Witness Sister B

Summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily from Saturday, April 29, 2006

"You are witnesses of these things." Luke 24:48

IN THE EASTER SEASON, JESUS commissions his followers to be witnesses of his Risen Life. All of us are called to this testimony through baptism and confirmation. This weekend we are invited to honor the outstanding witness of one of our number, Sr. Benedict on the 50th anniversary of her profession as a Benedictine sister. We recognize that she has spent 33 of those years in service to the people of St Charles and 30 years as principal of our school.

Many people have written to me on this occasion citing the testimony of her life and ministry.
Bishop Loverde writes, "Your selfless service has been both inspiring and sustaining in the formation of many young people in the Catholic faith."

Let the children she serves speak for themselves. I found many messages from our students written on hearts. Children sometimes see more clearly than adults.

• She is a person of great proportion, she is like a perennial flower that doesn't want or won't stop blooming. I think she is AWESOME!
• Sister "B" is not just a principal, she is a friend. She is always there to help you with your problems.
• To me, Sister B has been a leader a role model, and someone I can look up to in my faith. She shows great patience and love in her everyday life. Sister B uses the virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit every day.
• Sister B what you mean to me since I've known you is you are very generous because you give free milk and doughnuts. You always know just what to say to cheer up someone sad, you are always there for us when we need help, you truly understand us to me. You are more than just Sr. B, you're Sr. B, our friend.
• Sister Benedict:
  You are a loving and passionate person. I wish you can go on 50 years of being a nun. God Bless!!
• Sister B. She prays everyday. Cares for her dog. Cares for the children.
• Sister B. You have meant a lot to me. You inspire me to love my faith and continue it. You have been a very good principal to all of us.
• Sister B. has made a great impact on my years at St. Charles. She is a very spiritual person. Looking at the way she lives gives me COURAGE.
• Sister B to me is a nice person that has taken St. Charles through a lot of things. When every she prays with us, it feels like Jesus is always there. Sister B always helps and guides me in the right direction. She is a great person. "
  

I need to comment on the next observations:

• "Sister B means to me -- The school is like an engine, and Sr. B's the fuel. If Sister B's gone there is no St. Charles. Sr. B keeps this school running."
  

This comment takes on special significance in the light of a recent incident. On Holy Thursday her car was virtually totaled while parked in the church lot. Sr B's reaction was, "I needed a new car anyway." Now she has a new golden car that sports a golden ribbon. When she drives though the neighborhood people honk thinking a newly married couple is ahead. And of course she is a bride of Christ and ready for the many roads ahead.

• "Sister Benedict stands for justice. She is always loving and caring for everyone. Sister B is like Jesus in every way... We enjoy her company."
  

By her telephone is a sign with the words of the prophet; "Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God". Obviously to this student she exemplifies the law of the Lord.

• "She treats us with respect. Sister "B" cares for everyone in this school. Without her this school would not be here now. She gives me extra chances when I get in trouble."
  

In my experience working with Sr. B over ten years this quality is what stands out in my mind. Many leaders and church administrators put their organizations and the image of the institution first. She places the priority on the dignity of each person. When a child is in trouble and it may be easier to dismiss the problem, she offers a second chance for rehabilitation and renewal.

May each of us in our own way take this occasion to rededicate ourselves to the task of witness.