
During this Holy Year of Hope, the Congregation is launching a new initiative.
Led by our Postulator for the Cause of Mary Aikenhead, Dr Valentina Karakhanian and our Vice-Postulator Sr Phyllis Behan RSC, we will be offering occasional short stories, points for reflection and a prayer on aspects of the life and mission of our foundress Mary Aikenhead.
Today I am very happy to launch this initiative and offer the first contribution as we prepare to celebrate Mary Aikenhead’s birthday on 19th January.
Sr Patricia Lenihan RSC
Congregational Leader
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Introduction – Initiative for the Holy Year of Hope
“Stories of Hope – Bringing Mary Aikenhead’s Message to Every Heart”
In this Jubilee Year, we celebrate the 238th anniversary of the birth of the Venerable Servant of God, Mary Aikenhead, an extraordinary figure whose example continues to inspire generations.
To honor this occasion and fully embrace the Holy Year of Hope, we are introducing an innovative and engaging initiative: sharing the profound reflections and values of Mary Aikenhead through short stories. These narratives, inspired by her life and the virtues she heroically lived, offer a fresh and accessible way to bring her timeless message to life.
Our hope is that, through this initiative, the graces and blessings flowing from the spiritual legacy of Mary Aikenhead will deeply touch the hearts of all who encounter these messages of faith, hope, and love.
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The Story
Light in the Darkness: The Faith and Hope of Mary Aikenhead
(Dublin, Sunday, December 20, 1846)
It was the morning of Sunday, December 20, 1846, just five days before Christmas. Yet, there was no festive atmosphere in Ireland. The streets of Dublin were cloaked in despair: the shadow of the Great Famine had extinguished all traces of joy.
Inside the convent at Harold’s Cross, Mary Aikenhead sat by a window, gazing out at the surrounding fields. Although confined to a wheelchair due to her spinal condition and persistent pain, her spirit remained unwavering. Her steadfast faith sustained her each day, and her hope in divine goodness shone even in the darkest moments.
Harold’s Cross, nestled on the outskirts of Dublin, was surrounded by serene countryside—a stark contrast to the crowded streets of the city. Mary had moved to the convent the previous year, following the advice of physicians and her fellow Sisters, who believed that the environment would be better suited to her fragile health. Despite this necessary move, she remained deeply connected to her mission and the needs of others, demonstrating her selfless dedication.
Through letters filled with encouragement, Mary guided the Sisters of Charity across Ireland, reminding them of the value of serving the poorest among them, whom she called “God’s nobility.”
Each day, the Sisters followed her example, distributing bread and warm broth to those in need. Despite limited resources, they always found ways to alleviate the suffering around them. Aware of their sacrifices, Mary often expressed a desire to send them a few shillings to ease their burdens.
That Sunday, while writing a letter to one of the convents, Mary reflected on the strength of faith and hope. To her, hope was not a fleeting sentiment but a courageous act—a deliberate choice against despair. In her letter, she wrote:
“May each be faithful in doing her best to keep alive Peace and good will.”
Her simple yet powerful words resonated deeply with the Sisters and the communities they served. Inspired by her devotion, merchants donated food supplies, doctors offered free medical care, and even the poorest found ways to share what little they had with those who had nothing.
Though Mary could not physically partake in acts of charity, her spirit and guidance ignited a movement of solidarity. This wave of generosity became a beacon of hope in the darkness of the famine, demonstrating the transformative power of shared faith and hope.
Over the years, the legacy of Mary Aikenhead continued to inspire generations. Her life stood as a living testimony to the power of faith and hope, capable of bringing light even in the most challenging times.
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Points for Reflection
The message of Mary Aikenhead resonates profoundly today, echoing the words of Pope Francis in his exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. The Pope reminds us that holiness is made of small, daily acts of love. Mary embodies this vision: a life dedicated to manifesting God’s love through concrete and selfless actions.
In a world marked by inequality, conflict, and global crises, her words, “Let each one be faithful in doing her utmost to keep alive Peace and goodwill,” call us to an active holiness rooted in compassion, justice, and mercy. Her example urges us to transform these values into daily actions: welcoming the lonely with kindness, supporting the vulnerable, and fostering peace within our communities.
Every act of love, no matter how small, is a response to God’s call and a testament to living faith. In following her path, we discover that faith and hope are not passive; they are lived through the courage to care, the willingness to act, and the decision to love.
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Prayer
Lord, inspire us to follow the example of Mary Aikenhead.
Grant us unwavering faith and burning hope, that we may see You in the faces of the poor and respond with generosity and love.
Help us to bring light where there is darkness, peace where there is conflict, and hope where there is despair.
Make us instruments of Your will, now and always.
Amen.