Day 6: Persistence

Persistence.

Persistence is continuing,

never giving up,

power.

Persistence.

Philippine showed persistence by crossing the North Atlantic with a positive attitude,

striving to give the best education to all children,

she showed us how to follow your dreams with the best outlook,

and never,

never give up.

Persistence.

Persistence is power.

By Avery

Reflection

Today, we reflect on the quality of persistence in Philippine’s life. The word persistence means "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." Philippine lived this quality, and because she was so patient and persistent, she finally got what she wanted.

Philippine was always a persistent, and some would even say stubborn, young woman. Despite her parents' opposition, she was determined to enter the Visitation order at Ste. Marie. It took many years, and when she finally was able to go, the French Revolution made her parents feel worried about her safety, so she had to delay making her religious vows. Eventually, she had to leave the convent. Philippine would have to wait even longer to fulfill her dream.

After she became a Religious of the Sacred Heart, Philippine showed persistence when she continued to dream about becoming a missionary. Philippine would have to wait many years before Madeleine Sophie Barat would give her consent to go to America. But the example of persistence that stands out to me the most is when Philippine first came to America. She was too sick to continue on her journey to St. Louis, so she and the others sisters had to wait in New Orleans for several weeks before they could travel again.

While reading Philippine's story, I have been inspired to strengthen the quality of persistence in my own life. I often make a promise to myself and forget to follow up on it. But now that I have read about Philippine’s experiences, I want to never give up on myself and always remember to keep going.

Persistence has made a big difference in my life. If I just gave up after the first time I failed something, I would never do anything or get anything done. Philippine's example challenges me to never give up on what I love to do, just like Philippine never gave up. Today, as I reflect on the quality of persistence, I ask God to give me strength to continue to never give up on what I love.

Cecelia, Grace & Caroline

Questions for Reflection

Am I a stubborn/strong-willed person, like Philippine? If so, how can God use this trait for a positive purpose?

When has persistence helped me to achieve one of my goals or dreams?

How can I cultivate persistence in my unique life situation and in the challenges that are personal to me?

Prayer

Loving God,

You gave Philippine the determination to stand strong in the face of all adversity.

Strengthen our own commitment to never give up doing what is good and right.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.

Amen.