One of the first things I learned when I became attached to my nuns, the IHM Sisters, was that we are a dynamic group. We are always moving — scoping this ministry or prayer opportunity in one place; going by plane, train, automobile, bicycle, or one’s own two feet to attend to the needs of people and God’s creation in another place; meeting up with one another in Monroe (location of our Motherhouse) or in a central location where IHMs are gathered (East Coast, Chicago, Africa, Detroit, Juarez, The Southwest, Toronto, Puerto Rico, etc.).
By our nature as an active apostolic community (as distinct from a contemplative and/or enclosed community of nuns) and living directly in the world — living and worshipping in the neighborhoods in which we work. We are also mobile — when we see a need someplace — anyplace really — we pray and consider what we can do and we go there. One of our co-founders Redemptorist father Louis Florent Gillet, CSsR, once wrote something to the effect that “we desire to be everywhere when we see so many needs.” That is truly a part of our charism as IHMs and certainly of many congregations of women religious. Even communities whose nuns are enclosed practice this charism in one way or another. They may not physically fly to Africa to help children who have AIDS, but they pray on their behalf ceaselessly. They take into their hearts and every cell of their being the cares and concerns of the world.
This reflection comes after being in Monroe for a gathering with my Mission Unit (smaller groups of IHMs in which we regularly meet, pray together, support one another, and attend to the business of the congregation). I’ve had many opportunities because of my community to see the world — again, not just by going to places (which I do) but by seeing the world through different eyes — eyes of compassion and love and the desire to walk with people where they are, embrace those who are often kicked to the side because they live in poverty or with illness, learn from and be open to others (for we all hold the spark of God within us!), provide education and opportunity to people, and care tenderly for all of creation (even the little fuzzy caterpillar meandering on the sidewalk). In religious life, we truly desire to “see the world” not from our own provincial (and limited) perspective, but from the perspective of God who knows no boundaries and makes none of the distinctions that we humans make to separate, categorize, and discriminate. And not just religious — there are many women and men in this world (of all sizes and stripes) that are committed to this vision. Each one of us has this capacity for “bigness”!
Archived Comments
- May 17, 2008 at 6:41 am
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“…seeing the world through different eyes — eyes of compassion and love and the desire to walk with people where they are, embrace those who are often kicked to the side because they live in poverty or with illness, learn from and be open to others (for we all hold the spark of God within us!), provide education and opportunity to people, and care tenderly for all of creation (even the little fuzzy caterpillar meandering on the sidewalk).” Yes! This is what following Christ is all about… (especially the little fuzzy caterpillars!)
- May 17, 2008 at 8:58 am
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I especially like your comment about seeing the “spark of God” in everyone. I was speaking with a Quaker gentleman the other day at an ecumenical meeting and we discussed this topic. The Quakers call it something like the divine “light” or “flame within” each individual.
It’s a funny thing. But all of us who try to make a difference in this world in some way do occassionally have glimpses into how we may have impacted someone somehow.
Have you ever heard of the model, actress, talk show host Tyra Banks? Long story short, she went to an all girls Catholic high school in L.A. called “Sacred Heart.” (I believe it was IHM founded.) I don’t know too much about her present rrelationship with that school. But ironically, oor perhaps NOT so ironically, she has proclaimed tthat the mission in her life is to empower young wwomen to respect and love themselves for whom tthey are. Although some of her episodes may ppresent some marginal content, it is often clear tthat Tyra tries to live her mission. She brings yyoung girls out on stage who have been mocked at sschool, abused by boyfriends, have a low sense oof self-esteem due to body image, looks, bbackground, family, whatever, and attempts to hhelp them out into a better place. Why am I wwriting this here? From what I have seen of all ggirl Catholic high schools, this seems to be the mmission of the sisters who sponsor them – to eempower young women. Seems it had a marked influence on Tyra.
Thought you’d find that interesting – and maybe even edifying.
- May 17, 2008 at 9:55 am
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“we desire to be everywhere when we see so many needs.” I think we all want to help but have not discerned where we are to help or what we are to do. As you say, the options are so many that it is too hard to choose. Reading this encourages me to act. But if all I do is sit HERE just for the encouragement and take it no farther I become like root bound plant. In order to grow and flourish I need to be uprooted and transplanted. That takes thought, discernment and COURAGE. If we are not willing to take it to the next level, the new growth in us will surely die. Pray for us who are encouraged by this offering that we will not stay “root bound” but thrive in a new environment where we are called to be. Thank you!
- May 17, 2008 at 12:14 pm
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Amen and amen. Opportunities to do God’s work abound- as do opportunities to witness God’s wonder. Taking advantage of both opportunities is within everyone’s grasp. The ability to sustain the grasp indefinitely is rare (and usually a criterion for “sainthood”), but the effort is very rewarding. Best of prayers and blessings.
- May 18, 2008 at 3:35 pm
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I think it is so beautiful to go where you are most needed. There are so many in need and whatever you can do for them is wonderful. I like this quote but I can’t remember where exactly it is in the Bible (Matthew?) “Whatsoever you do for the least of my people…”
- May 19, 2008 at 8:53 am
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When I read “we desire to be everywhere when we see so many needs,” I couldn’t help but think of two people. One is the foundress of my Congregation who said basically the same thing in different words. The second is my dear mother who is “actively dying,” as the hospice nurse said last night. She was very active in caring for her family for many years. After my father died and my youngest sister was grown, Mom became very active in the parish, doing volunteering in everything, it seems. As age and illness caused her to slow down, she changed her ministry to home-based activities. She would call her shut-in friends to check in and see how they were doing. After her friends died, the children would tell Mom that her daily calls were the highlight of day. As late as two weeks ago, Mom was sending out messages to her crochet class that they needed to step up their needle work so that the hospital would have enough gifts from Christmas this year. Mom, like my foundress, has taught me that there is much to be done. Mom has modeled the way to do all that can be done according to one’s abilities, and just because one’s abilities change doesn’t mean that ministry stops. It, like life, merely changes, not ends.
- May 19, 2008 at 11:12 am
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Dear “Another Sister Julie,” I am sure that there are many other hearts and prayers directed toward your mother, your family and you. Having recently lost my mom, I know that intended words of comfort often lack potency, but that the recollection of good memories can be a helpful balm. May the blessings of your mom’s good deeds continue to be a blessing to you and your family in your remembrance of her life. Surely, “her value is far above pearls.” (Proverbs, 31:10) Please know that the best of thoughts and prayers accompany this message.
