Every year at this time, the world is invited to celebrate Catholic Sisters Week from around the world who have dedicated their lives to serving others by living out the charisms of their various congregations.
The Daughters of the Holy Spirit of the Putnam Province in the United States decided to honour this special week by organising a gathering which included a prayer service and a time for sharing memories highlighting a nun who had a clear impact on the lives of the participants. There was also time for praying and singing about why religious “do what they do”.
A lovely yet simple reception featuring various beverages, homemade and specialty bakery items as well as fresh fruit followed. There was much socialization among the DHS and their invited guests who filled the large room with joy, warm camaraderie, and expressive laughter.
Following a tradition that goes back to the early days of celebrating CSW, a collection bowl was circulated and the guests were invited to make donations to an anti-gun violence support group.
As the celebration or “afternoon tea” came to an end and the sisters were heading home, many comments of gratitude, of fun and of satisfaction were heard. Sisters hugged, offered springtime and Easter wishes and expressed how much they were already looking forward to returning next year to be a part of the international celebration of Catholic Sisters Week when they would once again remind one another of “why they do what they do”. (A Language of the Heart by Kathy Sherman, CS)
Françoise Gauthier. Published on 19 March 2024
