0
On a trip in late September, I was driving through the Appalachian Mountains. As I was passing through Pennsylvania, I happened to pick up WAOB 106.7 (We Are One Body) on the radio and heard a program discussing Blessed Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin.
I thought this might be providential, as she is the foundress of the Sisters of Providence in Montreal. The program spoke of her life and virtues as she is often quoted as saying “… humility, simplicity, charity, above all charity.” She often gathered people around a table to share in a meal and fellowship. Indeed, my experience of communities with the charism of Providence has been gathering various people around the table to listen and learn from each other to further the mission of the gospel.
There is another quote I came across that Sister Émilie said, “As long as our community shall be attached to the three roots of humility, simplicity and charity it shall endure; but if you should seek to graft upon it other branches however beautiful they may appear to you, you will only grow wild fruits and our own will lose their savor.”
The roots of humility, simplicity and charity, certainly have grown deeply within many of the Providence communities, like a tree. I appreciate my responsibility as the Executive Director to help nurture the roots and allow for growth without losing the essence of the mission.
The WPC mission, as you well know is that “We come together to share and promote the evolving theology and spirituality of Providence, witnessing a preferential option for the poor as we respond to the needs of our global society.”
Blessed Émilie inspires me as we express gratitude for the harvest and in most regions of North America witness the awesome displays of greens changing into yellows, oranges and reds. I look forward to gathering around the table with you in various ways.
In an effort to help with communicating, I will be periodically sending out an email of announcements entitled “WPC Openings and Opportunities” to WPC members to forward to your networks. If you have any openings and opportunities, please submit them to ProvidenceWPC@gmail.com. Please note the following openings and share them with those who would benefit from applying. For the full position descriptions and contact information, please email wpcstanco@gmail.com.
Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center is seeking an Executive Director. (See page 15 for the job description.)
La Posada Providencia, San Benito, Texas. Executive Director for the ministry of serving immgirants and asulum seekers. See La Posada’s website for more information https://lppshelter.org. (See page 16 for the job description.)
Kino Border Initiative/Iniciativa Kino para la Frontera. Catholic Sisters Walking with Migrants. One month or longer volunteer and advocacy experience for Catholic women religious. All expenses paid. Learn more about KBI at www.knoborderinitiative.org. For more information and applications email: volunteer@kinoborderinitiative.org.
Sister Mary Stanco, HM
Related Stories
