A Merciful Heart

On Saturday, October 17, the Companions of Pauline of the North American Eastern Province of the Sisters of Christian Charity held their annual retreat whose theme was "A Merciful Heart: Blessed Pauline and the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy." Led by Sister Ann Marie Paul, over 100 Associates and Sisters reflected on Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis's letter announcing the Year of Mercy, which begins on December 8, 2015.  Using this letter as a foundation, participants considered the Parable of the Prodigal Son as well as the writings of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity.  The day culminated in a reflection on "Our Merciful Hearts," in which participants considered how they will prepare for the upcoming Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. 

Sister Mary Veronica Kulsar, SCC, Coordinator of the Companions
of Pauline for the Eastern Province, and Sister Ann Marie Paul, SCC
meet with some of the participants in Saturday's retreat.

Prayer for the 11th of the Month

On the 11th of each month, the Sisters of Christian Charity pray and fast for peace.  Click here to access prayer resources from our North American Western Region to mark the 11th of the month.

A Story of Community

Click here to read Kerry Weber's "Of Many Things" essay in the October 5 issue of America.  Weber, Managing Editor of America, talks about the meaning of the Pope's visit to the United States.  Here is an excerpt:  "In the end, the story of Francis’ visit is, at its heart, a story of community. It has challenged American Catholics to acknowledge connections to those who may hold differing political views or those who may be on the periphery of society. It has reminded us that we should put as much effort and attention into welcoming our neighbor—the poor, the suffering, the dying, the imprisoned, those without a home or family or nation—as we have in welcoming Francis into our midst. . . . The papal visit has put the spotlight not just on Francis the man, but on the Gospel message he proclaims and lives: Mercy. Always mercy. Over and over again, Francis directs us back to Christ, who guides us in our own journeys and whom we must recognize in all those we meet along the way. "

Prayer for Synod on Family

The XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops -- focusing on "The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World" --  is being held from October 4 to 25.  Click here for more information, including prayer resources.  Let us pray for the Synod in a prayer that Pope Francis offered:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God's plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.

Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter

The Holy Father has announced the theme for World Communications Day 2016 -- "Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter."  Click here for more information.  World Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council, is marked in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world, on the Sunday before Pentecost (in 2016, May 8th).  

Deo Gratias!

One of the things we marveled at in Philadelphia was how the Papal Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway could be seen and heard so well by the million or so friends who gathered there.  From time to time, the volume of the sound was loud enough that the last words spoken or sung would echo for several seconds afterwards.  This was especially noticeable when the words "Deo gratias" -- that is, "Thanks be to God" -- were sung at the end of the readings.  It seemed as if they reverberated for 20 seconds or more!  How appropriate to this weekend to have thanks echoing through that large crowd!

During this much-anticipated visit of the Holy Father to Philadelphia on the occasion of the World Meeting of Families, there was so much to be thankful for, mostly having to do with the encounters along the way.  We are grateful for so much:

• The reason everyone was there -- families!  How edifying it was to see families of all shapes, sizes and ages from all over the world come together.  Deo gratias.
• The people we met on the streets of Philadelphia and the stories they told.  There was a man who had grown up in Passaic but who now lives in South Jersey.  When he asked where we were from and some of us said, "Passaic," there was an instant connection.  There were people who originally came from Reading (but were now living other places) and were taught by our Sisters at Reading Central Catholic.  There were people who were connected to us through other people.  Deo gratias.
• Reunions with people we had not seen in years.  Every one of us encountered someone we had known previously, but had not seen in many years. How could we possibly find each other in those crowds?  Only God could do that!  Deo gratias.
• The people who stayed.  Because of the massive road closures, most schools and many workplaces were closed.  Many Philadelphians took this opportunity to leave town until the roads opened up and life returned to normal.  However, those who stayed could not have made things more hospitable for visitors.  There was such a generous, festive atmosphere, especially in the homes that opened their doors to us!  We celebrated with Catholics, other Christians, Jewish people . . .  a truly catholic (universal) event!  These people were very interested in the Holy Father, his mission and this visit.  We were able to share our Catholic traditions far and wide.  Deo gratias.
• The people who left.  Some folks were able to rent out their homes for thousands of dollars during the Papal visit.  We are aware of one family that went to the shore and gave its empty home to five Sisters of Christian Charity for the weekend -- for free!  Deo gratias.
• Mass with 800,000 of our closest friends.  How profound it was to participate in a Eucharistic liturgy of that size!  The participation, singing, responses and reverential silence we experienced made the Body of Christ tangible and palpable.  Deo gratias.
• The Holy Father. Enough said.  Deo gratias.

As we move away from the experiences of the weekend and our resolve begins to fade a bit, let us always remember the importance of gratitude, especially for the people we encounter each day.  Let us remember especially those people who might make it difficult to be grateful each day.  For them we say, "Deo gratias."

  

With the Holy Father in Philadelphia

As we prepare to celebrate the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families with the Holy Father on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, we are so grateful for the opportunity and so edified by the families we have met.  We are grateful for the many modes of transportation -- planes, trains and automobiles -- that have brought us here and the people who worked to make each of those modes of travel possible. We are grateful to our community for its support of this venture and for accompanying us in prayer.  We are grateful for all the shared stories we will have to tell about every leg of our journey.  We are grateful to Pope Francis for bringing all of us together!  Here are some photos of our pilgrimage thus far.

One of the many families who wanted their picture taken
with "the Sisters."  The orange t-shirts were worn by
all volunteers at the World Meeting of Families.

SCCs meeting on the Parkway!

The newly-professed:  IHM and SCC

Artwork on the side of a building in the
Fairmount section of Philadelphia