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Reading from the Chapter Reflection

by Sister Aline Marie Steuer, CSC

“The world is at a point of violence, social dissolution and the presence of a gnawing question as to whether or not there is anything that can be done to change the direction set by leaders of governments. This is the world within which we are called to be saints and prophets, that is to give witness to the possibility of a world of compassion, justice and community through the full and integrated living of our commitment as religious women. We know we do not hold this hope alone nor in vain. It is God who inspires and sustains us in our desires and who also calls individuals and groups from every corner of the Earth to join in solidarity to bring into existence visible examples of God’s reign in our midst.”

Leader: We are call to promote nonviolent systemic change through prayer, word and action. (Chapter Direction)
Silent Reflection: What kind of action will you take to promote nonviolent systemic change in our community, society, church and in the world?
Sharing  

 
Response:  

 

The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Leader: At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last. All: Holy Mother! Pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior crucified.
Leader: Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, all his bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword had passed. All: Let me share with you his pain who for all my sins was slain, who for me in torment died.
Leader: Oh, how sad and sore distressed was that mother highly blessed of the sole-begotten One. All: Let me mingle tears with you, mourning him who mourned for me, all the days that I may live.
Leader: Christ above in torment hangs. She beneath beholds the pangs of her dying glorious Son. All: By the Cross with you to stay, there with you to weep and pray, is all I ask of you to give.
Leader: Is there one who would not weep, whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ’s dear mother to behold? All: Virgin of all virgins best, listen to my fond request, let me share your grief divine.
Leader: Can the human heart refrain from partaking in her pain, in that mother’s pain untold? All: Let me to my latest breath, in my body bear the death of that dying Son of yours.
Leader: Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled, she beheld her tender child, all with bloody scourges rent. All: Wounded with his every wound, steep my soul 'til it has swooned in his very blood away.
Leader: For the sins of his own nation saw him hang in desolation 'til his spirit forth he sent. All: Be to me, O Virgin, nigh, lest in flames I burn and die in his awful judgment day.
Leader: O you Mother, fount of love, touch my spirit from above, make my heart with yours accord. All: Christ, when you shall call me hence, be your Mother my defense, be your Cross my victory.
Leader: Make me feel as you have felt, make my soul to glow and melt with the love of Christ our Lord. All: While my body here decays, may my soul your goodness praise safe in paradise with you. Amen. 
Alleluia!

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