Signing of Vows

Sr. Susan Catherine signing her vows after her profession. Fr. Gavin Vaverek, Chaplain of the Daughters of Divine Hope, received her vows on behalf of the church and signed as witness.

Thanks be to our Blessed Triune God, the source of our Hope.

In the last post, Fr. Gavin Vaverek left a message of hope that I might learn how to use this blog.  This is my first attempt, so please forgive any errors.  Below is the article about my profession of temporary vows that was featured in the Catholic East Texas.  Thanks to the reporter, Susan de Matteo for generously providing this copy and the photos.

I beg your patience as I learn the art of blogging.  If there is something in particular you would like to know about the Daughters of Divine Hope, please email me at srsusancatherine@ddhope.org.

I am very grateful for your prayers this past novitiate year of grace and ask that you continue to pray for the women who are discerning a vocation to religious life and the Daughters of Divine Hope.  May our most loving Lord fill you with His hope that you may know deep joy and abiding peace. Amen.

By SUSAN DE MATTEO

Catholic East Texas

                LONGVIEW – The establishment of a new religious order in the Diocese of Tyler drew a step closer to reality when that order’s foundress, Sister Susan Catherine, professed public vows as a religious during a Mass Nov. 20 in St. Mary Church in Longview.

                St. Mary’s pastor Father Gavin Vaverek, chaplain of the Daughters of Divine Hope, received the vows.

                The vows represented a major milestone on the path taken by Sister Susan Catherine, the former Susan Kennedy of Nacogdoches, in her efforts to establish a religious community open to women over the age of 25, with a particular openness to widows and older women. Last year, Bishop Álvaro Corrada, SJ, then bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, recognized the Daughters of Divine Hope as a public association of the faithful, and Sister Susan entered a year-long novitiate. Bishop Corrada also approved the rule of life for the new community.

                The community is fully habited, and Sister Susan Catherine, the widow of the late Deacon William Kennedy, chose green as a symbol of both hope and the Piney Woods of East Teas.

                With her profession of vows Nov. 20, her novitiate came to an end, and she may now begin to guide other women through their own periods of novitiate in the community.

                In his homily, Father Vaverek stressed the nascent order’s particular charism of hope, and emphasized the need for that hope in today’s world.

                “The world stands in dire need of a reminder of the hope that comes to the human person through Christ Jesus,” he said, “the hope that is found in knowing the love of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Second Vatican Council reminds us of the universal call to holiness, not a holiness that is a piety disconnected from life’s circumstances, but a holiness that is the fruit of a life lived to the glory of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the fruit of a life that is lived as a member of his body, which is the church.

                “Consecrated men and women give witness to what that holiness looks like,” Father Vaverek said. “Consecrated life is a radical witness to the Gospel.”

                Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was able to find joy even on the poorest streets of Calcutta, Father Vaverek said. In her chosen poverty, she owned nothing, and thus was free from the imprisonment of “things” to devote herself fully to the work of God.

                “Her witness gives us cause to stop and think when our lives are difficult,” he said. “She gives us hope that there is something more important than what is advertised on TV. Embracing poverty for the sake of the kingdom gives witness to the true value of the things we have, and to the truth that we have a very fragile grasp on our things. We don’t get to carry those things with us out of this world.”

                Obedience also offers hope, Father Vaverek said.

                “Obedience finds the path that puts love into action,” he said. “One doesn’t find true happiness in being able to do whatever thing happens to cross one’s mind. We gain happiness by being committed to giving our lives to something worth living for. Obedience gives witness in a world concerned with power and prestige that we will not be able to carry those things out of the world.

                “In following the footsteps of Christ in such a radical way, consecrated religious remind us just how much liberty we have. Consecrated men and women provide a radical reminder of obedience to the Gospel and the freedom that brings to the human person.”

                The notion of chastity confounds today’s world, Father Vaverek said.

