Robert Fulghum’s famous work, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is filled with simple wisdom.  Precepts such as pay fair, put things back where you found them, and say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody are among a myriad of truisms included in Fulghum’s book.   Many of these precepts, I learned because of my kindergarten teacher, Sister Bridget.  Sr. Bridget was a member of the order of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (ASCJ).  The order began in Italy in 1894 and now exists all over the world.  The principle mission of the order is education. 

I learned a lot from Sister Bridget.  Most importantly, I learned who Jesus was.  One spring day our kindergarten class was taking a walk.  As we journeyed hand in hand, we came upon a large ferocious dog.  As the dog ran forward to attack us, Sister Bridget pushed us against a wall and stretched out her arms, using her body as a shield to protect us.  With courage and calm, she started to pray, and we followed.  Eventually, the dog calmed down and walked away.  I will never forget that day, nor will I forget the bravery and selflessness of Sister Bridget.

I remember and celebrate Sister Bridget and others especially during this Year for Consecrated Life declared by Pope Francis.  The word “consecrate” means to set aside or dedicate to a special, sacred purpose.  Men and women who live the consecrated life set aside worldly attachments and possessions so that they may freely give witness to Christ by serving others.  Most men and women religious profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Pope Francis expressed his expectations for the yearlong observance hoping that consecrated men and women would be witnesses of communion, of joy and of the Gospel, going evermore to the peripheries to proclaim the Good News.  “I am counting on you to wake up the world, since the distinctive sign of consecrated life is prophecy,” he wrote.  “This is the priority that is needed right now.” Today as we commemorate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, let us pray that many more men and women like Sister Bridget answer the call to show us the heart of Jesus.