A Letter from the SSMO Superior General
Dear Friends, Family, Sisters and Brothers,
Welcome to the season of Lent. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, commencing the 40-day season of Lent in which we practice prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We develop the discipline of Lent that prepares us for the great day of Easter on April 20.
Lent is the time to examine some of the aspects of our lives that we would like to change or improve. St. Thomas Aquinas recognized that being better is to be “more fully actualized in your natural potential, with purpose and reason.” I am sure we are all entering Lent with good intentions as we look forward to Easter. Lent is the time to exercise our will power to do better. It is a season of improvements in our life through prayer, dedication and practice.
Lent is a time to remind ourselves that change takes diligence and that, with God’s help, we can and want to be better. We need to not only hope, but act as if we can change. What might I want to improve in my spiritual life? Do I want to be more kind, gentle and patient? Do I have the right heart to be self-reflective, to give alms, to pray in a focused manner? Do I really have joyful disposition to fast? Fasting is not only cutting down or giving up certain foods. It can also involve not judging someone or a situation and being patient – maybe even with myself.
The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have been praying for the health and wellbeing of Our Holy Father, Pope Francis. In a pre-Lent message to the faithful, Our Holy Father, remembering the Jubilee year – Pilgrims of Hope, stated that he wants us to reflect on what it means to journey together in hope and discover the summons to conversion that God’s mercy addresses to each one of us.
On this 40-day Lenten journey, we can deepen our prayer life and be open to the influence of God and the Spirit. Our Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have a practice during Lent to pray the Stations of the Cross. We try as a community to be prayerful, find ways to give alms and to fast from a multitude of actions that can help improve us spiritually, physically and mentally. Please know that we are praying for you in this Lent and year of Jubilee as well.
We Sisters also appreciate your prayers during March. Later this month, we will hold the SSMO General Chapter. During these meetings, the Sisters set the congregation’s direction for the next five years and elect the new SSMO Leadership Team. March is also SSMO Heritage Days, a time when we reflect and celebrate our nearly 140-year history of compassionate and joyful service to the Lord. Your prayers for wisdom and guidance during this very special month are sincerely appreciated.
We are all pilgrims of hope and on this journey let us turn to our Lord God and Savior to place Him first in all our thoughts actions and prayers.
Peace to you in this Jubilee year 2025 Pilgrims of Hope.
Sister Michael Francine Duncan
Sr. Michael Francine Duncan
SSMO
Superior General
