Praying the Mysteries of Hope
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While on a retreat recently at the motherhouse of a local religious congregation, I took a walk in a nearby cemetery. Hundreds of religious sisters' graves were there, marked with crosses. I felt this sense of gratitude for the lives of service they offered for God, but also a sadness. There are only 3 young women in the order, and it will likely die out.
Religious sisters have influenced my life ever since I was in my 20s, and I have such an appreciation for their devotion to God. Their humility, simplicity, profound love of God, and loving presence has added to my life and taught me the way of a woman of God in the Catholic Church. I wonder what the world will be like someday without a larger presence of them.
I was sharing these sentiments with my fellow retreatants, and surprisingly, they all shared similar ones. We are all worried about religious women diminishing. One woman said something that spoke to my heart: It’s up to all of us to keep carrying on their work.
Indeed, she is right. The work won’t end. Christ’s mission won’t end. Their ministries will go on with lay people. Those women will always be remembered.
As a Catholic woman, I thank you religious sisters for paving the way, showing the way, and living the Way, Truth, and Life.
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
