Sister de Lourdes

I remember very vividly the night that I met Sister de Lourdes.  I had just been assigned as Pastor to Saint Joan of Arc and was trying to find my way around the campus for the first time. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a woman in a religious habit out for a walk through the parking lot.  I stopped and introduced myself and received a warm and friendly welcome accompanied by sparkling eyes and an Irish brogue and a rosary. Immediately I knew I had made a new friend in a new world.

Over the five and one-half years that I have been here, almost everyday I had the occasion to talk with Sister de Lourdes:  after Mass, in the school hallway or gazebo or as she was taking her daily constitutional walk in the neighborhood.  Sister de Lourdes always had a smile, a friendly greeting and a word of encouragement “you are doing a fine job Monsignor”.  I also appreciated her kind words about my preaching “very good message today Monsignor”. I was never sure if she said that to every priest but I sure was happy she said it to me.

It is difficult to capture in words the power that a life unquestionably committed to God, religious community, ministry, school and parish has in our times.  Our world is so secular, agnostic, focused upon self, power, possessions and prestige. In the midst of all of this, Sister de Lourdes walked quietly, firmly and solidly planted in faith. She was always present at parish and school events sitting patiently with a smile and a generous laugh. I believe that it must be the privilege of only a few, that as we get older, we are able to take life’s changes in stride and to see the best in the new and in the unpredictable. I always felt that in the presence of Sister de Lourdes. As she aged, slowed down a bit, didn’t quite guard the school halls with as much vigor, that she was always upbeat, encouraging and warm in the greeting.

Sister de Lourdes really personified the charism of mercy to which she was vowed.  When there wasn’t mercy to be found, she put it there. I personally benefited from her gift of mercy that was always generous and unconditional. I know that countless others over her long ministry here, benefited in the same way. This mercy in action is perhaps Sr. Lourdes’ lasting legacy.  We can help to keep her memory alive by becoming every day better instruments of God’s mercy ourselves with our husbands and wives, our children, our friends and with the stranger and the lost.

I believe that now we have another patron saint for our parish besides Saint Joan of Arc. Our heavenly soldier has a dear friend at her side with a smile, prayer and a cup of Irish tea. I also hope with a cup of Irish coffee and a plate of soda bread!

Msgr Michael D. McGraw