                “In a society that has little regard for human sexuality, chastity – the idea that happiness can be found in loving as God loves – is almost incomprehensible,” he said. “This is a powerful witness in a society that seeks to turn love into self-gratification and seeks in so many ways to use others as objects instead of offering oneself to others in love.

                “Pope Benedict VI points to the need for hope, hope for a thousand things,” he said. “Human beings hope for things that matter. They hope that, indeed, it matters at all. And that is a hope only fulfilled in encounters with Christ Jesus, and ultimately fulfilled only when we encounter Christ the King coming in his glory. Until then, that hope is sustained through the breaking of the bread, in the Gospel, and in the sacraments. Those are the encounters with Christ that sustain us in this world of pilgrimage.”

                Father Vaverek urged those witnessing Sister Susan Catherine’s profession to pray that she serves as witnesses to that sustaining hope, “that she might serve to build up the Body of Christ, and that her charism of hope might be testified to by the way she lives her life that others might choose to enter this nascent religious community.

                “We pray that the Daughters of Divine Hope might be firmly grounded not just in the soil of East Texas,” he said, “but in the household of God.” o

Thanksgiving

On November 20, the Feast of Christ the King, Sr. Susan Catherine completed her Novitiate year.  She publicly professed her Temporary Vows, for a period of three years.  The Daughters of Divine Hope now has its first professed religious member.

Sister is very appreciative of all the prayers that have been offered on her behalf.   She says:  “On this day set aside to recall and ponder God’s bounteous love and to give him thanks, I pray that the gift of his saving hope will fill you with deep joy and peace.
May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Sr. Susan Catherine,  DDH

Soon Sr. Susan Catherine, DDH will learn how to blog and likely will be more regular with it.

Entering into her last month of Novitiate, Sr. Susan Catherine offers this reflection:

Into the Wilderness

In these months of the novitiate, I have come to know and trust my constant companion.  His name is Providence and in his hands I rest.  Providence is playful, he is creative, he enjoys surprises, and he is faithful.   Providence is wise; providing for a need before I even recognize that the need exists.  Providence never travels alone; wisdom, prudence, joy, peace, faithfulness, and fortitude are some of his friends on the journey.

Providence became known to me slowly and gently.  He sat with me for some time before I became aware of his presence.  He let me know that Christ our Hope, Christus Nostra Spes, sent him, and assured me that I could trust in him.

Providence is generous.  He has cared for every aspect of my welfare – a place for prayer and worship in the Lord’s presence, shelter, food, clothing, spiritual guidance, friendship, the means for study, transportation, care for health, consolations, affirmations and more.  All that is needed for this state of life in God’s service is a gift – bountifully given.  Each day I see his hand in life.

“He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered, the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.  He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of nations.  The works of his hands are faithful and just, all his precepts are trustworthy, they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.” Ps 111: 4-8

And thus with this faithful companion, I entered into the wilderness; seeking the kingdom of God and His divine will for the Daughters of Divine Hope.  “Do not be anxious… But seek ye first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Mt 6: 31, 33) Surrounded by the beauty and majesty of our Father’s creation, I set out on the narrow path and along the way, laid down markers for those who are chosen to follow.  The wilderness has been a place of discovery.  The kingdom here is fresh and green, with a sweet fragrance of hope.  There is room to build and grow; our Lord blesses the work and sends constant encouragement.  Here Jesus patiently lets us know him, his love is ever-flowing and refreshing, and he never disappoints.  The Father has chosen us and given us to his Son and Jesus will show us the way to be witnesses of saving hope in this world of strife.

Throughout sacred scripture, we are constantly encouraged to ‘be not afraid.’  Let us open our hearts to our Triune God, hope in his Providence and joyfully go where the narrow path shall lead us.

In Christ our Hope,

Sr. Susan Catherine, DDH

Hope in Action

Sister Susan Catherine recently completed a three week Apostolate period. She spent the time sharing Hope as an aid to the Chaplain department of St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana. The opportunity to interact with the Chaplains, Staff, Patients and Families was a tremendous grace.

