My name is Sister Martha Cadden, and I am a member of the Congregation of the Divine Spirit. I am blessed to have so much to celebrate this year—60 years in religious life, 60 years since high school graduation, the Jubilee Year of Hope, and our newly elected Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
In this time of renewed dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I think of my paternal and maternal grandparents and how the love of God was present in their lives. My maternal grandparents had a large picture of the Sacred Heart in their living room and my paternal grandfather donated a statue of the Sacred Heart to his parish church. My parents also were wonderful examples of Christian living. Our lives centered around parish activities and devotions and if something was happening at the church, we were there.
Even though a religious vocation was not evident to me in grade school, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by caring and religious people. As a high school student I worked as dishwasher at the House of Loretto, a home for Senior Citizens, and watched the Sisters live a life of prayer and commitment to the aged. They inspired me to join them in following the Lord. What a fascinating journey it has been, from teaching in elementary schools, to catechetical work in our Missions, to being a nurse assistant to the aged.
The Downtown Canton Community of St. Peter and the Basilica of St. John the Baptist was “home” for many years. I would never have imagined that, after 60 years, I would be teaching religion at the parish where I was baptized, St. Peter’s. It is special to be. in the surroundings that I grew up in. I thank God for all the wonderful people that have helped me along the journey.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You!
