Palms and Passion: On the Road to Easter

By Leslie Thayer

Join the Sisters of Providence for PALM SUNDAY OF
THE LORD'S PASSION, April 1, 11 a.m. (EDT). Palm
Sunday Vespers at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) in the church.

Note: This is the first of a two-part series on our blog. The second will be published tomorrow.

Tomorrow is one of the several best attended days of the year for churches of virtually all denominations — and not because of any ability of the presiding minister to crack a joke or pull off a prank!

Sunday is popularly named Palm Sunday, or in some churches The Sunday of the Passion.

The new Roman Missal calls it Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. And why is this Sunday so well attended across Christianity? Because this is one of two days when attendees get to take something home with them in their hands — something physical, not just their memories of the sermon, or greetings from friends and neighbors, and in addition to the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, as important as Communion is.

(By the way, the other day that brings even marginal Christians to church is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, in which the palms from the previous year are burned to create the ashes that are placed on everyone’s forehead in the shape of a cross.)

On this Sunday, we receive palm branches or, depending on what country in which we live, boxwood or yew branches, or even pussywillow branches! Throughout the centuries, Christians of all ages have flocked to church on Palm Sunday to receive their branches and to take them home to display behind pictures or crosses or crucifixes for the year, or to weave them into crosses.

So what is the meaning of this “Palm Sunday” anyway? Where did it come from and why do Christians celebrate this day — an example of unity that occurs so very seldom, but for which Jesus fervently prayed?

Palm Sunday originated in the late fourth century in the Church at Jerusalem, but spread to Spain in the fifth century, Gaul by the seventh century, England by the eighth century, and (perhaps surprising to Roman Catholics) Rome not until the 12th century.

The purpose of celebrating Palm Sunday was to commemorate Jesus’ entry into the City of Jerusalem six days prior to His arrest and crucifixion — a moment where He was perceived to be the Messiah, a political and social leader who would liberate the Hebrew nation from the grip of the Roman Empire and restore the people once more to favor with God.

Read the second half of this piece on our blog tomorrow.

A Family of Volunteers at Providence Family Services

The Burns Family: Mary Spalding Burns at center
with son John, left, and husband Joe, right.

Good people willing to share with others bring our Guerin Outreach Ministries to life. Mary Spalding Burns of Wilmette, Ill., shares not only her own time, talent and treasure with Providence Family Services (PFS) in Chicago, she brings her whole family on board.

Mary has served on the PFS’ advisory board since it began in 1994. Over the years she has also volunteered as an after-school tutor, collected donations for and volunteered at the annual rummage sale fundraiser and, with the rest of her family, made yearly financial contributions to Providence Family Services.

Mary’s husband Joe has also served many years on the advisory board, offering much expertise as an architect and structural engineer. The couples’ son John, now 16 has accompanied his mother in her volunteering since he was very small, and now volunteers himself at the annual rummage sale.

“During my long affiliation with PFS, I have witnessed the goodness that is Providence Family Services. PFS impacts the community in such a positive way. PFS’ counseling services create and promote a healthier culture at home and among families. PFS honors and respects each woman, man and child it helps through its educational initiatives, including ESL classes, after-school homework assistance, computer classes as well as through its outreach services, such as citizenship and parenting classes,” Mary said.

“I am so very proud of PFS and its ministry and am grateful that it has been a part of my life, and that of my family, for these many years. As for my son, I am delighted that PFS has been a part of his life for his entire years!” said Mary Burns.

“It has been my great privilege to lend my support, as well as the support of my family, to Sister Patty and all of the wonderful people associated with PFS,” she said.

Read more about Mary and all our Guerin Outreach Ministries sites in the 2011 Guerin Outreach Ministries annual report.

Impressive history made, and in the making

Sisters of Providence are women who have made history, women who have lived history, women who are making history. As the annual observation of National Women in History month begins to move toward its conclusion, Sister Maureen Abbott remains dedicated to her unique opportunity to be a partner with and observer of the Congregation’s history. She is writing volume four of the annals.

“I could walk around the cemetery now and I would feel like I know these people. One of the things I am trying to do in the book is bring forward the daily lives of sisters. Their biographies are wonderful. These people are just fascinating,” she said of her sisters in community.

“There is fabulous talent. Many sisters are brilliant, ambitious, not in the sense of being in it for themselves, but they are willing to tackle projects. It’s overwhelmingly impressive,” she added.

