Celebrating Our Roots

 

Yesterday, Ursuline Sisters, Associates, colleagues, and friends are celebrated St. Angela Merici’s foundation of the Company of St. Ursula in 1535. On November 25, 1535, Angela Merici with 28 of her followers attended Mass and then signed their name (or made their mark) in the Book of the Company of St. Ursula.  This simple ceremony was the beginning of a legacy that has lasted 488 years. As we celebrate this 488th anniversary, we recommit ourselves to bringing the spirit of St. Angela to our church and our world and to living her words to us: “Act, move, believe, strive, hope, cry out to God with all your heart, for without doubt you will see marvelous things if you direct everything to the praise and glory of God and the good of others.”

On Tuesday, November 28^th we commemorate the foundation of the Roman Union.  In 1900, Pope Leo XIII expressed the wish to see all the Ursulines united under the authority of one Superior General living in Rome. A consultation was sent to all the Ursulines and to all the bishops concerned. The questions, correspondence, support and even the objections led to the convocation of a General Assembly in Rome on November 15, 1900. The 71 superiors and delegates discussed and voted the plan for a General Government. Sixth-two of the monasteries joined the Union. The verbal approval of the Holy Father on November 28, 1900 was followed by the opening of the first General Chapter of the Roman Union, and the election of Mother Marie de Saint Julien Aubry as Prioress General, as well as the election of four Councilors : German, American (USA), French and Italian.

Then the work of organization of the Roman Union began – the name was chosen to assert its international character from the very beginning, compared to other national unions. In 1900, this Union included 62 monasteries from diverse continents.  The Roman Union continues to live out the charism of St. Angela.

Gratitude

 

On Thursday of this week, we will celebrate the great tradition of Thanksgiving. Families will gather with loved ones and eat a bountiful feast.  As we enjoy being with family and friends let us take a moment to pause and thank our loving God for the many blessings bestowed on us.  May we always have grateful hearts and think of others at this time. So many people are struggling at this time.  As I prayed about Thanksgiving and what it means to me, I found this prayer from Xavier University which summarized the true meaning of gratitude for me.

Show My Gratitude

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar.

Also, thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices and provide me with advisors to help me with life's difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many ways so that I always know you are here.

And Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same kindness they have provided to me.

I am extremely grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind of just how blessed I am and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned acts of kindness.

By Kelli Mahoney

 

Watching, Waiting, Living

  

In our Gospel today we hear the Story of the Ten Virgins.  Five were foolish and five were wise.  The five who were wise were prepared and brought extra oil for their lamps to keep them lit.  Five were unprepared and did not bring extra oil to keep their lamps lit. They needed lamp oil when the bridegroom came.  The bridegroom came and those who were ready were welcomed into the wedding feast.  The others had to go to buy oil for their lamps and when they returned, they were not permitted to enter the feast.

This story reminds us that we are in the home stretch of the Liturgical Year.  In one month, we will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and begin the new Liturgical Year.  We are called today to look at our faith.  In many ways the oil in this story represents our faith.  Each day we are called to keep working on our faith and live it.  When we don’t live our faith, we see that in many ways we are unprepared.

Yesterday I was at the burial of a family member.  As we were leaving his wife asked me, “He is in Heaven, isn’t he?”  In the midst of her grief, she wanted the assurance that her beloved husband was in Heaven with God.  My heart ached for her, and my response was an emphatic “yes!”  I believe in my innermost being that he is with God and at peace.  He suffered terribly with cancer and fought valiantly. When there was no more hope for a cure, he placed his trust in God and journey toward his final day.

Watching, waiting, living our faith is part of who we are.  We must be ready today and everyday to give life and witness to the faith that God has given to us.  May we always be alert and prepared.

National Vocation Awareness Week

National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer, invitation, and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. This year it is celebrated November 5 - 11.  Let us pray for all who are considering their vocation at this time.  May God's call become clear for them.