Written by Anne Yanetti
NORWALK—In a culture of materialism, consumerism, and individualism, what does spirituality for women mean to us? That’s what Catholic Daughters, a gathering of more than 80 women at St. Matthew Parish, said. That was the question Sister Sally Norcross tried to answer at the event.
“There are many different types of spirituality,” Sister Sally said. “Some people encourage people to look for the sacred, some find God in nature, and others encourage people to live consciously in the moment.” English poet and Jesuit priest Gerald Manley Hopkins spoke of an incarnational spirituality built on the Incarnation of God, while Franciscan spirituality focuses on poverty and the humble humanity of Christ. Spirituality is characterized by the desire and ability to see God in all things.”
Sister Sally said that spirituality is more than just saying the rosary, praying a novena, making pilgrimages, and attending services.
“Those are all good things and they help shape our spirituality, but spirituality is much more than that,” she says, adding that spirituality is about a person’s job title and the way they live their lives. He added that it has nothing to do with his position or whether he is a religious person or a believer.
As a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame and with great love for Our Lady, Sister Sally’s talk will focus on Marian’s spirituality and how it has shaped her own spiritual journey. did.
“Marian spirituality seeks to imitate the virtues of Mary in such a way that we not only pray to Mary, but also seek to be like Mary,” Sister Sally said, adding that “praying” He emphasized the difference between “becoming like Mary” and “becoming like Mary.” When we pray to someone, we ask for their intercession. When we pray like someone, we dig deeper into the life they lived on earth and try to model their life.
Sister Sally explained how the mysteries of the Annunciation and Visitation can provide insight into our spirituality.
“In the mystery of the Annunciation, Mary was free to say “yes” or “no.” “Mary will communicate with the angel and once she is satisfied with what she hears, she will make her decision for herself,” she said. Once she agrees to her mission that involves her entire life, she makes her own commitment and trusts and waits for God to work things out. ”
What does the mystery of the Annunciation teach us about praying like Mary?
“Simply put, it means living in such a way that the way we live and the example we set for others allows Jesus to become incarnate,” Sister Sally said. “I don’t even need to use words. My actions speak for themselves.”
In The Mysteries of the Visitation, we get another insight into Marian’s spirituality. When Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, it’s not that she wants to see Elizabeth.
“Sure, she would like to meet,” Sister Sally said. “But Mary’s cousin was in trouble so she decided to go. Mary recognized her need and she decided to put her own needs aside and be with her counterpart. Did.”
When Mary appeared at Elizabeth’s door, “Elizabeth affirmed Mary’s faith by saying, ‘How could it have happened to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?'” Sister – Sally says this is a great “show of solidarity between the two of us.” woman. If Mary had any doubts, Elizabeth’s greeting set her free. ”
Mary’s visit teaches us that Jesus touches others through us.
“When we take the time to reach out to others and put aside our own needs and desires, we become more and more like Mary,” Sister Sally said.
Women attending the retreat were encouraged to reflect on this mystery personally, asking themselves how they recognize God’s work in others. Can they remember someone in their life who gave them the strength to create something new?
“I believe visitation is an important part of women’s spirituality in this 21st century,” Sister Sally said. “It’s not about title, fame, money, or status; spirituality is the essence of our being. Yes, throughout our lives we use prayer, Christian practice, retreats, spiritual direction, yoga, and other You need to feed it with acts of dedication that are meaningful to you. But at the end of the day, it comes down to who am I? What is the essence of my being?”
Recognizing that putting the needs of others before your own is not easy living in a fast-paced society, Sister Sally urges listeners to support each other and to value each other’s needs and their own against God. He urged Marian spirituality to come alive by being attuned to their needs.
“Remember, it is Mary’s nature that defines Mary,” she said. “Mary was the courageous young woman spoken of in Proverbs 31.”
Sister Sally said there are many ways to be a chaste woman.
“Each of you is one: joyful, strong, patient, loving, and sharing.” Sister Sally talks about the importance of sharing perspectives, quoting contemporary theologian John Shea. and how it can lead to new insights and understanding. It’s all about life from a different perspective…The spiritual life is: waking up, sleeping, dreaming, eating, drinking, working, loving, relaxing, entertaining, walking, sitting, standing, breathing. The Spirit is all-pervading. Spirituality comes from within. ”
Sister Sally cited a recent article by Sister Joan Chittister of OSB, noting how Jesus valued women and listened to their perspectives. “The church taught us that God made men and women equal and that Jesus came for everyone. I believe in the Jesus they showed me. A Jesus who listened and taught theology to women, a Jesus who sent women to teach theology, and a Jesus who raised women from the dead.”
Sister Sally said society has come a long way since the founding of the religion in considering the role of women in society, politics and the church.
“Men in top positions need to embrace women’s voices,” she says. “I am convinced that more good can be achieved when two voices come together. Religious women still
It is the beating heart of parish life, the administration of schools at all levels, and now nuns and lay women hold the office of vicar and other influential positions across the country and in the Vatican. ”
It is her hope that in the coming days and years, women will follow in Mary’s footsteps and “continue to walk hand in hand with anyone who wants to join us,” Sister Sally said. . Together, we may continue to use our God-given talents for service to help the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless. May we continue to work together to bring Christ to a world hungry for peace, truth, justice, and love. ”
Those in attendance were filled with gratitude and awe as they listened to Sister Sally’s story.
“Her talk was phenomenal and engaging. It was educational and fun. One of the best talks I’ve heard in years,” said Pat Poremba.
Sister Jaclyn Hanrahan, CND, opened the retreat with a prayer service featuring music, scripture readings, and psalms. Participants prayed together a modern version of the Magnificat.
Nancy Pirro, regent of the Catholic Daughters of St. Matthew’s Court, said, “The prayer meeting was so wonderful. It made me realize that this is something we should always start doing.”
