Dear Friends,
2020 continues to be tumultuous, challenging and momentous! I am filled with gratitude and pride to be associated with each of you; together, we are the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College community. We have demonstrated genuine care for one another and care for our Woods during a global health pandemic, social unrest in our country and a contentious national election.
Before today ends, most of us will have participated in the democratic process by casting our ballots. Beyond making our selections for county, state and national leaders, we are by voting, contributing our voice to a national discourse. Like the rest of the country, our votes and our opinions are diverse. Unlike most, we stand on a legacy of faith and commitment to long-held values. In our 180-year history, we have been part of 45 presidential elections!
“…a tender charity has constantly existed among us. There is the secret of our strength, the firm foundation of our prosperity, the source of our success.”
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Our Catholic heritage and our mission compel us to live our lives with intentionality toward justice, inclusivity, and love for all. We have the unique and important opportunity, today and every day, to model behavior that is indicative of our character, education and faith. Care-filled listening and responsible conversation can lead us to deeper understanding of ourselves and of one another.
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1,2
Let us use this moment to demonstrate our compassion and love. We can seize this opportunity to put our faith in action and bring light to a divided world. My hope and my prayer for our Saint Mary-of-the-Woods community is that we care deeply for one another, that we continue forward in unity and that we
“Trust in the Providence that so far has never failed us.”
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
Sincerely,
