Only the Shadow Knows

Daylight Saving Time ended today November 1, 2015 at 2 AM.  What a joy it was to wake up that morning in the light! As I write this reflection, it is almost 5 PM. Shadows are now falling.  The early morning light is being balanced with evening’s darkness. In a sense, as far as time goes, we robbed Peter to pay Paul.  As I glance out the window, I see Peter is ready now to collect his due. 

In her book Learning to Walk in the Dark, Barbara Bradford Taylor invites us to consider darkness as gift. When we were young we were discouraged from befriending darkness. As children, we were familiar with the instruction to come inside because it is getting dark. The message was clear. Darkness has a dangerous component. Don’t spend too much time there.

And, we don’t. Bradford draws our attention to our collective aversion to being in darkness.  We are hardly ever away from light. Shopping malls light up the night sky. Highway lights, traffic lights, parking lot lights always companion us.  In the midst of night, our homes are often bright as the noonday sun.

Long before Bradford shared her wisdom of the dark, Isaiah the prophet gave us a chance to see darkness in a different light. Isaiah writes,

        “I will give you treasures of darkness, riches hidden away, that you may know I

              am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.”  Isaiah 45:3

In January of 1999, I made a winter retreat in Gloucester, MA. One afternoon I had been out for a walk and lost track of time. Realizing it was almost dinner time, an important part of any retreat, I began my return trek. The sun was setting.  Darkness was just arriving. With the absence of light I noticed my shadow.  It was ahead of me. I would venture to say, my shadow was leading me. My shadow would arrive “home” first.

I have never forgotten that moment. The experience reminds me how much I have learned from my shadow—the hidden part of me—the part I often avoid because it seems dark. 

As a Sister of Saint Joseph called to live a mission of unioning love, I need to learn to love the darkness. I cannot unite what I do not first accept. 

This winter, may we learn how to walk in the dark—companioned by God and one another—shadows included.

Marie O' Hagan SSJ

Sister Marie is a native of Philadelphia.  A Sister of St. Joseph for 37 years, Sister Marie has been involved in the ministry of education, campus ministry and parish ministry.  

A Passion to Serve God's Children

The mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph: “We live and work that all people may be united with God and with one another,” has been a hallmark statement for my vocation as a Sister of Saint Joseph. It is a blessing for me to be involved in the ministry of Catholic education in elementary school. As a Sister of Saint Joseph, I am happy to share “the joy of my vocation” with the children, faculty, staff, and parents I meet each day. 

I have had numerous opportunities as a teacher, principal and Regional Director of Elementary Schools to minister to many children and adults in Catholic education. It is important for me to note that the witness and role modeling of Catholic teachers have humbled me over the years. Their love, compassion and prayerfulness reveal God’s life within them and their desire to share His life with the children they meet. Parents acknowledge that the support received from the school community deepens their trust in the school community and affirms their choice to send their child to a Catholic school. The children are just that - children. From the youngest kindergartner to the oldest eighth grader, they enjoy life, fun, and learning. All children want to be treated with respect and fairness and they know “to get respect, give respect.”

I have been involved in education for the past 40+ years. In recent years, it is a justice issue that each child receives a quality Catholic education that parents sacrifice financially for them to receive. Being a lifelong learner models for teachers that there is so much to know, to learn as we educate children for the 21^st century.

It is important to keep alive the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in educating and forming children to pray daily, to serve others and to understand the meaning of “justice for all.” Programs, projects, etc., involve the faculty and children to be aware of the needs of others beyond the school community. It has always been my practice, as a leader, to lead by example, to collaborate and to delegate responsibilities. I have learned over the years that, together, we can do so much as a community. 

A passion to serve God’s children each day with love, compassion, energy and creativity drives my daily experiences. Each day I pray for wisdom, integrity and courage to be who God has called me to be “in any and all situations.”

Theresa Maugle SSJ

Sister Theresa has spent over 40 years in Educational Ministry. At present, she serves as the Principal of St. Genevieve School in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

A Place in the Choir

When feasting your eyes on the painting “All God’s Critters Have a Place in the Choir,” you

can affirm artist Oblate Brother Mickey McGrath’s creativity. He depicts two-legged and four-legged creatures, crawling and flying critters, colorfully-clad Asians, Africans, Caucasians, solemnly robed rabbi and bishop, a bare-chested Buddha, lively sax player, dancing minstrel, and even a bird of prey all joined in praising God!

Then, visualize this eclectic ensemble while listening to Celtic Thunder’s foot-stomping, hand-clapping rendition of “A Place in the Choir.”  Their tempo and

lyrics

                         Some sing low and some sing higher

             Some sing out loud on the telephone wire

             Some just clap their hands or paws or anything they got, now” *

are positively contagious!  Enjoying these unique “choirs” offers a sensory experience!

