May Crowning 2019

Today, our Middle School students gathered in the Ursuline Province Center Chapel to crown the statue of Our Lady with flowers.  Traditionally the oldest student in the Middle School carries the crown.  I was very nice today that the three oldest members of the Middle School did the crowning.  One carried the crown and the other two were acolytes.

In our introduction we set the stage for our crowning prayer service with:  My dear and sisters:  We gather today to crown this image of the mother of Jesus.  As we acclaim Mary, the Mother of God, as our queen and as the Mother of the Church, let us imitate her example and be attentive to the Word of God. As we honor Mary, who is higher than the cherubim and yet like us, let us pray that through her intercession we may achieve holiness of life, and a deepened faith, hope, and love, as we seek to do the will of God in all things.

Almighty God and Father, you have given us the mother of your Son to be our mother and our queen. With the support of her prayers may we come to share the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May this simple ceremony continue to remind each one of us that we are loved by God and that we are never alone.  Pat Schifini, OSU

Memorial Day 2019

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13

Last evening, I had the opportunity to watch the Memorial Day Concert from our nation’s capital.  It was a most moving concert with many stories of veteran’s shared.  What most touched me was the stories of young men who were friends who promised to take care of the other or of their family if anything happened.  The performance began with a salute to all Gold Star families.  Since I live with a “Gold Star” family member this had very special significance.  Gold Star families are those families whose member paid the ultimate sacrifice and did not return from war alive.  There were Gold Star families present from each war that has been fought.  The tribute to those soldiers who have come home disabled was very moving.  As I watched the performance, I was struck by how important it is to celebrate this day and to pray for those who died so we can be free.  Let us pray this day for all who paid the ultimate sacrifice and for those who continue to defend our shores today. 

Pat Schifini, OSU

Jubilee Day 2019

Today the Ursuline Sisters celebrated our Province Jubilee Celebration, thirteen sisters will mark some 710 years of Religious Profession.  Each of these women responded to Jesus’ invitation to “Come and See.”  They responded not knowing fully where the journey would lead them.  With an eagerness of heart and a sense of awe they came and stayed.  Over the years they have been principals, educators, councilors, authors, pastoral care ministers, midwives, missionaries and working with the poor.  They have served in Province Leadership and International Leadership.  Each one brought her unique set of gifts with her and shared them unconditionally.  As we celebrate today we thank our loving God for the gift you have been to us.  Thank you Barbara, Beth, Brenda, Celestine, Claire, Fran, Julia, Mary, Mary Beth, Maryellen, Maureen, Pascal, and Pat for your loving fidelity to God and God's people. Ad multos annos!