Sr. Louise Gallahue presents "Faith Afire"
Sr. Louise Gallahue presents “Faith Afire”
Sr. Louise Gallhue, DC introduces Faith Afire, the Newsletter of the Daughters of Charity St. Louise Province and its well over 500 Daughters.
Dear Friends,
“Go then courageously, advancing moment by moment on the path on which God has placed you in order to reach Him.” (St. Louise de Marillac, L.360b, February 8, 1653. Spiritual Writings, page 412)
As we approach our second anniversary as the Province of St. Louise, I am mindful of how God has led us down many different paths to assist our brothers and sisters living in poverty. It has been the courage and conviction of so many Daughters of Charity and our lay collaborators that has impelled us to embrace ministries that allow our Vincentian spirit to touch those who are poor.
In this issue, you will read about health care clinics that provide services in both urban and rural areas of our province. The ministries in Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana include components that touch the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of those who seek the path to wholeness. For more than 50 years, the journey of the young women who have attended Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Maryland, has not only included an excellent academic preparation but also a solid moral and spiritual education based on Vincentian values. The young adults who participate in the Vincentian Mission Corps and Vincentian Lay States as well as in Ethiopia and Kenya.
The International Project Services takes a very different route in helping our Sisters to create systemic change in many of the poorest places on our globe. Since beginning operation in 2006, more than 540 projects have been funded in 56 developing countries where the Daughters are serving.
I continue to ask for your prayers of gratitude for the many ways God has drawn us to Himself through our service of our brothers and sisters who are poor. As the Easter season ends, we are filled with the joy of Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday was very significant to St. Louise de Marillac because it was on that day that she had a spiritual experience which was the turning point in her life. She called it her “Lumiere” or “Light.”
St. Louise felt God was telling her to remain steadfast in the care of her husband and son and that a day would come when she would make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Let us ask the Paraclete to
pour out that same light on us so we remain faithful in God’s service.
Blessings!
Sister Louise Gallahue, D.C.
Provincial
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