The Journey Makes Us One, Part Two

By Judith Jackson, SCL

The Journey Makes Us One, the final sentence of the Lenten hymn, Jerusalem My Destiny, has manifested itself in a variety of ways here at Marillac Center this Lenten season.

As the season changes have transformed the campus from winter to spring to almost summer as mid-March arrives, it gets our attention and blows its blustery winds once again. The initial challenge this Lent was to stay firmly on the path as we journey and to be open to a change in our hearts.

Multiple images for mind and heart have emerged from our programs: Treasuring the Gifts of the Desert; Preparing our Backpack for the Journey; Staying on the Chosen Path; Exploring Vices and Virtues that Accompany Us on the Journey.

To deepen our oneness, we have graced opportunities ahead in the remainder of our Lenten journey. The vision of our center invites us to be present to the spiritual needs of the world. These global and local needs are ever-changing and are often distressing, and so we pray with those who suffer, who grieve, and who hope.

At the beginning of this Lenten season, Pope Leo XIV gave us this invitation: To examine our hearts and our lives. To refocus our gaze on Jesus and His love for us. So how have we responded? How can we deepen our spiritual selves to be fully present to the Paschal Mystery, the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus? And how can we support our sisters and brothers in other traditions who seek to grow spiritually, to deepen their quest for God?

Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:

Linger Over Coffee: Staying firmly on the path as we journey this Lent
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
9 to 11 a.m.

During this series, we will meet in O’Shea on the first floor of the Mother House.

Transformative Power of Prayer
March 27-29, 2026
Marillac Center
Sr. Mary Pat Johnson

Although made in the image and likeness of God, who is Love, we are all born into a broken world, and in varying degrees, the wounds suffered from that brokenness have separated us from our true identity: persons capable of loving as God loves. These retreat days will explore ways in which fidelity to prayer will gradually heal and transform us into the women and men we were from the beginning created to be. Time for silence, personal prayer, and faith sharing will be included.

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
4:00 p.m. to Sunday, May 31, 2026, noon
Ross Chapel
Fr. Frank Reale, SJ

In a preached format, Fr. Frank Reale will direct us in The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The movements include the four weeks highlighting major themes like the Principal and Foundation to the Contemplation to Attaining the Love of God. The movements include the four weeks, highlighting major themes like the Principal and Foundation, to the Contemplation to Attaining the Love of God.

Beloved Discipleship: Johannine Gospel
Monday, October 12 (4 p.m.) – Sunday, October 18 (4 p.m. – Mass)
Ross Chapel
Sr. Mary McGlone, CSJ

The Beloved Discipleship Retreat will examine the Gospel of John as the way of entering into the call we each have to become the beloved disciples of Jesus in today’s world. The rhythm of prayer will include times for silence, personal prayer, and individual accompaniment if requested.