Together We Live in the Legacy that is the Daughters of the Divine Charity
The Daughters of Divine Charity commemorated the 126th death anniversary of our Foundress Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner who entered eternal life on April 14, 1894.
The Sisters of St. Joseph Hill Convent offered a Holy Hour in remembrance of her life “All for God, for the Poor and for Our Congregation.”
United in daily prayer!
God Bless.
Sister Mary and Sisters
Dear Family, Friends, and colleagues,
Franciscan Brother Richard Hendricks’s poem “LOCKDOWN” offers us a powerful metaphor of the Easter Mystery. His poem creatively fleshes out the details of one of my favorite St. Ignatius of Loyola’s quotes.
“Consider this. – God constantly labors in all of creation.”
It is difficult to embrace his quote when the cloud of this present pandemic looms over us. We find it challenging when life is chaotic, messy, and life draining.
Yet, NONE of these conditions are caused by God. God’s energy, God’s work is to create order in the chaos, beauty from the mess. He brings fullness of life, and restores joy to those who are drained by adverse situations. God works tirelessly in the hearts of those who choose to move forward on the path of growth, goodness, and love.
May this Easter Season transport us to the very dawn of creation. May we be graced with the ability to see the delight on God’s face as He blesses all He has created.
May we join our Creator and find that everything He makes is good! Everything He does is good! Everything he wants for us is good! Indeed Very Good!
May this Easter Season Bless all of us with renewed faith, constant hope, and life giving love ! !
Peace,
Sr. Gerrie Contento
Lockdown
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.
~Brother Richard Hendrick, O.F.M. Cap.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Our Lenten Journey of 2020 is coming to a close with the celebration of the sacred days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the Triduum, in anticipation of the glorious Alleluia of Easter Sunday. What began on Ash Wednesday as a time for reflection and a deepening of our relationship with the Lord has indeed been shattered by the events of the last few months that has changed our lives and the lives of everyone around the globe.
The coronavirus has penetrated our everyday lives and has prompted many to think about family, friends and others more often. We have witnessed the courage and dedication of the medical professionals, first responders, scientists, clergy, educators and countless others working with government officials encouraging us to be safe, stay home and use social distancing. We have also witnessed the many acts of kindness, generosity and selfless outpouring of love and compassion.
On behalf of the Daughters of Divine Charity I would like to take this opportunity for you and your extended families to know that you are not alone. You are in our daily prayers entrusting all to our Blessed Mother who experienced the suffering of her Son for LOVE of us. During these challenging days may we look to Jesus for strength and consolation. May all those who have died rest in eternal peace. May the blessings of the Lord guide, protect and be with you on Easter and always.
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The Holy Name of Jesus
With the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus being only a few weeks ago, Sister Carmella Chojnacki, F.D.C. devised an activity for the ladies at St. Elizabeth Briarbank, Assisted Living for Women Facility in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After explaining the significance of Jesus’ name and drawing fancy letters to spell His name, Sister Carmella gave copy to each person. She also drew the name of each resident and worker, and explained how important to Jesus each individual is. The residents enjoyed coloring both names as all sang various songs throughout the rest of the morning.
