Did you ever dream…
Sister Benedicta Dega, FSSJ

Mother Colette, did you ever dream that your “Yes” would bring to fruition?

From your heavenly home you look down on us today – But you are surrounded by the many

Franciscan Sisters that are with you.

They were our sisters, friends, mentors and models

Together you look at us and see

Our diminished number
But you all rejoice as we celebrate

With togetherness

Those things that were and still are

A part of our tradition

For you, Mother Colette, this day is

A deja vu –

A recalling, reliving the story that

You were a midwife in birthing –

Birthing a new community

As in all birthing, there is pain

Coupled with joy

As well as the privileged,

To assist the elderly infirm and ill

Of today’s world.

To be a voice for the countless needs of the voiceless

Humanity, especially women and children

To be the prayer warriors for a better

Witness of God’s love –

To be that quiet image of

Integrity in a power-hungry world.

To display our Franciscan ideas

In “walking our talk”

Yes, we celebrate with you and all

Who have gone before us.

May we renew our vision – our trust

In God’s Providence

But, most importantly, the legacy that

you have left us.