A Gift from a Friend

by Sister Catherine Madigan, D.C.

Daughters of Charity and staff working at the leprosarium in Carville.
(Photo Courtesy of the Daughters of Charity Provincial Archives)

Years ago, the Daughters of Charity staffed the leprosarium in Carville, La. Sister Catherine Sullivan was a Sister-nurse on staff. She shared this story I have never forgotten.

A generous donor every year gave money at Christmas so every patient would receive a Christmas present he/she had chosen. Sister Catherine went to each patient to ask which gift each of them would like. One older woman—let's call her Mary—who had been at Carville for a long time wanted a beautiful flowering plant. Sister Catherine was puzzled at the request because Mary was blind. She asked her, "Mary, why do you want a beautiful flowering plant you cannot see?"

Mary replied, "Sister, when people tell me what a beautiful plant I have, I can tell them a friend gave it to me."

A Tale of Two Marillacs: A Christmas Story

by Sister Catherine Madigan, D.C.

Once upon a time there were two Marillacs: Marillac High School in Northfield, Ill. (which closed in 1995), and Marillac House in westside Chicago (continuing after 100 years). Daughters of Charity staffed both Marillacs. The high school was an all-girls school, and Marillac House staff served all the people in their neighborhood and beyond.

Christmastime was a time for the united effort of both institutions. Marillac House Sisters prepared a list of families in need, noting the names, ages, sizes and gift wishes of each member of the family. These lists they gave to the Sisters at Marillac High School. Each homeroom class was given a family for whom they would purchase the items on the gift wish list. Needless to say, procuring these gifts made the girls conscious of others and zealous in getting every item on the list and even more.

When the time came to gather gifts for every member of more than 30 families, a huge truck was needed. There was excitement in stocking the truck (made available by a Marillac father) and even more in unloading the truck. This tradition continued for many years, enriching both the givers and receivers. The high school girls made celebrating Christmas a reality for the families, and families knew there were people who were mindful of them. Both the givers and receivers thanked God.

It is now 20 years since Marillac High School closed, but the "girls" of these years are now the women who have banded together to remember not only Marillac House,  but have expanded their vision and mission to include also St. Vincent de Paul Center and St. Joseph's Services, all in Chicago. They learned a lot at Marillac High School and now use their wisdom, life experience and remembrance of Christmas sharing to commit themselves to make a difference in the 21st century.

La Cara de Cristo (The Face of Christ)

by Sister Jean Rhoads, D.C.

A Vincentian priest once encouraged us Daughters of Charity not only to see the face of Christ in those who are poor, but to etch "the image of Jesus Christ onto her heart, her mind, and onto the retina of her eyes in order to recognize Him later in her work" (Father Javier Alvarez, CM, Echoes of the Company, January–February 2006, p. 47). Powerful advice!

Huts in San Lorenzo

During a recent 10-day visit to our Sisters' ministries in Bolivia, my eyes overflowed with images of Jesus—in those receiving compassion, respect and care and also in the numerous Daughters whose zeal and creative energy were contagious. I'd like to share a few of those beautiful faces of Christ with you.

I traveled to Bolivia in November with three other Daughters of Charity and two lay staff for a special meeting of the Stewardship Assistance Fund Board that helps support the Sisters' ministries in Bolivia. Since this was my first visit to a developing country, I desired to experience the trip as a pilgrimage to become immersed into the culture and lives of the people.

Asunta and Maria

I met señoras Asunta and Maria in San Lorenzo, a small village amid isolated forests in the Beni, one of nine states in Bolivia. These women weave beautiful, colorful cloth each day on a handmade loom in the 100+ degree heat. They live in a wooden hut where one could see the sky between sections of their small home because the roof only covers part of it. A few chickens wander around the barren yard and a few dry plants make up their "garden." No real furniture, no conveniences, no relief from the midday sun. However, the face of Christ came alive to me in their toothless smiles and genuine embraces of gratitude for our presence. And then they offered us a fresh yucca and squash, two large vegetables from their meager garden. How much Asunta and Maria reminded me of the Gospel story of the widow's mite: "Truly I tell you, this poor woman has put in more than all of them...for she, out of her poverty, has put in all she had to live on" (Luke 21:3-4).

Sister Victoria (left) and Sister Jean

I met Sister Victoria, D.C., in Trinidad, where she serves impoverished elderly men and women who otherwise would have no home. At Hogar de Ancianos, residents sleep in dormitory-style rooms where each bed is covered with a protective mosquito net. Even greater "protection" is shown in the genuine companionship of one another as well as the love and compassion of the Daughters. Here residents truly are family. I recognized Christ as the men and women frequently helped each other walk in the sun-infused outdoor walkways and knocked fresh mangos out of the trees to share with one another.

