October Reflection
October 4 Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi
The Grace and Peace of the Most Holy Trinity be with all forever!
In 2001, while I was serving as Regional Custodian in Puerto Rico, I asked if there were any BTMI members on the island. Rose Morales spoke to me of Sapho Rodriguez in Cabo Rojo. There was a reason for my question. How and who were the members of this lay branch? I searched and asked for Sapho, but only after two years did I meet up with her. Sapho was caring for a member of her family in New York and from there on occasion visited the Sisters at the Motherhouse in Philadelphia.
It was there, in the refectory, that we met, only to share a few words, but I was more than pleased to have made her acquaintance. She was quite surprised at my wish to know her. Last July I went to visit her at her house, together with Sarai. Sapho, at this time, was not doing well health-wise. We spoke of our families, of the charisma that united us, and of the call to serve.
That night I slept in her wooden house, painted white, the kitchen lit up, and a wonderful sense of peace and prayer. The Sacred Heart was witness of the moment that we shared. She gave me a mantilla, her mantilla, as a present. We woke to the rooster’s call and a delicious cup of coffee. We prayed in the shade of a “lechosa” tree. We then went out to visit Sary. Sapho was quite pleased with our little walk and I spent time discovering and learning the lesson of fidelity to the One and Triune God.
Returning to my house, I wrote in my little diary: “God showed me the face of fidelity in Sapho. Our fourth branch has few members and many of them are up in years and their health ever more delicate. However, their calling is ever so strong, their faithfulness and giving of self over to the charisma. This does not depend on numbers, but rather on the testimony of their lives in a world where they insert themselves each and every day. Although the BTMIs go unnoticed by the members of the other three branches, this is not so on God’s part. With only observing Sapho’s look, I could see how loved, how intimate she was with God. Thank you, Lord, for my getting to know her because in her I felt the need that I have of being intimate with you.”
Sapho now finds herself in the Cenacle in heaven. She arrived at the heavenly gates and presented her life of fidelity for love of God and her neighbor. She smiled so as she was embraced by the One and Triune God. Then Father Judge, Mother Boniface and Margaret Healy invited her to contemplate the Most Holy Trinity.
While she was here on this earth, on the small island of Puerto Rico, a Family gathered – four branches with the same spirit, the catholic spirit, the apostolic spirit, charity at white heat. Father Marco Antonio Sanchez, S.T. of the new generation of Missionary Servants, introduced Sapho to the family, to the parish community and the pastor and to this Missionary Family of the Church. Father Marco very simply explained that he did not know Sapho, nor did he remember having seeing her, but that he was present because she is of his family. This brief expression touched my heart. “I am here because she is of my family!” We sang, “Blessed be God the Father who created us. Blessed be God the Son who has redeemed us. Blessed be God the Holy Spirit who has sanctified us. Blessed be the most Holy and Undivided Trinity now and forever.” Exchanging embraces we said goodbye. Rosa Tirado returned to New York and the rest of us to our homes.
“What more beautiful legacy, more beautiful inheritance than that of an example of a life fragrant and rich in the traditions of the Cenacle! This means that even after your death, you will continue your apostleship through others whom your virtue has attracted to the service of God . Such will be my constant prayer for you; Do make it your constant effort.”
In love and service,
Alma Robles, MCA
