October 2023
For the Synod: WeprayfortheChurch,thatshemayadoptlistening anddialogueasalifestyleateverylevel,andallowherselftobeguided bytheHolySpirittowardstheperipheriesoftheworld.
p y p p and Cornelius Daly Elizabeth (Sr Perpetua) toddled off to school at the age of four accompanied by her older brother and sister! Of course, she often spoke of the joy of being surrounded by five brothers and five sisters! She also spoke of the great sorrow for her and her whole family when her younger brother, Michael, died of rheumatic fever at the age of seven. At that time, she had just begun secondary school at Mother of Mercy, Killarney
Women religious were a noteworthy part of Sr Perpetua’s life from her early years In her teenage years, she came to know the Sisters of Mercy both as nurses during her hospital stay recovering from a ruptured appendix and as teachers in secondary school. She also came to know the San Antonio Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word when at the age of fifteen they came to her school to talk about their life and ministry, and this sparked a real call in her heart However, when she arrived home with application papers in hand, her mother applauded her desire but expressed the wisdom of waiting until she was older. Undaunted, Sr. Perpetua made a novena to Mary, and shortly after she met our Sr. Bertille! Her parents knew many of our Sisters – Sr. John Marie Crowley, Sr Agnesita Brosnan, Sr Marguerite Regan, and Sr Daniel Moynihan So, it was with the blessing of both of her parents she entered our Congregation at Carrigoran shortly after her first attempt. Sr. Perpetua completed her postulancy, happily entered the novitiate here at Villa de Matel on December 8, 1948, and made her first profession of vows on December 8, 1950 – vows she holds in her hands tonight as she enters heaven.
Sr Perpetua then prepared for and began a vibrant and amazing life of ministry She was the epitome of Serving With Gladness – with pre-nursing experience at St. Anthony Center, nursing studies at St. Mary’s School of Nursing, nursing ministry at St. Mary’s Hospital in Galveston, and surgical and emergency room nursing in Alexandria, LA. In addition, she spent thirty-nine years nursing in Maternity, Pediatrics, Supervisor in Critical Care, Director of Pastoral Care, and simultaneously, at one point, got her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Dominican College.
Sr Perpetua was a very distinctive individual – a good-looking, vibrant, and talented woman with lots of charm I think all the doctors were falling like flies at her feet! She was much admired – seen as a woman of prayer and tranquility, modeling love and compassion She was a peaceful and generous person, always going the extra mile to assist those in need, with a very special heart for sick children and their families.
Many of our Sisters remember Sr Perpetua fondly from their youth, finding in her a great mentor, encouraging listener, able to share both their excitement and their anxious moments even as beginning teachers!
Home was always an anchor and a touchstone for Sr Perpetua Of her own family home she said, “We were a happy family raised in a loving home where we were taught the spiritual meaning of Christian values.” In her community home, she stated that she “marveled at the Sisters for being dedicated and knowledgeable nurses and teachers, prayerful, enjoying being together. I admired them. Our group in community had great bonding.”
Now Sr Perpetua has entered her eternal home which she prepared all these years, giving special attention to deepening her spiritual life in community once she moved into the latter years of her life. With deep gratitude to her, to her family, to God, we say, “May she Rest in Peace” and “Praised be the Incarnate Word.”
(Sr Kevina read her tribute to Sr Perpetua during the wake service on Sept 11, 2023)
OnSaturday,September9,2023,LindaMcDonald,ourformerCCVICommunications Director,tracedbackthe123-year-oldhistoryofthegreat1900GalvestonStormduringthe commemorationofthefatefultragedyheldatTrinityEpiscopalChurchinGalveston,Texas. SistersCelesteTrahan,BettyCamposArias,andMadelevaManzanaresattendedtheevent.
ThecommemorationnamedStoriesoftheGreat1900Stormfeaturedtheexpertstorytelling ofLinda,whopresentedthefirst-handaccountsofnumerousGalvestonianswhoenduredthe stormConsideredthedeadliesthurricanetoeverhittheUnitedStates,the1900stormclaimed 8,000lives,includingchildrenandadults.Thescreams,terrors,bravery,deaths,andsurvivalon September8,1900,werevividlydescribedbyLinda.TheTrinityEpiscopalChurch,which hostedtheevent,isalsoasurvivorofthestorm.
