Sunday, May 31, 2026 – The Most Holy Trinity
Over the Memorial Day weekend members of the Marianist Family, both lay and religious, gathered in Dayton to witness and celebrate the perpetual profession of vows of Marianist sister, Sister Emily Sandoval, F.M.I. (Daughters Of Mary Immaculate). It was a joyous celebration and brought back memories of my own life-long commitment as a Marianist brother years ago.
Sister Emily’s perpetual profession was such a powerful witness. In a time when religious vocations are few and religious orders are becoming smaller and older, having this young woman “stake her claim” and her life as a religious sister is refreshing and inspiring.
In times of questioning and unknowing what the future holds, it is good to see signs of hope and promise. As the writer John Shea once said, for “us night-pacers and nail-biters,” positive and hopeful events bring us welcome relief that all is not lost. These are the small beacons we need to hold on to when doubt threatens to overwhelm us.
As we enter into the next six months of ordinary time on the church calendar, let us hold firm to the conviction that there are no ordinary moments. God is ready to grace us with new hope and promise. And as I have said in past reflections, God’s revelations to us do not always take place in the church house or some spectacular event; but in the small unexpectant moments of a routine or boring day.
As a Catholic/Christian community, we need to be those signs and messengers of hope, calling attention to our brothers and sisters of God’s action in the world, and ultimately, that God is in charge. Please keep in mind this these verses from the Book of Lamentations”
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never comes to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 21-23