Pauline at 201

You may remember that last year we commemorated the 200th birthday of the Founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity,  Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt (June 3, 1817- April 30, 1881).  In honor of Mother Pauline's 200th birthday, Sisters participated in mission trips to Uruguay, Argentina, the Philippines and the United States.  Additionally, spiritual preparations occurred for three years prior to the celebration and in last July's "Response 200." Several "Pauline 200" celebrations were held last summer, as well. 

Through these commemorations and celebrations, the Sisters of Christian Charity have been strengthened to continue carrying Pauline's charism throughout the world.  We are grateful to God for Blessed Pauline and for all of those on whose shoulders we stand.

Father in heaven, lead us in the way of  love as you led Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt.  Open our hearts to others, that loving them as your Son commanded, we may be one with them in your heavenly kingdom.  Amen.

On the Call to Holiness in Today's World

We continue reading through Gaudete et Exsultate, the Apostolic Exhortation promulgated in April:

"We are never completely ourselves unless we belong to a people.  That is why no one is saved alone, as an isolated individual.  Rather, God draws us to himself, taking into account the complex fabric of interpersonal relationships present in a human community.  God wanted to enter into the life and history of a people" (n. 6).

"I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God's people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.  In their daily perseverance I see the holiness of the Church militant.  Very often it is a holiness found in our next-door neighbours, those who, living in our midst, reflect God's presence.  We might call them 'the middle class of holiness'" (n. 7).

"[St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross] writes: 'The greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity step forth out of the darkest night.  But for the most part, the formative stream of the mystical life remains invisible.  Certainly the most decisive turning points in world history are substantially co-determined by souls whom no history book ever mentions.  And we will only find out about those souls to whom we owe the decisive turning points in our personal lives on the day when all that is hidden is revealed'" (n. 8).

Stop Trafficking Newsletter for June

The June 2018 issue of Stop Trafficking -- highlighting the trauma suffered by victims of sexual exploitation and the issues involved in their treatment and healing -- is available here.

For your June Calendar

Here are some dates you might want to remember during June:

• June 1 - Global Day of Parents
• June 3 - Birthday of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt (1817-1881), Founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity
• June 4 - International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
• June 5 - World Environment Day
• June 8 - Feast of the Sacred Heart
• June 12 - World Day Against Child Labor
• June 14 - Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset
• June 15 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
• June 17 - Father's Day
• June 19 - Juneteenth (Emancipation Day)
• June 20 - World Refugee Day
• June 23 - Public Service Day
• June 26 - International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

On the Call to Holiness in Today's World

In April, we introduced  Gaudete et Exsultate, the Holy Father's Apostolic Exhortation "On the Call to Holiness in Today's World."  Today, we will begin to share excerpts of the letter, whose goal is to "repropose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities" (n. 2).

"'A great cloud of witnesses' (Hebrews 12:1) impels us to advance constantly towards the goal.  These witnesses may include our own mothers, grandmothers or other loved ones (cf. 2 Tim 1:5).  Their lives may not always have been perfect, yet even amid their faults and failings they kept moving forward and proved pleasing to the Lord" (n. 3)

"The saints in God's presence preserve their bonds of love and communion with us. . . . Each of us can say: 'Surrounded, led and guided by the friends of God . . . I do not have to carry alone what, in truth, I could never carry alone.  All the saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me'" (n. 4, quoting Pope Benedict XVI).

Rest in Peace, Sister Henry!

The Sisters of Christian Charity mourn the loss of Sister Henry Lambert, SCC, who died on Friday.  A tribute to Sister Henry from today's Williamsport (PA) Sun-Gazette ("Sister Henry Lambert: A City Servant and Sister of Mercy") can be found here and Sister's obituary can be found here.

As the founder of St. Anthony's Center and St. Anthony's Clinic in Williamsport, Sister Henry dedicated so much of her life to serving the "least" of our brothers and sisters.  She was known for her charitable works throughout Lycoming County, PA and beyond.  The picture below is taken from a very large mural in Williamsport, "Inspiration Lycoming," by Michael Pilato.  In the mural, Sister Henry is depicted cooking for the hungry she served every day for over 40 years.

Rest in peace, Sister Henry!  "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Stop Trafficking

The May issue of Stop Trafficking is available here.  This issue highlights how vulnerability among children leads to exploitation and sex trafficking.