Two elderly helping one another

I also saw the face of Christ in Sister Victoria, who radiated an inner simplicity and joy in Hogar de Ancianos. In her earlier life, Sister Victoria had served as a cleaning woman when she sensed a call from God to become a Daughter. While my limited Spanish and her limited English made conversation challenging, Sister Victoria "spoke" more through her gentle manner with the elderly, her generous behind the scenes handling of any tasks, and her forever gracious smile. Our world is a more beautiful place because of Sister Victoria!

Elderly men's dormitory, Hogar de Ancianos

I met Frank and Sister Maria Angeles, D.C., while visiting Cochabamba's state prison. This was by far the most difficult, haunting experience of the pilgrimage in Bolivia. San Antonio Prison is built of concrete for 80 men that actually "houses" more than 400. The conditions were the most deplorable I have ever seen: minimal ventilation/light, very narrow hallways, a second story built of flimsy plywood where each cell could be accessed only by ladders, sleeping spaces on the floor where seven people inhabit a room the size of a closet, etc.

Frank related the good self-policing process within the prison as well as the various trades each "intern" (aka prisoner) learns: metal work, shoe repair, carpentry, sewing, etc. Frank himself is a trained carpenter and helps interns make gorgeous hand-carved bed frames as a source of income to cover costs for food and rent in the prison. Only 21 percent of the men's court cases ever come before a judge, so the majority of interns serve very long sentences in this firetrap of a building.

Handmade bed frames from "interns" at prison

It took several minutes for me to realize Frank actually was one of the interns who had already served two years for committing a serious crime while on drugs. Yet, I could perceive Christ within Frank because of his accountability for past actions, his positive response to circumstances and his daily efforts to share his talents with others.

Sister Maria Angeles in front of prison

Four years ago, Sister Marie Angeles was asked by the Archbishop of Cochabamba to serve as pastoral care director of all six prisons there. "I was in prison and you came to visit me" is the gospel call she lives every day (Matthew 25:36). Sister Maria Angeles radiates the face of Christ through her hope-filled care for the interns as well as her insight, constant energy, humor and love. She gave me even more reasons to feel grateful to be a member of our community of Daughters of Charity!

The purpose of my trip to Bolivia was to enhance understanding of the Daughters of Charity ministries our board assists through financial management. The Lord's purpose seemed to be different—that is, to guide me on a pilgrimage where I could find Him dwelling in a forest, home and prison, and, most especially, in the faces of many beautiful people! The experiences were too numerous to count and, at times, too deep to put into words. Hopefully, as they were etched into my heart, mind and eyes, I have grown closer to the One who calls me His Daughter. And so I humbly say: ¡Muchas gracias! ¡Dé gloria a Dios!

New Faith, New Growth, New Orleans

by Sarah, discerner

From left: Sarah; Melissa; Father Jim Osendorf, CM; Lien; Jessica; Maricris; Sister Theresa Sullivan;
Sister Denise LaRock; and Sister Lisa Laguna taking a beignet break at Café du Monde in New Orleans.

As a discerner of religious life for more than a year, I was very fortunate to be asked to attend the Search and Serve in New Orleans. There were four other girls who attended and we shared our stories, our faith and our discernment journeys—which was very helpful because we realized our struggles and our questions were not crazy! We realized we were not alone.

Search and Serve combines service projects and fun with prayer and reflection to aid in vocation discernment. Our first day started off right with the celebration of the Eucharist in a beautiful, intimate little chapel in the House of Charity, where we stayed for the week. We reflected on Pope Francis' writing, particularly The Joy of the Gospel and the letter to religious. We had a wonderful mini-retreat day, learning various forms of prayer, and had time for private reflection and prayer.

We spent some time exploring New Orleans. One of the Sisters of Charity brought us through the Upper and Lower Ninth Wards. Compared to the beautiful houses stacked side by side in the Upper Ninth, the Lower was a sad ghost town. There was a glimmer of hope and some rebuilding, but it showed how truly devastating Hurricane Katrina was to the community 10 years ago. It made the stories real.

We were blessed to meet several persons who were homeless—lovingly called "guests"—at the Rebuild Center. I spoke with many of them as they waited for services Rebuild provides, including showers, Internet access, lunch, general or mental health clinic visits, or just having a safe place to site and escape the sun. In my conversations, I learned these guests had jobs and lives and this homelessness is a temporary condition—that people like you or me could easily have the same bad luck. They told me one after the other that they were "real people." What does that really mean, though? To me, it meant they were human, worthy of respect and love. They were worthy of companionship. They were worthy of me.

We visited the museum at Carville, the former national leprosarium. The Daughters of Charity served people with leprosy thrown out of their homes and towns. They touched the "untouchables" when no one else would. They were instrumental in caring and finding a cure for leprosy, or Hansen's Disease. I loved seeing pictures of Sisters and patients. We touched history in the chapel and toured the grounds.

