Sinsinawa Dominicans: Using Their One Wild and Precious Life

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I’m sure you’re familiar with Mary Oliver’s question, “Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” from her poem, The Summer Day.  Recently, I've had the privilege of visiting with our sisters in Jacksonville, Florida and Trinidad.  I have been inspired by variety of choices my sisters have made in answering that question. 

In Jacksonville, five women live in community and support one another in the ministry for which each has passion.  Maureen, in retirement, is a powerhouse of volunteer activity for peace and justice.   At Divine Mercy House, Priscilla supports young women facing an unplanned pregnancy with little or no help available to them.  Beverly uses her many skills and talents as part of the administrative staff at Holy Rosary Catholic School where she nurtures students in academic excellence, faith development and commitment to service.  Elizabeth, herself blind, mentors and provides leadership and services for the blind and visually impaired.    Christin, a Rainbow Workshop assistant in the L’Arche Community, learns from the developmentally disabled just as they learn from her.

In Trinidad our Sisters support one another in a variety of ministries, as well.  Gail has created a retreat center, Dominican Wellspring, using her gifts to provide spiritual nourishment for the many she serves.  Martin and Lystra, administrators of a rural parish, are preachers of the Word and leaders of the faith community.  Christina, a leader in two city parishes, uses her experience and skills in training lay leadership.

Each of these women has discovered her passion and uses “their one wild and precious life” to bring light and love into our world.  What about you?  What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Mary Ann Nelson, OP
Madison, Wisconsin

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