Yesterday, October 1, we celebrated 175 years since the founding of our Sisters of Notre Dame congregation, when our Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring and Sister Maria Ignatia Kuhling pronounced their vows. May I use this blog to raise a toast to 175 years.

Imagine with me that you are holding up a glass as in a toast. Let’s raise a glass to 175 years since October 1,1850 when we became what we are today. Yes, a toast to our very good God who has blessed us day by day, year after year, in Germany and then one country after another until we reached the 17 countries in which we minister today.  Imagine your glass contains the joys and sufferings, the travels, the ministries, the work and laughter, the camaraderie of all these years. 

Let us pray. 

O God, You are the joy of our hearts, the energy of our souls, the inspiration in whom we live and move and have our being. To you we pour out our gratitude for all that we have received. And may we share our blessings with others that we and they may have a radiant future. Generous God, watch over us Sisters of Notre Dame until we sit down at the Heavenly Banquet. We pray for reserved seats through Christ our Lord.  Amen.