We also spent time visiting with residents at the Chateau nursing home. I realized once again the humanity and "realness" of these folks. They were young once and have a story—or stories, I should say! They were grateful to have our attention and share with us, and we were glad recipients! We walked out of there with many sweethearts promising to pray for us.

It wasn't all work and prayer, though! We went to the French Quarter and did touristy things like eat beignets and creole spiced foods, and walking along the river. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the wonderful people around me!

During this time I felt a call deep within me to be present for the poor, marginalized and forgotten, to listen to their stories and their actual needs, not just what society says they need. These guests, residents and memories are now a part of me, and I want to continue to serve and be present—to find Christ in the encounters. Through these experiences and talking one-on-one with my fellow discerners, Daughters of Charity, Sisters of Charity and the Vincentian priest who celebrated mass each morning, I grew immensely in my discernment journey and my relationship with Christ.

I am truly thankful for all the hearts and hands that played a part in that wonderful week. I would definitely recommend participating in this experience of a lifetime.

Holy Hangout on Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a major issue, and it happens all the time, right in front of us. As Daughters of Charity, we've been involved in several ministries and projects throughout the U.S. to help prevent human trafficking and victims rescued from it to start over.

For our March Holy Hangout, we talked about what we're doing to help. Sister Liz Sjoberg and Sister Lisa Laguna hosted the discussion, and Sisters Catarina Chu, Elizabeth Greim and Michelle Loisel shared real stories of trafficking happening in their communities and ways we can all help stop trafficking in its tracks.

A few links and resources shared:

• Dawn's Place
• Free2Work: The Story Behind the Barcode
• National Human Trafficking Resource Center
  Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

If you have a question, use #HolyHangoutDC on Twitter or share with us through our Facebook page!

Watch the complete discussion here:

SAVE THE DATE: Our next Holy Hangout is scheduled for Sunday, April 26 at 7 p.m. CDT! 

A Community at the Manger

Sister Mary Frate, D.C., serves at St. Jude Parish in Tuba City, Ariz., on the Navajo Reservation. Sister shares her thoughts about the nativity scene.

Like the silhouette at the left, most nativity scenes picture Mary, Joseph and the newborn Jesus alone in the Bethlehem stable. But recently I read a conference (by Patrick Griffin, CM) that posed this question: Would Mary and Joseph have been the only poor family traveling to Bethlehem that night for whom there was no room in the inn? Might that stable have been crowded with other poor families coming to Bethlehem to register who had nowhere else to stay?

Picture the scene with a community of poor people sharing their meager resources with each other and being among the first to be blessed by Jesus! This is a powerful image that underscores the importance of community, whether it be friends helping friends or strangers reaching out to each other.

Here at St. Jude's we are aware that we are blessed as a community: a community of Navajo, Hopi, Anglo, Filipino, Hispanic people who gather each Sunday around the Eucharist, and find many ways to reach out to the poor among and around us. We are also blessed by a wider community that stretches in all directions across the United States. A community–many of whom we have never met–reaching out to us to share time, talent and treasure with us so we, in turn, can continue to reach out the poor among and around us.

Windows of Opportunity Share a Story of Service

Something as simple as nursery rhymes can depict a peek into what it's like to be a part of the history behind the St. Vincent Sarah Fisher Center in Detroit.

With 170 years of service in the area, with the Daughters of Charity integral to the Center's ministry, it's nice to step back and reflect on where we've been and where we're going.

Through Dec. 28, 2014, stained glass windows from the Center featuring nursery rhyme characters will be on display at the Detroit Historical Museum Community Gallery. The windows were crafted for the Center in 1929. The exhibit shares a look at the SVSF Center's past, but also opportunities to continue serving in the future.

Sister Marie Judith Haupt worked with the Center in Detroit, Mich.

Watch this video for more about the Windows of Opportunity exhibit and the ministry of the SVSF Center.

A Life of Surprises

Sister Mary Walter Boyle shares a bit about her life of ministry as a Daughter of Charity.

Yes, my apostolic life of serving the poor has taken me all over the world!

As a young nurse entering the Community, little did I know the wonderful roads I would travel. While serving in medical nursing and seven years in psychiatric nursing, I earned my bachelor and master degrees.

My next exciting 37 years in hospital administration began in Washington, D.C., as we witnessed the Cuban crisis, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s March and sadly, President John Kennedy's assassination. Then over many years, my apostolates took me to hospitals in New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. I was also privileged to help raise money for building two hospitals for the poor, which included trips to Haiti and three trips to Sarajevo, Bosnia. St. Boniface Hospital in Haiti and St. Vincent's Hospital in Bosnia serve many poor.

