Let us remember with gratitude the 50 years of CND courageous and committed life and ministry in the mission of Guatemala. We rejoice with the sisters, associates and others in the Región Nuestra Seňora de Guadalupe at this time. One expression of our concrete solidarity and joy during these anniversary celebrations will be the presence of Sisters Mary Corbett, Lorraine Costello, Joan Lewis, Paula Maher and Maura McGrath who ministered in Central America. We wish them a blest, joyous and safe journey. The following words by one of the “journeyers” gives us pause for proclaiming the greatness of God!
“I see this moment as a significant time of support, affirmation and celebration of the Central American women who have chosen to cast their lot among us. When I see who they have become, in their challenges and struggles--yes!--but also in the leadership they have assumed and exercise in such strength and capacity, this seems like a moment to celebrate and honour that.”
Associate relationship is alive and well in Visitation Province. That was very evident as 40+ sisters and associates gathered at Villa Consolata, Howe Island for their annual reflection weekend. This year, the theme picked up from Sister Josephine Badali’s circular inviting all of us to reflect together on Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) “with a Visitation Heart.” Through prayer, wonderfully prepared input, silence, small group sharing, Sunday Eucharist, delicious food and plenty of time for informal conversation with one another, we wondered how - in the years ahead - we can allow that joy to map out ‘new paths’ for our journey as Visitation people. I for one rejoice in and celebrate the shared gifts of sisters and associates, and it was clear that the relationship between us is alive and active. Congratulations and gratitude to those who made this weekend possible.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. www.internationaldayofpeace.org Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you don’t know. Or it can involve getting people together in a large event.
THE STORY IS TOLD of a lady in a shopping mall. When the power went off and all the lights went out she felt a little hand in hers, and she asked, in the darkness,
“Who do you belong to?” The response came: “I’m yours, until the lights come on.”
The countdown is on!! Early Friday morning, Monica Lambton and Apraham Nizibilian (acting Coordinator of the CND Social Justice Network while Bineta Ba is on maternity leave) and I will be heading to New York City to join in the People’s Climate March. We shall walk and pray in the names of all the children of the world and in a particular way the women, men and children who suffer disproportionately the effects of climate change. We shall march in the name of all of us, sisters and associates in Japan, Central America, Africa, USA and Canada. We are one as you gather in prayerful communion in the invitation to change everything!