In celebration of new life for Loretto & newly professed Sister Maribah Ishaq SL!

New life. This phrase evokes so many wonderful images of emerging life  — butterflies unfolding from cocoons, seeds sprouting new green life, tulips awakening after a long winter’s sleep. But today, when Loretto thinks about new life, the Community’s witness of Loretto Sister Maribah Ishaq’s first profession takes precedence. 

Truly it was a memorable and jubilant occasion that reinforces our incontrovertible belief that the Spirit is always alive and presents us with new life. On June 23 we witnessed a blend of the Pakistani culture and U.S. culture in dress, in dance, in words familiar and unfamiliar. It was breathtaking in its delicate simplicity. 

For the Pakistan community this ceremony was especially meaningful. Maribah’s initial vows are indicative of new life in Pakistan, one of our farther neighbors’ growing community. Maribah as a young professed sister is now ready to study for a MAPS (master of arts in pastoral studies) degree at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Doing so will fulfill her hope to bring the skills of this education eventually to women and children in her beloved country. With this experience, Maribah dreams of being a woman who witnesses a Spirit-driven life. Waiting in the wings are Shaista Alyas and Saima Munir. They are preparing to make the same commitment as Maribah so that they also can continue the same mission and witness to others in Pakistan. Both will begin their journey at the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate in Chicago this coming year as canonical novices.

New life happens each and every day with every person. It takes a willingness to go beyond any complication or obstacle along the way. Author Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Courage is grace under pressure.” How true. We witness this new life in Maribah, Shaista and Saima, who truly live courageous lives as they faithfully respond to the Spirit. And we believe without a doubt that the decisions these three women have made and will make continue to demonstrate that the Spirit never stops breathing new life in everyone’s life. Wonder and awe are all around us if we keep our eyes open to see, ears open to hear and hearts open to the daily love the Spirit pours into our hearts. Seeds continue to be scattered and planted, tiny and delicate yet tended with compassionate care, love and hope. The Spirit always assures us … new life is among us. 

As Maribah wrote in her program notes at her first vows ceremony, “I have walked the path and cut the weeds. I want to sow the seeds of good deeds.”