Leadership Monthly

Reflection Column

As we continue to move through this holy season of Lent, I find myself reflecting on a homily I heard at the funeral of a friend of mine in January. Jim, who died, lost his wife a couple months earlier. He was dependent upon her to do many things to keep him comfortable and engaged. She was there when he needed her.

The priest who gave the homily spoke of two times Mary held her son, Jesus – when he was born and when he was laid in her arms after he died. As a baby, Jesus needed his mother, Mary, for everything, every-little-thing. He could do nothing for himself. At the time of his death on the cross, Mary could only look upon her son, her dear helpless son, not being able to give him comfort, heal his wounds, wipe his face, or hold him. She wept tears of deep pain, calling upon his Father in heaven to give Jesus the strength he needed because she could not. Once he was taken from the cross and placed in her arms, she could finally embrace him with all the love in her heart that was now broken.

It is like this when a couple grow old together and one loses the other. Or it is like this when any loved one dies who has been loved by you or in your care. Up to a point you can DO for your loved one, but then in the end, you can only BE there as you watch the process of death take its’ course. 

This Lent place yourself in Mary’s position of holding her child in her arms so lovingly. Jesus and his mother surely had a bond that was special and beautiful. Allow this Lent to teach you the beauty of holding on and letting go. 

L- Adriana Daniel/Luciana Hernandez         R-Oluwasola Fadahunsi

What's New in the Toledo Archives?

With a New Year ahead of the Toledo Ursulines, along came three new assistants in archival work. The Archives welcome aboard Adriana Daniel (Freshman), Luciana Hernandez (Sophomore), Oluwasola Fadahunsi (Senior) students from St. Ursula Academy right next door.

Filing and sorting school yearbooks belongs to Luciana, and preparing folders for data entry on the computer falls to Adriana. Oluwasola Fadahunsi, will start by pulling medical records from files. Having young people interested in history is a delight to observe.

Adriana was an “elf” at the Sisters’ December St. Nick’s party and said she really enjoyed being with the Sisters, talking to them and the chance to see the Convent Offices.

Luciana signed up to volunteer because she was interested in seeing things in the archives that were related to St. Ursula Academy and the history of the Sisters.

Oluwasola has joined the archives “team” because as a National Honor Society member she needs additional service hours and is interested in what the archives are all about.