Grace and Hope: A Reflection for the 65th Jubilee of Sister Mary Ann Coz Most of what I really need to know about how to live And what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. So begins a poem by Robert Fulgrom. For the past15 years, the Ursuline Sisters gather to celebrate significant jubilees beyond 50 years on the 8th of December. This year, Sisters, Associates, co-workers and friends gathered to celebrate Sister Mary Ann Coz’s 65th Jubilee. Sister Mary McCormick began her jubilee reflection by quoting the above poem. Sister Mary then connected that poem to Ephesians…All I ever need to know about the spiritual life is embodied in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: Grace and Hope. Here is Sister Mary’s reflection:
Advent Calendar Dear Friends, The season of Advent begins a new Church year. Advent is a time to recall the cry of the early Christians: Maranatha! “Come, Lord Jesus!” It takes us on a spiritual journey to remember the time of desert, the time of darkness, but it also renews our hope in the “Word” that became flesh and now lives among us. Jesus is God’s expression of unconditional love—Emmanuel. In Hebrew the name means “God is with us.” Pope Francis has designated 2015 as “The Year of Consecrated Life”. He has challenged Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests to “Wake Up The World!” by their vocational calling. This special year begins with the 1st Sunday of Advent, and continues until February 2, 2016. As part of the celebration, The Toledo Area Vocation Ministers wish to continue sharing their Advent Reflection Series. This calendar is the fruit of their reflection. We invite you into daily prayer with us to walk the journey of darkness into light—to wake up the world! Together, let us reflect on the daily readings from our Liturgical Calendar for Advent and enter into the awareness and extent of God’s love for each of us. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Nov 30 Dec 1 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 5 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25
Wake Up The World Since the call of the first disciples, some followers of Jesus have sought a different way to live their faith. In the early church groups of widows gathered to dedicate themselves to prayer and good works. Others craved solitary prayer, so they fled to the desert to commune with God and guide others in the pursuit of holiness. Monasteries, cloisters, and religious houses eventually came into being, and religious life as we know it began to take shape. Pope Francis has called for a special yearlong focus on consecrated life, asking the church’s religious sisters, brothers and priests to “wake up the world” with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope Consecrated life—in its diverse expressions around the globe—is a gift to the church and world. Its prayer lifts the entire church. Likewise, good works and the pursuit of justice shape society to more closely resemble the reign of God. A life of chastity, poverty, and obedience gives powerful witness to faith in Jesus without a word being uttered. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, religious communities of men and women rise up, serve a purpose, thrive, and live on or come to an end. This ebb and flow has occurred for 2,000 years and will continue for millennia to come as new members around the world take vows and join their lives to communities to live out the gospel in radical ways. The Ursuline Sisters have been around since our founding by Saint Angela Merici in 1535 in Brescia Italy. This year, The Ursuline Sisters in Youngstown are celebrating 140 years of service in the Mahoning Valley. As part of our celebration, we are visiting various parish communities with an invitation to young Catholics to consider a religious vocation. “The monuments to the work of the Sisters in imitation of Jesus are not found in buildings or plaques,” observes Sister Mary McCormick, our General Superior. “They are found in the lives of people who have been taught by an Ursuline, who have been touched with a healing word or gesture, who have been comforted by prayer or silent presence, who have been strengthened by these determined women standing with them, advocating for their needs.” While we remember our heritage with pride and sometimes a little nostalgia, we look to the future. This is indeed the focus of the Year of Consecrated Life.