During the pandemic, moments of joy have a way of highlighting that positives do emerge in difficult times. We had such a moment recently when two Year 12 students from St Brigid’s College, Horsham were received into the Church at a parish Mass. They were supported by forty of their companions, teachers, family, friends and parishioners who all mingled afterwards in the excitement.
I then recalled that in our small Brigidine Gatherings at Pax Christi, our Victorian prayer- holiday house in Mornington in the 70s, we learnt the significance of counting our community blessings rather than dwelling on our disappointments and high expectations.
I then reflected on where are we today at the same time as I was asked to reconnect with St Brigid’s College community by their new Principal.
The poem below again follows the path of choosing life as we continue this theme in preparation for our next Brigidine International Gathering. May it be a blessing to us!
Brigidine Spirituality
recognises the Gifts
we have been given in God’s Love,
even in times of Grieving and Loss.
We already have an Amazing Story…
A Long Heritage of
Companionship and Care,
Risk and Mission,
Knowledge and Compassion,
Kindliness and Strength,
Hospitality and Sharing,
Celebration and Music,
Creativity and Love
and sometimes,
Words spoken, if necessary,
within the Diversity and Beauty
of Communities…
and our Planet.
Walking together
In Harmony and Thanksgiving
we still Listen and Learn
from the Stranger…
planting Acorns for
the Freedom of
the Oppressed
within the Whole Cosmos.
Choose Life! Jacinta Rice CSB, 21/6/21