Why not “Come and See” IHM life at our Motherhouse in Monroe, Michigan? Sister Julie and I are excited about our upcoming Come and See weekend, October 8-10. The weekend provides a chance to meet and talk with other discerners, get some tips on discernment and, of course, get a feel for the IHM spirit.
Margaret Brennan, IHM
LCWR, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, to which 90% of US religious communities belong, held their yearly conference in Dallas, Texas last week– and yes it was brutally hot there! Happily cool inside ,the members received excellent input from plenary speakers, and just as importantly gathered in dialogue with each other about current issues and deepened bonds among themselves and with religious around the globe. Check out Tom Fox’s article in National Catholic Reporter below.
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/lcwr-initiatives-have-global-reach
During the conference LCWR conferred its highest honor, the Outstanding Leadership award to our own Sr. Margaret Brennan who was president of the IHM Congregation in the exciting and turbulent years following Vatican Council II. Margaret was President of LCWR during that time as well. Here is the URL for NCR’s article on Margaret and the award presented by LCWR:
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/honored-lcwr-elder-speaks-its-origins
In case you’re interested in learning more about Sr. Margaret Brennan and/or the experiece of women religious during the post Vatican II renewal of religious life you might be interested in her book, What Was There for Me Once. Check out the book review by Tom Fox in where else but National Catholic Reporter.
http://ncronline.org/news/women-religious/life-change-and-renewal.
Available on Amazon or ihmgiftshop@ihmsisters.org 734-240-8308
There are no words to describe the joy in both Sr. Maria Antonia Aranda Diaz and the rest of the IHM community as Maria Antonia pronounced her final vows as an Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister on August 1, the feast of St. Alphonsus. Very fitting since she has been drawn to his spirituality from childhood and IHMs claim St. Alphonus as patron. The liturgy included Mexican flavored music provided by the choir of St. Gabriel parish, Detroit where Antonia had ministered while in the US, and homily, readings and prayers in both Spanish and English. Especially moving was IHM president Mary Fran Gilleran’s speaking the words of the Vow ceremony in both halting but determined Spanish as well as English and Maria Antonia’s pronouncing her vows and speaking to the community in both languages. Besides our awe and gratitude for Tonia’s vocation there was a profound sense that this is a new moment for the community as we open more fully to the gift that our sisters from Puerto Rico and Mexico have to give us. Gracias a Dios!
Watch for videos on the IHM site on YouTube.
Srs. Joan Mumaw (Mission Councilor), Lucy Abbey (Mentor), Maureen Kelly (coworker and friend in Mexico), Maria Antonia Aranda Diaz and Mary Fran Gilleran (IHM President)
I just got this power point from the IHM Justice, Peace and Sustainability office and have to share it. ‘Hope you feel the energy in it as I do. Recently I heard a staff member giving a Motherhouse tour say, “The sisters wanted to care for the earth as God’s creation…” Then a few sentences later she began using “We” not “The Sisters” in her presentation. It’s contagious! This is just one of the ways that our traditional commitment to education is being lived out today. Enjoy!
PowerPoint presentation
Sr. Julie and I are very excited about our next Discernment retreat scheduled for
May 14-16 here in Monroe. As you can see from the flyer, we will be overlooking the Raisin River which not only figured prominently in IHM history but also provides a powerful image of the flow of God in our lives. Please click on the link below and then again on the next page. Think about joining us. I think you’ll discover how helpful it is to have other discerners to share with.
Come and See flyer May 2010
Posted in IHM, Meet IHMs, religious life, vocation
Tagged "green Motherhouse", discernment, IHM, IHM sisters, religious vocation, retreat, social justice, Sr. Julie Vieira, Sr. Mary Bea Keeley
