Standing on the Shoulders of the Ones Who Came Before Us
Posted on May 24, 2022, by Mary Nelle Gage SL
Photo by Lucy Ewing
On April 25 we gathered in the Loretto Heights cemetery in Denver to celebrate Loretto’s Foundatio Day and honor “the ones who came before us.” Attendees included several sisters of Loretto, co-members, St. Mary’s staff, Loretto Heights alumnae, neighbors and Westside Investment Partner, the current property owner. I read passages from scripture and Cathy Mueller recited “Some Thoughts about Settling: A Prose Poem” written by Cecily Jones in April 2012, our 200th anniversary. We see mentioned in Cecily’s poem our answer from Rev. Charles Nerinckx’s 1824 farewell letter to the Friends of Mary, “If you ask whether I know what will become of you, I answer that I cannot tell.”
Photo by Ruth Routten
From Cecily’s poem, we’ve gathered stories of our becoming. What has become of us? Like “old villagers near their stoves, trading tales, or quilters around their frames, musing with each stitch,” we become.
Mary, Christina, Ann and all the early band on Hardin’s Creek were kin of settlers here, but only kin; they spurned expected roles. No settling in for them.
We older ones, like in Cecily’s poem, learn around our stoves or quilting frames! We recall the end-of-year directive, “When you leave for summer school, be sure your trunk is packed.” No settling in.
Contented that the values we have cherished will remain with those who carry on our name, we know this land is not ours. We tend it, tread it lightly, cherishing its every tree and field of flowers and cherish those who rest upon this hill. But we are not settlers here or anywhere.
Photo by Ruth Routten
As our communal response for Foundation Day, we read lyrics from Earth Mama’s song:
We are standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before us.
STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS: Joyce Johnson Rouse ©1997 Rouse House Music (ASCAP). Used by permission.
They are saints and they are humans, ….
They lift us higher than we could ever fly ….
I imagine our world if they hadn’t tried
We wouldn’t be here celebrating today.
All rights reserved. As recorded by Earth Mama® on Love Large and HerStory CDs www.EarthMama.org and www.StandingOnTheShoulders.org
In conclusion we prayed in unison, “O Suffering Jesus! O Sorrowful Mary! We give you glory, thanks, and praise. O bless our works and guide our ways.”
Lastly, we placed flowers on each of the 62 graves and at the foot of the cross.
Photo by Ruth Routten.
Here are the lyrics to “Standing on the Shoulders.” A recording of the song is featured in the video below.
Thank you for such a thoughtful article about the importance of recognizing those who paved the way for us. I particularly appreciated how you emphasized the significance of mentorship and its long-lasting impact on our personal and professional lives. To build on your points, it’s worth noting that historical figures and mentors may also include those from lesser-known backgrounds, such as women and minorities, whose contributions have often been overlooked. For example, the role of figures like Claudette Colvin, who defied segregation laws before Rosa Parks, illustrates how many unsung heroes have influenced social justice movements. Encouraging conversations around these individuals can enrich our understanding of history and inspire new generations. Considering the article’s theme of advocacy and justice, I wonder how the concept of a “writ of mandamus” ties into this. It serves as a means to compel government officials to fulfill their duties, and it raises a fascinating question about the ongoing role of our history and mentors in influencing legal frameworks today. How do you think the principles behind a writ of mandamus can be applied to advocate for social change in our communities?