Renewal of Vows

(Closing Mass -- Renewal of Vows)

What better way to end this part of my renewal than to be at a Eucharist with our Superior General, Fr. Jan and the community here in the General House? It was a wonderful celebration in which Fr. Jan received our renewal of vows (chastity, poverty, and obedience) as lived according to the intention expressed in our Constitutions. As he sent us forth from Mass he reminded us of Fr. Colin's letter to the first missionaries among whom was St. Peter Chanel. I'll share a small quote with you because while Colin wrote it to those first missionaries, it is spoken to all of us...

"Never count upon yourselves, either in prosperity or in adversity, but rely solely on Jesus and Mary: the more diffident you are in yourselves, and the more confident you are in God, the more light and grace will you draw upon yourselves."
(JC Colin, Letter to the first departing missionaries, 13 October 1836)

I pray that I can / we can more completely rely on Jesus and Mary.


(Final group picture / SM Renewal Spring 2009)


After the Eucharist we gathered for a drink and then shared a wonderful meal. It was a good way to end these six blessed weeks. Thanks to the Sisters and to the General House Community for wonderful hospitality!

(Frs. Hubert, Ron, Michael, and John in the community room.)

I have one more day here and am not sure whether I'll venture out or just get ready to leave early on Monday. But either way, I'll be back home soon.