Comments on: IHM Founders Day

By: Sister Julie

Sister Julie — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:33:01 +0000

Many thanks, Cathy … Sister J

By: Cathy Keller

Cathy Keller — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:01:37 +0000

It is a wonderful legacy left to you all as you carry on the works started by the founders. It’s like a family in many ways as the roots do run deep and those who participate in the “family” have much to be grateful for and take much satisfaction in the accomplishments of the members. My heartiest congratulations.

By: Happy Founders Day! « A Nun’s Life

Happy Founders Day! « A Nun’s Life — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 02:04:52 +0000

[...] Founders Day! Posted on November 10, 2007 by Sister Julie See my November 10, 2006 [...]

By: Feast of the Immaculate Conception « A Nun’s Life

Feast of the Immaculate Conception « A Nun’s Life — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 13:25:10 +0000

[...] Gillet had come to the US from Belgium with Fr. Poilvache to do missionary work in 1843. They set up in Monroe, Michigan, and worked at St. Anthony Parish. Eventually they changed the name of the parish to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. In 1844, Gillet met Theresa Maxis, a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore. He convinced her of the great needs of the children in Michigan. In November 1845, she left the Oblates and, with Father Gillet, founded the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (see the web page on our founders by the Immaculata IHMs). For more on our founding see my post IHM Founders Day. [...]

By: nuns2day

nuns2day — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:49:58 +0000

Cool! I didn’t know that. The symbolism is so rich. Thank you for sharing that, Marge. Good to hear from you. Julie

By: Marge Polys, IHM Monroe

Marge Polys, IHM Monroe — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 15:35:43 +0000

Julie, Happy Founders’ Day. Thanks for reflections and creative initiative. I was thinking about the stole ritual used with our first sisters. At the transfer of leadership ritual in 1988, a stole was placed on each of the new leadership team members. Then and now, I connect the experience with our founding and making visible our commitment to continue the liberating mission of Jesus. I love the ritual and believe we could continue to use it more effectively. Gratefully, Marge

By: nuns2day

nuns2day — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:54:06 +0000

Terry, thank you for your email. My IHM sisters speak highly of you. I’m grateful for your comments here. We are embarking on a study of Gillet and are working with a Redemptorist in learning more about his life. The piece you added here deepens my appreciation of this unprecedented “little ceremony.”

By: Terry Moran, C.SS.R.

Terry Moran, C.SS.R. — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:32:35 +0000

Having worked with the IHMs on and off over the years, I have done some research on the stole symbolism at the inauguration of the community. During Gillet’s time, when Redemptorists went to a parish to preach a mission, at the opening ceremony the pastor of the parish would place his stole on the shoulder of each of the missionaries as a symbol that they were sharing in the pastoral care of the parish during the time of the mission by their preaching. I think that was Gillet’s inspiration for the ceremony – and quite a powerful affirmation of women and men sharing together in the Redemptorist mission of preaching the abundant love of God in abandoned places.

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 22:19:25 +0000

Really nice reflection on Founders’ Day, Julie. Loved the “stole” reference. There is a catalogue of all the “new religious movements” that I picked up in Rome last March. I’ll send you the reference, since it has a good listing of “lay communities.”

Mary Ann

By: nuns2day

nuns2day — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 02:10:05 +0000

In answer to Susan’s question … this comes straight from Sister Mary Jo, one of our IHM historians: “In my nearly 60 years in the Congregation – and having listened for every thread of information related to our history of those years, I have never heard that we ever did that ritual. Fr. Gillet was very creative – and great as a liturgist. He knew that Nov. 10th – with the three women at Mass – soon to begin a life together was a very important moment. It appears that he just couldn’t let that historic moment pass with words only. He used this symbolic action to signify that a new religious congregation – approved by the Church (bishop) was being founded. Thus, the stole on each shoulder.”

Great question and great answer. Thanks!

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 23:55:02 +0000

Happy founder’s day! I hadn’t realized they’re an order native to the US.

By: nuns2day

nuns2day — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:36:09 +0000

Thanks for the good wishes, Lisa and Susan. It’s a great day! I’m so grateful for all the women upon whose shoulders I stand. I’m not sure if the ritual of laying the stole on the sisters’ shoulders was ever repeated after that initial moment. I’ll have to check with my learned IHMs.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:38:12 +0000

Happy Founders Day! I loved the description of the being touched with the stole and the meaning it has for you. Do you still do that at all?

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:34:16 +0000

Blessed IHM/OSP Day!