And now my prayer apostolate at St. Louise House in Albany continues as I remember the poor and our Sisters serving in missions throughout the Province of St. Louise and around the world!

Are you ready for a life of surprises as a Daughter of Charity?

Hands and Feet of Christ

Michelle Hoffman is a discerner with the Daughters of Charity. She shares what has been integral to her discernment journey. Please join us in praying for Michelle as she discerns God's call.

As I have been discerning my call to religious life, a song by Matthew West called "Do Something" has really stopped me in my tracks.

There are days I wake up and think about all the problems in our world and why God lets those things happen. If I want to make a difference in the world then I need to stand up and "do something."

That's exactly what I got to do for a week with the Daughters of Charity on the Search and Serve retreat in East St. Louis, Ill.

During this week we spent time in prayer and reflection but also got to "do something" about the problems of this world. We served at St. Vincent de Paul Parish where we truly saw a variety of Vincentians working together serving lunch and dinner to the poor, making care packages for the homeless and giving away clothing. We also visited social service agencies, cleaned a bus transformed into a good truck for the homeless, and visited and cleaned a women's shelter.

Michelle (center) serves with Martha (left) and Cynthia (right)
at a women's shelter during Search and Serve 2014.

It was great to see people every day "doing something" to alleviate some of the pain in this world. This one week helped me open my eyes that I want to do more than I have been to serve the poor because, yes, one week helps, but it's an everyday problem. I want to be part of the solution and do something instead of doing nothing.

Through my discernment journey I have been looking for a religious order that serves the poor in many different ways. The Daughters truly embody service to the poor in everything they do. Through this week I saw how the Vincentian charism is lived out, not only through Daughters of Charity but through the Congregation of the Mission, Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Ladies of Charity. Those who embody this charism show dignity and care to each person they come in contact with, just like they are meeting Jesus. I know now I am being called to "do something" with my life by applying to become a Daughter of Charity.

Who wants to change the world with me? Together, with Christ, we can change the world.

Vincentian Family Members Join Us for Our Next Holy Hangout

It's important to work together toward a common goal, and we are blessed to have brothers and sisters in the Vincentian Family as part of our team!

For our next live chat on YouTube, Holy Hangout will feature some members of that team as we all talk about our collaboration to serve the poor together. This is a great time to ask questions about our charism and different projects and efforts we take part in to help each other help others.

Our panel includes:

• Father Memo Campuzano, C.M.
• Sister Mary Frate, D.C.
• Karen Hawkins, Society of St. Vincent de Paul/affiliate
• Father Jay Jung, C.M.
• Sister Elizabeth Riddell, D.C.

Ask questions on our Facebook Page or by using #HolyHangoutDC on Twitter, and we'll answer them live on YouTube Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. CDT! If you can't join us, the conversation will be available on our YouTube channel.

• More about how to "Hangout" with us.

Learning So Much

Sister Mary Louise Stubbs is a Daughter of Charity and executive director of Daughters of Charity International Project Services. She shares a bit about what she does and what she's learned since joining the ministry.

You never know what adventuresome ministry you'll be invited to as a Daughter of Charity!

On a cold February day, seven months ago, I began my orientation to Daughters of Charity International Project Services. This "program" is essentially a "back office service" for the Daughters on an international level--working with the Econome (treasurer) Generale to help find resources for the ministries of Sisters in developing and impoverished countries.

There is a small but mighty DCIPS team, well prepared by the expertise and organizational skills of my predecessor, Sister Felicia, who continue to teach and support me. What we do is basically simple: Daughters of Charity in eligible countries assess the needs and goals of the people they serve, identify what would be helpful in their service and apply for assistance. Our team then seeks money from donors and foundations to fund those projects and receives reports on their progress.

...and I have learned so much.

I've learned leadership can come from anywhere with a swift flexibility that responds to looming and diverse needs. For the Sisters working in extreme poverty situations, "systemic change at the grassroots level" is a reality, not just a platitude. The local people and Sisters identify the needs and their vision and then they create inventive responses on the local level which often are models for global approaches to the vectors of poverty.

DCIPS is privileged to be a conduit for resources for such projects. My first few months here have revealed it is a small world after all! I've met Daughters of Charity from around the world (via email and web) and shared their realities and goals by helping them address the needs of their ministries.

From our humble office in Southfield, Mich., we witness issues such as people in West Africa crippled with fear of the deadly Ebola virus; handicapped children captive in their wheelchairs during rocket assaults; women without prenatal care whose babies are born with preventable health issues; refugees living on the streets without basic necessities; devastating natural disasters; lack of access to effective and proven medical prevention and treatment; young girls forced into early marriages; slave labor and harmful traditional practices that violate their rights and their bodies; and children who die because they do not have food, clean water or the most basic health care.