Linda,whowasbornontheisland(BOI),isafourth-generationGalvestonian.Oneofthe storiesshetoldwasofherowngrandfather,ClarenceLaCoume,whowasonlysixyearsoldat thetimeItwasfromhimthatLindafirstheardabouttheGreat1900StormShewasfascinated byhisintensedescriptionsoftheterrifyingnight,whichhesimplyreferredtoas"thestorm," andwasmotivatedtogatherandsharefirsthandtalesofthisdestructivehurricane.She developedsuchapassionfortellingthestoriesofthestormthatshewasappointedbytheCity ofGalvestontothe1900StormCentennialCommitteeandhassincebeenfeaturedbythe HistoryChannel,theWeatherChannel,severalPBSprogramsaswellaslocalandnational networknewsprograms.Shealsohadtheopportunitytoshareherstoriesworldwidevialive streaming to the International Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Directors with several translatorsrelayingherstories.
LindaalsosharedthestoryrecentlywithTheDailyNews,GalvestonCounty’snewspaper whichistheoldestTexasnewspaper,publishingsince1842.Itquotedhersayingaboutourfirst hospital,St.MaryInfirmary,“Insidethatspace,therewasthennofoodorwatersotheSistersof CharityoftheIncarnateWord(foundedherein1866)searchedtheareaforsomethingtofeed therefugees.Intherubbleofastore,theyfoundcrackersandcookiesthathadbeensoakedin theGulfwaters.Thesistersdriedthemoverafirethattheybuiltinthestreetandfedthe hungrymen,women,andchildrenwhohadcomeintothehospital.”
ThestoriesofthattragicdaywillalwaysremainclosetoLinda’sheartWeareevergrateful forherenduringeffortstomakeknowntoasmanypeopleasshecanreachthroughher storytellingsuchanimportantandhistoriceventinthelifeofourCongregationandtomany people.
[Sources:Sr.LoyolaHegarty,CCVI, Serving with Gladness, TheBrucePublishingCo.,1967 https://calendar.time.ly/hwbavieu/event/76860314and https://www.galvnews.com/faith/free/these-stories-of-the-900-great-storm-feature-localchurches/article42747a48-2ecc-5371-95c3-3c5523d0d6fd.html]
Sisters Celeste, Betty, and Madeleva with Linda McDonald inside Trinity Church at the event on Sept 9, 2023
In commemoration of the founding of our congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, on October 25, 1866, we lovingly remember our esteemed founder, Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis His valiant efforts and courage paved the way for us and many missionaries
whomhebroughttothelandwherehededicatedhislifeandwherewenow,foronehundredfifty-sevenyears, havelivedandministered Hislegacycontinuesinus
BishopClaudeMarieDubuis'memorylivesoninthelettershewrote Belowhedescribedhisintroductionto missionarylifeinalettertoafriendfromtheseminaryinFrancebybeginninghisletterwiththequotebelow: “Thepoormissionarywhomthedesertsandtheoceansseparatefromhiscountryishappy,inpart,thathis friendsaffectionatelyfollowhiminhisdistantcareer.Hiscourageiskeptupbytheirprayers.And,surrounded bypleasantmemories,hefeelshimselflesslonely Althoughmorethanahundredleaguesfromhisbishopand hiscomradesintheapostleship”
InalettertohisbelovedmotherinMarchof1871,25yearssincehesetsailfromLeHavre,Francetobecome amissionaryinTexas.BishopDubuiswrote:
“ thereligiousmovementgrowssteadily Iassureyou,dearMother,thatsufferingsserveconsiderablyto nourishamongourpeoplethedesiretoknowareligionwhichgivesitsmissionariesthemoralcourageand physicalstrengthtobraveboththeNorthwindandtherainsofwinter;themonotonyoftheplains,aswellas our terrible Rocky Mountains which hide their heads in clouds; and in which valleys are the red-skinned Comanchesaswellaspanthersandlionsanddeadlyclawsandcarnivorousteeth.”
