Mary Frances Clarke: Letters From the Heart
When I think of Mother Clarke, I love to think of her as in the picture, pen in hand, writing a letter to one of her sisters. As she writes, the sister is sitting there with her in the imagination of her heart. As she remembers the sister, Mary Frances smiles tenderly; sometimes she giggles at a funny memory; other times her face expresses pain and compassion, knowing she is writing to someone who is hurting.
Her letters give witness to the virtues she values: charity, simplicity and humility. They are full of love and concern for the sister and her little community of dear sisters. Her message is simple and her words are sparse.
Rarely, if ever, does she give advice. Instead she encourages the sister and invites her to take her pain and worries to the dear Lord and lay them at the foot of the cross. Mary Frances trusts that God will help her and she trusts the sister/s to make the most loving decision. I find myself smiling as I think of her.
Mary Frances Clarke is dear to your heart. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thanks Colleen for helping us sit with MFC and imagine what was going on inside her as she wrote to the sisters.
Thank you Colleen for your reflections on Mary Frances’ letter writing. It was a good reminder for me to be compassionate but not try to solve a person’s situation with all kinds of solutions. Being a good listener, speaking/writing words of encouragement and trusting the inner strength and wisdom of the other person is following Mary Frances’ gentle, loving way of being a sister/friend to others.
Such a loving reflection, Colleen. Thank you for making Mary Frances “come alive” again for us on her special day!
Thank you, Colleen, for your thoughtful sharing! We are so blessed to have memories of Mary Frances Clarke.
Angele Lutgen
Colleen, you have reminded us once again of how blessed we are to know our sister, Mary Frances Clarke. Over the years she has become as real to us as Associates and BVMs who have been part of our daily experience. What a gift!
Thanks, Colleen, for your simple but profound reflection. A lovely example of what MFC says to us today. May we continue to make loving decisions both personal, communal and congregational.
Thank you Colleen for your kind depiction of Mary Frances Clarke. She was an example of compassion, love,and sincerity. it is a reminder to carefully listen and to offer words of encouragement, not always giving our own advice.
Colleen,
Thanks so much for the lovely reflection that captures the spirit of our dear Mary Frances. Your words inspired images of a woman for all times. Gratefully, Kate
And I smile at your blessed words. Thank you, Colleen. Peace, love, Betty V
My dear Colleen, how marvelous to read your message about Mary Frances Clarke. I could see her and you as companions during these years. Encouraging people to be together and trusting in ourselves to serve to the whole Creation.
Thanks for this marvelous reminder. We do not need give any advice to anybody. We are invited to encourage ourselves and others to live in Community in different ways and forms.
Love to you all.
sasky
Sister Colleen have had issues getting into the web site but finally able to get in and read your reflection. From all I have heard about Sister Mary Frances you certainly captured her spirit and her concern and love for her sisters Hope all on Edmunds are well.
Colleen, My computer has not been working, but finally got on today! Thanks for your meaningful and beautiful reflections. I am so grateful! Loving gratitude, JoAnn O’Connell.