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AROUND THE WORLD PRAYING IN ONE VOICE

Praying in One Voice Around the World

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Sister of Bon Secours 2012 Prayer Book

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Page 1: Praying in One Voice Around the World

AROUND THE WORLD

PRAYING IN ONE VOICE

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Dear God, please

fill the hearts of

your people with

your love.

Guide us as we

forge global

alliances to foster

world peace.

Help us to better

understand cultures

other than our own.

Encourage us each

day to take actions

that better the life

of others.

May we always

open our hearts

to receive your

wisdom and

to know your

unconditional love.

— Amen

These words from the song by Sy and Jill Jackson-Miller keep going through my mind and heart during these turbulent times.

Let there be peace....let it begin with me!

It seems there are conflicts all over the globe. At every turn, there is violence, disrespect and hatred. With so much discord how can God’s message of love and peace prevail in our world?

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with US!

In 2009 our community formalized our commitment to one

another to break down barriers of borders between and among us. We, Sisters of Bon Secours, no longer have province boundaries. We are inviting one another to journey from country to country to better serve those in need. From Peru to France, from France to the USA, from Ireland to South Africa, from Great Britain to Ireland, we are sharing our precious resources and deepening our knowledge of and love for each other more and more. We pray as one...for the good of each other, those who serve with us, and those whom we serve.

Let There be Peace

Our prayer book reflections this year come from around the globe. It invites all of you to join with us in breaking down barriers wherever you find them...at home, in your communities, your neighborhoods, your country, your Church, our planet. All of US united in the common good in our ONE world.

Then maybe we can truly pray together in one voice.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!

Sr. Patricia Eck, CBSCongregation Leader

Let there be peace on earth....and let it begin with me!

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These words from our constitutions are at the very core of each Bon Secours sister’s commitment, as we devote our lives to spreading the Word of God and caring for all of God’s creation around the world. Our vows call us to live as followers of Jesus Christ witnessing to the Good News of love, hope, justice and peace. (Article #7) Our relationship with God through prayer sustains us in all that we do.

This prayer book was written to share the meaningfulness of our life as vowed religious sisters with all of you. It expresses those things we find important to sustain all life.

We invite you to pray each day with a reflection of a Sister of Bon Secours who serves in a different part of the globe. As you enter into the meaning of each sister’s reflection it is our hope that it leads you to deeper awareness

4

Sr. Patricia Dowling, CBSVocations Director

of the ever present love of God in your life and in the lives of those you touch.

As you pray, reflect on your mission in life and the gifts you have to share. It is through the sound actions of God’s faithful servants that life in all its forms can be sustained.

Let us pray together with one voice sharing the bounty of God’s love with all who cross our path.

Loving God,

awaken our hearts.

Help us to make

wise decisions

that protect this

magnificent planet

that is home to

all creatures and

matter. Prompt us to

honestly examine

our assumptions

about the world

so that we may see

that all of creation

is one.

— Amen

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“The struggle for a more humane world is not an option. It is an integral part of the gospel.”

Sisters of Bon Secours Constitutions #7

Praying in One Voice Around the World

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Sr. Rita Thomas, CBSUSA

As a young woman I felt drawn to live my life as Jesus did, with my actions reflecting God’s love for the sick, the poor, the sinner, the outcasts of society. This led me to become a Sister of Bon Secours where for the last sixty-eight years I have lived a life rich in God’s love, caring for the health and well-being of others. I have gone wherever I was needed fulfilling Jesus’ mission while holding his words, “As often as you did it for one of the least of mine you did it for me,” (Matthew 25:40) close to my heart.

In every age and culture God’s call to love and to serve finds

...Sunday“The Father and I are One.”

John 10:30

Spirit of the living

God, may your

wisdom and holy

presence lead us

to be open to your

guidance. As we sit

at the feet of Jesus

in prayer, may the

call of love, justice

and compassion for

suffering humanity

and Mother Earth

find a response in

our hearts. May

you inspire us to

respond as Jesus

would have us do.

—Amen

expression in action. Today, we are made aware of the millions of people suffering and in great need in our global village. Our call is to become aware of how our actions affect humanity and Mother Earth. Awareness impels us to action…healing body, mind and spirit, and caring for the Earth. To love God is to love neighbor and creation.

Our time in history calls us to act with justice and in compassion, to heal and care for a broken world.

We are God’s presence walking the earth. What are you called to do?

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“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “

Matthew 5:4

Many people have touched my life over the years. In my current ministry in Glasgow I visit nursing homes seeing an average of 60 people a week. This is a powerful experience for me as many are mourning, not only the loss of their loved ones but also their homes, their possessions and their independence. Yet these individuals are an inspiration to me for despite their loss, I receive so much love and affection from them, much more than I am able to give.

