Day 9: Service to Our Neighbor

“Hail, full of grace” (Luke 1:28). These words spoken by the angel Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation leave me with great wonder of our heavenly mother. Her “yes” to God was immediate and unwavering. Mary was humble and obedient to God’s will, and selfless and compassionate in serving others. I aspire to follow her example, but often fall far short. That is one of the reasons for choosing to go into mission service. I wanted to immerse myself amongst those who have devoted their lives to service with love of neighbor being their guiding force. 

Life at Immaculate Conception Convent in Kingston can be quite normal on any given day. We have plenty of frustrations, like refrigerators that fail or flooding from rain. There are occasional disagreements. We are only human after all. Yet, I do not doubt that if someone was in need, no matter the time of day or cost, the residents and the staff would be there for each other. Love is not merely a feeling. It is a selfless, unconditional commitment to the well-being of others demonstrated through action. This is the type of love embraced at this convent.

Last year, I went to the hospital with chest pain. Dr. Debra and Hannah (lay residents) sat with me all day in the ER. When a staff member had to have an expensive medical procedure, the sisters found a way to fund it. As Hurricane Melissa was barreling down on Jamaica, the sisters opened their doors to family and friends, and when the hurricane left us in devastation, they rolled up their sleeves to offer aid. These are just a few occasions of charity, but I would like to share with you a small sampling of the life-long commitment to charity the sisters embrace.

Sr. Teresita was both a teacher and principal at some of the Franciscan schools established by the sisters. Now as a school board member, she makes frequent visits to be a spiritual and managerial presence for the students and staff. I have been with her on some of those visits, and I watch with admiration as the children run toward her. Sr. Teri is so affectionate with them, yet she doesn’t hold back a gentle scolding to correct behavior. Boy, do those little ones listen. They trust her because she has been a presence in their lives for years.

I work regularly with Sr. Helen Rose in her “Back Door” food distribution  ministry, which serves the elderly poor and disabled with monthly gifts of food staples, but Sr. Helen Rose goes a step further by offering grants to pay for medicine and medical procedures. She always carries extra money to offer bus or cab fare. Sr. Helen funds this ministry by fostering partnerships with community members and businesses. Even with all those good works, I have seen the sadness in her eyes when she has to turn away someone when funds run out. 

I have also worked with Sr. Grace whose ministry is based in some of the poorest areas of Jamaica. Her focus is on supporting enterprises that provide work training and jobs like a farm in St. Elizabeth and a Trenchtown historical site. Sr. Grace also loves the arts, and she recently helped organize a free concert for the poor to share in a day of musical joy and celebration with the talented children of their schools.

There are so many stories of love and charity I want to share with you, but I hope this small sampling will suffice. I would venture to guess that there is an average of at least 50+ years of service among these Franciscan sisters. What a life they have lived! What a life they have given for the sake of their love of neighbor!

“May we imitate Mary’s example of readiness and generosity in the service of our brethren. Indeed, only by accepting God’s love and making of our existence a selfless and generous service to our neighbor, can we joyfully lift a song of praise to the Lord.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Question for Reflection: What are some “stories of love and charity” that come to mind when you think of how your community serves each other?