A Powerful Light

On most days, in the back of St. Columbkille Church, near the flickering votive candles and the sculpture of the Madonna and Child, shines a small, but powerful light.

Her name is Gladys.

Gladys has been a regular at daily Mass for decades. And like others who frequent daily Mass, she is a mentor, bringing those new to the parish or new to the faith (and those not so new), under her wing.

Gladys seems to specialize in mentoring mothers like herself. After a school Mass, many stop by her regular place in the back, to share a hug before they go on their way or to join her and others in praying the rosary.

She is quick to share a smile, an article copied from a religious magazine or a devotion from a book. She might ask you to pray for a special intention, or she might offer to pray for one of yours, something weighing heavy on your heart that day. Gladys has said it would be impossible to remember all that she has been asked to pray for, but she knows God will remember. And she entrusts everything to Him.

She sees our Lord at work everywhere. And sometimes when describing His actions in her life, she points up, recognizing where those miracles come from.

She is devoted to the Blessed Mother, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. And St. Frances Cabrini is a close friend.

I spotted Gladys this morning after the all-school Mass and waited while others hugged and greeted her. Then it was my turn. As we hugged, I joked that I had to wait in line.

"The way I see it, that's a good thing," she said, still holding on to me. "If there were more hugs, there would be more peace in world."

Gladys, in her little corner at church, is a force for peace.

May she continue to shine, and may we draw close to her Light.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.