In transition

Learning to move where God calls us

By Sr. Mona Kelly, O.L.M.
May/June 2008

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

Life seems full of transitions. To me this usually means to go with the flow. No matter how carefully I plan my day, I find myself called forth to respond to people in their need.

A wonderful example of a person in transition here in Brazil was Cardinal Aloisio Lorscheider who died on December 23, 2007. He came from the south of Brazil and became Archbishop of Fortaleza in the northeast where he stayed for 22 years. While here, I often heard him speak of how grateful he was for all that he learned from the poor. Dom Aloisio was an example to everyone in his ability to listen to the people and he adapted well to the culture of the northeast. It was his intention to become one with the people and he succeeded in his dream.

To me, Dona Nilda is another example of a person living in transition. Each week, four or five of us working with the diocesan children’s pastoral team parade into her home carrying food, toys, clothes, and other items for the lunch and activities we offer to about 30 children on Saturdays at Dona Nilda’s. This grandmother has developed the gift of hospitality beyond what most of us consider average. She welcomes all. She accepts everyone who comes to her home, even those in need of a place to stay overnight. She shares generously whatever she has, even her last bowl of beans. Her special kindness is also shown to the street kids. Dona Nilda is one of the poor who always shares whatever she has, always adapts to the conditions of the hour and is available to whomever is in need.

So once again it is from the disadvantaged people who have little in material goods, but an abundance of faith, that we learn where God is calling us.

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article