AUGUST 2005
VOLUME X, NUMBER 1
A DAY OF JOY, SHARING, COMMITMENT, AND LOVE by Suzanne Gochenouer, OSUA
“Let us build a house where love can dwell….” More than 150 sisters and associates sang these words at the beginning of the Mass that closed a day of shared love and respect on July 9, 2005. Earlier that day smiles and hugs were exchanged between welcoming sisters and associates arriving from near and far. Sister Shellie Intravia had journeyed from Chillán, Chile, for Ursuline Community Days and this day of thoughtful contemplation. The group was nearly evenly divided between sisters and associates, with 72 sisters and 77 associates signing in upon their early morning arrival. Following a warm welcome by Sister Marietta Wethington, the group settled into the Mother Aloysius Room of Saint Joseph Villa, eager to receive inspiration from the day’s speakers. Sister Michele Morek set the tone for the day as she shared with the group the new vision of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Through the year 2010 they intend to “Make Love Visible,” as the sisters and their associates walk in the way of
Above: Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan pins a cross on Sheila Clark as a symbol of her temporary commitment as an Ursuline associate. At right: Enjoying a discussion period during the morning presentation are, from left, Tracey McCord, Sister Mary Renée Monaghan, and associates Lee Buettman, Arleen Naglich, Dolores Polson, and Margaret Mount. Tracey, not yet an associate, is the daughter of Margaret Mount. All are from the Lebanon, Missouri, area, where Sister Mary Renée has ministered for the past nine years.
Angela. To share and remember this, we each carried away a laminated bookmark with this vision statement on the front and, on the reverse side, a prayer for guidance in living this love. Voices rose in song as we sang the vision through the lyrics and music of Sr. Maureen Griner, OSU, Judy Gray, OSUA, and Barbara Goldsmith, OSUA. Sister Margaret Ann Hagan, OSU, of Louisville, shared with us Saint Angela’s love for the Eucharist, which during Angela’s lifetime was a yearned-for blessing not received every day. However, Angela exhorted her followers to “see” an entire Mass each day. Sister Margaret Ann described how Mass was said in 16th century Italy, and explained that to actually see the Mass with your own eyes would take effort and determination. We were invited to discuss how we receive the Eucharist in sharing with each other the ritual of the Mass. Angela called for a spiritual virginity, which the continued on page 5