“ I have a dream.” We know where this sentence comes from. We may have heard it many times. It has so much potential. Where do dreams come from? How do they manifest themselves? I know I’m pushing the seasons a bit, but during Advent we hear the great prophecies of the Hebrew Bible.
These prophesies, mostly from Isaiah, tell us about God’s dream for our world, both then and now. They aim to encourage a discouraged and desperate people to live toward the fulfillment of this dream, to continue to be the light of the world as God’s own people.
Some 150 years ago, five Felician Sisters responded to the request of a priest from the American Midwest. Fr. Joseph Dabrowski had his hands full with immigrants from Poland. Chances are, they came to America to fulfill dreams of their own. Writing to Mother Mary Angela, this priest requested help. After prayer and contemplation, she sent five sisters who would arrive to begin a new settlement, ministries to add “teeth” to the dreams of the pioneers.
We all know this story. Five brave women who left their home country to do the work fulfilling dreams. Working hard, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, they relied on God as they went about the spiritual renewal of the world. Rolling up their sleeves they served where they were needed. They began educating the children. They helped those who were sick. And they prayed and prayed. Love became a two-way street. And so, the story goes…
This Mission and Heritage Week, we celebrate not only the beginnings but 150 years of dreams coming true. From Polonia, Wisconsin seeds of dreams were planted and soon people in the surrounding area were achieving the American dream. November 21, 2024, the Felician Sisters invite all of us to appreciate the embarrassment of riches with which we are blessed. From humble beginnings, the pioneer sisters strove to make God known and loved. Look at where we are today! Celebrate! Press the “golden buzzer.”
Throw kindness like confetti! And above all continue to roll up your sleeves to plant new dreams for people who need them, people who are in need of hope and love.