What is Emerging?
Posted on October 3, 2024, by Mary Ellen McElroy SL

At a recent Zoom gathering, Sue Kenney opened the meeting with reflections from “A Century of Change: Loretto’s Second Century.” She started with this quote from the preface by Patricia Jean Manion: “To move ahead into yet another time will depend on what we have learned about mission, identity, spirituality, relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and commitment to friendship through what will be rapidly arriving years.”* It was a moment that captivated our attention, connect- ing us with an important and timely message in those few words.
Already, 12 years have passed in this third century of change. Have we taken the time to ponder what we have learned about identity, spirituality and mission during the second century of change? What about the new awareness of our human responsibility to enhance life for the whole community of life on the planet? Have we taken time as a Community to reflect/share what our hearts are telling us?
Elaine Prevallet suggests we reflect on this simple question, “What really matters here?” Her answer: “This question can slow us down, focus a new lens on the situation, bring us back to center. What attitudes, skills or practices will help me/us develop inwardly so that I/we can be genuine bridge-builders in a divided world, genuine peace-makers in a world of chaos and violence? And how can we do this together?” She continues to talk about developing hope and trust as well as the practice of the cross. She encourages each of us to take countercultural stands which are difficult. This practice is what is going on in the Universe: giving-receiving, dying-rising.
Elaine’s final thoughts: “Can our species raise the level of our collective vision and respect each individual without exception? Can we help our species move to more inclusive, holistic, unitive horizons? We must believe this is possible, because our Creating God for aeons has been working to bring this vision to our awareness at this time! The future of Planet Earth is in our hands!”**
*“A Century of Change 1912-2012, Loretto’s Second Century,” by Patricia Jean Manion SL, 2012, p. 1 **“Making the Shift, Seeing Faith Through a New Lens,” by Elaine Prevallet SL. 2007, pp. 87-91