By Laura Stafford, Administrative Assistant
Over the years, prior to my working here at Villa Assumpta, there were many occasions I would find myself driving down Charles Street, looking over to the left, seeing the chapel and asking, What is that place?
Then, on the way back up Charles Street, I’d look over to the right to see that small, weathered, blue and barely-there sign with “School Sisters of Notre Dame” inscribed on it.
That should have been enough for me to begin searching for an answer to my question… but I just kept tucking it away in my “wondering” file.
Curiously enough, the journey led me to Villa Assumpta 10 years ago to begin a new chapter of life, and I still found myself in a mystery of what this place means, and is.
Time passed. Mysteries unfolded like beautiful garden flowers.
Then, very recently, in all the commemorations, activities, and emotions around the Sisters’ move to Stella Maris, the answer quietly settled in when God tapped me on the shoulder one day and whispered:
This was the best way I could answer your repeated question about ‘this place’, …I needed to plant you here…to give you a snapshot idea of all that was, who and is of ‘this place’.
It flooded in, like a montage of snapshots… ‘the place’ is all the amazing Sisters who, in times past and in present day, have been found walking the halls of Villa Assumpta, the surrounding areas, and the whole world… carrying with them generations of Sisters who have gone on ahead of us.
The place is God’s mission found in the hearts of men and women who faithfully serve in our incredible ministries and provinces, carrying on the dream of Blessed Theresa and Mother Caroline.
The place is the relationship between Sisters and Associates.
This place was a home for the Sisters, and we as lay staff, Associates and colleagues were invited into their home to align with them on their journey and God’s mission.
The place is almost 200 years of lives and stories and adventures that have helped to shape and impact the world and hearts around and in us.
The images go on…
In God’s mysterious way, and after these 10 years, I realized He gave a bonus “answer” to my wondering … being planted here in this place helped me to grow in ways that I never knew I needed. I hope
I have been able to give something back for all that has been given to me!
Finally, with our dear Sisters, Associates and colleagues, I gaze in wonder of our Amazing and Faithful Father, who is always listening – and eager – to answer our questions and prayers in delightful, (sometimes painful) unexpected and sometimes extravagant ways.
It will be difficult adjusting to their absence at Villa Assumpta as they carry on their mission from Stella Maris. But God whispers again to my heart to remind me of a promise His Son gave to us so many years ago – He prepares a place for us and will draw us to Himself so that we may be together as one for eternity. (Jn. 14:1-6)
What a beautiful promise with many more mysteries and missions ahead to look forward to!
