By Sister Carmelina, O.C.D.
“I hear babies cry. I watch them grow, they’ll learn much more than I’ll never know and I think to myself, ‘What a wonderful world.’ “
The wonder and beauty of creation, especially of each person, is incalculable. A mother can relate to this experience when beholding her child. A lover can’t get enough of the beloved, and friendships grow stronger when we honor and respect one another.
As a child, suffering from poor health, Mother Luisita could not attend school and was tutored at home by Agapita, a holy and wise woman. In addition to the secular subjects, she added the appreciation of the mystery of God in the world and in every creature and person. From this, Luisita developed a life-long love for nature as God’s special gift, a daily reminder of His goodness. This was especially shown in her reverence for the sacredness of each person she encountered in her long life of service. Her respect, gentle demeanor and graciousness drew everyone to her.
The Sisters who lived with her were in awe of Mother’s gifts and charisms as they observed the many people who respected her and treated her with reverence. “Always dignified and gentle, Mother could speak easily with the ‘rich and famous’ as well as with the simplest and humblest person.” “Mother was able to relate to each Sister in a warm and personal way. She remembered the Sisters’ family and personal needs with motherly solicitude.”
Let’s try during February, to personally express our respect and appreciation for all those who come into our lives. Imagine how our families and the world would be different?
