Some congregations are partnering with others so they set
aside worrying about administrative concerns and focus on whatever they can do
for the mission in their remaining days.
Some monastic groups have taken up residence with apostolic groups. Some younger congregations have taken over
residences from older congregations. Franciscans
are living with Carmelites and Poor Clares are living with Precious Blood
Sisters. Sisters of Christian Doctrine
are partnering with the Sparkill Dominicans, Tacoma Dominicans are partnering
with the Sisters of Providence. (Sr.
Barbara Hagel and I are partnering with the Sisters of the Holy Family who are
completing their mission and conserving the Gardens at Palmdale for a contemplative
public park. The dedication is May 10. You
may know of more examples of this kind of inter-congregational partnering.)
In the old days there was competition between congregations. At NCEA we would eye one another and ask, “How
many Sisters do you have?” “How many schools do you have?” “How many Novices?” We would comment on habits and lack of
habits. This competition is not what
religious life was meant to be. The
partnering that is happening now is a good sign of what is to come. Yes, it is not easy. It is a Good Friday
stripping away. There is pain in the
process. As some say, “This is not what
we entered religious life for.” But others
say, let’s get on with it! There is
freedom and peace ahead. There is a new and fresh identity once the housing questions
are settled.
Some Motherhouses have been turned over to new congregations. Some have been leased or sold to provide housing
for others. Some have entered into “covenant”
or sacred agreements to support one another through these transitions. Relationship is at the heart of our covenant
with God, and at the heart of our sacred agreements with one another. We used to think these agreements would arise
naturally out of a shared charism, but it seems that geographic location is more
important. Our charisms are similar enough
that we can relate to one another, but we don’t want to pick up and move far away
from the people we love, and those who have known and supported our congregation
through the years.
March 31, 2019 a presentation by Sr. Mary Hughes, OP at Diocese of San Jose Chancery Office.
