Colette Hilbert, faithful disciple of Jesus witnessing the gospel way of life …

 Colette, My Companion on the Journey
Sister Benedicta Dega, FSSJ

 Colette            – woman of integrity

                        – woman of trust in God

                        – woman modeling God’s kindness

                        – woman of gentle ways

                        – woman of artistic spirit

You have modeled for us even though we may never have met you.

You, Colette were the “unpresence” that we have felt – your spirit guiding us

You were that bridge from the Borromean Order to the Franciscan order you founded.

Like St. Charles Borromeo of yore, you reflected a need in the church – to educate

God’s children in Christian ways and truth.

You carried his charism and ideals to a New World …

You bridged the European world so old, with the newness of the immigrant’s spirit so bold.

You, Colette, as Franciscan in the New World and a new era in America, were that answer to Francis’ call of Christ of “Rebuilding the Church”

By your work among the immigrant church, by being that full pitcher you talked about –

You knew so well the days of the full pitcher of love and support

As well as the days of sadness, loneliness, and indecision –

But you knew the secret of acceptance and holiness –

That these are achieved only if the pitcher emptied must be

It must be emptied of self –

It must be emptied of us –

And all that holds and keeps us earth-bound.

You perceived a newness of life springing forth

And you assumed that greater prophetic role in the church and society.

You sought by word and deed, which proceeded from a full pitcher, to bring about the needed changed in structure and value –

We come before you with our pitcher –

We come with hopes,

            with expectations,

            with trust. 

For a newness is springing forth now –

A seedling sprouting new growth

A trickle of water becoming a growing stream.