Makiko Fujiwara, SNJM
Panel on Vowed Membership
Province Chapter, July 8, 2013
After reading, reflection, and some anxiety on the question of why is membership important to me, my thoughts are simple:
- We are an amazing group of women.
- Our presence and ministry is significant and needed by our world.
- I believe there are women who could be invited to join us in living the Gospel message in our time.
I believe religious life that is needed even more today. Because of community support we are more able to be with those on the margins, to bridge gaps, to hope for what could be. As Sandra Schneiders said in her talk, no one is more ready to engage the other than women religious.
For me the call to religious life cannot be separated from going to people who suffer from poverty and discrimination. I was so inspired by Janet Walton’s presentation on Vatican II and her commitment to people in poverty. We may not all be able to do what Janet is doing, but we stand with and support those who minister in life changing situations. Look at all that has been done on issues of trafficking, water, and immigration. As a member of the Ministry Grants Committee I have read requests full of creative ways to assist or empower others. And yesterday we could see the charism alive and well in the presentations from our schools. We are ministerily so alive! How can we not want others, including new members, to join us in living our charism?
Today women’s opportunity to follow their passion and make significant contributions is thankfully growing. So I believe it not just the WHAT we do, but the WHY, and with WHOM. When I entered the Sisters of the Holy Names after high school, I wasn’t really thinking about what I’d be doing. I just wanted to be a part of this group of faith-filled, joyful women, committed to God and God’s people. As stated in our constitutions, we are called to make present in this world a style of life inspired by the gospel, and we do it in community. Yesterday we shared our pain around ecclesial and environmental issues. What gives me hope is that we are not alone. We have each other.
I have loved this life with its many challenges and blessings, and I hope now is the time when we as a province take steps to be more present and visible to women who desire to answer God’s call to religious life. Will we be here for them?