“Angels Among Us”

How appropriate to choose “Angels Among Us” as our theme and or refection for this edition of our LBW. Why? One reason is that our friend and guest, Diane Nilan, took some interesting photos of our guardian angel statue located in our sunken garden facing our building (see image below). This statue is a gift from our foundresses who made it possible for the Benedictine Sisters, our Sacred Heart Academy Students, and now our Villa Residents to be inspired by knowing that our guardian angel is protecting us.

A second reason is that as a Benet Academy teacher, I participated in their senior retreat program, “Logos”. At times I used the song “Angels Among Us” (recorded by the band Alabama and released in 1993) to highlight an event when I felt the experience of an angel’s presence in my life.

The chorus words are:
Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love
(Songwriters: Don Goodman / Becky Hobbs)

My story, often shared, occurred when driving west on I 80 to Colorado. The car that I was in hit a bridge crossing sign, veered across the highway without hitting another car, and landed below the bridge, about 10 feet from a large body of water. A retired paramedic, observing from a distance, called 911 and then drove to unstrap us from our seatbelts and waited for two ambulances to safely transport us to a hospital. To be sure, there were lots of angels present during and after this accident.

Sharing our stories allows us to revisit those moments with gratitude, and also opens the way for others to share their experiences. Although not all examples need to be as dramatic as mine, many of us have “Angels Among Us” experiences. Angels come into our lives as “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14) … as guests, as volunteers, as those who brighten our lives and lift us up with smiles, encouragement, assistance, kind gestures, or a listening ear when needed most.

A third reason: recently, our chaplain Father Becket, residents Jack and Rose Ann Flowers, Theresa and John Zigmond, and Cindy Power (now deceased) and I started a follow-up to our Synod Meetings. One of the Synod goals is to create “listening conversations”. We began by asking participants to share their “Angels Among Us” experiences. These were powerful stories and great ways to get to know each of us better.

The plan is to continue four times a year by gathering and sharing conversations on further topics. I take this opportunity to invite all to come to the Great Room when “Sharing Conversations” is on the calendar or tune in to channel 1901 on our TV screen.

A fourth reason: this theme is so appropriate as we approach the Christmas season, where the angels are seen on high singing “Glory to God in the Highest” as we celebrate the reality that Our Savior has been born into our world:

      To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
      To guide us with the light of love

Merry Christmas and a blessed, peace-filled New Year!

Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB
Prioress

Cell Phone: (630) 750-6010 or mbratrsovsky@shmlisle.org