A Letter from the SSMO Superior General
Dear Friends, Family, Sisters and Brothers,
The month of May invites us into a quieter, more attentive space of the heart – a space that is shaped by our devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. In the Catholic tradition, May has a long history of being a time to honor Mary, not only with prayers and hymns, but with a renewed desire to imitate her faith.
For the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, this devotion is woven into the very fabric of our life. As our Constitutions remind us, “Our Community is dedicated to the Mother of God and we look upon Mary as a model of faithful discipleship and Christian womanhood,” (SSMO Constitutions 4).
Mary’s life speaks in a gentle yet powerful way. She listens, she trusts, and she responds with a wholehearted “Yes” to God’s call. In her, we see a woman deeply attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit, even when the path before her was uncertain. During this 140th year of our SSMO Community’s life, we find ourselves returning to her example with renewed gratitude and trust.
The rhythm of May offers many moments to pause and reflect. Mother’s Day calls forth gratitude for the gift of nurturing love, so beautifully embodied in Mary. Each year, we celebrate Mary through the tradition of May crownings at Valley Catholic School and within our own SSMO Community. The Sisters crown Mary, Mystical Rose, and it is more than ceremony; it is a simple yet profound expression of love and reverence.
As we celebrate the Ascension and Pentecost, we are reminded that Mary stood in the midst of the early Church, prayerful and steady, waiting in hope. She teaches us how to remain open to God’s presence, trusting that the Spirit continues to guide and renew us.
In honoring Mary, we are intentionally led closer to the mystery of God. Mother Mary meets us in our daily lives, in our hopes, our questions, our longing. Mary quietly points us toward her Son.
As the month concludes, we prepare for the celebrations of graduation at Valley Catholic School. This is a wonderful time to give thanks for the journeys unfolding before our students. Like Mary, may they go forward in faith, trusting that God walks with them into every new beginning.
Sister Michael Francine Duncan
Sr. Michael Francine Duncan
SSMO
Superior General
SSMO Leadership Team:
SSMO Superior General
SSMO Vicar General
SSMO General Councilor
SSMO General Councilor
These four Sisters were installed at a special Mass on Sunday, June 29 at 9 a.m. at the Sisters’ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel inside the SSMO Motherhouse. Visit ssmo.org/ssmo-announces-new-leadership-team/ to learn more about the Sisters’ elections and General Chapter Meetings.