At all stages of life, change leads us to dealing with endings and loss. Loss prompts grief which

...Monday

Sr. Anne Campbell, CBSScotland

Lord, help me to

see myself as a

true member of

your family,

and to know that

others depend

on me as I do on

them. Bring me

to a self forgetful

sorrow, and

an unsparing

compassion,

so that in

learning to mourn

I may discover the

comfort of

your presence.

—Amen

represents our struggle to retrieve meaning. In grieving, we discern what to let go of and what to hold on to and adapt. This is a big step towards integrating loss in our lives. God’s grace is so powerful. To lose “much” and yet give “more” can only be done through God’s Spirit.

How have you managed past losses? How do you support others experiencing loss? From your own experiences of loss what can you share with them?

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For those who have personally judged their sins in life to be beyond redemption, it is difficult for them to accept that God will forgive them.

One of our sisters saw the reality of this when she was called upon to dress the wounds of a patient confined to his home. While there, he spoke to her of having been a dangerous bank robber. Suffering from a terminal illness, he confided that the pain causes him to cry out and keeps him from sleeping. He shared that it is in his suffering he came to experience the depth of God’s compassion and found the courage to ask God’s pardon

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers or sisters of mine you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

...TuesdayGod of Love and

Compassion, help

us to reach out to

the least of our

brothers and sisters

who are in need

and to comfort

them and bring

them to you so they

can discover your

loving presence

in their sufferings

and pains.

—Amen

for all the evil he did. It was then that he began to recite the rosary every day.

As Sisters of Bon Secours, we believe that the brothers and sisters Jesus refers to as “least” are also those who have need of fraternal help to be able to forgive themselves. Authentic charity consists of providing help to any man or woman, Christian or not Christian, friend or foe, morally good and just or sin-filled.

We need only reach out to God who liberates us through love.

Sr. Rosa Elena Gómez Navarro, CBSPeru

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“Looking at his disciples he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for

yours is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 6:20

...Wednesday

This beatitude (one who is blessed) is a special invitation to the poor and lowly to come into the Kingdom of God. It does not say it will be theirs in the future, but it is theirs now, in the present. The poor possess all they need because neither misery nor affluence conforms to the Kingdom of God.

It is a powerful message for me as I minister to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children marked by poverty and violence in ‘Barnardos’, a non-governmental organization in Ireland. Each one of us in the facility, children and co-workers, are held in existence out of love

Heavenly Father,

we thank you for

the many gifts and

blessings bestowed

upon us. Help us

not to hoard or

bury these gifts but

seek ways to share

with those in need.

Open our hearts

and give us true

freedom of spirit

to walk humbly in

your service.

—Amen

Sr. Maureen Condon, CBSIreland

by God. We realize that everything we have comes from God. The challenge is to open our hearts to the Spirit, attentive to the needs of others.

In loving others we know God — for God is love. The light of God gives hope and brightens the darkness of poverty, injustice, and tragedy through compassion, healing and liberation. We live the beatitudes by taking one day at a time. Through it all we must look to the compassionate Heart of Christ and to his invitation to give our heart to the poor.

1312

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Years ago a young Sister of Bon Secours shared her thoughts on being present to people in hard times. She reflected, “To restore life, health and well-being in a human life is a sacred thing....We are there with those suffering because God is with us all and somewhere in that suffering is the mystery of his presence.” These words are particularly meaningful as I minister in a parish without a resident priest. Parish staff members are called upon every day to share our gifts in support of the needs of the parishioners and with those of all faiths in the wider community.

God’s presence is experienced in difficult times as we tend to the needs of the sick,

“All you who are thirsty come to the water.” Isaiah 55:1

...Thursday

homebound and the dying. God is present in joyful moments too as we prepare little ones to receive God in the sacraments for the first time. A Sister of Bon Secours is called by God to dedicate her life to bringing comfort and joy to those we serve in all circumstances.

In my parish work I am surrounded by men and women dedicated to serving the needs of the community. To serve as an instrument of God’s peace is tremendously rewarding.

What can you do to share your gifts? A gift from the heart is always precious!

Sr. Winifred McCahill, CBSEngland

Creator God, we

celebrate your

loving kindness

and thank you for

your gentleness

and mercy. May

we be a witness to

your presence in

all peoples and the

whole of creation,

in a living hope that

your kingdom will

be fully realized.

—Amen

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In the service of God’s people as a Sister of Bon Secours, my eyes have been opened to the varied needs of our society. I have seen families divided, children lacking affection, and elderly suffering isolation and many infirmities.

When suffering occurs, we can turn from it or find courage and faith that is sustained by the loving presence of God. This trust in God particularly touched me when I was accompanying an elderly resident with cancer in our nursing home in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. After many discussions and discernment with her doctor, she decided to refuse further treatment.

