“Put fresh life in her, reassure her of God's goodness, and cheer her with comfort of every kind.” 2nd Counsel
How will I inspire someone? How will I help someone feel loved? Will my sense of humor, joy and enthusiasm bring someone out of herself enough to lighten her heart? What are means of giving comfort that I can offer to another?
St. Angela draws us toward compassion, understanding, enlightenment, a peaceful heart and confidence. St. Angela’s life was filled with moments and opportunities that called her to give of herself for the betterment of others. She drew on God’s grace and wisdom to reach beyond and help others see that they, too, are loved and understood.
St. Angela walked the city of Brescia lending a hand and being present to anyone who came to her. Whatever the need at the time, she tried to make a difference. Compassionate eyes, a smile, time, being available to listen were often all that someone needed to feel better.
What Angela invites us to is to put aside our agendas and make each person the center of our attention. Many of us are so used to multi-tasking, that it is easy to neglect the person standing before us. One of our Ursuline Core Values is “care of the individual.” Let’s make an effort to be fully present to each person who comes to us for our time, help and attention. It will do our hearts good, too!
Sister Donna Frey, OSU
Ursuline and Catholic Identity