Women learn practical ways to approach spirituality

Intermountain Catholic

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Daughters of Charity Sisters Cecilia Van Zandt (left), Stella Marie Zahner (back), and Germaine Sarrazin, and Ladies of Charity Pat Bopp (front second from left), Betty Singler, and Joyce Jensen learn a less formal approach to spirituality at a Lenten retreat.IC photo by Christine Young

BOUNTIFUL – "Sometimes spirituality can be complex," said Daughter of Charity Sister Martha Garcia at the Saint Olaf Chapter of the Ladies of Charity Lenten retreat held at the Daughters of Charity Convent in Bountiful March 14. So Sr. Martha taught the Ladies of Charity and the Daughters of Charity less formal and more practical ways of becoming more spiritual.

Sr. Martha is from the Daughter of Charity Provincial House in Los Altos, California.

"First of all, Lent means growth and change," said Sr. Martha. "There is nothing more constant than change. We get very comfortable in our ways and in what we do. Each of us has a spirituality that is unique in our own life. We ask ourselves, is spirituality the same as religion? Spirituality is that path to God that each of us takes in our own life. Religion is our creed, or how we go to God as a community of believers.

"Spirituality unfolds our awareness of God’s presence in our life and in our faith," said Sr. Martha. "It reflects our ongoing relationship with God. It integrates our life choices, our daily interactions, and our decisions. It shows us the way to live from the little things to things day-by-day. Our spirituality needs to be formed, cultivated, and cherished, because sometimes it becomes complex. When we develop more openness and responsiveness to who God is in our lives, we need to promote the wholeness of our entire selves, and recognize that our spiritual journey is that ongoing daily formation of the ordinary and the routine.

"Sometimes we have to let go of our ways and adopt the ways of others," said Sr. Martha. "Another person’s ways are just different. That is a spiritual development on which we must work. As Ladies of Charity and Daughters of Charity, we are in the spirituality of action. Sometimes we serve people who do not smell so good, and who are very poor.

"St. Vincent de Paul formed the Ladies of Charity in 1617, and the Daughters of Charity in 1633, so we are Vincentians," said Sr. Martha. "This means spirituality of action. We are a prayer in action. Ladies of Charity and Daughters of Charity are committed to problems of the poor through prayer, action, and awareness. We all have different roles, responsibilities, and obligations."

Sr. Martha covered different ways to reduce stress in our lives. Some included planning your wardrobe the night before, having emergency cash hidden in the house, and returning all phone calls. The list included having a "things to do list" each day, drinking plenty of water, and breathing deeply. It said have a good cry, take an overdue vacation, be comfortable saying "no," and always be honest.

Sr. Martha said spiritual growth is growing into the light and love of God. So the group spent some quiet time reflecting on where they were in their own spiritual life by answering the questions: How do I celebrate the blessings in my life? Do I balance my life in prayer and action, and if so, how? Do I take opportunities to grow spiritually? Am I ready to change small things in my life in order to emerge with new life?

Sr. Martha taught the Ladies of Charity to wake up and decide to have a good day, to dress up by putting on a smile, to shut up and say nice things, and to learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so he must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

Sr. Martha said stand up for what you believe in. Look up to the Lord. Reach up for something higher, and trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lift up your prayers, and don’t worry about anything.