A Thanksgiving Message from Sister Charlene

Tomorrow we will observe Thanksgiving, an annual national holiday celebrating the harvest and the many blessings of the past year. Thanksgiving Day is not a holy day of obligation, yet the purpose of the day is primarily to give thanks. It brings people together, family and friends, and allows us to say thank you – to each other, but most especially to God, our Creator, the source of all life and goodness. 

Expressing gratitude is a way of acknowledging that we have received from others and that we have remembered our blessings and gifts. Thanksgiving Day also promotes unity as the day brings people together and encourages them to reach out to the dear neighbor with food and companionship, so that those who might be experiencing a time of need or challenge can also join in the act of thanksgiving. Rooted in our mission, we work to achieve unity in both neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God. 

As we take a pause from our normal routine for this one important day, Thanksgiving, to focus on our many gifts and blessings, let us remember and pray in gratitude for the greatest gift of all – LIFE. Each and every day God renews this gift to us, with a new day. I invite you to reflect on the following words of St. Ignatius in the Principle and Foundation of his Spiritual Exercises. May your reflection remind you of how loved you are and that God’s gifts are found in all of creation, especially in one another. In the end, may you want and choose what better leads to the deepening of God’s life in you. I am grateful for you and the gift your life brings to the Mount Community. May we be one in love.

My God, when your love spilled over into creation

You thought of me.

I am from love, of love, for love.

Let my heart, O God, always

Recognize, cherish, and enjoy your goodness

In all of creation.

Direct all that is in me toward your praise.

Teach me reverence for every person, all things.

Energize me in your service.

God, may nothing ever distract me from your love . . .

Neither health nor sickness

Wealth nor poverty

Honor nor dishonor

Long life nor short life.

May I never seek nor choose to be other than you intend or wish.

Know that you are remembered in my prayer. May your day of Thanksgiving be blessed and provide time to relax and renew your spirit.

In St. Joseph,

Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ            President