We The People

By Sister Judith Jackson

As July begins each year, we honor the historical beginnings of our country, the UNITED States of America. You are invited to reflect on the sacred words of the Preamble to the Constitution.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

This year, we recognize 250 years of our existence as a democracy. We acknowledge our history is full of contradictions; we acknowledge there have been successes and failures; and we acknowledge that we work towards a more perfect union, knowing that perfection is not within reach.

As we celebrate another milestone as a country, it is important we reflect on our past, and it is important we are mindful of the future we participate in creating:

Are we working towards justice? Are we seeking tranquility for all people of the United States? Do we work to promote general welfare?

These are not meant to be divisive or provocative questions. They are the very questions our Founding Fathers necessarily grappled with during a vulnerable time as a fledgling country; a country established for those seeking freedom and opportunity.

Here at Marillac Center, we are open to embracing all: We the People. We pray that the virtues in the Preamble will flourish in our families, churches, and society in general. We pray together that we will respect the dignity of all people within our country and across the world.

For those individuals and groups who will grace our center in this month of July, we give thanks and pray for inner peace and joy to fill their hearts. All are invited to join us for:

Preached retreat: St. John’s Gospel and Beloved Discipleship by Sr. Mary McGlone, CSJ: October 12-18, 2026

Silent directed personal retreats for one or more days: October 26-31, 2026

Preached retreat: Clothe Yourself in Compassion by Sr. Barbara Reid, OP: May 24-30, 2027