Happy Pentecost!

Happy Pentecost! Today we celebrate the wonderful feast of the coming of the Holy Spirit! St. Luke gives us a dramatic picture of this event: "The Spirit came upon the apostles with a strong driving wind and with tongues as of fire." (Acts 2:2-3)


Today we celebrate the "Birthday of the Church!" The apostles were hiding behind locked doors. That was their comfort zone. And in there, they felt safe, secure and supported. Jesus appeared to them there and his first message was "Peace" and then he gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages. The gift of the Holy Spirit transforms them then and there, from being cowards to being courageous. And we know the story; they went out to proclaiming the message of the gospel, to all people in their own language according to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.


Since the event of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is continuously acting more actively in the world, in each believer and in the Church. The same Holy Spirit is dwelling within each one of us today, empowering us and encouraging us to get out of our comfort zones and proclaim the message of peace to all people. When you go out today just give a genuine smile to a stranger you meet along the way. This is the message of Pentecost to embrace the Holy Spirit, to open ourselves to become the temple of the Holy Spirit, where peace, love and joy reside. May peace fill our hearts, our homes and our universe.

Sr. Pat

Celebrating a wonderful life!

Today we celebrated the life of Sr. Agnes Neville formerly known as Sr. Bernadette who died peacefully on June 2nd. Agnes had a long life of 84 years and touched so many hearts along the way. She was a teacher, principal, community superior, tutor, and teacher assistant. Besides being a wise teacher throughout her career she was also known for her unique sense of humor. She loved the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins.

For the past few days at school we have shared with one another our love for and stories about Agnes. She was a truly gentle soul who touched all who came in contact with her. Agnes loved her students, her co-workers, her friends and her beloved brother Joseph. Joe was the main celebrant at her funeral today. People came from far and near to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman.

One of the most touching memories that was shared with all of us was when Agnes was told she would need to move on the Andrus Nursing Home. Her response was one that mirrored how she lived her life. She said, "Tell God, I say yes!" What an inspirational response and one that we can all take a lesson from.

Agnes, as you enjoy eternal life, look down on us and give us the encouragement we need to face the big decisions as graciously as you did. May the angels lead you into paradise and the marytrs welcome you home! We love you and we thank you!

Sr. Pat

Angela 's Words

"Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you."
Angela Merici

Weather

For the past three days, it has been raining on and off in New York City. Yesterday, on my way home as I was walking toward the 1 subway, there was a major downpour of water. My pants, shoes, and socks were drenched very quickly. My back pack also got soaked and so did the papers inside. This morning the papers and notebook were still wet and yucky. At first, I got so upset.

However, as I prayed and reflected this morning, I realize that yes while having wet papers and notebooks is a drag, it is a small inconvenience compared to what others are experiencing with weather conditions lately. Mississippi is experiencing major flood. Texas and New Mexico are in a drought. Alabama has suffered a tornado. Many people are being affected in major ways.

I pray for all people suffering any disruptions and calamities due to weather conditions.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Years in Life & Life in Years

My 40th birthday is coming up in a few days. I have very mixed feelings about. Part of me thinks it doesn't matter; while another part thinks it is a really big deal.

Yestedday, I received a birthday card from a friend, Sr. Ann Peterson, osu. The card says:

In the end,

it's not the years

in your life

that count.

It's the life

in your years.

By: Abe Lincoln

I am so struck by that message and realize that I need to start living my years and not accumulating them. Life is a gift that we must treasure and foster. I'm going to begin today by taking time to get ourdoors and enjoy the fresh air that God so willingly shares with us.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy Mother's Day

Today is a special day during which we say Thank You to our mothers for their love, dedication and concern for us. Prayers and blessings to all mom and all women who provide some mothering to any of God's creation.

We are an Easter People and HOPE is our legacy!!

Lord, you invite us to a conversion to hope.

Even in the midst of our own despair,

You call us to become signs of hope in a

world of sin and suffering.

Help us to be open to the gifts you give us so freely.

Help us cultivate and nurture the seeds of hope within

ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Let us celebrate the growth of hope,

no matter how fragile a seedling it may be.

We trust in You to guide us as we turn

towards the building of the Kingdom of God

in the hope and the joy that is the

ground of our faith.

AMEN.