Quote from Janet Erskine Stuart: "It takes twelve falls to make a horsewoman."

Horsewoman painting by Rudolf Frentz

June 26th


"It takes twelve falls to make a horsewoman."

Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ (1857 - 1914)

6th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart

The above quote is taken from the perpetual spiral-bound calendar "The Life Lived" which celebrates the Centenary of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ - (click here to order).  

This quote reminds me of the wonderful talk given last year at the Society's Spirituality Forum by Lyn Osiek, RSCJ.  Sr. Osiek's topic was "Discovering Janet Erskine Stuart and her Equine Legacy".   

"Mother Janet Stuart was so multi-faceted that it is difficult to know where to begin in order to understand her. One approach is through an aspect of life that she knew and loved deeply: her life-long love of horses. As a young woman, she was an expert hunter and handler of horses, and these skills were not forgotten when she traveled around the world during both her time as companion to her predecessor Mother Mabel Digby and her own tenure as Superior General of the Society."

Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum 2013

Last week (July 10-14, 2013) I attended my very first Society of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Forum hosted at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, Calf.  The theme, Janet Erskine Stuart: Spirituality and Education for the 21st Century was what caught my attention.  Since this year marks the Launch of the Centenary Year of Janet Erskine Stuart (1857-1914) it was a perfect opportunity to learn more about this remarkable religious educator and Sixth Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart.  

So after getting settled at the Vallombrosa Center, Helen Ryan and I headed over to the brand new Johnson Performing Arts building for a Welcome Reception and Buffet Dinner hosted in Ravi Hall.  Sacred Heart Schools has a most beautiful 63-acre campus! The 200 plus attendees comprised of RSCJ (many from Oakwood and surrounding Communities),  Sacred Heart Educators, Associates and Alums from as far away as Australia, India, Puerto Rico and Canada.  Our time together would include: informative presentations and break out sessions, daily morning prayer and evening liturgies, time for reflection and group discussion.   The next few days we listened intently to the following speakers:  

Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ 
 - Janet Erskiine Stuart through the Eyes of Her Contemporaries

Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
 -  Mother Stuart's Understanding of Prayer and its Impact on the Spirituality of Sacred Heart Education

Ray O’Connor, Associate
 - Janet Erskine Stuart's Educational Philosophy and the Plan of Studies
 

Ilia Delio, OSF
 -   The Legacy of Janet Erskine Stuart and the SPirituality and Education Needed for Today's Emerging Vision

From the many breakout sessions offered, I chose to attend Janet Stuart's Equine Legacy by Lyn Osiek, RSCJ; Connie Solari, Atherton; Corie Thompson, Atherton; and a very handsome Clydesdale named Beau.  On Saturday afternoon I went to Janet Erskine Stuart's Love of Nature by Ruth Cady, Atherton.  

The overall experience was fabulous.  I enjoyed seeing many familiar faces and most especially meeting and making new friends within our Sacred Heart family. To view the many photos taken during the 2013 Spirituality Forum just click on the photo to the right of this blog entry.

And to see more photos taken during the course of the Forum - click here or go to www.rscj.org

Day of Reflection at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

In preparation for the Lenten Season, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Alumnae Association hosted a Day of Reflection on Saturday, February 9th.  The theme chosen was Women of Forgiveness and Reconciliation facilitated by Lyn Osiek, RSCJ.  Sr. Osiek is currently Archivist, U.S. Province, Society of the Sacred Heart and former Professor of Scripture, Catholic Theological Union.  

It was a lovely morning and the experience was shared with a diverse group of women attendees including: mothers of current students; mothers and friends of alumnae; alumnae from as far away as New Jersey and Minnesota; and four RSCJ; Lyn Osiek, Patricia Reiss, Maria Cimperman, and Agnes Chimbayo. 

Sr. Lyn Osiek, RSCJ will be co-conducting a Pilgrimage retreat November 2- 12 with Sister Marianne Race, CSJ - for further details on this trip click here.

Below is a prayer that was in our packet.  

Prayer for the Beginning of Lent

I want, Lord, actually, I need for this to be a good Lent.

I need to start again with you.  I want to be refreshed.

It is time for me to take a spiritual inventory:

to count my sins and number your mercies.

You offer me a season of grace, Lord and my heart needs what you so freely give.

I have been here before so many times.

Like New Year's resolutions, my Lenten promises often fade away

before the ashes are brushed from my brow.

So, I offer you my past broken Lenten vows

and pray for your strong arm to keep me faithful this year

to my prayer, my fasting and my works of mercy.

I offer you all of my past false starts, and pray you will walk this Lenten path

with me from Ash Wednesday to Eater Sunday.

I offer you in advance whatever my Lenten failures might be, Lord, 

and pray that when I stumble your Spirit will pick me up, dust me off

and set me back on the path marked out for me, the path I pledged.

I offer you my ego, Lord, and pray I take no pride in being faithful this Lent:

sustain me in what I cannot do alone -- just one day at a time.

Help me pray, a day at a time, to sacrifice a day at a time,

to be merciful a day at a time.

As I walk this Lenten journey with your Church, Lord,

open me to the needs of others.

Whenever, wherever I might be merciful,

make me generous to others as you have been to me.

One day at a time, Lord, you and me, with the Church, in the grace of your Holy Spirit.

The Concord Pastor

Woodlands Academy to host a Day of Reflection on Saturday, February 9th

For further info and to register click here