“Never cease to cultivate this vine that has been entrusted to you.” 8th Counsel
St. Angela grew up on a farm, and olive groves and grapevines were a daily sight for her. The growth and development of our students are similar to the growth and development of a vine or fruit.
When we think about the things we purposely grow in our gardens, we know the time it takes for planting, the care we must provide to continually nourish the soil, and the patience it takes to allow our planting to take root and begin to break through the earth. We are well aware that our constant attention and weeding our essential to the new life that comes forth.
St. Angela encourages us to keep up the “gardening” that is necessary to continue growth in ourselves and others in our care. All of us need to be nourished in body, mind, and spirit. And we can do this for each other.
Our students are our primary “vines,” and for the next several months, they are in our care. There are certain expectations regarding their educational, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth that fall on our shoulders.
So let us take the opportunity to help each student develop and strive toward her potential best self while she is in our care. We will not give up even when we are challenged. We will do our best to “cultivate”, nourish, and bring new life to each student. Keep the vine together and growing.
Sister Donna Frey, OSU
Ursuline and Catholic Identity