Are you excited yet?

Her writing is expected to be finished by the end of 2012 and the book will be published after editing and procedural details are completed. The text will focus on the years 1926 to 1966.

She mentioned how one sister helped a student become a writer and historian. She mentioned sisters who worked with groups during the grips of racial strife in the 1960s. And she talked about significant changes that came within the Congregation after the Second Vatican Council. Sisters actually lived this history, and they are continuing to make new history.

Sister Maureen will bring these fascinating stories to life in print soon. What exciting stories can you share about your relationships with sisters you have known? No doubt, you have observed some of the Congregation’s history in the making. What impresses you?

Shoveling to make more space for God

Since last July, I have spent one Saturday morning each month with the alpacas at White Violet Farm Alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Alpacas are wonderful animals, known for their curiosity and friendliness, their intelligence and grace.

White Violet Farm Alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

 On “Alpaca Saturday,” though, my primary interaction with the alpacas involves a shovel and rake. It is not glamorous work, but it’s good work, and I have learned a great deal in the alpaca barns and pastures.

Last summer, I worked for a week with Madeleine Little, an intern who spent the summer here before entering veterinary school and who introduced me to what she called the “Zen” of pasture work.

“It’s easy to do this work and think about something else,” she told me. “So I try to think about what I need to ‘shovel’ out of my life, and what needs to take its place.”

Former White Violet Farm
Alpacas intern, Madeleine
Little, rakes in the pasture.
She introduced Sister Lisa to
the "Zen" of pasture work.

That’s been a helpful question for me on Alpaca Saturdays and a helpful reflection for these middle-of-Lent days: Indeed, what do I need to shovel out of my life? How can I give God more space?

Granted, not everyone has the luxury of turning to an alpaca herd as a springboard for spiritual reflection. But Spring holds many opportunities for such reflection. Clearing flower beds, removing dead leaves and stalks from perennials, raking leaves, limbs and pine cones from lawns, removing winter’s grime from the patio furniture, rearranging closets and cupboards — all can be activities that free us to think about the “stuff” that clutters our hearts and minds and spirits. And all can lead us to consider how to give God more space this spring, this Lent and beyond.

What can you shovel out of your life? How can you give God more space? Please comment below.

Tracking the trail of facts and memories

When we last visited with you, we hinted that Sister Maureen Abbott may have taken on a Sherlock Holmes persona to sift through the mysteries in Archives in order to write volume four of the Congregation’s history.

Danger lurks for Sister Maureen as she continues to examine files and documents in her search for truth!

The time period for this project covers 1926 to 1966, which eases into changes brought by Second Vatican Council. Dramatic shifts in Catholic culture occurred, for sure. But there is more reason to be concerned as Sister Maureen continues her investigation. Many of the sisters currently in community actually LIVED some of this history.

 “A lot of this is recorded in people’s memories. Whatever you put out there, you had better be right. People have their memories, people in general, not just the Sisters of Providence. They have their memories of how the sisters were or how they changed. This is going to be real hard-core information (in the book) actually drawn from the Archives and comments from the times. Almost everyone who reads it (the transcript) says, ‘Oh, I remember that!’” Sister Maureen said.

As we continue to bring attention to Women in History Month, it seems to be an appropriate time to introduce Sister Maureen’s work by letting her share some of the process that has led her through this journey. She plans to conclude her research and writing by the end of the year. We’ll let you know when the book, volume four of the Congregation’s history, is available.

In the meantime, what do you remember about how the Sisters of Providence influenced you at one of their schools, or in one of their other ministries? What kind of relationship did you have with one of your teachers? Please share your thoughts and reflections.

Treasures from Archives

Rev. Emile J. Goossens

In one of my recent forays in the stacks of Archives, I stumbled upon a unique item. In an archival box marked chaplains I discovered a black leather wallet in the file of the late Father Emile J. Goossens. No, there wasn’t any money, but there was a wonderful pin — a little tarnished — marked Chaplain, St. Mary’s Fire Dept.

Father Goossens was named the Congregation’s chaplain in 1941. He was born May 11, 1903, in Hartford City, Ind., and was ordained on May 28, 1928, in St. Meinrad, Ind. Prior to coming to the Woods, Father Goossens served the Church in Indiana in Indianapolis, Boonville, Linton and Evansville.

