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| Bridie Meehan |
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| Jack Meehan |
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| Molly McCarthy |
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| Peg Bowen |
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| Regina Madonna Oliver with Uncle Jimmy Meehan and my mother Bridie Meehan |
When I think of the saints in my life, I think first of my parents, Bridie and Jack Meehan, who taught me faith not by preaching but through the daily rhythm of love, generosity, and perseverance. I remember my dear Aunt Molly and other aunts and uncles—too many to list—whose laughter filled family gatherings and whose prayers sustained our journeys. I hold in my heart my precious friends Regina Madonna Oliver and Peg Bowen, companions in faith who now dwell in God’s loving embrace. This spiritual bond connects us heart to heart forever.
And I think of the countless saints in the women priests’ movement—prophetic sisters and brothers who have walked this path of Gospel equality with courage and hope. Their witness continues to inspire us as we build communities of inclusivity and compassion. They remind us that sainthood is not reserved for the canonized few but is a living reality in the communion of believers who embody divine love in every age.
Every morning, I call upon them to walk with me and with all in our historic movement. I imagine each person on my long list as filled with joy in the light of boundless love, present with me and illuminating the path of grace each new day.
The communion of saints is not only those who have gone before us—it is also us, here and now. We are part of that living web of grace stretching through time and space, a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on as we continue the work of justice, peace, and equality in the Church and world.
As we gather at open tables in inclusive sacred spaces with and without walls, we know that the saints are near: our ancestors, our mentors, our friends. Their love surrounds us like sunlight through stained glass—illuminating our own call to holiness, courage, and compassion.
This spiritual awareness fills my heart with joy and deep peace each day.
Happy All Saints Day to All Saint -in-the Making!
Prayer to the Communion of Saints:
Loving God,
We give thanks for the great communion of saints—
those who have walked before us in faith and love,
and those who journey beside us today.
We remember with gratitude
our parents, our families, our friends,
and all in our women priests’ movement
whose courage and compassion light our way.
May their joy in your boundless love
fill our hearts with hope and peace.
Each day, we call upon these holy companions
to walk with us and with all who seek your justice and tenderness.
May their presence illuminate the path of grace before us,
guiding our steps as we live into your dream of equality and inclusion.
Spirit of the Living God,
bless us to be saints-in-the-making—
people of compassion, courage, and joy.
May we see your face in one another,
and may our lives become radiant prayers of love
for the healing of our Church and world.
Amen.
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