March, 2008
March 31, 2008
Who is Joseph?
When I was an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, I met a fellow named Shaddrack from Uganda. I answered his questions about the United States and he told me stories of Uganda. One day we were visiting about our families. He said he was one of 23 siblings! I asked if they all resembled him. Puzzled, he replied, “We speak instead, about each other's personality characteristics, like loyalty, honesty, friendliness, or shyness. What is there to looks?'
Shaddrack comes to mind whenever someone asks me why a women's religious order is named after a man. “It's St. Joseph's personal characteristics that we admire,” I reply. You may wonder, who was this Joseph who inspired tens of thousands of women over 3 centuries to love God and neighbor without distinction?
Many a Sister of St. Joseph has attempted to peek behind the veil of what is written of Joseph to get a better understanding. Sister Mary Madeliva, CSJ, is one Sister of St. Joseph who has spent time throughout her career writing and illustrating bits and pieces of this quiet man.
Each March we look forward to Mary Madeliva's next St. Joseph insight which she centers on a new, colorful poster-size screen print. And, each year we CSJs hope St. Joseph recognizes himself in us.
A collection of these annual productions hang in Carondelet Center here on our Provincial Property in St. Paul. They're impressive. I've copied here for you a few of the Joseph descriptors from her artwork. Enjoy.
For Joseph it was a question of success.
It was being faithful to the mix we call life.
Joseph, quiet, living on the verge of mystery.
He was left with dreams and the work of his hands.
Not much is known of Joseph.
He was husband, father, provider.
Everyday and he had dreams.
What more can be said?
The dictionary says that JUST means
“Upright and down right.”
Joseph was a just man someone you could count on.
Joseph had dreams.
They weren't always clear and easy but they were his.
Eventually they changed his mind and heart.
Joseph was a parent.
He knew the ups and downs,
the day by day way of love and the letting go.
Displaced, a common worker,
no name but carpenter this Joseph,
yet one wonders how each person
each place was neighbor to him
for the Child he called Son
treated none as stranger
Joseph—of his plans—all that was left
was broken.
Yet he learned what was left was enough.
That's some of what we are learning about Joseph. Think about using this approach on yourself. How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you? Let's all focus on what really counts.
Possumus.
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March 28, 2008
The challenge of change
When I was 5, I was on top of my game--a carefree whirlwind of curiosity totally enjoying experiences of cause and effect. Today, just deciding to use cloth bags for shopping has me ecstatic with the power of one--like being 5 again and at the center of the universe. One intentional change and I am literally participating in the serious work of living in right relationship with the world.
Here is a quick list of the immediate domino effect of just this one change
Cause: no paper bags
Effect: need a new system for recycling items previously sorted in paper grocery bags
Cause: no containers
Effect: obtain bins from the recycling center
Cause: bins are large and heavy when full
Effect: set out recycling more often when less full
Cause: cloth bags for shopping
Effect: need them handy in car as well as purse
...and on and on.
The bag episode is one small step in my house. There will be more. What have you done at your home? Together, WE CAN change the world.
Possumus!
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March 18, 2008
March 18
The 18th of March is a free spot between two highly celebrated feast days—the 17th for we Irish and the 19th, St. Joseph's Day for Sisters of St. Joseph. Being Irish and a CSJ means I have this day to catch my breath! When I think back to the 17th, I smile, when I look forward to the 19th, I smile.
Real, heartfelt smiles change the world. Recently several gentlemen accompanied me on a full day tour of our programs that serve people in need. When I look back to that day, what I remember most are smiles: bright, shining, some toothless, others pure white. I'm not sure whose smiles were brighter: the people in the midst of experiencing hope for the first time, or those who realized that day that hope really does changes the world.
Spend time each day smiling. Don't look for a reason, a reason will find you.
Possumus!
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March 18, 2008
KARE 11 Interview
Here is a link to a recent newsclip in which you might be interested. The occasion was my being selected the Distinguished Irish Woman of the Year this year by the St. Patrick’s Association in St. Paul.
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=501640
I must say that I think every Irish Woman is distinguished, wouldn’t you agree? This honor has given me opportunity to raise awareness of how the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet—many with Irish ancestry—continue to make a positive impact on our civic community.
It makes me think about the value our diverse immigrant communities add to our cities today. What profound beauty and energy we have in our midst. Enjoy it!
Possumus
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