Happy July 4th to my fellow U.S. Americans! I invite you to read the wonderful reflection on Independence Day offered by my nun Sister Maxine Kollasch, IHM, on our IHM website.

Sister Maxine reflects on the meaning of the line “the pursuit of happiness” from the Declaration of Independence, a right which the early American community was willing to (and many did) die for.

Check out the thought-provoking questions at the end of her reflection and feel free to offer your responses here.

What makes you happy? How is your happiness connected with the happiness of your family, your neighborhood, your professional or spiritual community? In what ways are you seeking to pursue happiness as an individual and as part of a world community?

Enjoy your hotdogs, picnics, family, friends, baseball games, and fireworks!