Nuns can have nose rings? (and other frequently asked questions)

As I sit down to write this little piece for Catherine’s Cafe, cup of tea and croissant in hand, the phrase “comfort food” keeps popping into my head. After several exchanges this morning with volunteers, parents, clients, donors and tutors, I am beginning to think that one of the major calls to vowed religious life involves “comfort food.” No, not eating it, though for sure, that is a regular joy. It feels like that is what Sisters are called to be. Somehow we are called to allow others to slowly savor, drink in, the presence we can offer. We are called to listen to the undocumented woman whose car was just impounded leaving her without a way to pick up her children from school. We are positioned to listen to the elderly volunteer who just underwent the amputation of her second leg leaving her afraid and angry. We are placed across from the parent who has no money to purchase the inhalers needed for her son. We hope that those who come into contact, into relationship, with us might feel somehow more satisfied, alive and filled up.

Thanks for sharing my tea and croissant time; you unwittingly became, “comfort food” for me.
Sister Christina Heltsley, O.P.

St. Francis Center

Redwood City, CA