Associate Reflections

My first encounter with the Daughters of Wisdom was through Sister Margaret Kelliher during her time as the parish outreach coordinator at St. William the Abbot. The St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. William came under the auspices of Sr. Margaret and as part of St. Vincent de Paul; I was drawn to Sister Margaret's gentle way of dealing with the client needs as well as the members of the conference. Her presence provided the compassionate guidance for us as we helped those in need. I was in ministry with Sister Margaret through the St. Vincent de Paul conference for over eight years. It was during those years that I felt a strong connection to the spirituality of the Daughters of Wisdom, which was when I decided to make the first promises to become an Associate two years ago. This connection, although I am miles away from the location of the Daughters of Wisdom and the Associates, has strengthened me in ministry. As I continue to be blessed through the Associate program, I wish to participate more in the mission of the Daughters of Wisdom, which is to "seek to bring the message of Jesus, Incarnate Wisdom, to people experiencing, injustice, violence, poverty and oppression," through the ministries in my local parish in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, in the coming months I hope to establish a stronger relationship with other Associates despite the distance, through the creative use of the technologies old and new.

–Donna D'Ambrosio, Associate of Wisdom, Florida

When asked to reflect on my experience of being an Associate of Wisdom, two songs come to mind. The first one is a song by two Daughters of Wisdom entitled "In Search of Wisdom." The words of the refrain for the song, written by Sr. Marie Chiodo, DW ring true for me in my life: "As a youth I journeyed in search of Wisdom, in search of her I journey still." What being an Associate of Wisdom has done for me is provide companions for my journey in search of Wisdom and a community of women and men with whom to share this unique and precious spirituality. The last two lines of the musical score "Some Enchanted Evening," a love song, made famous in Roger and Hammerstein's production of the Broadway musical South Pacific, describe both my own feelings for Wisdom and my advice to others who seek her:

Once you have found her,
never let her go.
Once you have found her,
Never let her go!

Ellen Francois.  Associate of Wisdom, New York

Being an Associate of Wisdom, I have come to know how to better serve God by the daily opportunities which present themselves. In my hospice ministry many occasions come about and humbly say, "Here I am Lord" show me the way to better serve with compassion in my nursing care delivery. Reassuring patients to be unafraid...God is near waiting to answer generously an invitation to come to God. Each occasion is unique and so special.

Margo Bromfield.  Associate of Wisdom, Massachusetts