Mission Effectiveness -- Lost Luggage

It took three days, but Sr. Dolores Clerico's luggage finally arrived  -- special delivery -- courtesy of Sr. Rita Bujold.

 Dolores is in Le Puy this week to present the Mission Effectiveness program to 16 participants with three translators, which starts on Saturday, September 22. However, she arrived in Le Puy on Thursday afternoon sans suitcase. This is the second time this has happened to her! Because most services in France are closed on weekends, she knew she had to work fast to retrieve her bag. So with the help of Centre staff member, Eluiza, the two of them worked the phones Thursday evening and all day on Friday to call the airlines and the airports to find out the bag's whereabouts.

Unfortunately, they received mixed messages. One person said the bag was in Paris. Another said it was in Montreal. Still another said it was on its way to Lyon. It seemed as though the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. Then on Friday afternoon, a bag was delivered to sisters in Lyon, but it was the wrong bag. That's when the airline agent said he didn't know where the bag was.

As the clock ticked toward the opening day of the program, Dolores tried to stay calm. She also planned her next moves in case her bag didn't come for days. She borrowed a night shirt, robe, and t-shirt from Centre staff member, Olga. The two went to the Super U to buy toiletries, slippers, and a hair brush. She also planned a shopping trip for some new clothes (the airlines gave her some money as compensation for her lost bag) on Saturday morning.

Finally, late Friday night, Dolores found out that her bag would arrive at the Lyon airport on Saturday morning, and Sr. Rita Bujold, who lives in Lyon, would have it delivered to her house. Rita, who was set to come to the Centre anyway to help out during the program, would then take it to Le Puy on the train with her. 

Here, Rita arrives at the Le Puy train station dragging both her suitcase and Dolores' with her.

"I always find someone to help me when I need it," said Rita. Turns out, she met two of our Indian participants who were taking the same train.

Relieved that this ordeal was finally over, Dolores (in her recently washed travel clothes) greets Rita with a big smile.

That was a close call for Dolores, who is a stickler for being well-prepared in advance. She thanks all those who were ready and willing to help her. She thanks St. Joseph, too!!

Grace Under Fire: Living the Great Love in Turbulent Times

Thirteen sisters participated in a guided retreat with Janet Mock at the International Centre. The retreat began on August 28 and concluded on September 6. 

The congregations represented included Baden, Brentwood, Canada, Lyon, and Rochester.

The sisters converted the community room into a prayer room.

The sisters reflected on and prayed about the privilege and call to live the charism and spirituality of Sisters of St. Joseph by claiming its incarnational power in a world hungering for great love. 

The retreat focused on the six core virtues of our CSSJ spirituality. Each day began with Morning Prayer and a reflection by Janet Mock on one of the core virtues and its relevance in today's world. The sisters received a reflection sheet with suggestions for prayer and then had the rest of the day to pray as they wished. Each evening after dinner, the group gathered for evening prayer and shared the state of the heart.

The retreat was silent all day including breakfast and lunch. During the evening meal, the sisters talked together and told stories. 

The retreat took place within the context of our sacred spaces in Le Puy-en-Velay at the original Kitchen, Living History Centre, Cathedral of Notre Dame du Puy, Chapel of St. Michel d'Aiguilhe, Eglise du Collège, and Tree of the Martyrs. 

Sisters explore the Living History Centre

Mary Ann

Angela

Alice

Aline Benedict

 The group also spent a day in Lyon for a visit at the Heritage Room and graveside of Mother St. John Fontbonne. Sr. Rita Bujold of the Lyon Congregation served as the guide. In this photo, the group is standing with a sculpture of Mother St. John Fontbonne made by Sr. Mary Southard.

While in Lyon, the gourmet food capital of Europe, the sisters had a  chance to experience local fare in the Old City.

(L to R) Alice, Karen, Mary, and Karen

Divinia and Nida share a three-course special of the day.

Janet Mock and Rita Bujold enjoy a Lyonnaise salad

Of course, there was also room for gelato--made in the shape of a rose.

Divinia and Linda

Mary

Sisters Claude and Rita of the Lyon Congregation greet each other.

Aline makes some new friends at the Centre backyard pasture.