http://thankyousister.com/2009/11/30/weve-only-just-begun/ a letter campaign in support of women religious Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:42:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://thankyousister.com/2009/11/30/weve-only-just-begun/#comment-62 Ray Szempruch Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:45:52 +0000 http://thankyousister.com/?p=659#comment-62 I read every one of these letters, mostly to honor the sisters. They can be sorted in categories, such as general testimonials, tributes to named mentors and educators, stories of life changes, of strengthened faith, of fulfilling service due to the influence of a Sister, Sisters forming young people and Sisters influencing the wider community and its institutions. Some voiced disappointment, suspicion, outrage at the questionnaires and visits now required of the Sisters. And some gave charitably diplomatic nudges at the consciences of the authorities involved in the investigations of the Sisters' lifestyle and doctrinal sioundness. There was one voice at least that expressed reverence for the habit and convent community of old. These are my impressions, not an analysis. The impact of the whole, however, is what was astounding and humbling for me! These women were so engaged, building community, Church, society. God knows the whole story, and God will be their reward. I wish for the authorities to whom these letters are sent, in the reading of them all, an affirmation of their own faith and trust in the Holy Spirit. Oremus pro invicem. I read every one of these letters, mostly to honor the sisters. They can be sorted in categories, such as general testimonials, tributes to named mentors and educators, stories of life changes, of strengthened faith, of fulfilling service due to the influence of a Sister, Sisters forming young people and Sisters influencing the wider community and its institutions. Some voiced disappointment, suspicion, outrage at the questionnaires and visits now required of the Sisters. And some gave charitably diplomatic nudges at the consciences of the authorities involved in the investigations of the Sisters’ lifestyle and doctrinal sioundness. There was one voice at least that expressed reverence for the habit and convent community of old. These are my impressions, not an analysis. The impact of the whole, however, is what was astounding and humbling for me! These women were so engaged, building community, Church, society. God knows the whole story, and God will be their reward. I wish for the authorities to whom these letters are sent, in the reading of them all, an affirmation of their own faith and trust in the Holy Spirit. Oremus pro invicem.

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