A picture of Claude Marie Dubuis as the second bishop of Texas
Bishop Dubuis was a strong man with a tender compassionate heart. He put the needs of others before his own as an unidentified Ursuline nun wrote of him, “He would often forget himself to aid the necessities of his fellow creatures and often impose upon himself extreme privations to solace the mishaps of those who would come to him”
Bishop Dubuis’ mission call to our Sisters, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands,” are words that most of us have committed to memory and taken to heart We continue to strive to answer this call and remain faithful to the life and work that Bishop Dubuis invited us to share with him
Our unknown future was and will be fraught with challenges and hardships. We take comfort in the firmness of Bishop Dubuis’ conviction and trust in Divine Providence through his prophetic words, “Courage, we will soon have plenty Our life is hard, and it is embittered by the thought that so many around us do not understand us nor appreciate our work But the saving of one soul is a great thing And our humble labors will meet with God’s mercy; the little seed of a great harvest in the future.”
(Reference: Presentation on Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis by Sr Nora Marie Coffey, CCVI, 1989)
InthemonthofOctober,theCCVInovicesbegintheircommunityandinternational experiences.However,fromJuly24toAugust17,2023,theycametoHoustonfromSt.Louis, wheretheInternationalFormationHouseislocated,todotheirorientationbeforethebeginning ofthecanonicalyearforSrFlorenceMuthoniMuchai,whorecentlyarrivedfromKenya,andthe apostolicyearforthefoursecond-yearnovices,SistersMarucaRamirezLopez,MinhNgocTran, MyNgocNguyen,andNoellaKashemwaNshobole.Sr.FridahKiritoMunjuri,nowanannually professedsisterbutwhowasatthetimestillasecond-yearnovice,wasalsowiththem.Belowthey sharewhattheyexperiencedduringthetimetheyspentvisitingandlearningaboutsomeofthe importantplacesinthehistoryofthecongregation.
We,(SistersFridahKiritoMunjuri,MarucaRamirezLopez,Minh-NgocTran,MyNgoc Nguyen,NoellaKashemwaNshobole,andFlorenceMuthoniMuchai)embarkedonapilgrimage tothemotherhouseinHouston,TexasfromSt.Louis,Missouri,withourFormationDirector,Sr. HelenaAdakuOgbuji.Wevisitedvariousplaces,suchasSanAntonio,Castroville,Galveston,and Houston.WealsovisitedourministriesintheHoustonarea:St.AustinCenter,CHRISTUSSt Mary’sClinic,andRuahSpiritualityCenter.WehadtoursoftheVillachapel,givenbySr.Pauline Troncale,andtheArchives,guidedbyMrs.LizzieRose.WealsolearnedaboutourCCVI AssociatesfromSr.DeenanHubbard.Individually,wewereexcitedandhadfunthroughoutthis orientationWealsoexperiencedsomespiritualawakenings
TheexperienceineachSister’sownwords:
ForSisterFridah:OnourwaytoSanAntonio,Iwasfilledwithexcitementtovisitthe homeourfounder,BishopClaudeMarieDubuis,builtwithhishandsImmediately,whenI enteredthechapel,Isawhisimageinmymindasaresultofgettingintouchwithhimina specialway.Iwasimagininghiminsidethechapelatthealtar,gazingathimseated,and celebratingtheholyMass.Isawhimsmilingatmeandhappythatwecametovisit.Heasked ifIwasreadyforthemissionwhichhestartedthroughtheguidanceoftheHolySpirit.AndI respondedwithaffirmationandjoy!Asweweregoingout,Iwasextremelyjoyful,tosuchan extentthatmycompanionsandIdancedinsidethechapelinthanksgivingtoGodandour founder,BishopDubuis.Itwasawonderfulexperiencetobethere!