The Founders’ Day Liturgy at Saint Joseph Villa showcased an equally extra-

ordinary Choir under the dynamic direction of Mary William, SSJ. Melody

Makers, arriving on walkers, in wheel chairs, using canes, or stepping gingerly, many

sporting hearing aids, lifted our hearts and refreshed out spirits!  Despite any

physical limits, their hearts and voices soared through descants  (Blest Be the

Lord, You Are Called) and rounds (Rejoice in the Lord) expressing unbounded

joy!    Surely, this commemoration of the 365^th anniversary of the founding of

the Sisters of Saint Joseph deserved such a glorious choral tribute!

Yes, these octogenarians and nonagenarians embodied Psalm 8: “Till the end

of my days, O Lord, I will sing your praise”  bearing concrete witness to the

joy of vocation!

* Google: Celtic Thunder Heritage, “A Place in the Choir”

Fran DeLisle SSJ

Sister Fran is a native of Philadelphia. Her first 30 years as a Sister of Saint Joseph she ministered in elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Fran began ministry among “Seniors” in 1991 spending one year at Bethlehem Retirement Village before coming to Saint Joseph Villa in 1992 where she currently serves as the coordinator of the Guild.

My Man Jesus

I never wanted to enter the convent, but during my senior year in college I had the nagging feeling that God had other plans for me. So in 1956 I entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph and have never had even one day of regret. During these years I have had many experiences and have met hundreds of sisters and lay persons who have inspired me.

One lasting memory occurred at Montgomery County Prison in Norristown, PA. A group of Sisters of Saint Joseph and parishioners from Saint Thomas Parish in Whitemarsh, PA tutored inmates in preparation for taking the GED exam. Because we were such a faithful and dedicated group, the warden permitted us to have an annual Christmas party. We brought tons of food and soda that our students consumed or took with them to trade for other items, e.g. cigarettes.

We reminded our classes to be sure to come to class on the night of the party. One of my students told me that he had been a Christian but now he was a Muslim and for that reason he thought maybe he shouldn’t come to the party. He said he loved “my man Jesus” because he was a great prophet and marvelous storyteller. I told him that “my man Jesus” invited all people to the table so he should definitely be a part of the party. So my student came and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

A few days after the prison party, I attended an elegant cocktail party. In a conversation with a non-Christian professor, she told me that she wanted her children to learn about and love the prophet, Jesus, but she disliked the materialistic way that Christians celebrate Christmas. So, she and her husband give each of their children a small gift to celebrate the birth of the prophet Jesus. Neither I nor anyone else at the party mentioned “my man Jesus.”

I often reflect on these two Christmas parties and thank God for these two non-Christian people who remind me that “my man Jesus” is the center of my life.

Margaret Fleming SSJ

Sister Peg has been a Sister of Saint Joseph for 59 years. She served in a variety of ministries throughout those years, most recently meeting and serving the dear neighbor at The Sister of Saint Joseph Welcome Center in Kensington.

I've Got You

“You’re Okay; I’ve got you!” Famous last words that I spoke to one of my favorite four-year-olds, Noelle, just before an extremely rough Cape May wave knocked us both down this summer. Believe me, it wasn’t pretty! We wiped out! It was one of those, “I’m way too embarrassed to ever get out of this water,” kinds of experiences. I was so concerned about getting Noelle out from under the water that I didn’t notice, at first, that half of the sand in the ocean was now in my precariously hanging bathing suit. Yes, it was THAT bad…

After what felt like forever underwater, we finally broke free enough from the pounding waves that she was able to stand. She promptly taught me a great life lesson. Barely steadied, she scanned the crowd, fixed her eyes on her mom and ran to sit beside her. Actually, she nestled herself right in under her mom’s arm. Safe! Noelle rightly secured, I hastily got back into the water to offer the ocean back its sand and to straighten out my twisted bathing suit. When I went to join them on the beach, Noelle asked, “Aunt Michelle, was that fun?” Afraid that she would never go back into the water again, I assured her that it was VERY fun.

Weeks later, while on retreat, God brought that image back to my mind and heart. I heard God say to me, “You’re okay; I’ve got you.” So many life circumstances have the potential to cause us to feel a little disoriented  - transitions of all kinds, loss, joys, new challenges, new relationships, etc. Yet, as Sisters of Saint Joseph, we too are called to fix our eyes deeply on the One who steadies us – Jesus. With God’s grace, we are invited to do the things that we know sustain and root us more deeply in that relationship, even in times that threaten to pull us under. And the truth is we are okay, because God indeed has each one of us.

As we look to the celebration of our Founders’ Day tomorrow, I can’t help but think of our sister ancestors, who risked life, homeland, personal desires, satisfaction, and comfort at every turn. Why? Because they had their eyes fixed on something greater – our mission, vision, charism, and even more importantly, on Someone greater, who called them to love without counting the cost. I feel certain that at times they felt knocked down, wiped out, and off course; yet they knew where to run to feel safe and to be renewed. That witness and deep conviction steadies, inspires, and challenges us, even to this day, to keep moving forward, trusting that there is so much life yet to be lived.

