Today we celebrate the life of one of our sisters, the third funeral in three weeks. Have you heard/read that Catholic Sisters are diminishing in numbers? Math and shaking heads suggest we are a “dying breed” or a “species becoming extinct.” Not true! If we’re counting heads, we need to gather data from around the world. That’s the advantage of being an international congregation like ours. About 40% of our sisters are Asian; others are from Africa or the Southern Hemisphere. While the numbers may be down in the United States, the spirit is not. We are forward-looking to the possibilities of the present and the future. We trust in God’s goodness and provident care (our charism) and know that God’s providence and goodness never diminish. They expand! We keep on keeping on, grateful for each sister, happy in our togetherness, ministering in some way every day, and confident in God’s care.
“To live is to be slowly born.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Sunflower Seeds
Celebrating Everyday Spirituality
2 Responses
I marvel at what we do at our age. Sisters in their 80’s are still ministering in both paid and volunteer services. And those in their 90’s are perpetual prayer warriors and doing community service. We Sisters never retire. There is always more of God’s work to be done. And more intentions to pray for. Is that why so many sisters need knee replacements?
Trust is a reminder for ALL of us in whatever situation!