Besides his duties as chaplain, Father Goossens was responsible for teaching the young novices at the Woods Church history, religion and ethics. He also was involved in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Village. Realizing the great need for a local fire department, he found like-minded men in the Village. These men formed the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Fire & Safety Association in the summer of 1955. This association then sponsored the volunteer fire department that was incorporated in 1956. Father Goossens was named the chaplain of the department and received a pin indicating his position.

Unfortunately, Father Goossens left this world way too early. On the morning of Sept. 21, 1959, he suffered a heart attack in the sacristy of the church. Mother Gertrude Clare Owens in her letter circular to sisters described his death in this way: “With his unvarying promptitude and fidelity, Father Goossens came over as usual at six o’clock to distribute Holy Communion to the sick before saying the Community Mass. When the clock struck six, he was at the altar and apparently tried to open the Tabernacle, but as he said afterwards, he was dizzy and could not see. The Sisters at the altar railing waiting to receive Holy Communion and those in the church who noted the prolonged delay, thought he was having difficulty opening the Tabernacle door, until with hesitant step he left the sanctuary and did not return. In the sacristy he suffered an acute coronary attack. The nurses hastened to give every attention while awaiting the ambulance. …”

Father Goossens died early in the morning of Sept. 22, 1959, at St. Anthony Hospital in Terre Haute, Ind. The celebrant for his funeral Mass was his brother, the Very Rev. Msgr. Victor L. Goossens., pastor at St. Mary’s Church, Indianapolis. Father Goossens is buried in the convent cemetery.

2012 Youth Art Contest entrants receive honors

Artists who entered the 2012 Youth Art Contest were honored, along with the
Top 14 winners, during a March 15 reception in Providence Center. Sister Ann Casper,
emcee, asked each to tell their name and a little about themselves.

The Sisters of Providence honored Youth Art Contest entrants and the Top 14 winners during a reception March 15 in Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

Young artists, their parents, family, teachers, friends and guests gathered in O'Shaughnessy Dining Room for the occasion. All of the 45 entries were on display.

Sister Ann Casper, executive director of the Office of Congregational Advancement, served as emcee. She welcomed all attendees to the reception and invited them to return to participate in the many public events, workshops and tours the Sisters of Providence provide or to simply visit and enjoy the peacefulness of the Woods.

The Top 14 winners were presented with certificates and ribbons provided by the Sisters of Providence. The certificates were awarded by General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson and the ribbons were presented by Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, a general officer of the congregation. Debbie Victor, manager of The Gift Shop at Providence Center and a contest judge, assisted with the awards presentation.

In addition, the Top 14 winners received free admission tickets to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum courtesy of Executive Director Lynn Hughes, who awarded that prize.

Cash awards, courtesy of Terre Haute Savings Bank President Bart Colwell, were presented to first-, second- and third-place winners in each of the four age divisions. Charles Fisher, director of Providence Center, presented those awards on the bank's behalf.

All young artists who entered the contest, including some who attended the reception, will receive a Certificate of Participation and Participant ribbon. To read more details about the reception, click here.

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress: our bags are packed!

Sister Dorothy Marie Ahern reunites with a past student.

Kerry Scott, with the Office of Congregational Advancement for the Sisters of Providence, has meticulously packed our communication materials, banner stands and fun giveaways, and they are now en route to the Anaheim Convention Center. Say a prayer that they all arrive on-time and in good condition! We’ll arrive March 22 in time to set up our display at booths #168 and #170 — ready for exhibitors on Friday. You’ll find us as you exit from the Arena into the Exhibit Hall and turn right down the first row. Why not mark your map now?!

This is such an enjoyable and life-giving conference for us. Attendees come by the booth who were taught by the SPs in California and around the U.S. They have fond memories of their teachers and it isn’t uncommon for them to reconnect with a sister or two at the conference.

We talk with young women who are discerning their own calling to religious life and Sister Editha Ben, vocation director, will be on-hand to answer specific questions. Sister Mary Montgomery, director of the Terre Haute Deanery Pastoral Center, will also be available to talk with visitors. She’s well-versed in parish coordination and support and has a rich background with volunteer programs and many other areas.

We’ll also have information on many of our ministries including White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (and the beloved alpacas) and Providence Center (for tours, pilgrimages, The Gift Shop and the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin). We’re also blessed to have two associates with our Associate Relationship helping to staff the booth during the event: Pat Ruck (you may remember her from last year) and Joann Kennelly.

