Bridges

In these days of crisis, we are all threatened, few more than those fleeing violence in search of refuge in the U.S.  Let us not fail to act to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Sr. Patricia Brito, Principal of St. Frances de Chantal School in the Bronx, has nothing but praise for the response of her teachers and staff to the challenge of “distance learning” which the current pandemic has imposed.  March 13^th was the first day that St. Frances was closed to students, and the faculty took advantage of the previously scheduled conference day for that Friday to have a five-hour in-service on the tools and practices that would help learning to continue. 

Thevenet Montessori School may be formally closed right now, but nothing can stifle the school community’s spirit and commitment to learning. Through the creativity of its staff, Thevenet Montessori, like its foundress, is taking on a new face in response to the corona circumstances.

A Call to Spiritual Bonding by Elise D. García, OP - LCWR President-Elect: As I write this column, the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is rocking our nation and the world. Social distancing is the catchword. We leaders of religious institutes, along with leaders of governments, schools, parishes, businesses, civic organizations, industries, and nonprofits, are challenged with making daily, if not hourly, determinations about the breadth of its application as a proactive form of quarantine.

This month, Women’s History Month, WSG is celebrating its three Founding Spirits: Claudine Thevenet, Cornelia Connelly, (Founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus) and Mary McLeod Bethune (Founder of The National Council of Negro Women).

How can we reduce our dependence on polluting fossil fuels for energy, lower our electricity costs, and address the climate crisis in a communal, meaningful way? One alternative gaining national and Catholic interest is the use of solar power.

This week Srs. Natalia Mejia and Rosie Nicholson were joined by Cathy Minihan (left) Pat Clausen (middle) and Cheryl Nichols (right), who came to experience the lives of the asylum seekers in the San Diego border area.  They received a warm welcome from the workers at the shelter, participated in art activities with us and met migrant families with new born babies.  This week several migrants were in quarantine due to the flu.

Two different Lenten reflection guides that you may wish to use this Lenten season, are attached to the email accompanying Bridges.

Our recently concluded General Chapter issued a strong statement, calling us to “work … for justice, … going “beyond our boundaries,” …. “ responding to realities where life is crying out.”  (JM Preferences, GC 37). 

FEAST OF ST. CLAUDINE - Gros Morne, Haiti

Monday, February 3^rd we had a double feast day celebration - for St. Claudine, Foundress of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, and for the 31^st anniversary of Jesus-Mary Parish School.  There are more lovely photos on the RJM-Haiti Facebook page.