Thank you, Sisters!
There were seven years in my priestly life when I lived with over 80 women! They were grace-filled years during which I served as Chaplain at the Motherhouse for the Sisters of Mercy. I was privileged to celebrate Mass each morning at 6:30 am in the magnificent chapel. I was overwhelmed daily as I looked at the Sisters and saw the countless number of years of faithful service to the Church that were represented in ministries involving health care, Catholic education, social work, counseling and many other areas. I was truly inspired and humbled each day to be on such holy ground.
My deep respect and admiration for Women Religious have been a part of my life since the first grade. I was taught in Catholic grammar school, high school and even College by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They were and remain known for their profound commitment to Catholic Education. I am blessed to this day to receive words of encouragement from the Sister who taught me in the first grade. I was honored that the first Sister who asked me to consider being a priest and another Sister who is a dear friend of my family were present for my Installation as Bishop of Raleigh. Another Sister is the aunt of one of my closest priest-friends and I am honored to call her by the same name, “aunt.”
I am so pleased to welcome the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, back to the Diocese of Raleigh. The Congregation is remembered fondly in the Diocese of Raleigh for the time they served at Cathedral School in the 1970's and ‘80s. This past fall, I spoke with their General Superior, boasting that our Diocese is faith-filled, vibrant and ever-growing. I mentioned the various opportunities for ministry for Women Religious and the great potential for vocations. I asked for consideration that some Sisters be assigned to the Diocese of Raleigh. I was overwhelmed when I was informed that five Sisters were assigned to ministry in Raleigh in the areas of Catechesis and Evangelization, Catholic Education and parish work, including special service to the Hispanic community. I am especially grateful to the Congregation for the great generosity in sending us five dedicated, enthusiastic and holy Sisters. I know they will be a tremendous blessing to our Diocese and all those they will serve. I especially thank Father John Forbes and the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes for making available the convent for the Sister’s residence and for the extraordinary welcome that has been extended to them.
This particular time is also a wonderful opportunity for me, on behalf of the entire Diocese, to express sincere gratitude to all the Sisters serving in our Diocese and to their Congregations and Communities for the support they extend to us. I have deep respect for the Sisters and am inspired by the countless ways they serve the Lord and His people in our local Church. What a blessing and gift they are to us! Please join me in praying daily for them and their great work. Pray also that more women from the Diocese of Raleigh will hear the Lord’s call to give their life in service to the Church as vowed Religious ever faithful to the promises of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge