Contemplating our path

20/07/2024

Be like a ‘piazza’

Across the Institute, there is a strong sense of mission, no matter where we are, or whether we are involved in formal or informal ministries. Sisters are consistently and generously involved in care for others, whether in the formal educational context, within our own community or in the local community, parish or social support services. Sisters actively pursue ways to ‘widen their tents’ in responding to the needs of their local context. As Ursulines, we never lose our sense of mission.

Hospitality and welcome are identifying qualities of our approach to ministry. We speak of ‘creating a culture of hospitality’, or of the desire for a growth in openness of heart and mind and space. We recognise the call to be welcoming and hospitable not only in our ministry, but also with each other in our own communities. In so many ways sisters approach their ministry as a ‘loving presence’, wherever they are, and whoever they are with.

Assisi, photo: hadzaj, pixabay.com
 

As we reflect on this, we are reminded of St Paul’s encouragement to the Romans - Make hospitality your special care. (Rom 12:13). It also brings to mind the words of Martha Buser in her small book on St Angela Also in Your Midst. She comments that one of Angela’s outstanding characteristics was her openness to others. This attitude, connected with her contemplative love for God, results in her readiness to serve the needs of others. Buser sees this as hospitality. She writes that Angela uses the Italian phrase “Siate piazzevole”, and goes on “we translate it as, ‘Be kind, be gracious’. An Italian friend of mine told me it can mean ‘Be like a piazza’. … When Angela said to be like a piazza, she left us a legacy of how to live. She told us to be open and gracious and hospitable, filled with joy.” (Pg 8 – 9, 1990 edition).

How encouraging it is to realise that in our lived reality throughout the Institute, our expression of mission so strongly reflects that intangible quality of our charism, the gift of Angela alive in our contemporary world.

From the letter of Sr. Susan Flood osu - Prioress General, 18 May 2024