Several years ago I landed a great teaching job, getting paid in prayers, peace of heart and chocolate chip cookies.
In the academic world this job would not be seen as esteemed. It was only for one week a year and didn’t require a doctorate. But to me, no teacher ever had a better assignment.
That’s because I have been adjunct professor of communications at Mater Ecclesiae College, Greenville, Rhode Island. It is a beautiful, holy place where the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi study and pray. And as you probably have heard, it will close next spring, a victim of low enrollment and lack of a pot of gold.
I know that some very dear friends, past students at MEC, faculty at the college and friends of these holy women are sad today. I am praying for them, and hoping that they remember all the school gave them, which overshadows its closing in the great scheme of God’s plan.
The first time I stood in front of a class of your consecrated-women-to-be I felt, well, awkward. I was like a dandelion in the middle of a perfect, green lawn. I was teaching from my area of expertise, but the class was advanced so far beyond me in the really important subjects of life: faith, hope and charity. I soon realized my suspicion that I would be more a student than a teacher in that class and it has been the same each year.
For that one week, each fall, I was blessed to be a part of a holy community of beautiful people – who always made me feel welcome, who approached life with joy and gratitude. They filled me with such hope.
And that will continue. They may not be in that physical place, but young women will continue to find a vocation to consecrated life in Regnum Christi. They will love and serve the Church.
And whenever they need one, I know where they can find an adjunct professor of communications.
