Links in the Chain - Heather Ruple

I am a link in a chain,

A bond of connection

      between persons.

[God] has not created me for

        naught.

I shall do good.

I shall do His work.

                        -Cardinal Newman

This was our opening prayer for CIL 2010.  The image of links in a chain was so fitting as we sat in a room with Lasallians from around the world sharing in ONE mission.  I sat at a table with my language group yesterday with people from the United States, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea.  I recognized that each of us is a very small part in the chain but at the same moment, as members of the Lasallian Family, we are important links.  It is the richness of the group, a richness that mirrors the Lasallian Family, that is so powerful. 

We ended our prayer service yesterday by creating a paper chain, each link telling our Lasallian story, each link unique.  We wrapped this chain link around a table in the Chapel in front of the relics of the Founder.  On this table sat a small notebook, aged and worn.  On the pages of this notebook, in the Founder’s handwriting, were the words of the vow of 1694.  While there will be many memories that fill the next three weeks, I will never forget standing in a circle with members of the Lasallian Family making a connection in front of a document so important to our history.  

Looking around the chapel last night all I could do was thank God for this chain.  Thank God for the work this chain does!

On a lighter note: I didn’t create a scene at the coffee machine this morning.  I’m getting the hang of Italian coffee.  Helpful hint: use a bowl not a cup!

Thanks,

Heather