Colette Hilbert, gentle companion inspiring her sisters to dream God’s kingdom into a reality … 

Seeing with New Eyes
Sister Benedicta Dega, FSSJ

Seeing with new eyes, the mantra filled the air as a musical medley of joy and hope.

Saints Francis, Clare and Colette listened with attentive ears and joy-filled hearts, seeing with new eyes:

Spoke of hope in a changing world,

Spoke of appreciation of the past,

 Spoke of trust for what the future holds,

 Seeing with new eyes was made possible by the Divine Optometrist, Jesus Christ.

 Holding a pair of bifocals in His hands, He spoke of each part of the lens, depicting two focuses –

The near vision for reading the past and the distant vision for seeing the future world.

 Saints Francis, Clare and Colette huddled close and listened as words of wisdom and advice left His lips.

 “My Franciscan daughters, now in the Fall of your community’s life, reflect on the harvest of souls from your countless ministries.  Remember the time of the growing number of vocations in your new community.  Look back on your contributions to make the world a better place.  Recall the hardships and successful times you had in proclaiming my message.  Go over in your heart and soul your contributions to God and Church.  Think about the countless times you Rebuilt my Church.  Yes, my daughter of St. Francis and Colette, this is only one part of the lens.  Your bifocals that search in the distance;

 … See your community in the Winter time of life,

… A time of greater quiet and prayer time,

… A season of modeling and preparing for future growth in self and the world.

… A period where the dreams of Spring and renewals are beginning to bud,

… An era of new growth that is life – giving an hour when you sit near the furnace of my heart and feel my love and gratitude for your service.

… A reflective time where you see all of life passing fast and God’s faithfulness as clear reality.

Placing the new bifocals on – Seeing with new eyes is truly a “gift.”  All things are put in a proper perspective.  The Divine Optometrist smiles, blesses, and hands a chart for you to read.