Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters PO Box 6026, Techny, IL 60082-6026 319 Waukegan Rd., Northfield, IL 60093 Holy Spirit Missionary Association Phone: 847-441-0126, ext. 704
Lent 2012 “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me” --Psalm 51:12 Dear Members of the Holy Spirit Missionary Association, It is again time in which we slowly prepare for another great season in the Liturgical Year – Lent. Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. Psalm 52, cited above, offers a prayer that is going to be the theme of the season – our baptismal calling. It invites us once more to reflect on our identity as baptized Christians, members of the one family of God whose priority is to bring all people to the communion with God and one another. Yes, during those weeks of Lent we are called to work on our relationships and to make them right. “Lent is a time for learning again – and practicing – the Christian life in a conscious and deliberate way. Quite simply, it is putting on the mind, the heart of Christ – all poured out in love for the other. It is steadfast sprit which we desire, which we pray to desire in these coming forty days” (Eleanor Bernstein, CSJ). Let us take time to prepare for this great season of Lent, let us look at our life and see what really needs to change this time to show that we are willing and acting as children of the true LIGHT that we just welcomed into our hearts. As the nature at this time of the year is changing into something new, we are also called to transformation. Let us make it happen!
HSMA Days of Recollection: March 17, May 19, November 17, 2012. May Our Lord grant us all the graces we need and desire to celebrate with an open heart the beautiful season of Lent!
Art by Sr. Agnes Paul, SSpS
Sr. Elwira Dziuk, SSpS
Called by the Spirit, Embracing the World.