Pick up a brochure on Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and take it back to your parish. Help those you work with get to know a new(er) saint – she was canonized the 8th U.S. saint in 2006 by Pope Benedict. We also have a few gifts to hand out, while supplies last! We’re looking forward to seeing you.

Volume four of Congregation's history heading into home stretch

Can't you just see Sister Maureen Abbott donning a deerstalker cap and doing her best imitation of Sherlock Holmes, pouring over reams of aged documents with a magnifying glass in hand?

That’s an oversimplification, of course. Sister Maureen has spent countless hours culling morsels of information for volume four of the Sisters of Providence history. Her work will fall in line behind the more than 1,800 pages of documented history already written in three volumes by Sisters Mary Borromeo Brown (RIP), Eugenia Logan (RIP) and Mary Roger Madden. This segment will cover the years 1926 to 1966.

The annual observance of Women in History Month seems like an appropriate opportunity to begin sharing Sister Maureen’s journey, even though the conclusion is several months away.

Sister Maureen accepted the challenge to write volume four while she has continued working in other ministries, most notably for the tribunal of the Archdiocese of Portland (Ore.) She has made periodic visits to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods since November, 2004, to gather information. She has exchanged phone calls and emails with the Archives staff to check and obtain detailed facts. She writes in her basement office in Portland.

The end is in sight. She intends to have her writing finished before the end of this year. “I’m hoping it will be finished by fall. I don’t know about the editing. On December 31, 2012, I’m out of here!” she said, chuckling.

“I have to say I have learned a lot. I am a good writer, but I had no experience in doing historical research. It was a real learning curve for me.”

The Sisters of Providence have definitely made their presence known as women in history (also the present for that matter) and as the annual observance continues, we’ll share a couple more postings later this month about Sister Maureen’s work. In the meantime, what are your memories about some of the Sisters of Providence you have known? Why not post some of your thoughts to share with others?

Theresa's story

Theresa Flores, human trafficking
survivor and victim's advocate, spoke at
the Sisters of Providence Women in
Leadership luncheon on March 7.

Each year the Sisters of Providence sponsor a Women in Leadership luncheon. We invite women in the Wabash Valley who work in profit and not-for-profit organizations. The event consists of a lovely meal and an inspirational speaker.

Last Wednesday, Theresa Flores was our speaker. She shared with us her story as a survivor of human trafficking. Ms. Flores’ story broke every stereotype I held of a trafficked girl/woman.

Theresa told of growing up in a devout Irish Catholic family. Her parents were active in their parish, loving toward their children. Their lifestyle was, in her words, “more than comfortable.” Her father worked for a corporation that moved him (therefore the family) every two years to another Midwestern city. It was this constant movement that made Theresa the “perfect victim” of a trafficker.

At 15 years of age, without a group of friends who had known her for long, with no extended family nearby, she was susceptible to the advances of a young man who paid a great deal of attention to her. Finally, he invited her to his home, drugged and raped her and took photos of the act. These photos kept her enslaved to this man. He would pick her up nightly to “service” (the expression used by those who traffick women) 10 to 15 men a night. He returned her to her home at 2 or 3 a.m.; she would sleep a couple of hours and then go to school. Her parents never knew any of this until Theresa finally had the opportunity and courage to escape.

Freed from this bondage, Theresa experienced “a call from God” to educate others to the realities of human trafficking within each of our US cities and towns and to work to liberate these modern day slaves of human greed.

A licensed social worker, she is the director of training and education at Gracehaven House as a refuge for adolescent girls freed from trafficking. She initiated SOAP – Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution. This organization places bars of soap in hotel and motel bathrooms. The soap wrapper lists a 24-hour free 1-800 number for a girl to call to be rescued by local police authorities and SOAP volunteers.

To read more about Theresa Flores or to engage her as a speaker, go to http://www.traffickfree.com/. She has written a compelling book – "The Slave Across the Street."

If you are like I was — unaware of how close in proximity I am to adolescent girls being victimized and abused — check out Theresa Flores and her story.

