Sr. Mercedes
Seeking approval.
Beginning in 5th grade, I used to volunteer every summer at the Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Paul, Minnesota. One of the sisters from South America befriended me and took me under her wing. Her name was Sr. Mercedes. She had a very wry sense of humor and was quite funny. Not everyone knew when she was joking, but I did since she always looked at me after saying something humorous, and she had this mischievous twinkle in her eye. If I began to laugh, she would quickly place her finger to her lips to warn me not to give her away.
Many “pious’ ladies also volunteered at the Home. (I love pious ladies so don’t get angry that I identify them as such.) Some of the ladies were very impressed with the sisters, and despite their advanced age, they seemed to vie for the nun’s attention, as well as attempting to impress the sisters with their virtue and devotion. (Perhaps as they may have acted with the school sisters when they were children.)
It is not unusual for people to behave differently in front of religious.
One lady in particular seemed to corner Sr. Mercedes every time she was at the Home to volunteer. The woman loved to discuss Fatima and talk about the sacrifices she made, and all the rosaries she prayed, as well as how she volunteered at the Cancer Home too. Sometimes she would confide in Sr. Mercedes about fellow parishioners, friends, even priests who were not as enthusiastic about devotional matters as this lady was. Not infrequently, that seemed to be Sister’s opportunity to duck out.
Sr. Mercedes usually placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder and squeezed it gently, softly repeating, “You veddy holy lady, veddy holy lady!” Then she grabbed my hand and we went onto another project, that mischievous twinkle in her eye as we walked away. I believe Sr. Mercedes was quite sincere in what she told the woman, since she once explained to me all of us are holy when we are in the state of grace.
That mischievous twinkle simply told me Sister had given the woman the approval and affirmation she had been craving - and the pious lady went away satisfied with Sr. Mercedes’ recognition.
Some bloggers can be like the “pious” woman. A few may be like Sr. Mercedes, and some, like me, are easily amused. So, lighten up - you are all veddy holy people. ;)
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
LOL! I know the type!
Myself…everyone knows I’m not so holy, just working on it. There’s so much less pressure that way.
Because once someone thinks you’re holy, then you cause scandal if they find out you’re not so much. It’s a really big deal for a “holy one” to crash, especially in front of people.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Enid Strict:
“Well, isn’t that special?”
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Susan - ROFLMAO! I’m crying! I’m laughing sooooooooo hard! Oh - you better get to confession!! LOL!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:36 am
Julie–I like the “no pressure” approach too! LOL
Terry, I love your writing. And this post is an excellent argument in favor of relgious wearing their habits!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 am
Terry, as one who loves the Traditional Latin Mass, despises bad music and thinks Nancy Pelosi, et al., should be ashamed of themselves, I’d like to thank you for the voice of sanity you have been this weekend. It is very easy for people like me to get carried away with anger and condemnations. Much better to rejoice in the Holy Father’s visit and not dwell every thing we’d like to improve.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 am
That was not supposed to be funny, TER-RY! I know who you work for—do I need to spell it out?
Enid
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 am
Hello! I am a Little Sisters of the Poor who read your reminiscence. I
was just wondering if you realized that the photo used is of a Sister of St. Joseph, not a Little Sister.
God bless!
Sr. Marguerite
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 am
Dear Sister Marguerite, Thanks for your comment - yes, I know that is a photo of a sister of St. Joseph - I was being lazy and used a file photo - I thought it “zany”.
I have fond memories of the Little Sisters, God bless you.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:08 am
Susan - you better spell it out for me… I thought your comment was meant to be funny and I enjoyed it… I like to be made fun of.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 am
Thank you. How true that our pride often overtakes us and we act so foolishly. Thank you for sharing with us, it will continue to help me keep a check on my humility and attention-seeking behavior.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
No, Terry, I thought it was very funny!!
Enid didn’t—-that’s who dictated that last post—-see where she signed it?
:>