Yesterday, our dear Bon Secours French sister, Sr. Claire d’Assise passed away at age 98 in Vendome, France. She was from Alsace, France, a territory claimed by both France and Germany and thus a political hot potato during the world wars.  I got to know Sr. Claire during my visits to Paris and spent numerous hours with her talking about the history of Bon Secours and her experiences as a sister.

Possessing a tall, willowy frame, she had a keen intellect, spoke several languages, was a teacher, writer of history and of poems and kept up a robust exchange among poets and friends.  She loved being a tour guide of Rome at one point.  Sr. Claire inspired me to expand my own imagination and intellect.  She always closed her letters to say she was praying for vocations to Bon Secours.

And now, as I recall our recent Come and See vocation gathering, my thoughts turn to her, and I find myself asking her to pray for three women who spent last weekend with us to learn more about religious life and the Sisters of Bon Secours.  Thank you Claire for your many years as a Sister of Bon Secours!  Also would you continue to pray for women exploring if God is calling them to be a sister?  Who knows you may follow in her footsteps!

I close by sharing this comment from one of our Come & See participants:  “This weekend was exactly what I needed.  It put peace in my heart that has taken me years to find.  I am so beyond grateful … you have blessed my life more than you may realize.  God bless you.”

Peace and blessings,

Sr. Pat