From that moment, she was

“When I was sick and alone you visited me.” Matthew 25:36

...Friday

filled with joy anticipating her passage to be with the One whom she loved and served all her life. Clear–minded until the moment of death, I will never forget her smile, a beatific smile, as though going towards heaven. It was a great honor to accompany her until the end of her life and to sense God’s presence as he beckoned her home.

A sense of peace comes to us through our faith when dealing with uncertain times providing us the courage to embrace the journey ahead.

For those searching for direction in life, I say follow Jesus! “Come and See” the Master, where he lives within your heart.

God of life, you

accompany us

on our journey.

You are always

near to us filling

up our poverty

and weaknesses

with your love

and pardon. We

pray that we may

always desire

to accomplish

your work of

compassion,

healing and

liberation – the

heart of your

Bon Secours –

Good Help.

—Amen

Sr. Marguerite Provost, CBSFrance

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...Saturday“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

As a vowed religious I have had the opportunity to bring the love and companionship of our God to others in a variety of ministries including a mission in the High Andes of Peru, visiting prisoners, caring for the sick and working with adolescents in high school.

Six months ago I came to South Africa – a different culture for me. I feel privileged to see firsthand the work that our sisters have begun. After seeing children begging on the streets and sleeping under the trees, they created a home for 20 orphans. They established an AIDS clinic for men and women in a poor village now serving 500

Loving Father, you

give us the gift of

life. Guide us to

use this incredible

gift to do your will.

Help us to hear and

answer your call to

generously serve

you in the people

that cross our path.

—Amen

victims. We visit the homes of people living in extreme poverty and distribute food packages. And, we recently began a cooking workshop tutoring 24 women to better their chances of finding employment as cooks.

Jesus calls us to serve all regardless of race, religion and social status. From the beginning of Bon Secours, our call has been to see the face of God in each one we serve. That is what we do each day.

I thank God for the gift of my vocation as a sister and invite others to discover this special calling. If God calls you, say yes with confidence that he will guide you.

Sr. Santos Nélida Romero Vásquez, CBS South Africa

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In the BeginningJosephine Potel and 11 companions came together in Paris in 1821 and founded the Sisters of Bon Secours. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, they brought a message of hope and a loving God into the homes of the sick and dying. They made their vows on January 24, 1824.

TodayWe carry on their original work by bringing Jesus’ loving message of compassion, healing and liberation to the world through a variety of services for the health and well-being of God’s people. Our Bon Secours family includes sisters, associate members who live our charism in their personal lives, lay

About the Sisters

ministry volunteers who live in a faith community while serving those most in need, and our colleagues in ministry who help bring people and communities to health and wholeness every day.

Reaching out in response to those in need, we minister to others through health care, retreat ministry, education, housing, and outreach programs tailored to meet the needs of local communities.

How We LiveFully active and engaged in the world, we place prayer at the center of our daily lives. As a community of religious women, we

share a Gospel vision and common values. Our vows are a way of life that free us for spiritual growth and life in mission. We live with other sisters and enjoy a variety of interests in our free time, celebrating holidays and community events as well as spending time with friends and family.

To Learn More About UsVwww.BonSecoursVocations.org If you or anyone you know is considering religious life or wishes to explore other ways to become part of the Bon Secours family, please call our Vocation Director toll-free at: 877-742-0277.

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We are People of Compassion

Every day we say YES to God. Every day we answer the call to be more, to serve those in need. All of us are called to a way of life through which we live… some to marriage, some to single life and some as consecrated sisters, brothers or priests. God also calls all people to use their gifts and talents to serve their neighbor – be it family, friends, co-workers, or a stranger. We invite you to consider your vocation anew … perhaps you are called to one of these four vocations.

Consecrated Sisters of Bon Secours

Sisters are single, Catholic, consecrated women religious who answer God’s call to live a vowed life by following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. A sister makes public vows and lives a life in community and service. A shared call and commitment to God and a shared response shape our lives as we publicly witness to the Gospel message. Our diversity of talents enables creative responses to the needs of the world today. We are energized by the Spirit and find God in all people and creation. We are looking for women who feel called to share our life.

Bon Secours Associates

Associates are lay people of all walks of life, married or single as well as ordained and other consecrated religious men and women of all faiths. They collaborate in a mutual relationship with the Sisters of Bon Secours in their prayer, spirituality, mission and ministry in the world, and commit to extend the Bon Secours mission in their own lives. We are looking for individuals called to mission through prayer and service in their own lives.

