inspiring grace

i've been at a conference for the last two days related to leadership for new ways of learning.  today one of the presentations was about spiritual leadership, charism, and mission.  i was inspired to do some research on my new school and its own charism when i got home, and wouldn't you know...i found so many interesting things!

1. our charism actually originates in two places.  first, with our patron saint, rose of lima, who was of the dominican order of st. cecilia.  second, with the nuns who teach in our school (who started our school) are the sisters of providence, whose foundress was st. mother theodore guerin.

2.  the characteristics of these beloved nuns and saints include:

-trust in God's loving Providence

-giving of oneself to God and others in works of love, mercy, and justice

-seeking strength in God in the face of difficulty

-reaching beyond oneself; awareness of the needs in the world

-joyful spirit

-courage; risk-taking

-love of the cross; redemption in suffering

-pride in and loyalty to community

-simplicity; detachment; poverty

3.  and i'll leave you with two inspiring quotes that i came across...

"Breaking boundaries, creating hope"

"Without the burden of afflictions, it is impossible to reach the height of grace."