ForSisterMaruca:MyheartisfullofgratitudetoGodforhavingtheopportunitytovisit SanAntonioandGalvestontolearnmoreaboutourCCVIhistoryandourfounder,Bishop ClaudeMarieDubuis.WhenIwasprayinginBishopDubuis’chapel,Iadmiredhiszealforthe GospelandIgavethankstoGodforhispresencethere.Hesawbeyondallthelimitationsand frustrationsheendured,andhesurrenderedhimselfintoGod’shands.Everythingthathedid forthepeople,hedidwithpassionatelove.Iimaginedhimworkingsohardtobuildthechapel withwoundedhandsandanexhaustedbody,andthenheevenlosthisfriendHeinvitedmeto seebeyondit,tolookintohisheart,andallthatIfoundinsidehimwaslove.Forme,being thereisaninvitationtobeopentoreceivingGod’sloveinmanywaysandtoshareitwithall whomIencountereveryday.
WhenIwaswalkingthroughalltheplaceswevisitedinGalveston,myheartwassinging “thankyou”toallofourbelovedSistersandtoallwhosupportedtheminaspecialway, particularlytheUrsulineSisterswhowelcomedourfirstthreeSistersintotheirhomeIwas verygratefultolistentoourco-ministersintheUnitedStateswhosharedtheirexperiences withuswithpassion.Isawloveintheirfaces.Ihearditintheirvoices.Ifeltitintheir presence.IamsogratefultoGodfortheopportunitytobehereandbelongtothe CongregationoftheSistersofCharityoftheIncarnateWord.
ForSisterMinh-Ngoc: InthesummerheatofSanAntonio,Texas, inthesmallchapelofBishopClaudeMarieDubuis, Iwasexhaustedbytheheat,butIwasencouraged byhistrustandendurance, ODubuis,hiszealprovidedmewithstrength! Iimaginedmyselfhavingaconversationwithhim, Ifelthissadnessforthelossofhisfriend, FrMatthewChazelle, Iwassadtoobecauseoneofmysisterswasfeelingveryill So,IaskedBishopDubuistopraywithmeforherrecovery. ThenIlookeduptotheceiling, andIfoundonewoodenbeamthatstillhungontothewall Thoughbent,ithasprovidedthechapelwithgreatsupport formorethanonehundredandfiftyyears.
Oh,howgratefulIamforBishopDubuis’spiritanddedication, andforthefoundingofourcongregation.
Tobeinhischapelatthatmoment,totasteabitofhis experience,I,too,mustkeepaliveourfoundationalcall, "OurLordJesusChrist,sufferinginthepersonsofamultitudeofsickandinfirmofeverykind, seeksreliefatyourhands."
ThetriptoGalvestonwaslife-giving.Mrs.LindaMcDonaldsharedthat,duringthe1900storm, oursisterswerebrave,butthechildrenwerefrightenedTocalmthemdown,oursisterstightly heldontothemandkeptassuringthem,saying,"Igotyou,andI'mnotgoingtoletgoofyou." HersharingaffirmedGod'sloveandpresenceforme,especiallyduringmy“stormy”moments. Surely,Godalwaysholdsmetightlyinhisarms,andhewillneverletgoofme.
ForSisterMyNgoc:AsIsatinBishopClaudeMarieDubuis'chapel,Iwasinaweofhisstrength andzeal.Ifoundmyselfaskinghimhowhekeptgoingthroughallthatheendured,evenalmosttothe pointofdeath.HetoldmethathejustkeptaskingGodtogivehimthestrength.Heencouragedme tokeepplacingonefootinfrontoftheother,andjustlikehebuiltthischapellayingonebrickata time,tokeepdoingwhatI'mdoing,takingitonedayatatimeIwastransportedintimewithBishop Dubuisinfrontofmeandthechapelfilledwithhisparishioners.Theweatherwashot,andtheheat waspoundinguponus,ourheartsburningeternallywithhislove.Somethingnewformeduringthis year’sorientationwastheopportunitytostaywithourC.C.V.I.SanAntonioSistersattheirgeneralate. Ienjoyedmeetingthemandgettingtoknowalittlemoreaboutthemwhilewewerethere.
