Bridget

What drew me here?

This question I have been asked many times! I live in Melbourne (Australia), I have a husband and family and I am not a Catholic! “My God and they let you come. That, I cannot believe!” (this was what my French-Canadian fellow volunteer exclaimed. “You’re going to work in a soup kitchen for 10 weeks during your leave!” (I teach English as a Second Language). “What about your husband and family?” (I came with their blessing).

Bridget A chance overnight stay at Jerusalem, or was it chance? I wonder. This was my introduction to the Sisters of Compassion. My husband and I were on a brief visit (my first) to New Zealand in June this year and had been directed there by Brother Brian of the Southern Star Abbey in Hawke’s Bay. We arrived in the dark while the Sisters were at evening prayer. We slept in the dormitories upstairs in the Old Convent - a time capsule. In the morning we awoke to find ourselves in a picture postcard valley drenched in history and morning mist. The cultural heritage and spiritual atmosphere was tangible. At morning prayer in St Joseph’s church we gathered with the Sisters around the altar to share the Word of God. It was there during that time I experienced one of those moments of grace.

On our return to Australia I read with interest the information I had collected about the Congregation and searched their website. The more I read about Suzanne Aubert and her mission for the Sisters the more I felt and thought - “Yes, their mission is my mission, their goals are mine too.” ‘Need not Creed’ also struck me with its openness especially in the times she lived. I liked the picture I envisaged from my readings of Mother Aubert, this woman of small stature but with such enormous determination in her faith and work for the poor. I admired her forthrightness in the face of ‘authorities’ to persist through her faith in her work.

She was confronted by challenges; disappointments, rebuffs and times of happiness and joy just like most people. I believe it is all part of our journey and learning experiences and we will not know until our journey is complete the why’s and the wherefores. Obviously I am searching, seeking ‘the way’, ‘the truth’ and ‘the life’ as I have been since I can remember. The Sisters’ Community called me. Their pledge to serve the marginalised and those society ignores with a real hands-on approach drew me. What a challenge! But this is what Jesus asks! ‘Whatever you do for them you do for me.’ I wanted to see and be part of this love in action, to experience and perhaps understand.

These are some of the things that drew me to the Sisters of Compassion. However there are some things too that cannot be expressed in words they are just known in your heart. Now, as it is nearing my time to return to Melbourne people are asking me was it worth it? Did it fulfil your expectations? What was it like living with the Sisters? Well that is another story!

Click here to read more from Bridget.

Haere ra