I just returned from our Motherhouse which is in Philadelphia. We were there to celebrate the jubilees of MSBT Sisters for 25, 50, 60, 70 and even 75 years! When I first entered our community, the seasoned missionaries would welcome us and say: “I am praying for your perseverance.” I was 18 and full of love for God and a desire to “help” God “save the world”!
I didn’t understand their advice and prayer at the time. “Of course, I will persevere,” I thought. Maybe it’s how a bride and groom feel when the vows state “for better or worse, even unto death.” Of course! They are so in love, why wouldn’t it be “even unto death do us part?”
That was then. This is now… 60 years later. I looked around at my Sisters celebrating all those years. I knew many of their incredible missionary endeavors and some of their anguishing struggles. I recalled the 1970’s when so many religious and priests left their way of life, some of whom were close friends. Of our class of 19, only 4 of us “persevered” to this day.
This brings no judgement upon those who left nor upon those who are no longer married to their first spouse. In all cases, it highlights that fidelity is not something we achieve. Forever Faithful is the great gift given to all of us through God’s even-beyond-death commitment to everyone, no matter where the path of life takes us.
Today in most religious communities founded in the US, there are few new Sisters. There are few opportunities to let a young woman know “I am praying for your perseverance.” Yet these brave young women, these newer Sisters, Brothers and priests need our encouragement and support perhaps more than ever. Next time you meet a newly married couple, a religious, seminarian or priest, a deacon candidate or full-time lay minister, please let them know you are praying for their perseverance. They may remember you said that when they are celebrating their own jubilees or anniversaries of 25, 50, 60, 70 or even 75 years!