Learningaboutourdifferentministriesfromoursistersandassociatesneverceasestoamazeme Theirpassionanddriveareinspirational.Wearetrulyblessedtohaveco-ministerswhoshareour values,charism,foundationalcall,andspirituality.Itwasrefreshingtolearnthatourassociatesrenew theircommitmentsannually.WhenIheardthis,Iimmediatelythought,“Wow,theyarejustlikeour Sistersmakingtheirannualrenewalofvows”ForourtourofGalveston,IwassogratefulforMrs LindaMcDonaldasshesharedhergiftofstorytellingwithus,andwasonceagainamazedathowshe rememberssomanydetailsandstoriesaboutsomanysisters.Onesentencethatsumsupmyexperience ofthisyear’sorientationisthatIamgratefulandblessedbeyondmeasure.
ForSisterNoellaKashemwa:Iamgratefultobepartoftheorientationthisyear.Itwasa greatmomentoflearning,especiallyknowingthattheOfficeofSocialConcernandCHRISTUS StMary’sClinicministriesrespondtotheneedsofthelessprivileged,promotehumandignity, andpracticejustice,equality,andempathy.Inadditiontothese,theRuahSpiritualityCenter helpspeopleofalldenominationstodiscoverthevoiceofGodintheirinnerbeing
ThetriptoSanAntoniowasamovingexperienceforme.IhadagoodtimewiththeC.C.V.I. SanAntonioandenjoyedtheirhospitality.VisitingBishopClaudeMarieDubuis’churchwasa privilegeformebecauseIfeltthatIwaspartofthehistory.Spendingtimeinthechurchpraying, mademeunderstandthatwithGodeverythingispossible.Isawthemarkofhiscourage,love, humility,andzealforhelpingthepeopleofCastroville.Henevergaveup.InGalveston,Ialso experiencedtheloveandcourageofourSisters,whosacrificedtheirlivesduringthe1900storm Theynevergaveuponthechildrenattheorphanage.Thisorientationhelpedmegetintouch withwhatImeanwhenIsay,“Themeasureofloveistolovewithoutmeasure.Therefore,Iam calledtobeaGospeloflove.”
SisterFlorence:Thepastthreeweekshavebeenveryeducational,fun,andreflectiveasI continueonmydiscernmentjourneyTobeginwith,theSanAntoniotourforeverleftanimprint inmyheartOntheway,wevisitedtwopaintedchurchesinSchulenburg,TexasnamelySaints CyrilandMethodiusandSt.Mary.Itwasmorethanaprivilege;itwasablessingtoseethebeauty andlearntheirprofoundhistoryasIwalkedonholyground.IsawnothingbuttheworkofGod insuchmagnificentpiecesofart.
UponarrivalinSanAntonio,wereceivedafriendlyandgenerousreceptionfromtheSistersof CharityoftheIncarnateWord,SanAntonioIfeltathomeItwasanopportunetimetoshareour experiencesasSistersofthesamefounderThenextday,wevisitedCastroville,avillagewhere ourfounderBishopClaudeMarieDubuiswasmissionedasayoungpriest.Itwasagolden opportunitytostepinandprayinthefirstsmallchurchoftheCastrovillecommunity.Itwasa serenechurcherectedbyBishopDubuiswiththehelpofhisfriendFr.EmmanuelDomenech. SpendingmytimetherebroughttorealityallthatIhadreadpreviouslyinServingwithGladness bySr.LoyolaHegarty,CCVI.Whilewewereprayinginthechapel,Iconsciouslyfoundmyself askingBishopDubuissomeseriousquestions:Howdidyoumanagetoworkquietlyinsucha displeasingtime?WhattreasuredidyoufindintheCastrovillemission?Hisenergyinspiredme andrekindledmyspirittotrustindivineprovide d ihhiliunderall circumstances.
