From left, those gathering in Chicago for a Sabbath Day on Sept. 25, 2009 are Rachel Andrepont, Kate Sullivan, Arrianne Whittaker, Sister Barbara Sheehan, Kaitlin Ramsey, Jessie Light, Nancy Morales and Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburgh (PVM director).
By Kate Sullivan
Our Sabbath day started in an unassuming building situated on a tree lined street. Even though we were less then a couple of blocks away from lake shore drive, one of the busiest streets in Chicago, there was an air of peace that filled the Claret Center. From the way that we all greeted each other, I could tell that it would be a rewarding day.
Even though each of us came with different experiences there was an underlying bond and common understanding between all of us. Reflecting on it, this bond most likely comes from the fact that we have all, for at least some time, been striving to live out the charism of Providence and explore the true meaning of living a life devoted to “love, mercy and justice.”
The reflection day began with some peaceful Celtic music and we were invited to reflect on the hardest and best part of our experience so far. I was intrigued when we were instructed to try and balance the two experiences and to try and equate them. The notion of balance seems to be a key piece to successful ministry. Acknowledging that we have burdens and struggles in our ministry is important, but so too is the idea that we have blessings that are in equal abundance.
One of the highlights of the day was a brief video by Dewitt Jones, a photographer for National Geographic. Though I have long been a fan of the magazine, I did not realize how powerful the ideology behind this publication was. As Jones explained it, the National Geographic celebrates “what is right with the world.” The movie really helped focus my ideas on service. It is far too easy to become bogged down in the problems that our world faces today and sometimes I forget to celebrate what is right with the world, to recognize the possibility that situations, people, and organizations possess.
After the video we were given time to reflect on its meaning. I chose to walk along the shore of Lake Michigan. We were instructed to truly place ourselves in the moment, to breathe, to smell, to notice, and to really see our surroundings. After clearing my mind, I was able to focus on the beauty that surrounded me: the contrast of the gray rocks with the blue-green water, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves above my head, the quiet smile and kind eyes of a woman sitting on the park bench. I realized how easy it is to miss these beautiful moments and how easy it is to forget to celebrate them.
The day ended with a prayerful lighting of candles. As we lit our candles we were invited to let go of any struggles that we brought with us. After everyone had selected and lit their candle we removed the attached quote. Each quote began with the phrase “A person of Providence….”. All of the quotes were meaningful and inspirational however my favorite was “A person of Providence acts as if all things are possible.” I believe that this phrase summarizes exactly what we were supposed to get from our Sabbath day and serves as a constant reminder of the lesson that I am learning from the inspirational women I am living with during this year of service.