Quiet Impact
November 30, 2009
Bruce Kaatz
Eau Claire, WI
There are few people as a group that have had the quiet impact that the women religious of this country have had in my life and in the life of the Church as I know it. Their lives of witness, prayer, service, and faithfulness to the Gospel is inspiring.
I feel especially blessed that women from so many different orders and congregations have been an important part of my life over the years. Each has truly been gift of God at a particular point in time. Their dedication to the Lord, the Church, their religious communities, and their ministries is such a very special gift that is so readily shared.
Sinsinawa Dominicans and Servite Sisters of Ladysmith, WI made my summer ‘Bible Schools’ something to look forward to as a youth, when I’d have rather been fishing than going to school. Joliet Fransciscans helped with my science education and library skills in high school. My college education was strongly shaped by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The Ursuline Sisters blessed me with my first extended retreat experience. Benedictines from St Joseph, MN and Atchison Kansas gave me a theology background second to none in grad school, while the prayer ministry of the Poor Clares of Sauk Rapids sustained me through those challenging months. Benedictions in Eau Claire, WI showed me how to truly live the Benedictine motto “That God may be glorified in all things.” The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have supported me by their service, witness, and especially their prayer.
I thank God for women religious. And I thank you, Sisters, for who you are and all you do.