Lastly,visitingourministrieshelpedmetounderstandbetterhow,asacongregation,weare strivingtoloveandglorifyGodinbeingfullyalivetoourselvesandtoothers.Iadmirethezeal ofourSistersaswellasourco-ministers,whoarefaithfullybearinganddisseminatingour charism.IamgratefultoGodandtoourCongregationfortheopportunityandprivilegeto visitalltheseplacesAndIsaywithStIgnatiusofLoyola:“AllforthegreaterGloryofGod” Onthe30thofAugust,SisterFlorencebeganherclassesintheIntercommunityNovitiate (ICN)inSt.Louis.Threedifferentcongregationshaveparticipantsinthisyear'sICNgroup. BelowareafewpicturesofSr.Florencewiththegroup.
PRAISEDBETHEINCARNATEWORD–FOREVER!
Hospitality, faith, hope, justice and equity, are values that nourish the mission of solidarity, as a divine gift that is honored every day by responding faithfully to the grace of the Holy Spirit, which is revealed in the faces of our migrant brothers and sisters who arrive looking for a hand full of love and generosity.
The border ministry is a unique vocation, not only for consecrated religious and priests, but God calls lay volunteers and migrants willing to grow in generosity, love and commitment to missions of solidarity.
A long journey from South America, Central America, and Mexico to find a welcoming place called the Kino Initiative for the Border is both a source of relief and hope.
Sharing is a symbol of the Eucharist, the fruit of a long journey of service.
Joy manifests itself in even the most ordinary moments, such as when we prepare food, clean the dining area while we dance to the music, and when children playing with the volunteers These little sparks of joy kindle hope in the staff and migrants as they go through this phase in their lives Perhaps the clearest expression of hope lies in how the migrants support and display solidarity with one another, always rooted in a profound understanding that they are never alone on this journey
When I received the invitation to volunteer with the Kino Border Initiative from August 2 -September 5, 2023, it had a profound impact on me, because until that moment, I had only heard about the stories and suffering migrants endure when passing through those areas This served as my motivation to become actively involved It was an enriching and very sad experience to see so many people seeking relief in our hands Every day, we received a total of 200 to 250 people I did my best to help in the different areas assigned to me In admissions, I listened to their stories; in the clinic, I relieved their pains and wounds; in the dining area, I provided a plate of food; in the clothing distribution, I gave them clothes to wear, and so on I was able to feel and experience an atmosphere of peace, harmony, and prayer in which everyone was giving and receiving what was necessary I even witnessed that there were surplus supplies, just like in the multiplication of the loaves that Jesus shared This experience made me realize that we are all migrants in this world We are all looking for a place to live, following a path, and serving one another, wherever we are In some way, we are all like the Good Samaritan
“Afallenleaf,isnothingmorethanasummer’swavegoodbye”–Unknown
Aswebidgoodbyetosummertimeandwelcomeautumn,inretrospect,ithasbeena busy,yetfun-filledoneforallofusatCarrigoranHouse.Thoughthedayswentbyfast,it leftgoodmemoriesnotonlyfortheresidentsbutalsotothestaffandvolunteers.
Here’saquickrundownoftheactivitiesduringthesummer:
ResidentshadbustriptoanafternoonconcertduringtheFeakleIrishMusicFestival. Residentsenjoyedtraditionalmusic,apicnicandchattedwiththelocals.Theythen entertainedthemusicianwithafewsongsoftheirown.
Onebreezyday,ourwheelchair-boundresidentsenjoyedasingingsongsunderthe verandawheretheyalsosharedacupofteatogether.
Tobeatthesummerheat,residentsweretreatedtoicecreamattheparkinglotone afternoon.Theywereprovidedwithsunscreenlotionandheadcoveringtoprotectthem fromthesun.
OnSeptember1st,thefirstdayoftheSeasonofCreation,theresidentswereengagedin choirpracticeforthemusicduringliturgy,focusingonhymnstoreflectthewondersof God’screationandnature.Theyalsohadtheopportunitytodisplaytheircreativeside throughartworksoncreation,usingleavespickedfromthegardensofCarrigoran House.
WealsohadaSportsphotoopcourtesyofthesonofoneoftheresidents,where residentshadanopportunitytohavetheirphototakenwiththe“LiamMacCarthyCup” ofthedefendingchampion,Limerick,fromthemostrecentAllIrelandSeniorHurling Championship.
