In the Perfect Will of God: Seeds of Hope, Fruits of Charity
(Dublin, Wednesday, February 16, 1842)
From the window of her room, Mary Aikenhead watched the snow fall silently, like a veil of desolation suffocating every hope, every possibility of relief. Her fragile health had confined her for years to governing the Congregation from that room, yet the weight of responsibility had never lessened. On the table beside her, a stack of letters lay as a silent admonition: too many requests, too many sick, too many lives to save with ever-diminishing resources. Her hands, resting on the rosary, found comfort in prayer.
A discreet knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. A doctor stepped inside, his face marked by exhaustion and the weight of a reality that seemed increasingly unbearable. He placed a bundle of papers on the table with a grave expression. No words were needed: the hospital was at its limit, medicines were running low, and there were not enough beds. Mary nodded, yet deep inside, she felt the weight of despair trying to creep into her soul. For a moment, she closed her eyes and clutched the rosary between her fingers—an imperceptible gesture that anchored her to her unwavering faith. The faith that had always sustained her had never abandoned her, not even in the darkest moments. With a steady voice, she gave instructions to ensure that every possible effort was made to alleviate the suffering of the sick. Every resource had to be used wisely; every donation carefully allocated.
Her mission was not confined to the walls of the hospital. From that room, she oversaw the Congregation’s houses spread across Ireland. Letters travelled from Dublin to Waterford, from Clarinbridge to Cork. Each foundation required constant attention. But Mary did not let herself be discouraged. Every small gesture, every shared effort, was part of a greater plan.
The difficulties were not only material. Even the health of the sisters was becoming precarious, and Mary ensured that they found time to rest and nourish themselves properly, knowing that only by caring for themselves could they care for others. She was a mother to them, whose love extended beyond the mission to every soul entrusted to her.
One evening, as she finished her prayer in the silence of her room, a young novice reverently handed her a letter, its seal still intact. With trembling hands, Mary opened it: an anonymous donation, a generous sum. A sigh escaped her, followed by silent tears. She took a deep breath, trying to contain the emotion tightening her heart. A solemn silence filled the room as Mary clutched the letter between her fingers. The awareness of Providence overwhelmed her, and with a deep breath, she lifted her gaze toward her sisters. Her voice, at first faint with emotion, grew firm, filled with gratitude and unshakable faith:
“Let everything, we undertake be for the Divine Honor and only in perfect submission to His most holy Will, for which we live, act, and work.”
With those funds, the hospital was able to welcome more patients. Every additional bed, every face relieved from suffering, was for Mary a tangible sign of Providence. But her hope was not limited to prayer—she acted, tirelessly. Each day was a hymn to industrious hope, made of toil, courage, and sacrifice.
When winter finally gave way to spring, the first flowers bloomed in the hospital garden. Even though Mary could not walk along those paths, she knew that outside, her mission continued to flourish. The sisters told her of recoveries, of small signs of hope they witnessed every day. And for a moment, as she closed her eyes and let the mild breeze filter through the window, she felt the weight of winter dissipate.
Mary sighed and placed the letter beside the others. She knew the journey would not be easy, that each day would bring new challenges and sacrifices. But she also knew she was not alone. Looking at the night sky beyond the window, she felt wrapped in a quiet certainty: her work would continue, her sisters would carry on the mission with the same faith and dedication.
With a careful glance around the room, her eyes rested on the dim light of the candle on the desk, next to the cross. The flame flickered gently but endured, just like the hope burning in her heart. With a serene smile, she gathered the rosary in her hands and let the warm light illuminate her thoughts, certain that the path of her mission would continue to shine over time. The world outside continued to struggle against poverty and suffering, but in her heart burned an unshakable flame. Hope was not just a divine gift but a human responsibility. And as long as there was even one soul in need of help, her mission would never end.
________________________________________
Reflections
The example of Mary Aikenhead shines with a strength that transcends the centuries and speaks profoundly to our time. In a world often marked by uncertainty, anxiety, and disorientation, her life invites us to rediscover the value of faith, hope, and trust in Divine Providence. Her words— “Let everything we undertake be for the Divine Honor and only in perfect submission to His most holy Will, for which we live, act, and work!”—represent a key aspect of her spirituality. They remind us to live with a clear orientation toward God, finding meaning and strength even in the most complex challenges.
Mary Aikenhead not only offers us a model of faith but conveys a message of active and concrete hope. Her hope was not a vague desire but a force that pushed her to see beyond difficulties and transform them into opportunities. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable situations, such as the lack of resources or the suffering of the poor and sick, Mary acted with courage and confidence, certain that God was always at work, even in the darkest moments. Her life teaches us that Christian hope is never passive but translates into concrete actions that bring light and comfort to others.
Her deep faith manifested in her ability to completely entrust herself to divine will. Mary firmly believed that God never abandoned those who trusted in Him. This trust did not lead her to resignation but to tireless work, knowing that every action, no matter how small, could contribute to glorifying God and serving others. In this sense, her example connects to Pope Francis’ words in Gaudete et Exsultate, where he emphasizes that “holiness is living in union with God even in the most ordinary activities.” Mary embodied this union, making every gesture, every choice, an offering to God.
________________________________________
Prayer
Merciful Lord, You who never abandon Your children, teach us to walk in faith, even when the world’s cold threatens to extinguish the flame of hope.
Grant us the courage of Mary Aikenhead, strong in spirit, able to recognize Your hand in even the smallest signs. Make us instruments of Your love, ready to answer the cry of the poor and alleviate suffering. Fill our hearts with hope, that which blooms like a flower even in the driest soil, and let our humble work be a light for those in darkness.
Lord, stay by our side. Grant us the peace that transforms, the hope that heals, and the love that renews the world. In You, and only in You, we find the strength and light to face every trial.
Amen.
