Sr. Fran Gorsuch meets God in the faces of those she helps. “My spirituality is at the moment of encounter— to bee there, to hear their nee ds. As sisters, we’re called to universal love. Some people may not appear lovable, but you get to know them. We’re all so much more alike than wee are different,” she says. Sr. Fran sees our similarities in an unlikely place: among immigrants from Haiti, Latin America, Russia, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East, now living in Rockland County, outside of New York City. As director of Community Initiatives with Bon Secours Charity Health System’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, Sr. Fran advocates for disadvantaged people in communities that have some of the fastest growing immigrant populations. She helps people who need medical care by connecting them with appropriate caregivers, including Good Samaritan. Sr. Fran is part of the Rockland County Immigration Coalition, an organization that helps defend and protect their rights and human dignity of all who seek to … continue reading…

Many grateful senior citizens can now list their home address at 3020 Garrison Boulevard, Baltimore–The Wayland Village Senior Apartments.  This new 89 unit apartment building opened on May 20 with a ribbon cutting and building consecration ceremony.  This Bon Secours project offers affordable rental housing to seniors with one and two bedroom apartments.  The Wayland Village apartment building is the latest addition in the Bon Secours housing projects, bringing the total seniors, adults with disabilities and families served to 650!

Samuel Ross, M.D., CEO of Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, said, “When the Sisters of Bon Secours came to Baltimore in 1881, they knew they were starting a new ministry, but could not have imagined what that ministry would lead to in the 21st century.  Today we celebrate that we are blessed to offer seniors many wonderful apartments that are part of a true community.  This indeed is ‘Good … continue reading…

The monthly forum for the staff at the Leadership Office and Spiritual Center was held April 27 and included a discussion about the Sisters of Bon Secours Mission Focus Statement and a special ceremony honoring Earth Day. 

Sister Rose Marie Jasinski, Country Leader, reviewed the Sisters of Bon Secours’ Mission Focus Statement, which was introduced in 2009:  We, Women of Healing, commit ourselves to defend and care for all of creation; to cry out with others against injustice and all that diminishes life on Earth.
Sr. Rose Marie shared, “For me this statement that we’ve adopted broadens the scope of our healing and caring mission to all of creation.”  She emphasized the importance of carrying out this mission in day to day life and work at the Leadership Office and Spiritual Center.  The staff also had a moment to share the various ways they care for all of creation and how the work environment benefits.  Employees shared different examples of how co-workers go above and beyond … continue reading…

With Christians throughout the world, we celebrate the solemnity of Easter, the feat of Christ’s resurrection from the dead: liberation from sin, hope for the world.

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.  John 20:8  

The Resurrection of our Lord is the central mystery of Christian faith. It is also the central hope of daily human existence. With the Resurrection we can be certain that suffering and death is not the final word on the human condition. This is the deepest source of Christian hope. And it is the wellspring of true Christian joy.  On Easter Sunday God’s Word bursts forth in a joyful hymn of praise as the Church resounds with Alleluias.  Our Lenten observance now finds its fullest meaning.  As the message of Easter resounds in our minds and hearts, the truth of Jesus’ Resurrection … continue reading…

The Christ who went to the poor

like steel to a magnet, was poor himself.

He was poor in his origins and in his birth,

but even more so when he left behind the life of a village tradesman.

The poor Christ is not just the wandering preacher…

he is above all the one who died.

-   Rosemary Haughton, Theologian

Today is a day of quiet and darkness, as Jesus lies lifeless, bound by the burial cloths, confined to the tomb. Mary is our example today. She is quiet. She mourns. She protects her Son’s body. But she does not despair. We ask for light in the darkness that, even on this most sorrowful day of the liturgical year, we be allowed to look with hope to tomorrow.

Please join us and share your  prayers and reflections.

On Holy Thursday, we remember that Jesus gathered with his disciples for a final meal.  He washed their feet, and shared bread and wine with them. Their great teacher, their Rabbi, Jesus showed love for his friends through simple gifts and service.

On this holy night,
we pledge once again to use our hands and feet
for the work of forgiveness, for the work of loving each other.
We pledge to wash each other’s feet,
to hand over our lives for each other, for the sake of the world.
We pledge ourselves to do Eucharist,
to do this in memory of the One who gave His life for us.

We do so because Jesus is our Passover Lamb,
who takes away the sins of the world.

- Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., St. John’s Abbey (Collegeville, MN)

Please share with us: How does Jesus’ display of love inspire you?

 This beautiful song speaks of God’s mercy and abundant love.

“It Would Have Been Enough”

Had he brought us out of Egypt and not judged them,

Dahyenu; It would have been enough for us.

Dahyenu; It would have been enough for us.

Had he judged them, and not done so to their idols,

Dahyenu; It would have been enough for us. 

Dahyenu; It would have been enough for us.

… continue reading…

Sister of Bon Secours receives Woman of Distinction Award for Medicine from YWCA in Virginia.

Sr. Peggy Mathewson, currently serving as nurse practitioner at the Hampton Roads nursing care facility, shares an experience she had a few months ago while volunteering with her parish.

I was the nurse on duty for the homeless.  Our parish is part of a program that houses and feeds everyone dinner and breakfast.  That night happened to be one of the coldest nights and thanks to many we were able to give out scarves, socks and underwear to all that came in.  So many had just lost their jobs or are working but can’t afford housing.  I had a line outside my door for care.  I have been doing this for four years but this time I was really touched by so many who needed medical attention.  It was a real reminder of how blessed we are, … continue reading…