By Sister Mary Ellen Gemmell, CSFN
The title “Transforming Grace: the work of transformative justice” caught my attention immediately when our Assistant Director of Communications, Sister Angela Szczawinska sent me the LCWR information about it. Without initially reading the description, I took the time to recall the definition of “grace” as defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “…the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us… to associate with His work… to enable us to collaborate…” As a child I learned that grace enlightens our minds and strengthens our wills…” and that memory prompted me to dig deeper in the LCWR call.
I spent time thinking about “transforming;” that is, “life-changing experiences of conversion” that are already a part of my life and the lives of others. Intrigued by the sub-title, “the work of transformative justice,” I read the LCWR invitation which encompasses prayerful consideration and action that aim to bring about peace - centering on skills that can lead to sound decision-making throughout our election process in the USA.
Hope, confidence, trust, and joy flooded my mind as I studied the details of this LCWR initiative, and I knew from experience that by working with our province's Peace and Justice and our Communications Committees, we could invite and empower others to spread the word with new methods and new expressions, new means, and new ardor as St. John Paul II inspired us.
The song, “Pass it on” that clearly states “It only takes a spark, to get a fire glowing,” and the words of Jesus, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing” (Luke 12:49) along with its translation in Spanish, “He venido a encender fuego a la tierra; y ¡cómo desearía que ya estuviera ardiendo!”… added to the enthusiasm within me.
So, along with Sister Maria Kruszewski, Sister Michele Collins, the provincial administration team, the Peace and Justice and the Communications Director Emily Dillon, and Assistant Director Sister Angela Szczawinska, we invited all our Sisters throughout the province to embark on the journey of “Transforming Grace,” asking them to consider utilizing their talents to share the materials with others.
The spark has already ignited the fire! I have participated in meetings and faith-sharing where the door that opened the year 2024 in the LCWR reflection served as an opening to peaceful discussion of differing viewpoints. In addition, videos and artwork, as well as questions for reflection along with silent moments, have led groups to a deeper understanding of challenging situations, gently inviting dialogue that engenders peace. Inspiration from the weekly reflections has sparked creativity. The message is spreading and the fire is glowing and growing.
Sister Maria Kruszewski shared her own thoughts as follows:
“The format of each weekly reflection of ‘Transforming Grace’ is phenomenal – one page with a variety of things to consider! The art is inspiring, the videos open our minds and hearts to new ways of seeking a change, and the outcome of shared experiences is amazing! The thoughts are touching to my spirit in a special kind of way. … The first reflection I used was during Advent, 2023, when I looked to Jesus’ new birth and was born again, as I found hope in the songs.”
Sister Maria shared the LCWR initiative with friends at the Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh, PA, and this is a testimony from Adelina García:
We at the Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh, PA had not heard of this initiative until a few weeks ago! Sr. Maria Kru told us about one day during a visit to our center. We approached our provincial and offered to implement it at our center. We invited our sisters and participants who come to our events. Today we had our first session and we had twenty people religious and laity (about half of each).
It was on polarization. It was great! Everyone loved it. We used two videos “U.S. and how to bridge the path of polarization and Five Skills Needed in Communication. The videos, reflection questions, music and prayers were wonderful. People came with trepidation and hesitancy and left with openness, joy and are looking forward to the next one! Key take always: be open to growth and change, learn to listen to learn, ask questions to better see another view.
Sister Michele Vincent Fisher shared her experiences with “Transforming Grace,” as follows:
These weekly doses of inspiration and challenge have been a bedrock for my ongoing meditation, reflection and in a particular way, for my daily consciousness examen. The principles put forth in these prayer experiences can be applied at a core level to any and all circumstances in which I find myself. Sometimes, it’s so easy to categorize these nuggets of truth into something pertaining to a realm outside of myself and it would be easy to say: “I’ll think about it some day,” and then safely tuck it into my “to-do” list. But the nagging “one-liners” in the songs, poems, prayers and videos keep coming back to me with more questions than answers.
I was struck in a particular way as I listened to Dr. Martin Luther King’s recounting of his “Prayer At The Kitchen Table” and that moment of total surrender to God as he names his fears and anxieties and proceeds to yield to the Spirit’s higher calling. I ask myself: “Do I have the courage, trust and humility to pray in such a way?”
I am so grateful to those who have collaborated to create these weekly prayer encounters, and each time I sit down to begin the week’s reflection, I imagine myself around a glowing campfire, singing, feeling the night breezes in the trees and standing side by side, in solidarity and communion, with those who share this journey of hope. It is a genuine experience of the great Communion of Saints – earth and heaven united for a few brief moments of encounter.
Let us keep this fire of Transforming Grace burning. Let us take the time to reflect on the variety of reflections given by the LCWR and take to heart the words of St. Paul, “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have…” (2 Timothy: 1-6)
LCWR has given us a gift. Let ‘s use it to transform our lives and the lives of our fellow citizens longing for peace during the challenging days ahead. “Nothing is impossible with God!” (Luke 1:37)
