Did you know that less than 40 years ago “Religious Dinosaurs” inhabited the UK? We were everywhere: young men and women, dynamic and very much in demand in schools and parishes. We seemed indestructible!
Over the years, since Vatican II, we have almost imperceptibly evolved and been transformed into songbirds, hardly visible, few in numbers, slower in our movements but with Oh! So sweet a song to sing to the receptive, listening ear and heart.
And YES!
We are here among you still –
from many different Congregations.
We each have a different song to sing, yet when our voices blend, there is a harmony so entrancing that we become ONE.
In response to the challenge of Vatican II we have come forth into the very heart of the Church and the world, in order to play our unique part in the transformation by the Gospel…making the Kingdom of God a lived reality on earth.
Who exactly are we?
We are very ordinary men and women, who like you, share the vocation to holiness through our Baptism and Confirmation.
In our youth we experienced a further CALL to give the ALL of our lives to the ONE who is ALL.
Through the Vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, we have been liberated and empowered to consecrate ourselves entirely to the Lord and to the humble service of all his people. We are a prophetic group of people witnessing here in the UK and Ireland to eternal values. The main purpose of our lives is to contemplate the face of God in prayer, like Mary, to radiate His reflection by our Christ-like presence.
All other ministries we undertake, and they are diverse, are simply the expression of the song that God’s love calls forth from our hearts.
Need I remind you that songbirds are quite fragile and delicate?
In order to sing melodiously we need others in the choir to sing those notes that are beyond our pitch and ability. That is why we tend to gather together from time to time to rehearse and improve the quality of the sound. So, if you happen to have a songbird or two in YOUR parish–ponder in these things!
It is not easy to changefrom being a “dinosaur” into a songbird and we do need a little help from you, the orchestra!
Around the world, especially in countries far away, the music of songbirds flourishes loud and strong.
We are alive and well! So long as there is a breath in our bodies, hearts beating with love for our God – we will be among you!
Look out for us in the coming days and weeks.
And if YOU hear that CALL – know that your hearts too will sing for JOY and lasting HOPE and gratitude! Welcome! (Image: website)
Sr Mary Frances Collett, RNDM