Providence and the Reflective Life

On Saturday, April 2, the second day of the Providence Associates spring retreat, Deepening the Providence Story, General Officer Sister Marie McCarthy presented “Providence and the Reflective Life.” Sister Marie (pictured at right) shared with participants that the late Sister Mary Alice Zander, first director of Providence Associates, had asked her last January to be one of the presenters during the retreat.

“I didn't have the foggiest notion that she wouldn’t be here with us today,” said Sister Marie, referring to Sister Mary Alice’s physical presence. However, as Sister Marie pointed out, Sister Mary Alice’s spirit is certainly felt during this time of retreat and renewal.

Among the many gems of wisdom that Sister Marie shared, she noted that we find Providence in the “ordinary stuff of our days.” But to notice God’s presence, we have to pay attention, be aware and be present. It sounds easy to be able to do this, but Sister Marie shared, the easiest things are often most difficult. The sacrament of the present moment is all that we have, she continued.

Part of Sister Marie’s morning presentation included time for individual quiet reflection on some event or experience that each participant had recently experienced. Each person was encouraged to quiet herself or himself and listen to the revelation of God in that experience. Later, participants shared with one another their stories of miracles that they had “stumbled over lately.”

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