“May we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show compassion to one another." — Jeffrey Holland

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all. " — Emily Dickinson

An avid photographer and gardener, Sister Roselyn Kuzma snapped this photo of beautiful blossoms on the grounds of Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.

At the Crossroads, Always Choose Hope As she recounts the story of Vedran Smailović, the Cellist of Sarajevo who inspired hope in war-torn Bosnia in the 1990s, renowned author and speaker Sister Joan Chittister reminds us that there is a "strength in the human spirit that simply cannot be destroyed" as long as we do not surrender hope. Her story draws parallels to current events and includes a timeless message.

One-on-One with Our Sisters As we endure the COVID-19 pandemic and other unrest in our country, our Sisters reflect on what brings them strength and solace and offer wise words for our friends in faith.

Is there any special place you go or routine you follow that makes your prayer time more fulfilling? “ My favorite place during this time is the tiny chapel in Antonia Hall (at Mt. Assisi Place). It is peaceful and beautiful. The large painting of the Crucifix is almost identical to the one at my home parish of Holy Family in Erie, and so I find myself praying for my family and friends. Many times, Sister Francesca Parana will come in, and we pray together. I also like to go down to our cemetery and pray to our dear Sisters. I spend quiet hours with them in the cemetery and weed their graves. It is the holiest and quietest place on our grounds. ” — Sister Roselyn Kuzma

What message would you share with those who feel especially lonely or isolated? “If you like to read, here is an opportunity to catch up on all those books you wanted to read and didn't have time. Fix your hair in a different way, put on clothes you never wear, take a picture, dance before the mirror, sing your favorite song, call those you haven't talked to in a long time. Best of all, take your Bible; close your eyes; open to a page; say, 'Lord, talk to me,' and read the scripture passage to which your finger is pointing. Sit with God and listen to what he says to you. You will never be the same.” — Sister Barbara Ann Webster

What scripture passages, reflections or songs do you find especially inspirational during times of trouble? “The homilist in yesterday’s liturgy said, 'Prayer is the foundation of the day. The best thing we can give to each other is our prayers.' Two years into retirement, I have found that prayer is the foundation of my day. And here we are in confinement — a perpetual retreat, a second novitiate. That statement — 'Prayer is the foundation of my day' — is truer than ever before.” — Sister Pat Marie Buranosky

Jubiliarian Spotlight Join us in congratulating our 2020 Jubilarians as they celebrate milestones in religious life amid this year's extraordinary circumstances. Today, discover the infectious smile of Sister Gracy Kundukulam, who marks her 25th Jubilee as the youngest member of the U.S. Province. Read More

Sister Marietta Bankos recalls many childhood afternoons spent playing pretend with her brother. “One of my favorite memories was when my brother and I would play church at home in our living room,” Sister says. “Since my brother was an altar boy, he was happy to play the part of the priest, and I served as a choir member because I always sang in the children’s choir. He would always scold me because I could not remember how to sing the Latin responses after he sang Dominus vobiscum .”

The More the Merrier Know others who would like to receive these messages? Add new recipients by clicking here . Past Editions If you've missed an edition of Tidings in Troubled Times or Spiritual Sunday, you can read all past reflections here .

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