By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
The United States Council of Catholic Bishops conducted a survey of women and men between 15 and 40 years old. They asked respondents who had never considered becoming a religious sister or brother, why not? 24% of the respondents said, “Because I’m not holy enough.” Continue Reading
God moments happen all the time … and sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. Often, in fact, we don’t recognize them. We’re put in mind of this during the Easter season because of the unrecognized appearances of Jesus following the resurrection.
No matter how much his followers loved him, they didn’t always recognize him.
That’s something we can all relate to. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Saints are always forsaking their evil ways for Godly ones … or, in the language of the Church, experiencing conversion. Think of some of the biggies, like St. Francis and St. Augustine. They changed everything. Continue Reading
Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB and her principal were on their way to visit a family who was requesting to place their 5-year-old son in Sister Mary Jane’s kindergarten class.
Although such home visits were not uncommon, this one was different. In fact, the two educators were quite nervous.
They were being asked to admit a child with no arms. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
God looks down from heaven … to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Psalm 53
As we prayed this verse at Lauds recently, a question a friend had posed popped into my head. “Why have you made the choice to be a Catholic Sister when so few are doing so? Aren’t you afraid that your numbers are growing smaller?”
I’d be silly – and untruthful – to say it has never crossed my mind. But, then, there are a number of things I also think of. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Recently someone told me that young people are looking for community but not a vowed life. Hmmm. While it’s clear not as many women are pursuing religious life today as there use to be, we are still out here. In our hearts, we are looking for something more … together.
As Pope Francis said in a General Audience on May 22, 2013, “… it is necessary to open ourselves once again to the horizon of God’s Spirit.” Continue Reading
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 