Inallthesementionedactivities,regularexercisesweremadepartoftheactivitiesto ensurethattheystayedfitandactive.
BayouPreservationAssociation(BPA)wasfoundedinthe60’smakingitthelongestrunningconservationorganizationinHouston.Itfocusesonfourkeyprogramsto accomplishtheirmissionto“celebrate,protect,andrestorethenaturalrichnessofallour bayousandstreams.”Thefourkeyprogramsincludeeducation&outreach,stewardship, andorganizationalleadershipanddevelopment.Throughthevariousprogramstheyare abletoincreaseunderstandingofareabayous,increasestewardshipopportunities,engage andinfluenceinbayou-relatedcommunityaffairsandorganizeforsuccess.
StewardshipisanimportantvaluetotheCongregation,soIwantedtolearnmore aboutthataspectwithinBPA.DuringourwalkaroundBigGulchBayouwithintheJim &JoannFontenoFamilyParkIwasabletoseefirst-handhowtheymonitorthebayous.I alsogotsomeinsightintohowBPAcultivatesstewardshipviaitsvolunteerprogram.
TheBPAstaffsharedtheimportanceofbayoumaintenanceandthevariousvolunteer opportunitieswithdifferentlevelsoftimecommitment.Forexample,theriparian volunteersassistbymonitoringadesignatedregiontwiceayear.Eachofthe23 volunteershavemultiplesegmentsofabayouassignedtothem.Themonitoringis scheduledfortwiceayear,becausedamagetothebayoustendstobeslow,unlessthere wasabigflood.TheriparianvolunteersgeteighthoursoftrainingfromBPAandhavea checklisttokeeptrackofanychangesorinterventionthatmaybeneeded.Themain concernswiththebayousinthecityareusuallyconcreteandthedrainagesystem.Both canmakewatermovequickerwhichinturnmakeserosionquickerandthebayous deeper.Deeperbayouscomewithvariousconsequences.Watercan’tdisperseitselfas muchifthebayouskeepgettingdeeperandtheyarenotabletospreadoutastheywould naturally.
Thedeeperthebayouthemorerootexposurefromthetrees,leadingtoashorter lifespanforthetrees.Theerosioncausesownerstolosepartoftheirprivatepropertyas well.Thedeeperthebayouthelessaccesstothewastethatsettlesonthebottomfor cleanup.Additionally,allofthiscausestheamountofsedimentinthewatertoincrease, whichmakesitmurkierandlowersthequalityofthewaterforwildlife.Thebayou systemistrulyimportantandimpactfulinourcity!Fortunately,manyothersfeelthat way,andtheyhavevolunteerscommittedtoothertasks,suchasmonthlywater monitoring,helpingremovelitter,makingsurethewaterisflowing,helpingwith restorationbyremovinginvasiveplantsandadvocatingforchangeinpolicy.
ThisyearBPAlaunchedits“ReclaimedBaYou”campaignandisdiligentlyworking withitsvolunteersandvariouscommunitycollaboratorstoencouragestewardship throughclean-upsandpreventionstrategies.WithinHarrisCountythereareover100 differentwaterways,sothereisnoshortageofbayousegmentsthatcanbemonitored. Throughitsefforts,BPAisstrivingtoensurethelong-termhealthandvitalityofour bayous.IamgratefulthatBPAiskeepinganeyeonourbayous…thisisBayouCityafter all!
Sisters celebrated creation-themed liturgies and retreats in Congregational events and ministries as part of Year One goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
Here are our results for Goal #6 - Ecological Spirituality
GOAL: INCORPORATE CREATION CARE INTO LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS AND OFFERCREATION-CENTEREDRETREATSANDPRAYEREVENTS
Wecommittocelebratingcreation-themedliturgiesandretreatsinourCongregationaleventsand ministries.
