It was a great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to
meet Sisters in the Dominican family last week at the CDN Board and CFR
Meeting. I was so delighted and inspired to hear Sisters share their stories about
when they were novices back 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, 50 years, etc …
I wondered what has drawn them to stay in religious life
with love and joy until now? Perhaps this
fidelity only exists when there is a love: love of God and love of community. These
loves lead to unity, becoming one mind
and one heart in God.
This novitiate year, I have had the opportunity to meet many Sisters in the Dominican family on various occasions. I especially was very touched to see the presence of CFRs and leadership members from many different places - South, West, Midwest, East - many of whom I met the first time. They greeted us with open arms. They invited us to visit their home congregations. I felt like I was in the unity and love of the Dominican family. I am very grateful to witness our Dominican Sisters as examples for me to follow.
This novitiate year, I have had the opportunity to meet many Sisters in the Dominican family on various occasions. I especially was very touched to see the presence of CFRs and leadership members from many different places - South, West, Midwest, East - many of whom I met the first time. They greeted us with open arms. They invited us to visit their home congregations. I felt like I was in the unity and love of the Dominican family. I am very grateful to witness our Dominican Sisters as examples for me to follow.
This week, I have learned and reflected on the Rule of St.
Augustine with Sr. Rolande and my formators at the CDN. Augustine’s opening line
touched me: “Before all things, dearly
beloved, love God and then your neighbor, because these were the first commandments
given to us “. This has helped me to deepen my understanding of the Dominican
life.
How does being grounded in God’s love affect the way I
understand the vows and my call to religious life?
As St. Augustine suggests: “Love and then do what you
will.” This helps me to understand the connection of love and freedom. Jesus freely
chose to dwell in our hearts because he loves us fully. The religious life is calling
me to live freely a life of love: love of God and love of neighbor. Please pray for us.
We are thankful for your prayers and support; we hold you in our hearts and prayers.
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