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I am a new staff worker, and Roanoke is my first field house. I have been here for one month.
The weekend after I arrived we went to a diocesan women’s conference in Richmond focusing on hope. The priest who celebrated the Mass, Fr. James Glass, is a long-time friend of our house. He expressed to me great gratitude for Madonna House, assuring me that “many good things come from Roanoke.”
A few days later, I got invited to be part of a young mothers’ group from Our Lady of Nazareth Parish. What an inspiring group of young women!
During the month, I met several committed Catholics who love Christ and Holy Mother Church. I rejoice to see this side of the Church in the U.S., a side which you don’t hear about in the media but which is truly alive.
The three of us watched a documentary on forgiveness put on by Voices of Faith (an interfaith dialogue ministry) at the public library. The movie included testimonies from people of various faiths and scientific research on the power of forgiveness. There was a great exchange from the crowd afterwards.
We gave a retreat in a small town on the topic of “Chit Chat: Nazareth Encounters.” The deacon told the congregation that he sees our house as a lighthouse or a mantle of prayer covering the diocese.
Our director, Marie Therese McLaughlin, gave the talks, and I got to meet a few friends of the house. It’s amazing how they welcome a new staff, and that is thanks to the trail of friendship left by previous staff.
There are a fair number of what we of Madonna House call “Christophers” (Christ-bearers), homeless men and women, on the streets. We see quite a few coming to the day shelter next door to our house.
On Thanksgiving, Marie Therese and I went to help at Samaritan Inn, another day shelter. Georgia Barnett, who works there and volunteers with us, amazed me by how one she is with those who come. There’s a somewhat regular crowd there, and it seems that they’ve built a little community among themselves.
On the feast of Christ the King, we went to Mass at St. Gerard’s Parish. The congregation included a large number of Mexicans, and an African choir sang in Swahili, English, and Kerundi. What a joy!
As for us three, I guess we’ve been getting to know each other and living our little Nazareth life. Jean Doucet and Marie Therese have been very welcoming. Jean has proved her culinary skills with our Madonna House diet.
People visit us, sharing meals or tea with us and coming for poustinia. Two men visitors, volunteers at Habitat for Humanity, made new shelves in the attic for our decorations.
What else to say of my first impressions? Virginia is so southern! It’s surprising considering how far north it is geographically. The Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains around us are quite a sight and a great place for hiking.
I’m more and more convinced that celebrating the liturgy and sharing meals can bring people together.
Well, there’s lots I don’t see and know but thus far the life here reminds me that whatever comes is the Lord’s will drawing us closer into him, and through him to each other!
It is winter and the trees are leafless. The oaks on the mountains and the dead-looking fig tree in our yard, which was alive and full of fruit weeks ago, are a sign of hope and faith for me.
