October 11, 2016
The Society is celebrating 170 years this week.
By Agnes Solomon, SHCJ
This is the month of the foundation of the Society. We observe traditionally the 15th as the day the SHCJ was founded. This was on and around the Eucharist, Jesus’ giving of himself for the good of the world. Mother Cornelia Connelly and the early members were happy to have the barest minimum: “bones, blessed be God!”
Being founded and grounded on the Eucharist has helped the Sisters over the years to “recall the past with gratitude, live the present with passion and look to the future with hope” (Pope Francis’ message to Consecrated Persons). In order to follow in the footsteps of Christ and Cornelia we SHCJ vowed and associates are invited to try to find God in the daily situation of our lives: in our daily rising and broken hearts, our rising and giving ourselves to others.
“Fidelity to God’s call requires courage and generosity as we seek to promote his reign of justice and peace in our world” (Consts. 26). Let us reflect on the Jesus who has called us for cut off from him we can do nothing (cf. John 15:5), in order that his mercy may compel us to be mercy to our neighbor (cf. MV 9). As we begin again this month let us accept the good in every person, be patient with others, especially as we interact more and more inter-culturally. These simple ways will make us more effective evangelizers in today’s world.