Did you know that 1859-1860 was a year of probation for M. Clara and the first sisters? Did you know that M. Clara was writing the founding constitution herself unlike many others of her time? Did you know that we almost became Augustinian instead of Franciscan? If Bishop Konrad Martin had his way, he preferred the Rule of St. Augustine over the Rule of St. Francis. Did you know that M. Clara sent the completed constitution to the Bishop on July 31 and then didn’t hear anything from him? And the probation deadline passed. . . And letters were written to ask if the Constitution had been approved? And that finally on this day, Tuesday, October 30, 1860, approval was granted. Earlier this year the LCWR asked the congregations in the US to challenge congress as we approached Independence Day, the 4th of July. We shared a copy of that reminder with all of you in June so that you would know that we along with hundreds of others were asking congress to review and renew the values our forefathers wrote about in the Declaration of Independence. Were we as a country or more so was Congress living up to these values, and if not, why not? Our statements were presented to Congress. Whether they paid attention or not is on them. We did our part. What about ourselves as FCJM? Are we living up to the values and charism M. Clara wrote in our Founding Constitution in 1860?

Quotes:

the sisters “endeavor to integrate the contemplative and active life so that the active life is nourished and strengthened and supported through the contemplative and thus itself becomes rich in blessings.”

Founding Constitution Chapter 2

“… no manner of charitable service for which the Lord gives them opportunity shall be excluded from their loving concern, be it for children or adults, for the healthy or the sick.”

Founding Constitution Chapter 1

We get up each day. We don’t necessarily think about: how will I be a vowed religious today, how will I be a vowed married person, how will I live my promises today?

Maybe our vows have become so integrated so interiorized that we can’t separate them from who we are. Or maybe they are a shadow below the surface that gets recognized at times when brought to the light. Or maybe we have forgotten, let go, replaced our vows with something else more convenient over time. After hearing the reminders of the readings, Are we truly daughters and sons of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary? Are we in right relationship with each other and all of creation? Do we treat ourselves and each other with respect and love and even kindness? Do we look out for each other? Is love our driving force in living?
Is love shown through justice, non-violence, care for creation, peaceful living or more traditionally Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience.

I wonder.

So, let us challenge ourselves,
Let us recommit ourselves to saying yes to our charism of love, and yes to our vows or promises,
We are FCJM when we stand in solidarity, compassion, hope and justice.
We are FCJM when we stand in witness celebrating the founding of our congregation by participating in LCWR’s 100 days of prayer ahead of our national elections.
And, if possible, this afternoon, let us offer a public witness that promotes faithful citizenship and helps build a community where all can thrive. Whether on the street or in the chapel or in your private prayer space, let us place our attention on that commitment
that has been passed down since 1860, to be Franciscans, daughters and sons of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Renewal of Vows to follow.

By Sr. Melanie Paradis, Regional Directress of the United States