Sr. Pat
Sr. Patricia Lennon
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Current placement and ministry: Princess Anne, Maryland; prayer ministry (the Pope’s and Bishops’ desire for senior sisters). At my age, I place prayer at the forefront of my life in accordance with the duties required of me and in the spirit of Br. Charles de Foucauld. I have had to drop a few activities, but do what I still can do: providing music for Mass, community chores. An important aspect of my spiritual life is Devotion to the Blessed Mother as set forth by St. Louis de Montfort.
What did you do before joining the Little Sisters? Most of my adult life was in education, both as a Franciscan and as a layperson. A priest advised: “Educate yourself and educate others.” This I did for all my active years since my early twenties.
When did you start thinking about a religious vocation? At the age of five, I heard within me, “Be a sister.” I would have to go up and down many paths before God kindly saw that “I got it right.”
What attracted you to the Little Sisters? A priest connected me with a sister who pointed me to this community.
I was attracted to our community because it pointed to a ministry that was highlighted in the Vatican II Documents, that is, the “preferential option for the poor.” Pope Francis emphasizes this most passionately and seeking out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy for all Christians.
As a Little Sister of Jesus and Mary, I have received a vocation that fits me “just right.”
Nazareth Spirituality is the spirit of our community founded by Charles de Foucauld — the Spirituality of the Holy Family — seeing God in the ordinary as contemplatives in action, loving Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist and in the poor, being a universal sister.
I have experienced that where God’s Word goes out, it accomplishes what it says. We must always listen prayerfully to the plan God has for our lives and follow it in faith.
What are the most rewarding aspects of religious life? Living under the same roof as Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and serving the poor.
What are the more challenging aspects of religious life? Balancing prayer life and work; keeping alive one’s inner life and striving to pray constantly (in a spirit of prayer) but also taking time for prayer beyond our Holy Hour).
What’s a special memory you have of living in community? Being very sick and the sisters taking care of all my needs so generously and lovingly.
What’s a special memory you have of ministering to others? Many memories, each special, over many years (40, 50, 60).
Is there a passage from Scripture that is especially meaningful to you? “I know the plans I have for you, plans for a future full of HOPE and not disaster” (Jeremiah 29:11).
What spiritual practices and devotions are important to you? The Mass and Holy Communion are the center; the Rosary, and the praise, thanks, reparation, and petition prayers I say daily.
