Christmas 2009
My dear friends of Cormaria,
As I write this letter to you, I am thinking about the 60th anniversary of Cormaria and the beautiful feast of Christmas. I am struck by the scene of the first Christmas and the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. I wonder what that journey must have been like. Were they alone, or did they travel with others?
How many of you have traveled to Cormaria for the first time or the ninth time? Did you come alone or with others? What were your expectations and what were your fears and concerns? You too were like the shepherds and kings who traveled to Bethlehem not knowing what to expect and then being amazed by what they saw: a Child who was the light that shone in their darkness.
You are the shepherds and kings of the 21st century bringing your gifts of love and concern to Cormaria - your gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh as well as the lamb of your simplicity.
It is because of you that Cormaria is able to minister to all those who come through the beautiful front door to meet their God.
I can't even begin to imagine the number of people who have come to be fed both spiritually and physically at Cormaria since 1949: all looking out at the same bay, praying in the same chapel and walking on the same holy ground that you do.
This has been a difficult year financially for all of us, but I have always said that Cormaria has survived because of the gift of the widow's mite. I am asking you humbly if you can continue to give Cormaria your "widow's mite" be it monetary or prayerfully. I will truly be grateful to you. You are remembered each day in the prayers of all the sisters here and there will be a Novena of Masses offered in Bethlehem for you and your family at Christmas.
I thank you for the gift you are to Cormaria and to me. You and your family and loved ones will have a special place in my prayers.
Love and prayers,
Ann Marino, RSHM
Director
