Friendship

“Friendship’s links may ne’er be broken; bright is its chain . . .”
SJC Alma Mater

Since they are usually an integral part of our everyday lives, we sometimes take our friendships for granted. We probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about them; we just know they are there. We pick up the phone or send an email, and we are able to confide, confess, cry or laugh with someone who understands us, and we don’t think about it —we just do it.

In reflecting on the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, it becomes apparent that her close friendships were an essential part of whom she was and of whom she grew to be. “Friendship was to her, as it should be, a sort of sacrament. It was her delight, her support, a sinew of her sanctity.” (Dirvin, 54)

Her circle of confidantes included not only her good “girlfriends,” as we would call them, but also Antonio Filicchi, Simon Brute, and many others who were her “staffs of life and stepping stones to holiness. It is hard to imagine her unique spiritual perfection with any of them missing. In the plan of God, each had his or her mite or magnitude to contribute.” (Dirvin, 55)

She not only confided in them and asked them for advice, but the reverse was also true. Their mutual sharing contributed to the spiritual and emotional growth of all involved.

Questions for Reflection

• How important are my friendships to me?
• Do I nurture them carefully or simply take them for granted?
• Do they enrich or hinder my relationship with God? How?
• How can I be a better friend to others?

Prayer

“Good and gracious God, you have given me the gift of good friends. Help me to nourish these relationships so that we all may be drawn closer to you. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

Litany to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth, Loving Daughter
Encourage in all children obedience and love

Elizabeth, Troubled Teenager
Speak to today's confused, sometimes abused young people

Elizabeth, Faithful Wife
Grant gifts of love and generosity to all spouses

Elizabeth, Caring Mother
Share your mother's heart with all parents

Elizabeth, Grieving Widow
Look with compassion on all bereaved wives

Elizabeth, Loyal Friend
Teach us to share friendship generously

Elizabeth, Heroic Searcher of Truth
Guide all who, with fear and doubt, seek the way

Elizabeth, Courageous Convert
Strengthen the newly baptized as they embrace the faith

Elizabeth, Sorrowing Mother
Console those parents suffering the loss of a child

Elizabeth, Steadfast Religious
Inspire young women to follow in your path

Elizabeth, a Woman for All Women
Bestow your charism of love and service on all women today

M. Irene Fugazy, S.C.
Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Vincent, New York

Further Meditations

• Reunion 2007 Homily >>