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5 December 2011

 

I loved the article “Catherine’s Miracles.” It proves that poverty, neglect and even abuse do not need to break the spirit of young girls. With the right leadership, education, kindness, compassion and spiritual formation, they can go on to become productive and even successful members of society. The “quality of mercy” should never be strained, but drop like the gentle rain on these young girls. And obviously that mercy is shining at this academy. You could say that I am one of Catherine’s miracles, having been educated by the Sisters of Mercy in elementary school. In an era when many grew up with a God-image that was punishing, distant, even harsh, I came to know a God who is loving, forgiving, personal and close. I thank the Sisters of Mercy for this view. It wasn’t just taught; it was shown by the Sisters. Surely, this is why I sought to join them upon my graduation from high school. My two and a half years in the novitiate fostered in me an abiding desire to grow in my relationship with the Lord and to nurture that relationship with a strong prayer life. This continues in my life now, over 40 years later. And so, toward Mercy, I have an attitude of gratitude.

The story of Javier Galindo was truly touching. This man has surely seen more in a short time in Iraq than most of us will see in a lifetime. Holocausts of a kind continue today with rampant abortion, suicide bombings, and wholesale murder of Christians and Catholics around the world. I pray that Javier will help many to escape the persecutions, of whatever type, in their own lives.

 

5 December 2011