Sister is looking forward to the end of her Novitiate, November 20. Since the Bishop of Tyler has been transferred to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, she will be renewing her Private Vows upon completion of the Novitiate.

Hope of Independence Day

Sr. Susan Catherine continues her novitiate.  She is doing well with her deepening sense of peace and hope.   She offers this reflection on religious liberty.  Let us pray for all those who helped to make us free, helped us to stay free, and are currently working to preserve our liberty into the future.

“To obtain religious as well as civil liberty, I entered zealously into the Revolution…. God grant that this religious liberty may be preserved in these States, to the end of time, and that all who believe in the religion of Christ may practice the leading principle of charity, the basis of every virtue.”° This is a quote by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland, the only Catholic delegate to the Continental Congress.  He was also the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, primarily because in most of the original states Catholics were not allowed to vote or hold public office.  He went on to be one of the first U.S. Senators from Maryland. While there is much about this founding father worthy of note, it is his quote that is the cause for reflection on this Independence Day weekend.

In celebrating Independence Day, we hear a lot about religious liberty and freedom of religion – strong words that can serve to unite us as a people when we recall our national heritage.  But more essential is the recognition that the desire for religious liberty flows from God’s love, our need to respond to that love and God’s gift of free will.

Our Triune God, who is love (charity), creates us and endows us with free will; total freedom to return His love or to reject it.  In response to His love, we freely choose to create and sustain a nation where all people can live the love of God and give Him praise.  It is love that creates the zeal to fight for religious liberty.  Religious liberty exists when a people determine that they will honor and uphold God’s gift of free will, given out of His love for us, and the right to exercise that free will to love God and neighbor.

Charles Carroll prays that we practice the leading principle of charity.  His prayer is echoed in the Preface of the Mass for Independence Day:

He (Jesus Christ) spoke to men a message of peace and taught us to live as brothers.  His message took form in the vision of our fathers as they fashioned a nation where men might live as one.  This message lives on in our midst as a task for men today and a promise of tomorrow. We thank you, Father, for your blessings in the past and for all that, with your help, we must yet achieve.  And so, with hearts full of love, we join the angels today and every day of our lives, to sing your glory in a hymn of endless praise..

 

As this beautiful prayer at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist reminds us, we have more to achieve with the Father’s help.  We are called to live the love of Christ as a task for today and a promise for tomorrow; to practice charity as Charles Carroll prayed.  We look to the Holy Spirit to fill us with the zeal to sustain our religious liberty, born out of love and for love.

Interestingly, this year, the Fourth of July weekend is ushered in by the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated on July 1.  This great feast recalls for us that ‘Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us.’ (CCC 478) This is the depth of the love that gives us the freedom to love Him in return and to love our neighbor.  One of the opening prayers for the Mass of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart reminds us of the deeper meaning behind the upcoming Independence Day:

“Father, we honor the heart of your Son broken by man’s cruelty, yet symbol of love’s triumph, pledge of all that man is called to be.  Teach us to see Christ in the lives we touch, to offer him living worship by love-filled service to our brothers and sisters.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

° “Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Goodrich (H.E. Robins, 1849)

May God bless us and may God bless America.

Reflections on Feast of St. Catherine of Siena

In His name this man stands before you healed.

“In your nature, eternal Godhead, I shall come to know my nature. And what is my nature, boundless Love?  It is fire because you are nothing but a fire of love. And you have given mankind a share in this nature for by the fire of love you created us.” from Letters of St. Catherine of Siena

            On this Friday of the Octave of Easter, the new fire of Easter readily comes to mind as we are still in the glow of the Light of Christ that shattered the darkness.  The new fire awakens in us a smoldering desire for the love of Christ and an anticipation of his coming.  The early Christians knew this fire.  Walking with Jesus and listening to him, they did not understand the event taking place in their midst.  But finally, in the light of the Resurrection, all became clear.  What Jesus preached and taught came alive in them; fear and doubt were consumed by the fire of Love.  The nature deformed by sin was re-created in the light of merciful love.  The Light of Christ shown in their very being.