“Come and See” the Sisters of Providence

God has given each of us specific gifts and talents. It’s no accident that as we grow in those areas, we enjoy doing what we’re good at, what we excel at in life. It’s one of the ways that God confirms within each of us how we are to live our “one wild and precious life.”*

As Christians, it’s also important that we give those gifts in service to others, as a way to glorify God. We take those gifts and talents into account as we discern our vocation, whether it be to live as a single, married or vowed religious person. Religious life is a way to live, not a career choice. The options are limited only by one’s imagination!

The Come and See Weekend, April 13-15, is a wonderful opportunity for women who are considering religious life to visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence. You’ll have quality time to get to know the sisters. Witness first-hand their “faith-in-action” while learning about their ministries and hearing their stories. Worship with them at Eucharistic Liturgy, pray individually and in groups and experience community life. And, you’ll be with other discerning women with similar questions and feelings.

Hopefully, you’ll leave refreshed, encouraged and ready to take the next step in your own personal journey, wherever that may take you. Click here to register by April 6 for the April 13-15 gathering. Sister Editha Ben is available to answer questions at 1-800-860-1840, ext. 2895 or eben@spsmw.org  

*From "The Summer Day," by poet Mary Oliver.

Sharing Providence in a unique way

On Friday evening, March 2, Sister Diane Mason, director of the Providence Associate Relationship, and Debbie Dillow, PA, assistant director, made a presentation to the Mission Advisory Board (MAB) about the relationship. Sister Diane explained how religious and associates are in relationship and how that relationship within the life of the Church has changed over the years. She also provided a profile of the 160 women and men who are associates and the 27 people who are in their year of candidacy. Debbie, newly appointed to her position in February, shared her heart-felt story of finding the Sisters of Providence and ultimately finding her spiritual “home.”

During the evening, three Providence Associates were asked to make short presentations about why they became Providence Associates. Dave Cox, Terre Haute, Ind., made his first commitment as an associate last November. Dave is the media relations coordinator for the Congregation. Donna Watzke (upper right photo) resides in Carmel, Ind., and was a Sister of Providence for more than three decades. She serves on the MAB and supports the Congregation in a variety of ways. Susan “Sue” Weber hails from Bluffton, S.C., and has a long history with the Congregation, including membership on the MAB and other Congregation entities.

You, too, can become a Providence Associate. The application process is now open. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fantastic response to CNN's story about Saint Mother Theodore's path to sainthood

Is there a better connection to Women In History Month than to have CNN share the story of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin with its worldwide audience? Naw, didn’t think so.

In case you missed it, on March 4 CNN televised a documentary about the process of becoming a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and used Mother Theodore’s story as a case example. The program will be rebroadcast at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (EST) Saturday, March 10, and at 2 a.m. (EDT) Sunday, March 11.

Sister Marie Kevin Tighe, who served as liaison with the Vatican for the Congregation, spent two hours the day after the broadcast answering emails and telephone calls. She heard from a former Congregation chaplain, SP staff who have said their families watched it in other states, a woman from Massachusetts who says she was healed from cancer through Mother Theodore’s intercession, a relative who works for the Wall Street Journal and a Benedictine monk who is studying in Belgium, and some Providence Associates, among others.

Sister Jan Craven, coordinator of the Office for the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, has seen a dramatic increase in contacts. People are asking for prayers, prayer cards and relics and they are remembering relatives who were members of the Congregation.

Some of the stories are quite touching: A person with COPD wants a relic and prayers for healing; prayers for peace of mind; offering gratitude for helping a family through hard times; prayers for a sibling who had a cornea transplant; healing of a stabbing victim; a sibling with pancreatic cancer; a person from the upper Midwest who wants to pray at Saint Mother Theodore’s shrine; a couple traveling through from Florida northward who wants to visit the shrine; and more. Contacts have come from across the United States.
CNN staff, too, has been asked for additional information and contact information, and they are cooperating wonderfully in sharing with those who ask.

What a beautiful way to remember the presence of Saint Mother Theodore, and to recognize her spirit and legacy that is still very much alive. You may contact Sister Jan at the shrine office at 812-535-2925 or at jcraven@spsmw.org.

The season for greater prayer, fasting and almsgiving

You might ask, what does Lent have in common with human trafficking? Quite a bit!

This is the season for greater prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Almsgiving, in the broadest sense, has to do with bettering the lives of others.

Macy's is currently being petitioned to sign on to the No
Dirty Gold Campaign.

Embracing this third traditional pillar of Lent signifies our care for those in need and is an expression of our gratitude for all God has given to us.

Works of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the practice of almsgiving.

