Reflections by Sisters & Associates
International Day of Peace 30th Anniversary Celebration
Watch this 4 1/2 minute video about our celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the International Day of Peace in September 2011.
Click here to watch longer longer video clips of the reflections given by Sisters Alexandra Kovats, Beth Taylor and Carmel Little and Associate Annie Welch.
Journey Song by Susan Dewitt, CSJP
Traveller,
there is no road.
In front of us the meadow,
the tall grasses of late summer,
asters and Queen Anne’s lace,
In front of us the forest,
unpathed, the trees heavy with
unfallen cones, the cedar scented air,
no one to tell us where
yo turn or what may lie ahead
beyond the mountains.
But we have come a long way already.
We have walked through the dry lands looking for water,
we have found companions.
Now we share stories, we share food,
we compare maps that show
no road leads on from here. There is no way.
We make the road by going.
Terry Donohue, CSJP - from a reflection at the Opening Liturgy for our 125th Anniversary on August 8, 2008
The Congregation had its origin in Mother Clare’s response to the social concerns and needs of the time. She was deeply moved by the sufferings of the poor and oppressed people; and she sought ways to share her gifts with them. How are we called to share our gifts?
I can’t help but think that Mother Clare is glowing today. Surely she was a suffering servant and her heart must have been aching when she left us. In 1888 she wrote to Pope Leo XIII asking him “to take these good sisters, whom I have so long loved and cherished and trained for this work, to your heart.” And yet, I hope that she has been healed with all that has happened in the past 125 years. Her life lives on in us. Indeed, we build upon a rich heritage and our founding spirit calls us to further the work of peace.
And so today we have been called once again for the victory of justice. How can we focus our education, reflection and action so that we contribute to the development and sustainability of all people and the planet? How are we being called to touch one another and be in right relationship and release the charism as we become a Congregation without Provinces? How can we be visionaries of peace and Gospel nonviolence and witness to our world that cries out for peace? How will we truly make this year A Jubilee of Blessings and A Journey to Peace?
Surely Mother Clare is celebrating with us today…and she continues to challenge us to prophetic risk. Together… we face the future with gratitude and hope.
Margaret Anna by Rosemary Coffey
Margaret Anna, a woman who listened to her God
and responded to God’s inspirations.
Margaret Anna’s life road had many
twists, turns, ups and downs.
She responded to them all
with courage and determination.
Today, we, Margaret Anna’s sisters,
faithful women all,
respond to our God in a world
full of twists, turns, ups and downs
to bring peace through justice for all.
The courage and determination is present today
as we listen, pray and support
each other in our work for
peace through justice.