Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

How do we mend the gaps and reweave the fabric of our society? That is the question at the center of this summer’s Nuns on the Bus tour/pilgrimage which covered more than 2,400 miles to meet with individuals, families, and communities in 13 states, 23 cities, and both the Republican and Democratic conventions. Being a part of this endeavor has been the most profound experience of my life and I am sad to leave this loving community of sisters.  We grew together as we gathered for prayer each morning and cried listening to the stories of ordinary people who cannot make “ends meet” because of lack of transportation, low wages and no affordable housing. Along with the great suffering and growing inequality in our country, we met people who inspired us with their commitment to peace and justice.  In Terre Haute, a convent has been turned into a homeless shelter for women and local houses have been donated and rehabbed where these women have begun a new life surrounded by supportiv...

Recently I was asked to do a reflection on Mary, the listening virgin. As I pondered what I would say I reflected on how much our society today needs good listeners who show respect for the person speaking. It seems almost everyone has an opinion and expresses it, sometimes shamelessly, on social media—often what is said is degrading and hateful. Are they really listening to one another? Yesterday a woman came to my office saying she didn’t think anyone cared about her; no one loved her—she didn’t even think God loved her. She felt very alone. What could I do; what could I say? I listened to her and reminded her that God loved her into existence and will never stop loving her. We prayed together and she left. I don’t know what I did for her, but I knew she needed someone to listen to her. Maybe she needed the reminder that God loved her, but she didn’t need my advice nor did she need me to resolve her angst. I listened; was that enough? I hope so. It has been said that we have...