Peter and John exemplify this new nature in the curing of the crippled man and in their subsequent hearing before the high priests. (First reading for Friday of the Octave of Easter) Love had to be shared and mercy had to be given to the crippled man in the form of a healing.  Peter and John, transformed in the Love of Christ, were unwilling to act contrary to their new nature.  When questioned by the high priests, they answered: “If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by want means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed.” (Acts 4:10)

“In his name this man stands before you healed.”  These are words of hope for all today who are crippled by sickness, despair, doubt, unbelief, fear, loneliness…  The Apostles show us that Jesus’ power to heal did not end at his death but continues.  His mercy and love are made manifest through those called and gifted.  St. Paul reminds us that we are all called to follow Christ and that to each will be given gifts to be used for the glory of God.  By God’s Divine Providence, hope is made present through the power of Jesus’ name.  “Hope comes from love, because people always trust those they love.” from Letters of St. Catherine of Siena

If we love Christ and desire to serve him, then by the nature of his love, we become enflamed with love of neighbor. Like the Apostles, we seek to heal those who cry out for love and mercy.  In the name of Jesus Christ we can bring hope into the world; a world torn and made weary by conflict and political strife as in the time of St. Catherine of Siena.  Keeping the fire of Easter alive in our hearts, let us each morning recommit ourselves to the service of Christ, to bring his love and hope into the world. Let our very nature, created in his image and likeness, speak of the love of Christ.  “To the servant of God, every place is the right place and every time is the right time.” from Letters of St. Catherine of Siena

Sr. Susan Catherine, DDH

29 April 2011, Friday of the Octave of Easter

+ St. Catherine of Siena, (1347-1380) is a patron saint of the Daughters of Divine Hope.

Sr. Susan Catherine reflects on Holy Saturday

Sister has been well through her Lenten journey.  She is in good spirits as she prepares for Easter.

Here is a short reflection she wrote while praying thru the Triduum.

Holy Saturday – Great day of Divine Hope, by Sr. Susan Catherine, DDH

             Wait in solemn silence. Be still in heavy anticipation. Be calm in the midst of sorrow. Wait in hope.

It is in this day that our hope swells.  The silence crescendos as the music in our soul strains to break forth into the song of joy that we faithfully know will come.  Our seeking for the Lord brings us to the tomb, but our heart knows this is not the end.  Hope speaks to our soul; we know that there is more.  Hope causes us to stay, to watch, to pray, to be faithful, to wait in the sorrow, but not give in to the sorrow.

On this Holy Saturday, we can picture Jesus’ Blessed Mother on the first of Holy Saturday’s.  She, in the care of the blessed disciple, sits in the upper room.  We can imagine the fear, anguish, torment, weeping, hopelessness, sorrow that is present from the disciples.  But Mary keeps an inner deep peaceful silence.  She knows that the suffering death and burial of her son, that she just experienced, is not the conclusion.  She does not know what will be next; but she knows in her heart that they have not seen the end.  So the Mother of Divine Hope waits in hope.  Her faith-filled presence, peaceful countenance and trusting submission to His will must have permeated this room; quietly assuring the disciples to huddle. “Don’t run away, wait with me, be of hope”, we can almost hear her say.

We wait with Mary.  To the world this is just another Saturday.  To the faithful this is a day filled with hope.  Entering into the upper room of our hearts, we hold a watch in silent peace.  We pray to grasp the mystery of the this wondrous Love and incomprehensible sacrifice, knowing our own sinfulness and unworthiness. We are renewed in faith and enriched with hope.  Like the disciples, we turn to our Blessed Mother, who shows how to be still in hope.

I see the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

Therefore, my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, not will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.                                                                         Ps 16: 8-11

 The living, the living give you thanks, as I do today. Fathers declare to their sons, O God, your faithfulness. The Lord is our savior; we shall sing to stringed instruments in the house of the Lord all the days of our life.                                      Is 38: 19-20

 These hope-filled scripture readings are taken from the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for Holy Saturday.

