Yesterday, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of the foundress of the the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary, the founders of Marylhurst University.
Marie Rose was not a strong woman, physically; in fact she was ill most of her life and died on her 38th birthday. But during her brief time on earth she touched people deeply.
We remember Mother Rose because she was a woman of passion -- passion for God, passion for justice, passion for the needs of the poor and under-served. For me, Mother Rose is a powerful reminder of what happens when we allow ourselves to be transformed by the flame of God's love. Parents who had been hesitant to allow their daughters to join the newly formed religious community changed their minds after one brief encounter with Mother Rose. Why, I ask? I believe it is because she was so deeply open to God's love that she radiated God's presence to those she met. Does this mean that life was easy for her, no. She like the rest of us struggled with misunderstanding, fatigue, obstacles, and injustice -- but she had a broad, deep vision which gave her hope, even in the face of despair.
My prayer for all of us, no matter what our faith tradition might be, is that we become alive with the energy of the holy -- that we become signs and prophets of God's peace and justice.
Blessings on your journey,
Carol
Marylhurst University Ministry promotes a Catholic framework for competence, leadership and service that honors the longstanding, inclusive ministry in the Northwest of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
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