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Sr. Barbara Leonardo, MSC
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Surprised by God in the Golden
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 Life as well as ministry has taken a real turn. In November, Sr. MT Peterson and I were “upended” by God through a fire in our apartment. That fire, for me, was a new calling. I was called to move – to leave Roosevelt Island where I have lived for over 34 years – and to discern what it was that I was called to. It did not take long.
Settling into a new apartment in the neighborhood where so many other MSCs lived gave new life. I am experiencing a MISSIONARY HERMITAGE. If this sounds contradictory, it is not. I am enjoying what I call my sacred space. In that space, people are invited to come and share life and often meals with me. At times, they feel free to invite themselves. Thus, hospitality is a major component of my new life. In addition, there is ministry serving on the Spiritual Life Committee for our sisters at Sacred Heart Assisted Living Community. I enjoy being with them, sharing with them, and always learning more about their lives. The Enneagram continues to be a ministry which beckons me. In the past few months I have given two programs. Currently, I have been invited to give the workshop at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Harlem. The Vestry of St. Mary’s are looking forward to it; truthfully, so am I as new people enter my life and enrich it. On the back burner, I will be in dialogue with the pastor of Epiphany Parish to see if I can be of service in any way there. For now, I am on his “to do list.” The HERMITAGE aspect of my life is just that. I have time and space just to BE in the presence of our bountiful God. The contemplative time is precious as life goes on. So, from the fire, came not just ashes, but NEW LIFE. ~ Sr. Barbara Leonardo, MSC |
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