What I now see is change happening around the world very rapidly and that each of us have opportunities to be a part of activities that will produce positive outcomes. This isn't the time to watch and wait, because action is needed now. Resources and support are needed right now--and prayer is needed for its power to unite people globally and to both decrease human suffering and increase human potential.

On behalf of our Sisters and the people in countries who work continually to rise above harsh difficulties, the IPS team invites you, your family and friends to join in prayer and support for issues and projects found on our website.



All photos courtesy of Daughters of Charity International Project Services

Greetings from Lukolela

Sister Mary Felice shares an update about her ministry in Lukolela in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I have been in Lukolela for nine months now. We don’t have Internet access there thus I have lost touch with many people. I am now at our Provincial House in Mbandaka and the Internet is working, so I am taking advantage of the situation! ...
In Lukolela we have a 128-bed hospital. We have 4.5 doctors and we recently hired another. Sister Marie Cecile is the medical director. She is 74 years old, from Italy, and has been in the Congo I believe more than 40 years! Our hospital has the usual departments: internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, an emergency room and laboratory. Each doctor has the responsibility of a department – mine is internal medicine, where we have 30 beds. Besides doing rounds in our department we also take turns covering the emergency room, we each have one day per week in the operating room, and we take turns being on call at night. Myself and Sister Marie Cecile also do ultrasounds and we may be sending another doctor to be trained. We treat much malaria, typhoid, malnutrition, HIV, tuberculosis, amebiasis, filariosis, hypertension and trauma.

One of our largest challenges since I have been here is a lack of physicians because we are rarely all present, thus those who are must be on call frequently at night and the days are busy. I continue to pray that it will improve. I also continue to hope that one day we will have Internet access!

We have nine Sisters in our community in Lukolela and one postulant. We also have a school.

... I am including some photos from our hospital. I left unexpectedly early, thus I did not have the occasion to take specific photos to send but I’m sending some nonspecific photos I took earlier of patients – a young woman with malnutrition and diabetes, a child with an eye injury, of family members collecting water falling from the roof, and some goats seeking shelter from the rain, outside internal medicine department.

We are a reference hospital for a large rural area. There are health centers located in some of the small villages that give basic care, but when something is beyond them they refer it to us, thus many of our patients come from far, by bicycle, taxi, motorcycle or by the river in a pirogue. (We are located on the Congo River.) Our operating room is quite busy with appendectomies, hernia operations, cesareans, gynecologic surgeries and bowel perforations from typhoid. We also do many blood transfusions, especially for children, because of the anemia caused by malaria (secondary to hemolysis).

Love, Sister Mary

 

A Spring Break Service Adventure in Detroit

The following was contributed by Creighton student Marissa Smith, who spent a week with Daughters of Charity in Detroit for a service trip.

Photo courtesy of Marissa Smith

I led a spring break service trip to Detroit, Mich. My group and I stayed with the Daughters of Charity for a week and got to see and experience the problems that surround Detroit as a city. The Sisters made us feel right at home from the beginning because when we got there, they made us a cake that had the state of Michigan on it with a dot that showed us where they were located within the state of Michigan. From then on, I looked forward to every night that included dinner with the Sisters and talking about how everything had gone for that particular day. We would have community time with the Sisters by watching the local news and the world news.

I learned about certain places around Detroit based on where the Sisters worked everyday. All the Sisters we stayed with each did a different job in the community, from helping run a soup kitchen to running an international organization for the Daughters of Charity. The sites I got to see this week really instilled into me the will and desire to help others in any way I can possible. By the end of the week, I really felt in community with the Sisters as a group because it was nice staying with so supportive Sisters who were very encouraging and had plenty of wisdom to share with me about the experiences from their lives.

On Sunday, my group and I went on a tour around Detroit. This tour helped put in perspective how lucky I am that I can receive an education and that I am able to support myself later in my life. I think the situation in Detroit is unfair to the kids put in this situation of poverty because it was just an accident of birth. I thought it was interesting that when I was in Detroit, I was the minority as the white person because there were many blacks in this particular area. All around Detroit there was much graffiti because of the gangs that controlled territory in a particular area. The mentality of some of the Detroit people is that they are stuck in that cycle of poverty and do not know a way they can get out of this vicious cycle. This tour contributed to larger cultural discussions when my group and I discussed this later in reflection that the people were so welcoming and the implications I felt as being the outsider who was welcomed into the community especially at the church we went to Sunday. On this tour, my group and I saw homelessness, poverty, bulletproof windows at a restaurant, graffiti and how many of these aspects affected the lives of the people in this area.

