The Power of Prayer

A Reflection on the Power of Prayer from Sister Mary Raphael

I was in the hospital from October 14 – 25 with a bowel obstruction. Upon returning home I was placed in our Care Center. Being weak, I knew I needed to be there.  After a short time, I had a conversation with our Director of Care. Since I could see how things improved a bit each day I felt that remaining in the Care Center was a good option. However, I did not want to move there prematurely. It was suggested that I take a month to make my final decision. I answered, “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve made my decision.”

Image: Daniele Levis Pelusi | Unsplash

Many people – my Sisters, my family, and friends had prayed for me that things could be resolved without a second surgery. Their prayers were answered, and miraculously a second operation was not required. The prayers not only prevented further surgery but enlightened me to see that the best insurance I had against further hospitalizations was to remain in the Care Center. Now I could see that things could be monitored more closely in the Care Center. 

During and following my stay in the hospital, I was restless and unable to pray.  However, there is one prayer from a novena which I repeated frequently – “O God, I surrender myself to you. You take care of everything.” And God did take care of everything!

While regaining my strength, I began my move from my 3rd floor room to the east wing of our Care Center.  I filled the basket on my rollator daily which meant I would not have boxes to unpack once I moved permanently.

Now, for meals I sit with three Sisters, one of whom is Sister Olga.  At 101 years of age, she has taught me by her example the power and benefits of maintaining a positive attitude.  She frequently comments on the blessings we have, and her ministry is one of presence and example.

Looking back over these last few months, I too, am moved by the power of prayer and the blessings of community life.

-Sister Mary Raphael, CSJ

Image: wallace Henry @ghostdogg187 / Unsplash

EPIPHANY

EPIPHANY

The lyrics of the following traditional hymn beautifully summarize the events and meaning of the  feast of the Epiphany as the story of the first Christmas continues to unfold.

As With Gladness Men of Old

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold;

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright;

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Ever more your splendor see.

As with joyful step they sped

To that lowly manger bed,

There to bend the knee before

Christ, whom heaven and earth adore,

So may we with hurried pace

Ever seek your throne of grace.

As they offered gifts most rare

At that manger crude and bare;

So may we this holy day,

Drawn to you without delay,

All our costliest treasures bring

Christ, to you, our heavenly king.

Christ, Redeemer, with us stay,

Help us live your holy way;

And when earthly things are past,

Bring our ransomed souls at last

Where they need no star to guide,

Where no clouds your glory hide.

In the heavenly city bright

None shall need created light;

You, its light, its joy, its crown,

You its sun which goes not down;

There forever may we sing

Alleluias to our king.

Text: William C. Dix, 1837 – 1898; alt.

Tune: DIX, 77 77 77; arr. From Conrad Kocher, 1786 – 1872, by William H. Monk, 1823 - 1889

A New Year Message for 2025

As 2024 comes to a close and we step into the promise of 2025, we reflect on how far we’ve come. Twenty-five years ago, the world was gripped by the Y2K challenge, anxiously wondering if our computer systems could successfully transition from ‘19’ to ‘20’ without chaos! That moment feels like yesterday, yet a lifetime of changes has unfolded since then.

In our personal lives, our congregation, our community, and our world, we’ve witnessed untold changes. The year 2024 brought with it times of overflowing joy and deep sadness, moments of outrage and delight, instances of concern, miracles, and even tragedy. Along the way, we said goodbye to cherished friends, confronted challenges, and faced uncertainties.

Through it all—the complex and beautiful journey we call life—we are reminded of one unshakable truth: God is with us every step of the way. Guiding our steps, shaping our choices, and offering strength in moments of doubt, God’s presence is constant.

As we welcome this new year, let us carry forward a renewed sense of faith and hope. Let us remember that God walks with us, always.

May 2025 be a year of purpose, grace, and blessings for us all, knowing that we are never alone.

Happy New Year!

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Images: Kelly Sikkema @kellysikkema ; Danil Aksenov @nebe3etogo| UNSPLASH

An Indispensable Man

Years ago, when I moved and began teaching at a new school with a new staff, I found this poem in my mailbox.  It touched me in a positive way; so much so, that I kept it all these years.

“THE INDISPENSABLE MAN

Sometime, when you’re feeling important,
Sometime, when your ego’s in bloom,
Sometime, when you take it for granted,
You’re the best qualified in the room:
Sometime when you feel, that your going,
Would leave an unfillable hole,
Just follow these simple instructions,
And see how it humbles your soul.

Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in it up to the wrist,
Pull it out, and the hole that’s remaining,
Is a measure of how you’ll be missed.
You can splash all you please when you enter,
You may stir up the water galore,
But stop, and you’ll find that in no time,
It looks quite the same as before.

The moral in this quaint example,
Is to do just the best that you can,
Be proud of yourself, but remember,
There’s no indispensable man.”

— by Saxon White Kessinger

On December 30, we celebrate the anniversary of the death of Father Jean-Pierre Médaille, S.J. who founded our Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph 375 years ago. 

When I think of putting my hand into a bucket of water up to my wrist and taking it out without stirring or splashing, I imagine this man travelling from village to village in France, just doing the best that he could for the women of his time trying to do for the suffering people around them the best that they could.

It was my privilege to visit France over twenty years ago.  The place where Father Médaille was buried has become a parking lot and I envision not only the humility of this man but also the humility of St. Joseph the patron Saint of our Community.  It seems to me that it was not so much their physical presence on earth at the time that was important, but it was the lasting effect of what they allowed God to do with their lives on Earth that was and is still important.

When they lived their lives on Earth and then disappeared, our Earth was not “quite the same as before.”

-Sister Elaine Cole, CSJ

It’s as Simple as Saying Hello

As we approach the end of the holiday season, we are reminded of how simple gestures—like a smile or a kind greeting—can have a profound effect on someone’s day. Within many folks, there is a feeling of separateness and a sense of invisibility,  as an after- effect of COVID distancing as well as society’s growing affinity for constant digital connection. There is a remedy for this feeling of isolation.

As we move into 2025, it is a wonderful opportunity to carry forward the spirit of goodwill by being more intentional in acknowledging the people we encounter. Whether it is a simple “good morning,” “have a nice day,” or just a smile. These small acts of kindness can make a world of difference. As Jeffrey Pillow, storyteller, points out, gestures can set the tone for someone's day, reinforcing the idea that, despite the challenges we face, we are all part of something larger, and not alone in the world.

Adopting this practice of noticing and acknowledging others may not only improve someone else’s mood, but also contribute to our own sense of connection and well-being. It is an easy and effective way to brighten someone’s day and be a lifegiving reminder of all the good that still exists around us. The habit of greeting can reinforce togetherness and be an effective antidote to reverse the effects of separateness. Make greeting one another a New Year’s resolution!

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj