It is heart-warming to hear of and receive so many words of support for U.S. sisters from lay people, bishops, priests, and religious from across the globe. Most recently leaders of communities of Catholic women religious in Europe offered their support and encouragement. See the article European women religious send warm support to U.S. sisters in National Catholic Reporter (December 15, 2009). There have also been messages of support from sisters in Rome and in Asia and Oceania. Another powerful show of support is the Thank You, Sister campaign which received over 300 letters of support which will be sent to Mother Mary Clare Millea, Cardinal Franc Rodé, Cardinal Francis George, and Pope Benedict XVI as well as leadership teams of communities of women religious in the US.
The encouragement and support of so many people reminds me of stepping up and simply being present and in solidarity with another who is engaged in a tough experience. There are all sorts of ways that we can show our support, that we can stand up for another and stand beside another. How will we choose to do that today? Who will come across our path who needs a kind word, a breath of fresh air, a helping hand, or just a warm presence?
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I must quote again Saint Therese of the Child Jesus: “My God, by how many different ways you lead souls!” this quote seems appropriate to todays comments. Today I helped a Chinese immigrant with business paperwork he would not have been able to process. I went into the business with a feeling of impatience and left feeling very very humble and with the realization that my initial attitude was wrong but that God had led me to help him.
The poem that accompanied this message from the European Sisters is especially moving to me. DO take the time to read it!