Reparation Thoughts

….By His Wounds we are healed

Volume XXIII, Number 9

Dear Donnès of Reparation, Family and Friends,

One of the signs of summer in the Northwest is “sun”. In contrast to the heavy rains of spring, our summers are hot and dried by intense sun. Even if a day starts cloudy, the skies soon open with wondrous light. Watering of plants is a necessity but coupled by the light and heat of the sun, our gardens produce well.

Since the nights are shorter in summer, there is light until late in the evening, and morning awakens early to a new day. This extension of daylight allows families time for outdoor activities—picnics, barbecues, biking, swimming, travel and many others.

The season reminds me of Jesus’ message: “Go out to all the world and let your light shine for all to see” for, “I am the Light of the World!” Jesus sent His apostles and disciples out two-by-two to proclaim the Good News. As His followers, as individuals who have been given the gift of faith, as people baptized in water and infused by the Holy Spirit, as children of God who are privileged to know the faith and the wondrous gifts that God has granted to all humankind, we, too, are being sent. We are to be bearers of the Light of Christ. We are to bring the light of the “Son” of God everywhere we go. Are we so convincing in this call that we could be accused of being Christians?  Are we bearers of His Word and His truth through our actions every day? Are we letting our “Light” shine?

For myself, I am weak and feel inadequate in fulfilling this command, considering the tremendous gifts and blessings that God has granted to me. Please pray that I may be a better missionary and minister of His Word. I will be praying for you, too!

I am reminded of the time when Sr. Regina Rose sustained a terrible fall and fractured her spine. She was confined to a bed for a very extended time. Then her doctor arranged for her to get a power chair. She went through therapy to learn to sit up again and pivot with help into a sitting position. It was as if a new opportunity for life bloomed. Once she got the power chair, life changed for all of us. We had to add ramps to the entrance of our home. A van was necessary to transport her; and eventually a lift was added to the van. We did not have stairlifts in our convent, so her room was moved to the first floor. The width of the chair required removing a few doors so that she could get around the house. She was ready to go!

Sister traveled everywhere to minister to her new flock. Wherever she could get access, she traveled. She went to shopping centers and ministered to clerks and shoppers. She went to parishes and participated in many different activities. She traveled to give retreats wherever she was invited. She even traveled to Vancouver, BC to minister. Was Sister in pain? Yes, all the time. This did not stop her. Out she went just as Jesus directed wherever and to whomever He sent her. This is our heritage and our joy!

Mother Mary of the Angels, SR

July 2024