Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Jan Villemure reflects on the charism of simplicity.
We live a simple life that is filled with many experiences. My missioning in 6 states I have seen a tremendous amount of beauty on Earth. Praying the psalms on the shores of Hawaii made our morning and evening prayer of the Church come alive in a new way.
I have shared the beauty of many people of God, different cultures and ways of living. When you live among the people, not as a tourist, you become one with them e.g. St. Theresa, Kekaha, Hawaii. You truly know and understand that we are so much the same.
Article Comments:
Sister Sharon Paul, O.S.F. 05/16/2020 @ 2:49 pm
Sr. Jan, I agree with you. Interacting among different cultures, climates, religions , communities, & age levels is very enriching. How about vocations, trades, & types of work? In my careers & ministries I’ve learned so much and am still learning from others. Praise the Lord that we are NOT all alike & we can also share what is common but learn & expand our horizons as the Lord intended.
Sister Anne Marie Lom 05/17/2020 @ 4:01 pm
My focus of simplicity is to have “one heart and one mind”…Christ is the center, all else is peripheral. With eyes focused on Christ, all evil, challenges, joys, sorrows, warnings, fears, achievements and failures, have their focus on one question, “Does this build up the Body of Christ?” What can I learn here? Then, all is given to Christ to redeem, reform, and refurbish the Christ-life in myself and others. Life, in its very complex manifestations, is quite simple when our focus is Christ.