60th Jubilee Reflection
Sr. Pat Suchalski
How would you describe the journey that led you to your becoming a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament?
As I reflect, I see how God was guiding my journey all my life. As an only child, I was brought up in a very faith-filled Catholic family. The faith was simple but deep. My parents were people of prayer and action. They provided me with the example of inclusive love and respect of all persons.
At a very young age I had a desire to be a missionary to tell others, especially the poor, about Jesus. As a teen I became aware of the inequalities and discrimination that the Black and Native American people in our country faced. Through the Civil Rights Movement I felt a desire to do something to make a change.
At the same time, I had a great love and appreciation for the Eucharist. Praying in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — talking / listening to Jesus’ heart to heart was something I did as often as possible.
When I heard the SBS speak of our mission, something sparked in my heart. After a few years of communicating with the vocation director and visiting with the sisters in Chicago, I sensed God’s wonderful and life changing invitation to be a SBS, and I responded.
God led me step by step. In my heart God placed the understanding that we are all God’s children. God placed the desire for social justice for all, especially the poor. God did all of this in the context of love for Jesus in the Eucharist.
One day as a Novice it was like a bell went off in my head. “Wow,” I thought, “Our congregation has all the desires of my heart — a passion of justice for the poor and love of the Eucharist. God has given me all I wanted.”
As you look back over your years of service what would you like to highlight?
In some ways that is a simple and easy question to answer. I have been privileged to serve in the ministries of education both as a teacher and principal and in various congregational ministries, including leadership. In each of these ministries I encountered so very many faith-filled persons who revealed to me the face of God by sharing their deep faith and love. In each situation I did the best I could, but I know that I have received much more than anything I have ever given.
On each mission I have lived with so many wonderful SBS who have witnessed to me the joy and reality of Total Gift of Self. What a gift community life has been for me! This is still true today.
What does this Jubilee year mean to you in this year of Hope?
A Jubilee is a time to celebrate all that has been and placing my trust in Divine Providence as Mother M. Katharine taught for all that is yet to come. I am confident that God continues to work step by step as He has done all my life and in the life of the congregation. This Jubilee Year of Hope is a reminder to celebrate the surprising unfolding of the Presence of God each day.
In the words of Pope Francis, “They who proclaim the hope of Jesus carry joy, and they see a great distance because they know how to see beyond evil and beyond their problems … I cannot give you hope, but I can tell you hope is where Jesus is ….”
Some Ending Thoughts
If I have any regret after 60 years, it is that I can’t do it all over! My life has been and is so blessed. My heart overflows with beautiful memories of all the people and missions I have been on and visited. Every person and mission are carried in my heart and prayers. The words of Mother M, Katharine are so true. “How good beyond all measure and entirely and utterly beyond all that we deserve God has been in calling us to be His in the religious life. People think we have done a great thing in giving ourselves in the service of our Lord. They do not know, as we do, that it is our Lord who has done us the greatest possible favor in calling us into His service and to dwell with Him in His own house … Yes, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is with you … Nourish before Him great desires.”
To that I say Amen … Amen … Amen!!!
