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The Power of Prayer

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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.”

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

What the World Needs Now

As we approach the new year, many of us begin to mentally compose our list of resolutions. Peoples Jewellers tagline, “Live with Love,” offers a beautiful and meaningful resolution we can all embrace. It calls us to let love guide us through the coming year, making love a core part of our daily lives and interactions.

This message was perfectly captured by Dionne Warwick in her iconic 1960s rendition of What the World Needs Now is Love. Its timeless lyrics remind us of the importance of love in the world:

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
It's the only thing that there's just too little of,
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some, but for everyone.”

- lyrics by Hal David and music composed by Burt Bacharach

According to research, love plays a crucial role in our emotional well-being. It strengthens mental health, provides support, and nurtures a profound sense of belonging. Love encourages personal growth, resilience, and happiness while also inspiring kindness, compassion, and understanding. In this way, love creates a positive ripple effect, improving both our lives and the lives of others.

As we step into 2025, let’s make it our resolution to live with love whether it's showing love to family, friends, or even strangers. Let’s embrace this beautiful sentiment as Dionne so beautifully sang, “what the world (truly) needs now is love, sweet love.”

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj