Teresan News Summer 2012 - Alumnae Association of the College ...

Finally, I think the research on ‘sisterhood’ can help us see that despite creatures having lots of things in common
– there is also a lot of difference – and that difference is what makes life beautiful. All of the animals listed
earlier need and nurture relationships between females – and these relationships are the foundation of the
society - but each species is uniquely different – an elephant is not a barnyard mice. And sisterly relationships
are not formed with just any female – or even with all females. Something makes one or another stand out so
that they end up choosing each other.
Choosing friendship across difference can be a challenging and deeply rewarding experience. When we only
choose those who like what we live or who look like we look or who think like we think – we end up being
friends, basically, with our selves. Another women whom I greatly admire as someone who reached across
difference is Dorothy Day. She believed that every person she encountered was a gift. She didn’t always want
to be close to those she found in her path – but her faith taught her that each person – no matter their story, their
need, or their background – was, for her, the face of God.
True love is delicate and kind, full of gentle perception and understanding, full of beauty and grace, full of joy
unutterable. There should be some flavor of this in all our love for others. We are all one. With such a love one
would see all things new; we would begin to see people as they really are, as God sees them. Dorothy Day
Life is an amazing journey. Sister-friends make that journey even more exciting and interesting. But I don’t
think that friends are given to us to just make life easier (though research shows they do) – I think we are gifted
with others so that we can bring the gift of love we have experienced into our needy world. We live in a
fractured world – a hungry world – a hurting world. As women shaped in the spirit and heritage of Saint Teresa,
you have been gifted with much – and, of you, much is expected.
In the movie, “Dead-man Walking,” another strong woman, Sr. Helen Prejean, says to the young man being
led to the death chamber – “I want you to keep your eyes on me as they strap you to the table. Don’t turn away
because I want the last face you see on this earth to be the face of love.” What a gift to give another person – the
face of love.
So, take all that you have – and will receive – and be the face of love.
Take all that you have – and will learn – and be the voice of truth.
Take all the love you have – and will give – and be a woman of compassion.
The world needs your love – your truth – your compassion. In other words, Be sisters to the world.
And now a brief word to our graduating Seniors – it has been my personal privilege to watch each of you
grow and change and develop into incredible women. You have worked hard – you have addressed your
personal issues and needs – you have reached out to others in need and helped them achieve – and now you go
forth with my personal wish for success and happiness. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we wish you all
of life’s richest blessings.
1943 Round Robin 'riting by Jeanne Brennan Meier '43
The class of 1943 started writing a letter to be sent out to 12 of our classmates shortly after graduation. We
thought it would be a great way to stay in touch, long before computers were invented, when the written letter
was an important communication tool. Unbelievably, all 12 of us still contribute to the round robin letter, going
from one classmate to another, adding the latest news in the family and then mailing it to the next person on the
list. We've been through changes in our jobs, volunteer positions, family life and even death of our loved ones,
but we continue to stay connected with our round robin letters. Letter writing is an art, a way to express yourself
to those who know and love you. It's been a blessing to receive these wonderful letters every few months to
catch up on everyone's life.
Perhaps another class does this too. If not, you should try it! When my CST round robin letter arrives, I sit down
in my easy chair and relax. When I send off the letter the next week, I wish all my friends well until we see each
other again. May God's blessings in life always be enough to get you through the difficult moments!
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