Justice & Peace
HOLY UNION SISTERS AND ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE TEN YEARS AS A U.S. PROVINCE
Holy Union Sisters and Associates gathered in locations from Massachusetts to Maryland to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the United States Province. The theme of the common prayer used in all areas was “The Journey Is Home”. This had been the theme of the two-year process which united two former provinces in 1999. The prayer had three movements: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Blessings of the Present and Commitment to the Future. Candles representing these three movements were lit throughout the prayer. The readings were taken from Scripture and Holy Union women: Mother Marie Helena Daumerie, leader of the first group of ten sisters who came to the United States and Sister Carol Regan, present congregational leader as well as the Mission Statement formulated when the two provinces united. Each sister and associate wrote a blessing which she experienced over the journey of the past ten years. Following the prayer, all shared a meal and conversation.
Here are some of the blessings written by individual sisters and associates.
“It has been a blessing to know, work with and love all my sisters. We have grown together these past ten years: rejoicing, laughing, working and mourning together.”
“The blessings of unity, joy, encouragement and support of all our members near and far.”
“The journey ‘home’ is shared with so many good women.”
“The giftedness of our Holy Union women”
“The love and support expressed by my sisters”
“Getting to know each other – the friendships formed and the honest sharing that has taken place”
“A deeper appreciation for our charism of Union”
“Blessings received from the gifts, talents, dedication and special relationships during these past ten years.”
“The wonderful friendships and caring of all the sisters and associates.”
“Just being with Holy Union Sisters and becoming an Associate has been a blessing.”
“I am in awe of the caring and achievements of those I have come to know.”
“Joy – closer sense of true Holy Union as the awkwardness changed to trust and unity”
“The blessing that we chose to continue to share responsibility for the life of the province through groups working together. They continue our growth and deepening together…”
“Blessing of prayerful concern and support – the gift of belong to a Holy Union that makes me more whole.”
“Both provinces brought particular gifts to the union, make the United States province all the richer.”
“A deeper appreciation of our charism”
“The blessing of shared prayer”
“Blessing of knowing such Spirit-filled women who are selfless in serving God and neighbor.”