VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, O.P.
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I taught school for 24 years, worked in the parish for 26, and ministered in the hospital for 13 years. Working in the parish, my mornings were filled with visiting the elderly; my evenings were busy with RCIA class, working with the eucharistic ministers and lectors, sharing the Word and more. You name it, I did it. What kept me going during all those years? It was my prayer life, faith and trust in God.
I knew the busier I became in ministry, the more I really needed the Lord’s help. I would say, “Lord, you have to show me the way. I know things will work out if I just trust in You.” Living in community, I had the backup of the praying community. However, when I lived alone, it was up to me to stay close to God. So every morning I would have my cup of coffee and an hour of prayer. And God really sustained me even under the most stressful situations.
Over 39 years, my routine had consisted of reading and reflecting on material from a variety of “The Word Among Us — Complete Catholic Mass and Meditations,” “The Living Faith — Daily Catholic Readings and Devotions,” and “The Little Black Book” (for Lent) and “The Little Blue Book” (for Advent and Christmas).
The Little Books consist of short six-minute reflections based on Scripture and the traditions and customs of the seasons. They are really good for meditation. I also say my rosary. After that, I would go to Mass and proceed to work. By reflecting on the readings of the day, I knew what Father would be preaching over, letting the Word set within me deeper. Building one’s personal prayer life is so important.
Now that I am retired and living back in community, I continue to look forward to my coffee grounds and the grounding of peace felt after my prayer practice. We can’t just read things. We need to think about it. The readings are all talking to you. And some in a better or more personal way. Think about how it is affecting your life, or how it might. Toward the end of the “The Living Faith” magazine, there is a section on “Prayers and Blessings.” This is very good to begin and close each day with a different prayer. Sometimes I cut out the prayers and blessings to share with others. They are always appreciated.
Back in 1979, when I moved to California, I came upon the 27 days of petition and the 27 days of thanksgiving rosary. I have been saying it since. The history of this 54 day novena began with the appearance of Our Lady of Pompei in 1884 to a critically ill daughter of an Italian military officer and her curing her.
I like this prayer a lot. When one cycle of 27/27 is completed I can then move on to the next intention and pray for that. Whether the petition is answered or not, one continues saying the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the five-decade rosary daily in thanksgiving until the novena is completed.
Sister Miriam Joseph Teresi is a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. She is 64 years professed and resides at St. Francis Convent in Manoa.
