Eight women attended the Come and See weekend April 8-10 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, to learn more about life as a Sister of Providence. The women spent time in personal and group prayer, reflection and discussion, and also had personal time with a companion sister. The participants, joined by other sisters and women in initial formation/temporary profession, gave an afternoon of service. The women split into two groups: one went to the Church of the Immaculate Conception to clean pews and the second, in collaboration with
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, planted two dogwood trees near the beginning of the Nature Trail in the Cosmic Walk area on an unseasonably hot day. Both groups finished about the same time.
I had the privilege of photographing the group several times during the weekend. As I heard the thoughtful questions and then the encouraging answers from the sisters, I was reminded that we all are called to a vocation. I am a Providence Associate and just attended a weekend retreat for Associates and Candidate-Associates. As I, too, learn more about the SPs, their charism and their inward conviction to live out their mission of performing works of love, mercy and justice, I become more comfortable in my own chosen vocation: as a married woman who works for a non-profit organization of women religious who truly believes in Providence. That, indeed, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28. I pray that these women have peace and joy as they continue on their journey of discernment. In some ways, that journey is a life-long process.
Eight women attended the Come and See weekend April 8-10 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, to learn more about life as a Sister of Providence. The women spent time in personal and group prayer, reflection and discussion, and also had personal time with a companion sister. The participants, joined by other sisters and women in initial formation/temporary profession, gave an afternoon of service. The women split into two groups: one went to the Church of the Immaculate Conception to clean pews and the second, in collaboration with White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, planted two dogwood trees near the beginning of the Nature Trail in the Cosmic Walk area on an unseasonably hot day. Both groups finished about the same time.
I had the privilege of photographing the group several times during the weekend. As I heard the thoughtful questions and then the encouraging answers from the sisters, I was reminded that we all are called to a vocation. I am a Providence Associate and just attended a weekend retreat for Associates and Candidate-Associates. As I, too, learn more about the SPs, their charism and their inward conviction to live out their mission of performing works of love, mercy and justice, I become more comfortable in my own chosen vocation: as a married woman who works for a non-profit organization of women religious who truly believes in Providence. That, indeed, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28. I pray that these women have peace and joy as they continue on their journey of discernment. In some ways, that journey is a life-long process.
1 comments:
Dear Sisters of Providence,
What an amazing weekend. Thank you to Sister Jenny, all the Sisters that made the trip to SMW to be with us and especially the Sisters who are living at SMW. Your dedication, commitment and genuine care for the women involved in the Come and See is evident, felt and appreciated.
Thank you for your prayers, time and attentiveness,
Joni Luna
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