News From Home

April 2026

By Sister M. Anselma

Dear Family and Friends,

On this beautiful spring day, Palm Sunday, I find myself surrounded by “potential” as I look around me…

The hawk family in the backyard (which I can observe from my office window) is busy protecting and defending the nest that must hold some precious potential! Only when we hear distinctive little squeaks will we know that those baby hawks (called eyas) have hatched. Then in a couple months, we might be lucky enough to glimpse momma hawk teaching them to fly!

And yet, nature also reminds me that potential is not a guarantee of fulfillment. In a walk through the back yard today, I drew close to one of my favorite trees near the Mary Fountain. It is a Tulip Magnolia tree that provides each year a beautiful splash of purplish-pink to our landscape. Instead of the bright display of new blossoms I was hoping for, I saw almost-black, stiff petals. I realized that in the recent dramatic cold snap, the fresh blossoms must have frozen stiff… the potential lost for this season.

This Holy Week is the perfect time to observe the potential of our hearts, and also the ability for that potential to be lost. The drama of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection is an opportunity each year for us to enter more deeply into the life Christ has come to give us. There are those who will travel the distance with Jesus, even to the darkest, most painful places… and then experience the pure joy of seeing him risen and whole and filled with glory! There are those who will tire, turn away from following Jesus, and miss the gift of His life.

And yet our Lord is gracious and merciful and offers us another season, another opportunity to turn to Him and follow Him.

My constant desire for the Mother of Good Counsel Home is that we intentionally foster the potential God gives us. Our Mission Formation program was instituted to keep God’s Mission for us at the center of life here at the Home. Last week, Sister M. Caterina gave a beautiful Mission Experience workshop on Empathy, helping us recognize the opportunities to draw close, listen deeply, understand, and show our care for the experience of others, especially those we serve. It was powerful indeed!

May each of us travel the sacred journey of this Holy Week by drawing close to our Lord in his experience and in his loving sacrifice… and may His grace blossom in our hearts in the Easter celebration!! You are in my prayers!

In His Merciful Heart,

Sister M. Anselma
Administrator