Every time a new person comes into the community it presents us with an opportunity to expand our hearts. This is not to say it is always easy or smooth, it’s just a gift. We grow in many ways. We learn about, and from, another woman on a healing journey. We adjust the space we use. And we make space for more ideas and ways of being. We are excited to share with you that it was just a couple of weeks ago when another community member moved onto the second floor. She is such a kind and gentle soul and we feel blessed beyond measure. More people, more love!

And on another note, last month we also were blessed to host visits from Creighton University, the University of Notre Dame, and students from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. Interacting, teaching, and learning with these young adults really bolsters one’s hope in the midst of what can feel like anxious and disruptive times. These students exude a satiating goodness that affirms the feeling that there is hope for our future. More people, more love!

Finally, I think I would be remiss if I ignored that this is a challenging time for our country. But I know that we can handle whatever happens with love, dignity, and grace. In fact, this is a position of great strength, as it is the only one that can bring about true and lasting change. And to that point I would like to leave you with a few “more people, more love” quotes by Dorothy Day. I hope that they can offer some food for thought in the days ahead:

“Love and ever more love is the only solution to every problem that comes up. If we love each other enough, we will bear with each other’s faults and burdens. If we love enough, we are going to light a fire in the hearts of others. And it is love that will burn out the sins and hatreds that sadden us. It is love that will make us want to do great things for each other. No sacrifice and no suffering will then seem too much.”  -Dorothy Day

“The only thing we can do about people is to love them. It is people who are important, not the masses. The final word is love. We cannot love God unless we love each other, and to love we must know each other.” -Dorothy Day

“I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.” -Dorothy Day

“No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There is too much work to do.” -Dorothy Day

And finally, one of my favorite sayings from Peter Maurin, the co-founder of the Catholic Worker:

“Announce, not denounce.” -Peter Maurin

Wow… these thoughts are demanding. But God is demanding. And love is demanding.

It is comforting to know that you are such remarkable people of goodwill. And that you’ve got this. Actually, we’ve got this together. More people, more love.

Blessings, peace, and love,
Anne