Sisters of the Living Word

In the concluding hours of the retreat, I had an impulse to talk with the director, Father Leander Connolly, OFM. He listened to my hesitant recital of recognizing a call and yet, resisting. He boomed his advice, “Go home. Pack your bags and get out to that Motherhouse as soon as possible!”

I taught almost every grade: second grade through college. I guided high school students who were in the Aspirancy. I studied—earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. A surprising note arrived one day telling me to go to Guelph, Ontario to take part in the first experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius offered to women—30 days of silence and prayer! That deep conversion experience prepared me for the tumult of the years to come. In the painful struggle from 1970-1975, I served on the Provincial Council and attended the cataclysmic General Chapter in Rome in 1972, when it became obvious that the Holy Spirit was leading our small group in a new direction.

When our fledgling SLW community began, I continued as principal of an inner city school that educated both deaf and hearing children. One day, two members of our Leadership Team asked if I would be willing to direct a Center for Personal Growth for sisters. I was told to look for a sabbatical that would prepare me. I had an extraordinary sabbatical year that prepared me in mind and soul for that work at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership.

Following my five years in SLW Leadership, I went on sabbatical to Shantivanam for a three-month hermitage experience and then, to Rockhaven, where I became part of the staff for seven years. Returning to Chicago, I came full circle with the opportunity to teach future spiritual directors at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership.

Mission Experience

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