A Lovely Convocation

Two days ago I attended the Secondary Schools Department Convocation as part of the 3-day NCEA 2010 convention. What set this particular convocation apart for me was the honoring of three religious congregations for distinctive anniversaries. Our own Sisters of the Visitation – The Order of the Visitation of Mary – were among the honorees. 400 years. Amazing.

Sisters representing the Visitation Schools in Brooklyn, Georgetown, St. Louis, and of course, our own Mendota Heights, were there to share in this special moment. Sister Susan Marie, Federation President, accepted the award plaque on behalf of all of the Sisters. With a humble smile, so emblematic of the Visitation Sisters, she stood on the stage to be recognized.

As was noted in the convocation program: Today, Visitation sisters operate twelve monasteries in the U.S., four of which run schools…All these sisters continue in their commitment to the Salesian motto, Live Jesus. This simple phrase encapsulates the humility, gentleness, and patience that the Sisters of the Visitation exude, allowing Jesus to live through then and affect the lives of all they meet.

Being there with so many of my colleagues to experience this lovely moment was a blessing…as is working at Visitation – shoulder to shoulder with these remarkable women.