Another example of an event that contributed to discussion was the meanings behind the Heidelberg Project. Tyree Guyton was the creator of the Heidelberg Project who came up with the idea after many of the houses part of this project were abandoned. The Heidelberg Project creator wanted to five people something to talk about by the way he turned these abandoned houses into colorful art projects. Each of the houses in the Heidelberg Project had a different theme or cultural aspect associated with it such as "The Party Animal House" or "The Penny House." This helped me think about how these houses can be used to represent any number of cultural aspects important to the people of Detroit and just makes me, as a person, rethink some of my most basic beliefs. After seeing the Heidelberg Project, this helped me realize even if there is a bad situation, it can be turned into something beautiful that many people want to see. My group and I got to meet the artist of this interesting project and he was a fascinating man with much wisdom and knowledge that went into creating this project.

The Sister who took us around on the tour told us an arsonist burned down some houses that were part of this project. This made me sad to think about because this project made me question what constitutes as art and what are the main aspects the artist wants to convey through this project. I looked up pictures of the houses from the Heidelberg Project that were burned down by the arsonist and all those houses were just as thought-provoking as the ones I saw.

I think there is a cultural aspect behind the burnings of the Heidelberg Project because many people in Detroit are taught it is good to fight fire with fire. For example, gangs are very controlling in Detroit and these people retaliate hard when it is "needed." I think there is a social aspect behind the Heidelberg Project because when I saw this it made me think about some of the tougher questions of the social parts of my life and it brings the community together to view these pieces of art.

After all our experiences for the week as a group, we discussed the causes for the poverty and homelessness in Detroit. As a way to accomplish this task, we had six sheets of paper with six different systems functioning in a society at the top. The six systems of a society are economic, social, political, education, healthcare and religious. As a group we discussed the larger implications that can be made by putting one bullet point in the economic system and how that relates to another bullet point in the healthcare system. For example, one of the bullet points that connects to another system is not getting an education so therefore if you have a kid you will not be able to teach him/her. As a result, this helps fuel the cycle of poverty because if you have one uneducated person who has a kid then they will also be uneducated. This cycle just keeps going in this order and never stops.

I learned a decent amount about Detroit during this spring break. I learned how I can be a voice for change and some simple changes I can make in my own life that have a huge impact on people around me.

Being Called "Sister"

Sister Mary Louise Stubbs, D.C.

My name is Sister Mary Louise Stubbs, D.C., but I am called "Mary Lou" by those who know me, or Hermana Maria Luisa, or often just "Sister." I think the last one describes me best because it implies the relationship I hope to be in with everyone.

I've been a Daughter of Charity for quite a while and have done a variety of ministries that may appear to be different on the surface (hospital work, community development, etc.), but are all very similar: They are ministries of service to those in the distress and panic of poverty.

My initial impression of the Daughters came as I began to explore what seemed to be a call from God--not a very clear call, but a pretty persistent one. While attempting to find out job requirements for a research position at the National Hanson's Disease Center in Louisiana, my letter ended up on a Daughter of Charity's desk and the information they sent me was a beacon in my darkness. This was one gutsy group of women doing daring and audacious service around the world!

Today my ministry, with International Project Services (IPS), is to work with our Sisters in the developing countries of the world to help them find resources they need to serve the poorest of the poor in impoverished nations. The Sisters in Bolivia, Cambodia, Poland, Tanzania or any of about 55 other countries contact our office because the people they serve need clean water, medicine, education, protection for little girls in danger of female genital mutilation, or disaster recovery, or any of multiple projects that will help people live their lives in safety and grow toward their potential. Our little ministry goes to donors and foundations and finds resources on their behalf and sends those resources to them.

This ministry is simple and direct. Those who want to be a part of mission work in a given country or for certain causes or just be a part of the service team wherever they are needed can do so. Our ministry is to facilitate the assistance and communicate the results back to the donors who are now integral to the mission. Within the past eight years, 663 ministry projects have been funded. See some of the results on our website or Facebook Page.

All I've done is listen to the voice deep in my heart and followed that invitation through a series of amazing adventures in a community of support and a relationship of prayer. I like being called "Sister" because that is who I am to all people, everywhere.

The Pope Francis Effect

These young people had the great opportunity for a "selfie" with Pope Francis. I had to settle for a fake photo with Pope Francis!

Sr. Theresa Sullivan and me at NCYC

On the evening of March 18, the eve of Pope Francis' one-year anniversary, I attended the Francis Factor at Loyola University in Baltimore as part of the anniversary celebration for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Watch the video of the event here.

The keynote speaker was Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston who is also a member of the Council of Cardinals advising the pope (one of just eight). Other speakers also on the panel were Helen Alvare, Father Matt Malone SJ, Kerry Robinson and Father Thomas Rosica who also moderated the panel.

Before the keynote speaker a trailer was shown for "The Francis Effect," airing April 17.

So what was the point of the whole evening seminarians in the area were required to attend?

