Everyone has a nun's story, even Bill O'Reilly, and especially Philomena. I have no doubt they are all true, but with different perspectives. Here is mine, and like all the others, a true one.
We set our clocks for 4 a.m. The car had already been packed with sandwiches, granola bars, and a small Ziploc bag of chocolate peppermints. The gifts were tightly crammed into the trunk of my friend's SUV.
We were off to a Jubilee, actually two Jubilees! And despite the fact that we were heading to the State of Massachusetts, this in essence is a Long Island story.
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We were going to visit the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who in 1963 headed from the Borough of Brooklyn to the wilds of Dix Hills, where they had purchased the land for what was known and loved by all who crossed its threshold as Madonna Heights.
Despite all the legends, Madonna Heights was never exclusively a haven for unwed Mothers. Rather it embraced all girls and women in need of refuge without discrimination for race, color or creed and does to this day.
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That year there were 60 remarkable women (nuns) who began this endeavor, and approximately 100 girls who entered into their care. Today 12 of the Sisters remain ensconced and cared for lovingly in Marlborough, MA, thanks to the healthcare initiated by Mitt Romney.
Most of them had spent the majority of their years at Madonna Heights only leaving 6 years ago for another state where their health care and declining abilities could be cared for. Today was to be a day of celebration; Sister Margaret Dorothy would celebrate 70 years of service to God and others, and Sister Mary James, 60 years of service.
The definition of Jubilee is a time of joy, the origin of the word and meaning dates back to 1300 during the time of Pope Boniface VIII.
There were four of us traveling to the celebration. Each of us had been actively involved for over 30 years with the Mission of Madonna Heights, and this remarkable band of women who devoted so many years of their lives to others. Our own lives have changed drastically through the years, and especially after the departure of the Sisters 6 years ago, but the bond of love and friendship shared never wavered or diminished.
Today was destined to be not only memorable, but another shared loving adventure. And indeed it was despite friendly warnings of the mileage we would cover, and dire predictions it would take us three days to recover from the trip. We all agreed it would be well worth it.
Our friends welcomed us with the love and concern we have always felt in their presence. Many of the original group are now bedridden in nearby nursing homes, but those who remain active are still incredible role models. They radiate a peace that I can neither describe nor quite fathom. One, and I promised not to use names, when asked how she felt about being 97, simply said,
"Everything has happened so quickly in my life, I never noticed ageing."
How beautiful, when most of us can count the fears and anxieties of our lives with double digits.
This is a time when many women are reaching a crossroad, wondering whether to downsize, move to an assisted living facility, or relocate closer to children. Amazingly, these women left their home of 45 years on a snowy December day, and never thought to look back, feel anxiety or require medication for depression. They truly trusted in the Good Shepherd, and never wavered in the commitment they made in their youth.
It is really a rather remarkable story, actually much better than some shows on Lifetime TV or in a Chick Flick. But then reality is always better than fiction.
And, yes, despite the sandwiches, coffee cake, and camaraderie, a round trip to Marlborough in one day is not an easy trip.
But it was worth every minute. Touching base with goodness has a long lasting effect. It seems to wash away some of the pettiness of mundane challenges that touch all our lives, and the opportunity was well worth the effort.
It may have been their Jubilee that was celebrated, but the time of joy was also ours.
Massachusetts may not win the World Series this year, but they have won this inning because it is now the home of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd who gave Dix Hills Madonna Heights.
I cannot help but wonder how many children they Mothered!
