January 1, 2022: Mary as Contemplative in Action with Anne Arabome, SSS

Anne Arabome, SSS preaches for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God:   "As I see it, Mary’s contemplative posture teaches us that the quality of our presence to one another, the depth of prayer in which we hold one another, and the expanse of our love for others can be life-giving beyond words and healing beyond all remedies, especially at times of anxieties and worries, loss and pain, uncertainty and despair, such as we have experienced during the pandemic. Her contemplative poise draws us into the loving embrace of the Divine, who loves and enfolds us in Christ. Her contemplative openness reveals God’s desire to touch and transform our lives with God’s light. Not only is Mary a missionary disciple, an apostle of joy, she is – to use a phrase from St. Ignatius of Loyola – a contemplative in action."   Anne Arabome is a member of the Sisters of Social Service in Los Angeles, California. She is presently the Associate Director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which provides faculty and staff with support and guidance in leading a reflective life. Of Nigerian parentage and origin, she is a naturalized US citizen and holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of Roehampton in London, UK and a Doctor of Ministry in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01012022 to learn more about Anne, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.