Amplifying Our Shared Charism

This summer, the four congregations of the OSP/IHM charism family—the Oblate Sisters of Providence and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Scranton, PA, Immaculata, PA, and Monroe, MI—gathered for milestone moments: our 10-year OSP/IHM Assembly and a commemoration of the 180^th anniversary of the founding of the congregation. It was more than a meeting; it was a sacred encounter marked by prayer, deep listening, hopeful discernment, and a profound sense of shared purpose. Together, we reflected, celebrated, and envisioned how we could amplify our shared charism for the life of the Church and the world.

Throughout this issue of Journey, you will hear the voices, dreams, and insights that emerged from that gathering—voices that call us to weave our charisms and spirituality in new and life-giving ways. We came together asking: How are we amplifying our shared charism? The answer was unfolded through stories of collaboration, creativity, courageous love, and new possibilities.

Our conversations were rooted in gratitude for the 180-year legacy that unites us—one born of faithfulness, hospitality, and care for those most in need. We remembered Mother Mary Lange’s invitation to “do all you can for the glory and honor of God,” and we felt the enduring inspiration of St. Alphonsus and Mother Theresa Maxis, whose vision of a loving and accessible God continues to guide our charism. From the tears of the Haitian people that watered the seeds of the Haiti Outreach initiative, to the daily faithfulness of our sisters, our charism remains a living response to the needs of the time.

 At the heart of our gathering was a call to relationship—to build among ourselves communities where we can be both students and teachers, learning from one another’s stories, cultures, and experiences. We discovered anew that wherever we are going, we are going together.  As one contributor reflects, “We are called by love to be love.” This simple truth continues to anchor and inspire us.

The reflections that follow invite us to deepen our love for God and continue our service to God’s people. They speak of imagination—of building up our charism and core values and binding them together in hope. They challenge us to be present in every place of sorrow through presence, prayer, and intentionality, and to trust that the smallest steps forward are guided by God’s Spirit.

As we enter this month of November, let us remember with gratitude all those whose have been loved home to God. May the fullness of their new life continue to animate our fidelity to the charism.