The Federation shares a video series

The Federation Vocation Animation team heard the question, "where have all the Sisters gone?" and developed a series of short video vignettes to offer an answer!  Each month we will release a new video, each on a different theme, or featuring one of our Sisters. This month, we hope you enjoy, "The Call".

Click this link to view our video.

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Header image: Unsplash/Patrick Fore

The Fourth Week of Advent

During these past two years of Covid, planning a trip to see a loved one has been something longed for but unlikely. No doubt the trip Mary took to visit Elizabeth was also longed for but unlikely and then the opportunity presented itself, her great announcement. Angels messages must be shared!

Jewish tradition at the time had two distinct aspects to a marriage: the betrothal period followed typically within a year by a wedding ceremony. Once a couple were betrothed, they were considered to already be husband and wife. It was not uncommon for a child to be conceived in the interim. Thankfully, Mary’s conception would not have raised any judgmental attitudes.

I like to think Mary “went as fast as she could”, or “in haste” to see Elizabeth for three reasons:

1. to share her excitement about her betrothal and her pregnancy

2. to share with her cousin/mentor/dare I say spiritual companion the angel’s message, and

3. to help Elizabeth in her final trimester of her later-in-life pregnancy.

John the Baptist, then ending his second trimester in utero was no doubt leaping in Elizabeth’s womb. What a timely recognition of Mary’s blessed conception. New life, always a treasure.

Now, so close to Christmas, for what do you long? With whom will you visit and share your own blessed experiences in life? Who will you assist through a blessed time which for some is very difficult? With so many ways in which Christ is born daily in our lives how can we help but rejoice and share the good news?

Merry Christmas to all!

Maureen Condon

Image source: Unsplash: Greyson Joralemon

Original Space - A Poem

In the beginning was wholeness

and there was no beginning or end

only wholeness

and fullness of breath

which exceeded

the beginning of time.

Breath exceeded all measure

and was known

and was known and respected

as the one breath,

and was known

in the vast

expanse

and dark fullness

of original space.

This all took place

even before the formation of molecules

and in its own way

continues to this day

while holding us,

holding us at a distance

from fullest knowing

of that which is beyond time and space

the one breath

and sacredness

of original space.

 - Sister  Pat St. Louis, csj

 [Artwork and poem from Sister Pat St. Louis]