God’s Signature on Our Lives

“You have no idea how everyone enjoys your book, but most of all what it means to me,” the handwritten note began. I smiled. The note came from a friend who’s had some health challenges and is convalescing at her monastery. I’d sent her a copy of Sisterhood of Saints a while back, and was delighted to think women religious liked the book.

“It covers most of my life and written so well and loved by all who read it. The people here at the nursing home who see it are excited to know who I am–the real me. As you know, I wear many hats and hope to be back on duty soon.”

Ah, I realized. This was about the little 48-page booklet I put together in 2008 as part of Sister B’s retirement as the parish’s school principal after more than thirty years. She was moving on to provide pastoral care among the seriously ill. She’s been described as the one who never left because she’s a constant in a parish that by its nature and location is transient.

It had been wonderful to get to know Sister B better as we worked on her book. In 2003, she became only the second woman religious ever (the first being Blessed Teresa of Calcutta) to address Congress. She worked tirelessly for decades to make our parish center a reality–no surprise the parish hall is named after her and the other Benedictine sisters who served the school for years. She survived with faith and serenity a six-way bypass and massive heart attack within a two-year period.

How could I have not realized how much the little book means to Sister B as she rebuilds her strength? I was reminded of an essay a friend once wrote called “An Audience of One” about how letters exchanged with an ill friend were the most important writing she was doing.

And then, Sister B gave me some wisdom to chew on: “This is good to share your knowledge and love of the Lord. God’s signature on our lives should be shared. It’s a gift.”

I’m not sure I’ll ever have have the knowledge of God Sister B has. But I’ll be thinking of her this week as I write… and as I interact with the body of Christ. As she wrote, it’s a gift.