The Dream Connection - Book

The Dream Connection, by Cecilia Fandel. O.S.M.
Cost: $10.00

Contact: Sr. Cecilia Fandel, OSM. 773-973-4812.

Preface
My attempt to live the Servite charism and interpret it in a new way to the world of the twenty-first century has indeed been challenging. It has inspired me to write this book which is an outgrowth of many hours spent searching and reflectin on the Word as it is presented in the rythm of the liturgical seasons, gleaning new insights from our Constitutions, and in my own personal prayer.

By placing the vision articulated herein before the Servants of Mary, Ladysmith, my hope is that the community vision accepted in 1989 will move forward one more step.

After Listening to community members over the year and hearing the desires of their hearts, I am encouraged to take the risk to write my vision down and humbly yet boldly offer it as a means to initiate dialogue, earnest questioning and prayerful pondering.

I am an opimist by nature. I find myself choosing life and Scripture beckons be to make that choice, for Jesus said: "I came that they may haev life, and have it more abundantly." (Jn 10:10) The members of my community have consistently expressed hope for our Servite congregation to continue and flourish into the future. As we grow older ti may seem more and more impossible, but then, is that not percisely when God acts? Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth all felt it was impossible to bring forth new life, but it happened. However, we must not be deluded. If there is to be life, it will not be the life as lived in the past, but in a new form. "One does not put new wine into old wineskins." (Mt. 9:17)

Therefore, I invite you, the reader to enter into this book in a personal way. Try to dream the dreams, and visualize the vision. See yourself relfected in them; notice your resistances. Take them to prayer, and talk about them with others. Remember, new life does not come without labor pains.