Abiding in Christ, remaining united in Christ at all times and circumstances is not easy. How can I let him work through me and bring about the fruit of communion or friendship in spite of differences in personality, culture, generation, or liturgical sensibility? We are a group of very diverse women. Through our daily life in common our love for God and for others is tested. How can I say that I love God if I do not love my sister, my brother (1 John 4:20)? Without forgiveness, starting over day after day, we cannot mature and grow in this very human path to overcome conflict and inner struggles.The rhythm of personal and communal prayer is essential to the formation of each monastic and of the whole community. Through the regular practice of prayer, coming humbly as we are into the presence of God, we discover our deepest selves and begin to see others as God sees them. Grounded in prayer, we come to discover ourselves as loved and are enabled to love others as God loves them. The practice of abiding in the love of Christ, the vine, is essential as the churches continue on the path of growth in communion. All Christians – each one individually, each community, and all of us collectively – must remain deeply rooted in Christ, the very source of our life. From his self-giving love will flow the dynamic of our relationship with one another. In moments of silence, of listening to God’s Word, and responding together in praise, we discover the profound bond of communion that unites us with disciples of Christ everywhere and the shared call to pour ourselves out in self-giving love and service to all. While Paul Couturier promoted the annual observance of the Week of Prayer, he knew it was equally important that Christians pray for one another and for the communion of the churches all year long. This is not a task that belongs to monastics alone. It is the responsibility of every baptized Christian. Each day we pray the Lord’s Prayer, acknowledging God as loving parent and, implicitly, one another as brothers and sisters. When we ask that God’s will be done, this includes God’s desire for the reconciliation and unity of all the followers of Christ. As we observe the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity this year, perhaps we could resolve to pray more regularly and more intentionally for our fellow Christians – for the congregations of other Christians in our neighbourhood and for those who suffer in distant lands. Praying together in the context of a global pandemic where we may not be able to gather in person, requires a greater effort on our part. It compels us to discover new and creative ways to reach out and connect with one another. Perhaps the experience of social and physical distancing might deepen in us a desire to be gathered anew and to let our unity in Christ once again bear the fruit of communion with one another.
In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.
In this month of December, Pope Francis asks us to pray for pilgrims of hope: We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthens our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.