Memories are a funny thing and how we remember things is often even stranger. This past week I had a moment of remembering. October 6th is the Memorial of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher SNJM, the founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names. It is from Holy Names College that I graduated from 31 years ago. I thanked the Sisters, on social media, for the great education, the growth in faith and the life long friendships that were fostered in my years as an undergraduate and then studying for my teaching credential. What I remember and don’t remember are often the same things just in different order.
Something else happened on the same day that reinforced this reality of memories. I was reviewing some notes and rereading Matthew Kelly’s book “Rediscover Jesus” and the chapter was #18 “Jesus on Lifestyle” he wrote, “People are a priority for God. People were made to be loved, and things were made to be used. But often we get this confused and many of the world’s problems are caused because we love things and use people…You have heard it said that the best things in life are not things. So what are the best things in life?” (p 84-85) The three things I thanked the Sisters for were not things but rather the gift of something that went beyond the material of the world and into the very heart of what it means to be a human being, a person in community, a person seen and made in a dignity that goes beyond the marketplace.
Jesus reminds us clearly in the Gospel about this priority when he told his disciples then as he tells us now, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (Jn 15:15)
I am positive many people when they find out that my degree was in Philosophy would argue, “Of course you will say that…that is what philosophy students always say.” But I would also say one of the greatest gifts and joys (and terrors at times) was the intimate and small class size we enjoyed and endured. Sitting in a philosophy seminar with only a handful of classmates made for fun and joyous learning as well as the hope and fear that your classmates had read what was required for the day. But more importantly it brings back those three things.
Education—each class I took drew something greater out of me and helped to make me into a better person, not just by the knowledge gained but more importantly in the forming of a conscience of relationship of the line of human history that is touched by divine inspiration. Whether it was a class on metaphysics or children’s theater, each sparked a greater awareness of our common call to the good and holy.
Faith—It was there that I fell in love with the Mass. I had attended Mass before out of duty but on the campus and in chapel with the Sisters where my love for the Mass became ingrained in my soul. It was also in my greater love of scripture where I was challenged to imagine Jesus laughing with you in your trials and struggles. It was there were began to developed an adult faith in seeking God’s will in my life.
Friendship—like most people who attend university, life long friendships and often the deepest friendships are formed. More than that it was the Sisters taking a chance on a kid from Idaho with a spotty academic record, a Marine Corps Vet, and a wandering soul, and welcoming him into a school of love.
Thank you to the Holy Name Sisters.
Blessed Marie Rose Durocher…pray for us.
God bless
Fr. Mark