I think Anderson Cooper summed it up well in the trailer when he explains that Pope Francis is not changing doctrine, but changing emphasis. Mercy and compassion were words that surfaced often through the evening presentation. Helen Alvare shared her own transformation/change of emphasis inspired by Pope Francis.

Another message of the night was to go out and be with those in need. A story was shared about Pope Francis from his days working with seminarians. He would tell them he wanted them to go out and be with those living in poverty. He would check for dusty shoes when they returned to see if indeed they had gone out of their comfort zone to reach out to the needy.

St. Vincent de Paul (patron saint of charitable societies) and St. Louise de Marillac (patron saint of social workers), founders of the Daughters of Charity, emphasized going out to those in need and to serve them with great dignity, respect and kindness. 

http://www.beestill.org

St. Vincent de Paul was involved in setting up a parish confraternity of charity for women (beginnings of the Ladies of Charity, AIC). In his written directives he wrote:

"When the person whose turn it is has received from the Treasurer whatever is needed on her day for the food of the poor persons, she will prepare the dinner and take it to the patients, greeting them cheerfully and kindly. She will set up the tray on the bed, place on it a napkin, a cup, a spoon, and some bread, wash the patient’s hands, and then say grace. She will pour the soup into a bowl, and put the meat on a plate. She will arrange everything on the bed tray, then kindly encourage the patient to eat for the love of Jesus and His holy Mother. She will do all this as lovingly as if she were serving her own son--or rather God, who considers as done to Himself the good she does for persons who are poor." (CCD 13b:13)

The importance of the way we serve and treat people is echoed in I Corinthians 13:1-5:

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury…”

So, let us look at the Jesus Effect which Pope Francis models for us: How do you treat others? As Scripture tells us, it is easy to love those who love us. What about those "other" people?

contributed by Sr. Denise LaRock

Thanks for a Great First National Catholic Sisters Week!

 

 

 

This year, National Catholic Sisters Week was celebrated for the first time March 8-14. While it's a time to be thankful, smile and celebrate, it's also a time of reflection for all of us in faith to ponder the impact we can have on other individuals.

We had a few of our friends on social media share the impact a Daughter of Charity has made on their life:

From Brad:

"Sister Joyce was so alive! She wore tennis shoes to play kickball with us during recess and had hugs for everyone and anyone! It was a year of singing and laughing in the classroom but only after very devout prayer! From her I learned about how we can be happy and enjoy life, but still keep our focus on the Father who is the source of true joy. Such a profound lesson that literally has been taught to dozens of kids that I have had the pleasure to mentor."

From Cathy, who started volunteering with the Daughters at an early age:

"I went every week thru the 8th grade. I loved it. I can still see some of the faces of the people we brought food to or the shut-ins we visited and prayed with and these faces have stayed with me for 40+ years. So the first thing I love about the D.C.s is their vow of service to the poor."

As Daughters of Charity, we have all been impacted by people who have, somehow, led us to our faith and vocation. How can we help you grow in your faith? How can you help someone else grow in theirs?

Reflect also on this prayer for National Catholic Sisters Week:

Gracious and all-loving God, we thank you that You call us to be one with You and to be, in every way of life, doers of Your Word and not hearers only.

In this National Catholic Sisters Week, we celebrate women religious who consecrate their lives in poverty, celibacy and obedience.

We thank you for their character, courage and commitment to live in solidarity with those who live in poverty and suffer violence in everyday living.

Your love and grace inspire them. Their joy and total generosity inspire us.

Together they form a "global sisterhood" whose network of prayer and ministry call all of us to broader and deeper understanding and communal responsibility for the common good of our Earth community.

May their powerful stories ignite the hearts of girls and women today to answer your call to live a life dedicated to the common good through living in community and sharing ministry.

May religious life abound in vitality so that the boundless power of your love and care will be known more and more throughout the world.

In every way of living we are all called to be poor in spirit, faithful in heart, and obedient to Your Love. Strengthen in each of us a deeper commitment to our own calling, that all may be one with each other and with You.

We ask this in Jesus' name and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Check out the SisterStory project for stories and photos from Sisters in the U.S.

'Seeking a Steadfast Friend and a Bit of Adventure'

The following was written by Sister Mary Zita McLaughlin, D.C., who, after 78 years of vocation, passed away in January. This is her vocation story, and though "times have changed" since 1935 when Sister Mary Zita joined the Daughters, her reflections are relatable to any woman seeking her own vocation story today. 

It is winter and sleeping nature is building up her strength for the glorious spring awakening. It reflects my life at this time – slowing down, quietly peaceful, looking forward to the glorious Resurrection to come.

