Catherine McAuley'sSuscipe

"Today is the beginning of a new week, and so we pray Catherine McAuley's Suscipe". I heard this every Monday morning for four years.

Mercy High School is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, founded by Catherine McAuley. And I was lucky enough to be a student there. It shaped who I am today. I loved every moment of high school and I wouldn't change a thing.

I've been out of high school for 8 years now, but I am still very much connected to Mercy and the Sisters. I am a former Mercy Volunteer Corps member and an associate to the Sisters of Mercy.

A tradition I have kept? I say the suscipe every Monday morning. I have it on my desk, so really I can say it whenever I want, but I make sure to do it on Monday's.

My God, I am yours for time and eternity.

Teach me to cast myself entirely

into the arms of your loving providence

with the most lively, unlimited confidence

in your compassionate, tender pity.

Grant me, O most merciful Redeemer,

That whatever you ordain or permit

may be acceptable to me.

Take from my heart all painful anxiety;

suffer nothing to sadden me but sin,

nothing to delight me but the hope

of coming to the possession of you,

My God and my All, in your

everlasting kingdom.

 

Even though I heard these words every Monday for four years, I still get chills when I read this out loud. The words are so beautiful and so meaningful. Nearly every time I read it, something new pops out at me. It gives me so much to think about, to be grateful for, and to hope for.  It is one of my "go to's" when I am in need of comfort and peace, and of just knowing that I am not alone.

Say the prayer out loud, slowly. Then repeat it. Give each word a thought. I can almost guarantee something will jump out at you.

The prayer is so clearly stating that our lives our gifts from God. We are called to build a relationship with Him, to trust in His plan and to know that He will bring us through the challenges that we face.

"Take from my heart all painful anxiety" is my mantra. On my worst days struggling with anxiety, I say this over and over again. It is almost comforting to know that Catherine felt the same way. Since I hope to model my life after her and her good works, it's like I have a friend in my journey. God does not abandon us in our darkest times.