In the last couple issues of mercy@live, Sisters from the US province have shared their experiences of living and ministering in the USA for decades and now re-entering back into Irish life. Their return has a visible and felt impact on the province. Here Sr. Joseph Barden looks at the question of “What will nourish us into the future?” as we continue to live with this reality of Sisters returning to Ireland.
Joseph Barden rsm
As we are witnessing the departure to Ireland of many of our beloved Sisters, we are becoming more aware that a significant change is already underway for all of us, whether we remain in the US or return to Ireland, reduction in numbers is already a reality, and changes will be more emphasised when Sisters move to new facilities and lifelong friends will be separated resulting in many different emotional responses. What will help nourish us into the future, and give us the support we need to live fruitful and fulfilling years as we go through the ageing process?
Of course, much will depend on the state of our physical and mental health, but I believe there are a number of ways we can reduce the impact of ageing and deal with the obstacles that present themselves at this stage of our lives. It would surely help to look upon this time of life as a blessing rather than a burden. If we embrace our blessings and attempt to meet the challenges with an optimistic view, we can be energised to have more control over our own lives than ever before. Of course, a good sense of humor and thinking positively can minimise our fears and help us to rise each day with a sense of purpose, knowing that there is something more for us to do in life, and that we have a responsibility to be participants in it.
Our Chapter Direction Statement urges us to be a “vibrant, compassionate presence wherever we are.” First, we should focus on strengthening the spiritual dimension of our lives realizing that the Holy Spirit will be with us every step of the way, as we invite the Spirit to guide us. Pope Francis, speaking about the canonization of Pope John Paul II and the connection with Divine Mercy Sunday, calls for a “new age of Mercy” to be ushered in. We could make this our call to re-think ways we could bring Mercy to our surroundings every day. We could engage in discussions with other sisters or the people we meet or interact with, young or old. It can be exciting to keep in touch with the young, listen to their ideas and be influenced by their joy and enthusiasm. On the flip side, we can inspire them by sharing with them some of our stored up wisdom. We can relate stories of the courage and sacrifice of the early Sisters of Mercy as they set out on missionary journeys to other countries, and explain the great variety of works they do today in the US and all over the world.
Many of us lose good friends at this stage of life, but one of the best things we can do is try to develop new relationships, meet new and interesting people, broaden our thinking, keep learning new things, and, perhaps, communicate more through technology and social media. We can share our new ideas with our sick or shut-in Sisters who, very often, have active and curious minds, but need our encouragement to keep on growing too. Let us have minds open to new possibilities and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to “usher in that new age of Mercy” in our time.
Joseph Barden rsm
US Province