Bon Secours Ministry Volunteers

Ministry Volunteers offer Christian women and men, single or married, an opportunity to participate in the mission of the Sisters of Bon Secours as lay volunteers who compassionately serve people in need. Ministry Volunteers

live in community with other volunteers for one year, choosing a simpler lifestyle while receiving a stipend. We are looking for individuals called to give a year of their life in service.

Bon Secours Co-Workers

Co-workers participate fully with the Sisters of Bon Secours in carrying out the legacy of Bon Secours in the mission to provide compassion, healing and liberation to those in need, especially the sick, the dying and people made poor. Co-workers are “called to action” by their dedication, relationship building and commitment to Bon Secours values. We are looking for co-workers to continue to deepen their commitment to Bon Secours and ask that they invite others to service as well.

Vowed Life and more...

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Since 1824 the Sisters of Bon Secours global community has answered God’s call, bringing compassion, healing and liberation to those we serve; bringing a message of God’s love for all people and creation. Whether in healthcare, education or social services, in hospitals, clinics or parishes, in towns and cities or in isolated villages, we respond to the universal need to provide all who suffer a reason to live and to hope. For us the struggle for a humane world is not an option. It is an integral part of spreading the Gospel.

One Voice, One People Loving God,

Creator of our

universe, please

bless and protect us

as we answer your

call to care for all of

your people and

the planet that you

have created.

May your

compassion,

healing and

liberation be at

the heart of all

we do for and with

those in need.

— Amen

and influence policy makers at the global level of the United Nations. We advocate for the victims of human trafficking, for economic and social advancement of women and children, for the needs of immigrants and refugees and for the welfare of the planet.

We encourage our co-workers, associates, friends and supporters to cry out with us against injustice, to join as one voice and pray with us as we journey through life together.

Whether we are serving in Peru, South Africa, France, Ireland, Great Britain or the United States, we cry out with “one voice” for those unable to speak for themselves. We remind all of God’s love and compassion for them.

To further influence systemic change, we are an active member of UNANIMA International, an affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) of the United Nations. We join with the voices of 17 other Roman Catholic congregations of sisters acting together to educate

“I chose you and I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”

John 15:16

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In protecting our planet from harm we must protect ALL forms of life. We must realize that we are globally dependent on one another and that we have reached a point in our world history where we have to work together to assure the health and well-being of the earth for future generations.

To understand what must be taken into account in protecting the planet we encourage you to visit the web site http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/ which lays out the fundamental principals for building a just, sustainable, and

peaceful global society. This initiative was commissioned in 1987 by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development.

It is our job as a citizen of the world to work together to keep water supplies and lands uncontaminated, to safeguard nature reserves and to defend the rights of others. As we become more aware of the needs of all manner of life that surrounds us let us do everything in our power to safeguard the gift we have been given: Planet Earth!

...Protecting

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our EarthTo Learn More About Us

Visit our website at www.BonSecoursVocations.orgIf you or anyone you know is considering religious life as a sister or wishes to explore the options as an associate, ministry volunteer, or ways to work in ministry with us, call our Vocation Director at: 877-742-0277.

To contact our Bon Secours family call, email, or visit these websites:

Sisters of Bon Secours USAwww.BonSecoursVocations.org

email: [email protected], 410-442-3172Sisters of Bon Secours International Generalate

www.BonSecours.orgBon Secours Associates

www.BonSecoursVocations.org/who-we-are/partners-in-ministry/associates, 410-442-3131

Bon Secours Ministry Volunteerswww.BonSecours.org/bsvm

email: [email protected], 410-442-3161Bon Secours Spiritual Center

www.BonSecoursSpiritualCenter.org, 410-442-3120 Bon Secours Health System

www.bshsi.org, 410-442-5511

Praying In One Voice Around the World is dedicated to all who share their gifts to benefit the earth and all manner of life upon it.

Contributors: Sr. Pat Eck, CBS; Sr. Rita Thomas, CBS; Sr. Anne Campbell, CBS; Sr. Rosa Elena Gómez Navarro, CBS; Sr. Maureen Condon, CBS; Sr. Winifred McCahill, CBS; Sr. Marguerite Provost, CBS; Sr. Santos Nélida Romero Vásquez, CBS Design and layout: Lisa Jaworski, FiedlerDesignhaus.comEditorial Staff: Sr. Pat Dowling, CBS, Jennifer Murphy, Sunshine Monk and Sue Donovan Photos: Sr.Vicky Segura, MD, CBS; Brid Cottrell; Sr. Mary Leamy, CBS; Sr. Rosalinda Pajuelo Ureña; Diana Stager; Kristin Thompson and Stephen Spartana Printed in the USA: Whitmore Printing, Inc.Vocation Office: Sisters of Bon Secours1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104, USA Tel- toll free: 877-742-0277

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from Sisters of Bon Secours. © Jan. 2012

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