Sacred Days of Renewal, Feb. 1 to 3
Sister Anne Marie O’Shea and Sister Ann Whittaker share a reflection and prayer with the Congregation following Sacred Days of Renewal observed Feb. 1 to 3 at the Catherine Spalding House in Brockton, Massachusetts. Due to snow and extreme cold, friends were unable to gather in person, so they offered this reflection to the wider Community.
Feb. 1 marks Imbolc, the Celtic beginning of spring, when light slowly returns to the earth. It is also the Feast of Brigid of Kildare, remembered as both goddess and abbess. Brigid was known as a poet, blacksmith, shepherdess, healer, and one who refreshed others by drawing water from the well at Kildare. An eternal flame continues to burn in her honor at Solas Bhride in Kildare, Ireland.
Feb. 2 is Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation. On this date in 1816, Catherine Spalding and the first Sisters of Charity of Nazareth professed their first vows. It remains a significant day in the life of the Congregation. The day also coincides with Groundhog Day, a familiar cultural marker of the season.
Feb. 3 is the Feast of St. Blaise, traditionally a day of prayer for protection from ailments of the throat and other illnesses. In a world marked by conflict and violence, Sister Anne Marie and Sister Anne invite the Congregation to pause in prayer during these Sacred Days.
Prayer
May the Spirit of St. Brigid renew us and reveal the return of light to our world, to all people, and to all living beings.
May healing come.
May light and peace overcome darkness.