Today is Presidents' Day in the United States, a day where we celebrate George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all who have served as U.S. president. On this day, I can't help but think of the President who has been such a source of encouragement and leadership in my own life. Her name is Sister Jane.
Sister Jane is the president of my IHM Congregation, and on this day I honor her and all the women religious who are serving in congregational leadership across the globe. I honor the women who have brought us to this moment having been presidents, mother superiors, prioresses, superior generals, and abbesses.
These women model for me what it means to be faithful, strong, collaborative, compassionate, and dedicated leaders. They hold together the responsibilities of spiritual leadership and administration and at the very same time are our sisters. They lead sometimes in front, but more often right beside us. At times, you might even find our leaders way off in the back ... not lagging behind but urging us onward in the pursuit of God's mission.
Thank you for all that you are and all that you do on behalf of sisters, religious life, and the world.
If you've got a particular Catholic sister or nun in mind who is serving or has served as congregational leader, mention her name here and we'll pray a special prayer of thanksgiving for her. If there's a sister or nun in your life whom you see as a leader, mention her name as well!