While it may not always be “FUN,” it is always worth it! For, we know from experience that our God is faithful – that God’s surely “got” us - and therefore, we are okay!

Michelle Lesher SSJ

Sister Michelle is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia currently serving in Formation and Vocation Ministry. She is passionate about Faith Formation, especially for Youth and Young Adults.

Springs of Living Water

At times we have all been thirsty—physically or spiritually – desperate to do almost anything to feel renewed, refreshed, revitalized. We know that where there is water there is life! ­­­­­­­I have always been drawn to the sacredness of water. Therefore, I have purposely planned my retreats beside water.

During one particular retreat, I was drawn to pray beside an Artesian well. Having come to this retreat after several recent losses, I myself felt like this now-empty well, needing desperately to be filled and refreshed. I randomly opened to the Gospel passage of Jesus meeting the Samaritan Woman at the well.  God’s message in this gospel touched me in surprisingly profound ways.  

This image of “holy” water and my love of this Gospel story emerged later as my Jubilee theme. Through the years I continue to ponder this Gospel story, perhaps because I so easily identify with the Samaritan woman.  Many times I am this woman – living out the ordinariness of each day, balancing my concerns and desires, searching for solitude, yearning for answers, always faithfully attempting to fulfill my calling by returning daily to this sacred well…returning to fill my jar, hoping to share with others this gift of life-giving water.

Often, like the Samaritan woman, I am caught off guard by the tangible presence of Jesus. Jesus appears in the form of a co-worker, a member of my local community, an associate, a friend, a sister to whom I minister, or even a complete stranger. Meeting at the well, we talk, we listen, we encourage, we share, and I find myself leaving refreshed and renewed!

In John’s Gospel, Jesus says to the Samaritan woman, “If you but knew the gift of God…”  I feel blessed to recognize this “gift of God” in my ministry as SSJ Director of Senior Services, as I share the hopes and dreams of so many sisters who come to meet Jesus at the well.  As true SSJs, our sisters bring their deep spirituality and overwhelming generosity to serve the dear neighbor. They inspire me with their strong faith that Jesus will indeed re-fill their jar to overflowing with life-giving water.

I am sincerely in awe of these sisters who have lived their entire lives in service and are determined to pursue new opportunities, accomplishing “good works.” They amaze me!  They inspire me!

In my quest to be true to my religious vocation, to re-commit each day to living my religious life as a Sister of Joseph in service to God, others, and for the good of our planet, I picture myself as the Samaritan woman returning daily to the well.  In reality, our senior sisters fill my empty jar – fill me — with living water!

Sister Eileen Dorothy Maguire SSJ

Sister Eileen Dorothy has spent most of her ministry in education, as teacher and administrator, and has also been involved in parish faith formation and spiritual direction.  She is currently the SSJ Director of Senior Services.

The Heart of the Wounded Healer

“‘I realized I was not the only one crying.’  This is the heart of the wounded healer.”

These were the most powerful words I heard spoken at the recent World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from Manila, in his keynote address, quoted this line in a letter he received from a young refugee woman, who had made her way the Philippines. As I listened to her story, tears came to my eyes, for I realized they were my words too.

A few months ago, my father went home to God after suffering 10 years with dementia. For those ten years, I was his caregiver while also being engaged in full-time parish ministry. These were challenging years for me and my family. But as I look back on them now, I realize they were also incredibly grace-filled moments of darkness and light with a deep conversion of heart.

God used the last 10 years to teach me how to love more deeply, tenderly, and compassionately.  As I embraced the wounded body, mind and heart of Jesus in my father, I allowed Jesus to embrace my own wounded heart and learned how to more fully and freely love while embracing the “gift-wounds” of each person I encountered. Pope Francis speaks of a “Spirituality of Encounter”; the call to encounter Jesus in each person, poor and vulnerable. God has taught me how to share my graced darkness and “wounded-ness” with God’s people in the many encounters I have shared with those who are also wounded caregivers. 

In my darkest moments, I realized with great gratitude, it was the love and care of my God and my Sisters which held and carried me in my pain and suffering, my weakness and vulnerability, my tiredness and frustration. It was the many kindnesses of my Sisters – day in and day out – that held me close to God. These Sisters became caregivers for me in the constant daily kindnesses they offered and I experienced… a short note, a call, a prepared dinner for my Dad, an extra shopping turn taken to free up some time for me, an offer to clean my charge in the convent so I could attend a parish meeting and get to bed at a decent hour. 

Cardinal Tagle spoke to the fact that we are all wounded healers and that it is within our “families” that we are healed and become wounded healers for others. For it is only when, through God’s grace, we embrace our own wounds that we can enter into the heart of Jesus and the heart of the world. There, in the heart of the wounded healer, filled with humble gratitude and compassion, we can share in the Mission of Jesus — living and working that all may be one!

Sister Christine Konopelski SSJ 

Sister Christine currently serves as Pastoral Associate at Our Mother of Consolation Parish in Philadelphia, PA. She is passionate about sharing her faith and helping others find God in their life. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, reading, and painting.