DETAILS:
Wewillcelebrateonecreationcare-themedMassandincludeintercessionsinliturgiescelebrated duringtheSeasonofCreation(September1toOctober4)andincludeintercessionsforcreationin atleastoneadditionalliturgy
AtalltheCongregation’sretreatcenters,wewillofferatleastonecreation-centeredretreatforthe publicorSisters,oratimeforreflectionandprayeraboutGod’sgiftofthenaturalworld.
EVALUATION:
Central America: DuringtheirLauds&Vesperprayers,theyprayedforcreationandincludedpsalms thatinvitedcontemplationofcreation.
There’sapracticetopraywithnature,inthediningroomandoutdoors.
Workshopscreatinganawarenessaboutthecareofcreationhavebeenofferedandreceivedby Sistersandemployeesintheministries.
SharedvideosonthecareofcreationattheHouseofStudies.
Ireland Region: Onaweeklybasiswehaveincorporatedsongsrelatedtocreationintheliturgyat CarrigoranHouse.
ForourcommunityprayersweregularlyusecreationhymnsfoundintheGatherBook.
Pets(dogs)areencouragedforfamilytobringwhentheyvisittheresidents
CelebratedaMemorialMasson01/24/2023,theResponsorialPsalmwas,”IamtheVine”,andone intercessionprayerwasoncreation,“WethankyouGodforourbeautifulearthlyhome,…Maywe respectandvaluetheirsignificance”
Kenya Region: WeheldprayersandofferedathemedEucharisticcelebrationandthecareofcreation onceamonth.
U.S. Region: DuringSeasonofCreation(Sept1-Oct4)SundayMasses,weusedtheprayersfrom SeasonofCreation2022ListentotheVoicesofCreationLiturgicalGuideatVDN.TheSpanishversion oftheGeneralIntercessionsweresenttotheCAregion.
OrganizedandpromotedArchdiocesanDayofPrayeronCreation.
DistributedcreationthemedprayerguidesforLenttothesisters.
OfferprayersofintercessionsforthecareoftheEarthduringourtimesofcommunalprayeraswell massofferedtoprayfornature.
TheLentenretreatatRuahthisyearwasonourcalltoCareforourCommonHomeandecological conversion,“SymbolsandRitualsofLentandofLife”
Continuereadingandstudying Laudato Si’.
HowdidreflectingonGod’sgiftofcreationdeepenyourspiritualityoryourretreatants?
Central America Region: IncorporatingEcologicalSpiritualityledustoharmonizewithallofcreation, becomingawareofthecareforeachofusandeverythingthatsurroundsus.
Ireland Region: ThereisanawarenessandappreciationthatGodcommunicateswithusandtheresidentsin variousways,suchasthebeautifulsunsetatCarrigoranHouse,therainbow,thecows,thesheep,andthe surroundings,thebirds,theducks,thechickens,andthepeacocksinthegarden-awesomecreaturesGodhas createdforhumanity.
Kenya Region: ItconnecteduswithGodandhelpedusgrowdeeperinadmirationtowardsthe awesomenessofGod.
·U.S. Region: AsacommunitywehaveprayedforNature’swellbeing.Individuallyweremembernaturein ourdailyprayer,especiallybeforeandaftermealsOurspirituallifeisricherwhenweincorporatecreationin ourreflectionsWhenprayingwithnature,wereadilyencounterGod;thereisaninstantconnectionwith God,withwholeness.Beingwithnaturerefreshesus,makesusappreciatemorewhatishappeningaroundus andmakesuslovenaturemore.Werealizethatbyobservingcreationwecanlearnwhatitmeanstolivethe Paschal Mystery. Creation is proof of the existence of God. We are consciously aware of the interconnectednessofeverythinginourCommonHomeandourresponsibilitytotakecareofit.Sisterswho attendedthecreation-themedretreatattheRuahCenterfounditveryinspirationalIntheirreflection,they realizedthateverythingaroundthemaffectsthemespeciallyonhowtheyrelatetousandhowwerelateto them.
Prayer space using pine needles and incense, Torola, El Salvador U S Region Spring 2023 ARC Sweetgrass ritual Residents at El Hogar de Mi Hermano celebrate Palm Sunday, Esquipulas, Guatemala