It has not always been thus. Long ago when I became conscious of an insistent voice saying "come," my rebellious adolescence went into high gear. I pulled out all the stops of my 18-year-old arsenal. "I’m too young, too immature; I need time to explore this wonderful world opening up before me. No religious order would want me at this time…" etc. etc. etc.

God must have laughed. He had heard it all before. "No," came the answer, "I need someone young and strong to care for my suffering ones now. You will mature, time will take care of your youth. You will experience beauty in the world around you – but my needy ones cannot wait." I tried to get His mother to share my point of view, but she must have had His sense of humor, for within two years I was wearing the blue habit and white cornette of a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul.

I must admit I grew up fast and the years had a way of taking care of my youth. Since then, for 60+ years He sent me up and down the eastern seaboard, ministering to His needy ones as a Daughter of Charity, with a master's degree in social work tucked into my apron strings. I cradled babies, counseled frightened teenagers, climbed tenement stairs and supervised foster homes. He even assigned me to Bolivia, South America for 21 years, dispensing medicines in country clinics, supervising street boys in our night shelters, working with mothers’ clubs, bringing food to prisoners in overcrowded cells, tramping the dusty roads, visiting the scattered families. And now that I am old, He has assigned me to smile at people coming to Sisters Hospital, directing them to where they need to go. My job now is to be kind to people, encouraging, listening, telling my Irish stories to my co-workers, helping where I can.

It has been a beautiful life – despite its ups and downs – and He has always been there, bearing most of the burden, showing His unconditional love every step of the way. He has a way of making you feel you did Him a great favor by agreeing to help His hurting ones. To anyone seeking a steadfast friend and a bit of adventure, nothing can beat being a Daughter of Charity. Believe one who has been there!

Sister Mary Zita McLaughlin with two children at
St. Vincent Hospital for Women and Children
in Philadelphia, circa 1940.

Daughter of Charity Named Person of the Year in Macon

What does it take to be Person of the Year in 2013? In Macon, Ga., it takes someone making a difference.

Sister Elizabeth Greim, D.C. (Credit: Woody Marshall/The Telegraph, Macon, GA)

Sister Elizabeth Greim, D.C., was selected as that someone by Macon's news publication, The Telegraph. As one of the key catalysts who launched Daybreak, a center for homeless in the Macon area, Sister Elizabeth's ability to reach out to those in need and maintain collaborative efforts to meet those needs is credited for her selection, according to The Telegraph.

Read The Telegraph's story about Sister Elizabeth here.

After Daybreak opened in late 2012, the center became a place for filling gaps for those who were unable to make ends meet. Daybreak functions as a resource to come in and have breakfast, get ready for work, use a computer, hunt for a job, and find help for a variety of other needs.

The communications center provides phone and Internet access.

From a quick bite to eat to getting ready for the day, the homeless can
stop by Daybreak as a resource for needs.

Daybreak provides a place for Macon's homeless to prepare and advance.

Daybreak is located on Walnut Street in Macon.

Do you know Sister Elizabeth? Share your congratulations and stories in the comments.

Volunteer with Vincentians in 2014

Looking to volunteer through a Catholic service opportunity?

Vincentian Lay Missionaries (VLM) is accepting applications for missions in Kenya and Ethiopia in 2014. Applicants must be 21-35 years old and able to spend 4-6 weeks on mission.

Apply for 2014 missions by Jan. 25, 2014. Selections will be made in February.

Daughters of Charity, VLM, and the Vincentian Family in Ethiopia and Kenya work together to serve the poor in those countries. VLM's website says 72 of their missionaries have served in seven Kenyan and Ethiopian communities. Contact VLM Director Jessica Werner at jessica.werner@doc.org for more information and to apply.

Vincentian Mission Corps (VMC), formerly Gateway Vincentian Volunteers and the Vincentian Service Corps-Central, offers year-long service opportunities in community. Young men and women are encouraged to get involved at VMC, serving the poor in St. Louis, Mo. Contact Director Kellie Willis at kellie.willis@doc.org for more information about available opportunities.

Share your service experience in the comments.

Remembering JFK

Today marks 50 years since a tragic sunny day in Dallas, where President John F. Kennedy

was shot and killed in Dealey Plaza in the middle of a motorcade.

While much controversy spewed surrounding the events of Nov. 22, 1963, and is still being gnawed on today, we remember JFK and his legacy as the first Catholic president of the United States.

Several Daughters of Charity were in attendance as the motorcade drove by; one, Sister Angela Fitzgibbon, caught a smiling snapshot of the President and Jackie shortly before he was killed, as the Des Moines Register shares. We see in this D Magazine post a glimpse of more Daughters kneeling in prayer near a makeshift memorial on Thanksgiving of that year.

For more about the Daughters of Charity service in Dallas and their recollection from that day, read this Daughters of Charity Provincial Archives post.