A ‘Heavenly’ Spotlight on Sr. Mary Cabrini

Sr. Mary Cabrini Bonnett as a nurse in 1958.

Let me tell you a little story.  Last week, my assistant Sunshine came into work in the rain.  Her hair was already soaked through from showering.  Only seconds after opening her office door, she was met by Sister Mary Cabrini Bonnett, arms loaded with a towel, a sweatshirt and scrubs.  Here is how Sunshine described it:

As I sat down, Sr. Cabrini came over and asked if I was cold.  I assured her that I wasn’t and tried to explain that my hair was mostly wet from my shower, not from the rain.  She was so insistent, and I was hesitant, not even knowing why.  Finally, Sr. Cabrini reminded me that I had a family to tend to and could not afford to get sick, then she convinced me that there was a draft.  I obediently leaned over to her while she gently wrapped the towel around my head and shoulders.  She patted my back and said, “It’ll be okay, now.”  I thought to myself, “She is one of the sweetest women I know.”

After awhile I had forgotten that the towel was wrapped around my head and shoulders.  I reached up to undrape it, I felt a cool chill send shivers down my spine.  I had not realized how warm it had kept me, and how comforting her concern had been.  That is when I really started to realize that God was reminding me that in the tough times of my own life, I need to remember to allow help.  Too many times, I try to control the reigns of my life, and I forget that God is in control, not me. 

I think even in some ways, I didn’t feel worthy of Sr. Cabrini’s attention.  Surely, there are others worse off.  Again, God reminded me that we are all His children, and through him, we are to help and love each other.  It was then I realized that Sr. Cabrini is not just a sweet woman…She is a woman on a mission.  And she was doing her duty well. 

It was all a simple, kind gesture, but it offered me so much more than protection from a draft.  From Sr. Mary Cabrini, I gained some focus on my own life and inspiration to help others even when it seems small.

In early 2009, Sister Mary Cabrini Bonnett celebrated her 60^th year Jubilee.  For over 60 years, Sr. Cabrini has spread God’s love through her service.  She is well known for the many years she spent as a nurse in the emergency department at our Baltimore hospital.  She served with distinction when her calling led her into leadership roles.  Though she is now officially retired, her mission is far from over.

For Sr. Cabrini, it is not her extensive nursing experience, her leadership accomplishments, or because the Bon Secours Richmond Health System named the new Technology Building after her.  It is not even the exceptionally tender and genuine care she shows to others.  Nope.  Sister Mary Cabrini exemplifies the charism of the Sister of Bon Secours, because she is a strong, courageous woman - determined through faith, ignited by hope, driven by Spirit, and called to serve.  She touches the lives of many each day in quiet, simple ways and God continues to work through her to provide compassion, healing, and liberation to those in need.

Do you have the courage to explore your future as a Sister or Nun?  Do you find yourself reaching out to others for guidance or advice?   If you have ever considered religious life and wonder if community life is for you, give me a call or send an email.  I would love to chat with you about the Sisters of Bon Secours.