As we begin the season of Advent, we hope this episode of "Called to Be..." inspires you to set aside a few minutes to reflect on the simple question: "What does Christmas mean to you?" We asked our Sisters, Associates and friends to send us their thoughts on this question and we were surprised and delighted by the broad range of responses we received... some profound, others nostalgic, and others were insightful. Sisters Alice Arsenault and Fran Cavey take turns reading the responses aloud and providing their own as well. We pray that everyone has a lovely Advent season, and may you all enjoy a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sr. Nancy Stiles moderates a fascinating discussion about a project that spans three countries, two continents, three generations, and multiple cultures. In this episode we hear directly from Sisters Shallotte Kum and Veronique Metiendjo from Cameroon, and Eugenia Mshana and Scholastica Mhea from Tanzania about their participation in the US Bicentennial Project, a long-time dream which became a reality in August 2025. Responding to the call from Holy Union's Collegial Assembly in 2023 for new orientations in all stages of formation, the Holy Union US Area created its Bicentennial Project. Paired with our congregation's celebration of 200 years (1826- 2026), this nine week enrichment program called for four participants to travel to the United States and immerse themselves in an intensive program of study, focused on advanced writing skills, spirituality, creativity, and culture. Newly completed, the fruits of this project could last decades or even centuries!

This month, Sister Alice Arsenault leads a discussion with Sisters Tess Horvath and Joan Guertin for the first of two sequential episodes on our Bicentenary Jubilee Year of 2026 which marks two hundred years since our congregation's founding in Douai, France by our founder, Jean Baptiste Debrabant. We will be reminiscing about pilgrimages made by several of our Sisters to significant sites in Lecelles and Douai, France where Fr. Debrabant was born and also where he gathered with the first group of women for religious instruction who became the foundation of our congregation. Written memories submitted by several of our Sisters will be shared and discussed.

This month's episode teeters on the brink of miraculous. Sisters Marilyn Gignac and Jane Newcomb, who spent many decades as missionaries in Cameroon, are reunited with a man, who was then a small boy, little Joseph Lukong, from the village of Kumbo where they ministered. That little boy is now Father Joseph Lukong, and he is ministering in a parish within driving distance of where these Sisters live today in New England! This astounding story is a testimony to the Good which comes from missionary work, and the global long-term impact of revealing God's love to those in need. So today, many decades after Holy Union sent missionaries to Cameroon, they are sending them back to help us here in the U.S., the NEW mission territory!

This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sr. Cecilia Fukah Echo, SUSC, one of our Cameroonian Holy Union Sisters who is living here in the United States as she attends classes at Devine Word College in Epworth, IA. Sr. Fran Cavey learns about her experience growing up in Cameroon and her decision to become a Holy Union Sisters, as well as her remarkable academic adventure coming to America to futher her education and how she hopes to use it once she returns to Cameroon in a few years. Join us in praying for Sr. Cecilia as she continues to use her gifts to continue to reveal God's love both here in the US and once she returns home to Cameroon.

This month, Sr. Alice Arsenault shares the rich story of her vocation, ministries, and life as a woman religious for the last 65 years. Sr. Alice delivered her talk to a group of Holy Union Associates in Tauton, MA and discussed her family background and how she decided to "answer the phone" when God's call came! She also discussed her commitment to her vows during troubled times, the painful decision to close a school where she was Principal, and her election to work in Rome with Holy Union Sisters from around the world. Later, as Provincial of the Groton Province, she oversaw the reunification of our two Provinces (Groton and Fall River) in to one US Province. Her current ministries involve healing and spiritual formation. And her journey continues....

As the sadness of Pope Francis' death fades, it has been replaced by the joy of a new Pope from the United States of America. And this month we share our thoughts on our new Pope, our hopes, our first impressions, and our reflections on what the future may hold given this new reality. Sister Nancy Stiles leads a discussion which includes Holy Union Associate, Tina Silvestro, and podcast producer, Ken Gustin. Then we open the discussion to include Sisters Christine Lacroix, and Fran Cavey as well as Fall River Associate, Nancy Dube and New York Associate, Leida Toro. We are filled with hope for this new shepherd, chosen under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This month we explore the story of Lighthouse School, originally known as the Holy Union Special School. From its founding by Sr. Theodora Martel, SUSC (Sr. Gabrielle Lucie) in 1967 in the basement of the Holy Union Sisters' retirement home in Lowell, MA to its current incarnation serving 225 children and their families on their N. Chelmsford campus, Lighthouse has provided specialized services for students who struggled to fit within a traditional learning environment. Sr. Joan Guertin, SUSC is joined by Scott Bartis, CEO of Lighthouse School in N. Chelmsford, MA, and his Director of Operations, "Jeep" Tarmey, to discuss the remarkable journey of this wonderful school. Sr. Theodora's deep empathy for children with learning challenges set a tone which continues today, based on kindness, patience, and a commitment to creating a place of belonging for so many children for nearly fifty years.