Miracle and God’s Providence

This has been a day of reflection, full of wonder at the Providence of God.  A miracle occurred here at the convent this morning.  In the simple and beautiful chapel, bread and wine became the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ!  The Most Holy Eucharist, the fount of Divine Hope, was made present in our midst.  A profound peaceful silence filled the chapel as the faithful partook of this Blessed Sacrament. Accentuating the sacredness of the moment were the solemn definitive words of faith: Body of Christ. Amen. Blood of Christ. Amen.  As if with one voice, these declarations were spoken, Life entered and sins were vanquished.

By his Providence, a convent which had been vacant of sisters for many years is now alive with Christ’s Presence.   In order for us to be witnesses of his Divine Hope, he provides his Precious Body and Blood to feed us, sustain us, call us and anchor us. We seek him, hear his voice in the Word, and desire to serve him in events of each day.

By his grace, priests have come here to celebrate the Holy Mass.  People have come from several surrounding communities to join in this celebration with the Daughters of Divine Hope.  In the gospel this morning, the chief priests, scribes and elders asked Jesus: “By what authority are you doing these things?  Or who gave you this authority to do them?”  (Mk 11: 28)  For us, this is a nonsensical question.  We are certain in the knowledge that the Blessed Triune God is the authority of all that is good.

For the many blessings of this day, thanks be to God. Amen. Alleluia.

In Christ our Hope,    Sr. S C

5 March2011, Saturday, 8th Week Ordinary Time

 

Reflection on St. Joseph

Sister Susan Catherine has now entered the third month of her novitiate experience and continues to do well.  Most days are filled with God’s abundant graces.  Your prayers are much appreciated.  Actually Sister knows that everyday is filled with God’s grace, occasionally it  can be a bit of a challenge to realize the grace.  She is very hopeful as she continues to deepen her experiences of prayer and service.  Also, she continues to be in dialogue with women near and far who have interest in the Daughters of Divine Hope.

Here is a reflection on St. Jospeh which Sister offers:

Dear Friends in Christ,

This second devotion of St. Joseph is encapsulated in the events of the infant’s birth in abject poverty and the angels heralding the child born on the glorious night: the sorrow of the birth in poverty and the joy of angelic exultation at the birth.  St. Joseph, the guardian of the infant ‘foretold of the ages’ stands as the privileged witness of the birth of the Son of God.  This will be one of many events where St. Joseph will be the quiet, obedient sentinel.

Journeying to Bethlehem for the census in obedience to the orders of legitimate authority, Joseph fulfilled for the child the significant task of officially inserting the name ‘Jesus, son of Joseph of Nazareth‘ (see Jn 1:45) in the registry of the Roman Empire. This registration clearly shows that Jesus belongs to the human race as a man among men, a citizen of this world, subject to laws and civil institutions, but also Savior of the World.

Joseph’s obedience gives Jesus his human birthright. But St. Joseph must have been very aware that his obedience to civil authorities in complying with the census led to the Savior being born in poverty.  What loving father would not be in anguish in similar circumstances! But his faithful obedience was soon rewarded as he witnessed the angels’ hymn of glory to God, heard the shepherds’ story and saw the magi kneeling at the child’s feet. What loving father would not be in grateful awe at the wonder of God!

O Obedient Sentinel of the son of Mary, you show us that the way of obedience is an avenue of grace and joy.  By our baptism, we are called to loving and faithful obedience, with Christ as our model.  The obedience of Christ is an embrace of the Father’s will to serve unto death.  Within the Pascal Mystery, obedience leads to hope.  May all of us follow your example and  respond to the Father’s will as disciples ‘chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Sprit for obedience to Jesus Christ’. (1Pt 1:2)

Pray for us, blessed St. Joseph,

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Almighty God,

In your infinite wisdom and love

you chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary,

the mother of your Son.

As we enjoy his protection on earth,

may we have the help of his prayers in heaven,

particularly as we discern our chosen-ness.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sr. Susan Catherine, DDH

6 February 2011

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time