized how truly blessed I have been in my ministry and I am filled with joy and happiness about that.  May we take the time to thank God for all the wonderful blessings that have been showered upon us!

Pat Schifini, OSU

Summer Solstice

Today we celebrate the "summer solstice,"  a day when we have some seventeen hours of sunlight.  It also marks the official start of summer.  This is a day when many are thrilled and many are not. Those who love all that comes with summer are excited as the days grow longer and warmer.  Beaches are crowded and the lazy days of summer begin.  Summer brings with it vacations and for many family time.  It is a time to relax, recreate and reminisce.  When I was a child I loved summer and all that it meant.  I still love it but in a different way.  I know enjoy a more relaxed pace and the time to catch up with life.  Summer is when I am most conscious of the wonderful gift of time that we are blessed with.  May these days of sunshine and warmth enliven in us an appreciation for the many gifts we have.  Enjoy the lazy days ahead!

Pat Schifini, OSU

Happy Father's Day

Today, June 19^th we celebrate Father’s Day.  When I began to reminisce on this day I researched its origin and was surprised at what I found out.  On June 19, 1910, the governor of the U.S. state of Washington proclaimed the nation’s first “Father’s Day.” In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.  It seems that there are many different theories of the origin of Father’s Day in the United States.  Regardless of how it began today let us take some time to pray in thanksgiving for all fathers that they may be blessed for all that they do and know our gratitude for their role in our lives.  Happy Father’s Day to all, both living and deceased.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Happiness

Today at the funeral for one of our teachers I was reading the back of the program and there it was a real statement on what life should be.  This poem by Ralph Waldo Emmerson really spoke to me. “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”  May these words give you much peace and challenge you to be your best self.

Pat Schifini, OSU