As you know, the Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours is currently holding their General Chapter 2009 in Rome.  As a result of the Congregation’s work, Sister Pat Eck was elected as the new Congregation Leader to succeed Sister Nancy Glynn.  Sister Pat will head our international congregation of sisters from seven countries. 

Her keen insight and leadership skills that helped to lead Bon Secours Health System (BSHSI) to become the strong organization it is today; and her vision and commitment to be a prophetic voice through BSHSI with the strong governance and sponsorship capabilities are models for all of Catholic health care.  As well, her leadership in creating and structuring Bon Secours Ministries as the Public Juridic person/sponsor for BSHSI was one of the first of its kind. 

The other exciting news is the new Congregation Team was elected as well.  Sister Rose Marie Jasinski was elected to the new Congregation Team and will become country leader for the USA.  Sr. Rose Marie has provided leadership to BSHSI as a Senior Vice-President of Sponsorship and has worked in governance for many … continue reading…

From our own, John Wallenhorst:

In solidarity with the Sisters of Bon Secours who gather today in General Assembly in Rome, we pray that God’s dynamic and loving Spirit will bless them and guide them.

Veni, Creator Spiritus

Veni, Creator Spiritus (Come, Creator Spirit) is one of the most widely used ancient hymns of the Church. It is sung during the Pentecost season, and whenever the Holy Spirit is solemnly invoked for guidance.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,

and in our hearts take up Thy rest;

come with Thy grace and heav’nly aid,

To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O Comforter, to Thee we cry,

Thou heav’nly gift of God most high,

Thou Fount of life, and Fire of love,

and sweet anointing from above.

Verse: Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.

Response: And you shall renew the face of the earth.

We are so pleased that Sr. Vicky Segura has the opportunity to serve our mission in South Africa.  Here are her comments:

All of us serve in an ART (Anti-retroviral therapy) clinic located almost one and a half hour drive from home in a village called Senwamokgope built next to a small church, St. Scholastica.

Everything is brought from the city of Louis Trichardt also called Makhado where we live, in a truck except for the tables and chairs. We pass thru small villages, large areas of bare dry bushes with occasional Baobab trees, women carrying containers of water or firewood on their heads. The houses, modern or native usually have small plots of mango trees in abundant bloom, lemon trees, avocado trees, banana trees, papayas laden with fruit. When there is water available, gardens with spinach, cabbage and tomatoes are seen. In some villages where there is no water, people who have access to it sell it to their neighbors. It is winter here now, where the mornings and nights … continue reading…

Here is an interesting article about Sister Anna Mae Crane and Mary Grace out-and-about around town…

CLICK HERE for the full story.

 
Representative Marcy Kaptur introduced a resolution “Honoring the historical contributions of Catholic sisters in the United States” H. Res. 441. You can find more about this bill, and take action to send an e-mail message about the bill to your Representative, at http://capwiz.com/networklobby/issues/bills/?bill=13602506&size=full   
  
 
 **Reflection of the Week**
 
“Catholic sisters have not only nurtured countless hearts, minds, and souls throughout our nation’s history, but they have played a vital role in shaping American life.”
 – Rep. Marcy Kaptur, on the contribution of Catholic Sisters (Congressional Record page E1175)

  Check out this short, inspiring video from Catholic Health Association with photos that show why we, the people, can’t wait for a health system that works for everyone.  (Then, follow the link to CHA’s website to submit your own photos showing why you can’t wait.)
Watch now at: http://www.youtube.com/catholichealthassoc
Let Our Light Shine for Healthcare
 
People of faith are mobilizing across the country to “Let Our Light Shine for Healthcare” and elevate the moral imperative for compassionate and comprehensive reform. 
 
In small and large congregations, hospital chapels, college campuses, and public squares, people of faith are called to pray for those who are left out of our health care system-and for those with the power to enact change.
 
Every action, large and small, will demonstrate the depth and … continue reading…

Today is my 32nd anniversary as a Sister of Bon Secours – where did the time go?  I clearly remember the day of my entrance.  There were 3 of us – Regina, Sharon and I.  We were all young and full of idealism and energy – anticipating the day we’d begin a ministry and make a difference in the world.  We had no big worries then – just our youth and wondering what the ceremony would be like.  I arrived late morning from Texas at BWI airport after a month-long visit with family.  My folks had moved down to Texas from Massachusetts two years earlier so having time to be with them for an extended time was welcome.

 A year earlier, my folks came to visit my grandmother and us older kids who had stayed in Massachusetts.  One evening, as we stood in the “family house” drive-way, my dad and mom began asking, “Pat why can’t you move down to Texas to live near us – its not like you have ties and can’t find a job working in a Dallas hotel  … continue reading…

The Baltimore Sun is spotlighting the landmark “Vocations to Religious Life Study” and the vocation efforts of the Sisters of Bon Secours were featured. Can you believe religious life on the front page of the Baltimore Sun?  CLICK HERE for the full article.

As the Vocation Director for Bon Secours, I have the privilege of meeting with a wide variety of women, who are either considering religious life or are discerning.  Once a woman decides to discern with us, we begin regular phone conversations and start to meet every so often to discuss what is happening in her life.  I usually provide her with questions that she can think about and pray over.  The answers she uncovers are like stepping stones towards a decision.

As you may have guessed, by the time a woman is ready to accept our invitation for Entrance, I have had the chance to really develop a relationship with her.  For her, it can be an exhilarating time, but also very confusing or scary.  For me, it is an exciting time, because I can see God’s seed of healing, compassion, and liberation beginning to germinate in her life.  And each woman is different.  Each brings a distinctive personality and unique talents.

That said, I am so happy to welcome our newest candidate, Patty Dooley, to our happy home in Marriottsville.  Over … continue reading…

National Public Radio ” Talk of the Nation” program on: The Lives of Modern American Nuns. Lynn Neary host interviews three individuals about American nuns who have modernized their lives over the last 50 years.