Adaptability

Recently I was surprised to see a colony of gulls foraging in a newly mown meadow.  They must have travelled about forty miles from their nearest seaside resort!  I couldn’t help but admire the sheer adaptability of these birds.  With fish stocks on the decrease due to industrial fishing, they have to seek food elsewhere.  I also see them benefitting from our wastefulness, especially, in city centres.  Tourists and unsuspecting shoppers are often robbed of their ice-cream cones, burgers and fish and chips just when they are about to enjoy them.   Gulls have become adaptable, inventive and resourceful.  With their highly developed repertoire of communication skills and body movements they keep their community spirit alive.  They show us that change is an inevitable part of life.  If we trust in Providence, prioritize relationships and use wisely our God-given talents and net-working abilities, life can be filled with new and exciting beginnings.

Our charism first given to Nicholas Barré, is characterised by a spirit of courage and daring.  It sustains us as we face the challenges of new paths on our journey in the footsteps of Christ.  Daring and creativity will be in keeping with the spirit of Nicholas Barré, who, in his time, blazed a trail for those called to live the Gospel.

“God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change… COURAGE to change the things I can, and WISDOM to know the difference.”

Sr Catherine O’ Sullivan