A Message from BVM Council:
LaDonna Manternach, BVM
Katherine Kandefer, BVM
Anne Marie McKenna, BVM
Amy Golm, BVM
The celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter and the bursting forth of the spring-into-summer season across the Northern Hemisphere remind us that renewal is always possible: new life can emerge unexpectedly, and what feels fragile can be transformed through kindness, faith, and courage. Even so, in a world where each day’s headlines and news streams can be difficult to anticipate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
Debra Sciano, SSND, LCWR President-Elect, reflected on change and chaos in her article from the April 2026 LCWR Newsletter: “These days it is hard to know what to do, what to say, how to pray, or how to be when so much is out of our control. How do we find goodness or small rays of light when the darkness around us might seem overwhelming?”
Good and hopeful acts are happening all around us. Debra offers ideas for putting what feels “bad” and out of control into perspective. The stories in this edition of Salt are examples of BVM sisters and associates who are focusing on the “good.”
- When distressing things occur, look for what’s still intact—your values, the ability to choose your response, and those who care to make the situation better. Sister Pat Thalhuber shares her reflection on incidents that took place in Minneapolis at the beginning of the year and the people’s responses.
- Notice the growth that is made when you experience difficulties that you didn’t ask for—resilience, clarity about what matters, and empathy for others. Katie Anders shares her experience with immigrants and religious sisters at the United States border with Mexico.
- Rather than being frustrated by the “impossible,” look for one decent moment in the day, one thing you handled better, or one small relief. Learn about the HEART Partnership at Four Mounds in Dubuque, Iowa, an experiential learning program that teaches construction skills to youth at risk of dropping out of high school and adults struggling with barriers to employment.
- Goodness is often tiny and temporary—and that still counts. Here at Mount Carmel Bluffs, we are grateful for the gift of the Schola, sisters and residents, that faithfully help us pray via their musical leadership at feast day and Sunday liturgies.
- Note how you show up and keep showing up. Remembering those who have inspired us, Associate Anne Klejment describes her work toward the efforts to canonize Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, who taught the United States Church about inclusivity and praying honestly. Similarly, Joan Mueller, BVM, shares how humbling it was to join the theological commission on canonization for Boys Town’s Fr. Edward Flanagan.
- Let good be quiet—good doesn’t always feel happy, sometimes it’s just getting through the day, resting for a while, or choosing to not give up. The BVM Sisters’ cemetery, a quiet spot on the Mount Carmel campus, is being updated with new historical signage that will remind visitors of the lasting impact of our congregation.
May these articles and reflections help steady your heart amid the challenges of our time. May they draw your attention to the quiet signs of hope, faith, and goodness that reveal God’s enduring presence in the past, in the present, and in the days yet to come.
Summer Salt 2026: Hands, Heart, Ministry
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