December 9, 2005

My Journey to God

Plaint for a Retired Religious–II

It was a good life,
Lived with the youngsters,
Who shared their camaraderie
Even with me,
Their teacher.

I feel that I helped them all,
Even the incorrigible,
As they began their journey.

I look back with satisfaction,
Content with what had been.

Now my time is more relaxed.
I want few things to comfort me.

But I also have needs
That are not a matter of choice.
And my income is limited,
As is that of my order.

I hope for help
From those who heard my voice.
Hear me now.

By Keith Bradway

(Keith Bradway resides in Morgantown and is a member of St. Agnes Parish in Nashville. The archdiocesan collection for the national Retirement Fund for Religious is scheduled at Masses on the weekend of Dec. 10-11. There are almost 39,000 religious who are past age 70, and the religious institutes must support themselves and their retired members. Benedictine Sisters Angeline Preske, left, and Mary Carol Messmer retired from ministry at St. John Parish in Starlight earlier this year and now reside at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove.)

 

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