This third practice offers a wide range of possibilities for those who have made a commitment to ending human trafficking. Here is one possibility. One effort underway is to end the deadly effects of gold extraction processes which can pollute the air, water and soil, affecting the nervous and digestive systems when inhaled.

For example, in the last six months, more than 400 children under the age of 5 have died as a result of environmental contamination caused by gold extraction in Nigeria.

Learn more about the innocent victims of gold extraction processes by going to care2.com to sign petitions promoting an end to what is called “dirty gold” and encouraging the “Golden Rule” for Responsible Gold. Macy’s is currently being petitioned to sign on.

Youth Art Contest entries due today!

Trey Wallace, of Paris, Ill., was a first-place
winner in the 2011 Youth Art Contest. He
attended St. Patrick School in Terre Haute, Ind., and
was pictured with his art teacher, Maria Nickels.

The deadline to submit entries for the sixth annual Sisters of Providence 2012 Youth Art Contest is at 4:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, March 6).

This year's theme is "Designing a Permanent Shrine for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin."

Youth ages 5-18 are invited to enter.  They must reside in Vigo, Sullivan, Vermillion, Parke or Clay counties in Indiana or Edgar, Clark and Crawford counties in Illinois.

Each young artists who enter the contest will receive a Certificate of Participation and a Participant ribbon.

First-, second-, third-place and honorable mention winners in the four age divisions will receive certificates, ribbons and other prizes.

Judging takes place Thursday, March 8.

A reception for all youth who enter the contest is scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the O'Shaughnessy Dining Room in Providence Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

See more about the Youth Art Contest here.

Want to be a Providence Associate? The time is now

The 2011 group of new Providence Associates is pictured at last year’s Rite of Commitment.

There are a multitude of reasons why women and men choose to become Providence Associates. In a recent interview, Providence Candidate-Associate Lori Strawn of Wichita, Kan., explained her desire in this way: “A formal commitment with the Congregation encompasses (for me) the life of the mind plus the life of the spirit plus life in community — and such a community! How could I not be drawn to that?”

Providence Associate Yvonne Conniff of Indianapolis recently shared her reason: “I  felt a need to become a Providence Associate to learn more about the community and to deepen my spirituality in our Provident God.” For Providence Candidate-Associate Bill Hughes of Terre Haute, Ind., it was a friendly suggestion by a colleague and friend that becoming a Providence Associate might just be a good fit for him.

If you would like to join the 160 women and men who have already made that decision to be a Providence Associate, the time to apply is right now. The application process for the 2012-2013 year is open now until June 30, 2012. For more information or to receive an application, contact Debbie Dillow, PA, assistant director of Providence Associates, at either 317-994-6821 or ddillow@spsmw.org. You may also contact Vicki Layton, administrative assistant, at vlayton@spsmw.org or 812-535-2862.

How many slaves work for you?

Somewhere in these early days of Lent somebody said, “Lent is not about you; it is about your right relationships with others, with the world.”

Thinking about the relationships of my life could keep me very busy during these 40 days of Lent, but my relationships with the world and with the peoples of the world will surely take me a lifetime.

So, as is my practice, I looked for something concrete to do or, more importantly, someone concrete to think and pray about. That led me to the Slavery Footprint.  

If you have been following the recent justice activity of the Sisters of Providence, you know that we have tried to raise consciousness about the issue of human trafficking. Our proximity to Indianapolis and the Super Bowl brought home the reality that one of the major ways that human trafficking occurs in our country is at major sporting events. However, this is only one aspect of the human trafficking problem.

Forms of slavery in the 21st Century. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.

There are 27 million people around the world who are forced to work without pay and unable to walk away. Forced labor most often happens to those made vulnerable by high rates of unemployment, poverty, crime, discrimination, corruption, political conflict or cultural acceptance.

This, too, is human trafficking and, unlike the sexual exploitation of women and children, this is a kind of slavery in which I do participate. 

The Slavery Footprint helped me identify how my own patterns of living and buying enslave people around the world. It was pretty sobering to find out how many slaves work for me.

Fortunately, the Slavery Footprint organization provides positive steps to help raise awareness, the kind of awareness that can lead to change. They even offer a blog of their own about actions to take during Lent against slavery.

I don’t expect to be able to eliminate all the slaves in my life by Easter, but I do hope that my new found awareness will help free some of them.