Last Friday (1/2), Mother Agnes Mary Donovan of the Sisters of Life came to visit me in her capacity as the head of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious. She was accompanied by our Delegate for Religious, Sister Marian Batho. She came to share with me her experience surrounding the results of the apostolic visitation of the women religious orders in the United States and also to share thoughts around her experience with the different Congregations in Rome. We're always very glad to see the Sisters of Life and we have great admiration for the fine work that they do. It is my hope that they will someday have a presence in Boston.

Visit with Serra director

Tuesday morning (1/6), I was visited by John Liston, Executive Director of Serra International. I serve as the national spiritual advisor of Serra, and he came to update me on some of their recent projects and activities. Serra is an international organization that works to encourage, raise awareness, and pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in the Church. It was founded here in the United States, but has now grown to have Serra Councils in a number of different countries. After the United States, Brazil and Italy has the most Serra councils. And, of course, we have a wonderful Serra group here in Boston headed so ably by Brian and Loretta Gallagher. My own father was very involved in Serra, so I am happy to do whatever I can to support their mission.

Farewell

Wednesday (1/7), I had a farewell lunch with Robert Johnson-Lally who retired at the end of the year as the archdiocese's archivist after more than 20 years. He was a steady presence and very helpful to everyone who needed his services. We are sorry to see him go. We are grateful for his careful curation of the documents and artifacts of the Archdiocese of Boston, which in a diocese's historic as ours can be a very difficult task. We were happy to be able to have a farewell lunch with him and wish him well in his retirement.

Inauguration Prayer Vigil

Wednesday evening, I attended the Interfaith Prayer Vigil at the Congregation Lion of Judah in Boston held on the eve of the inauguration of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. There was quite an impressive ecumenical and interfaith representation, with clergy from the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish and Islamic communities. I gave the invocation and Metropolitan Methodios delivered the benediction. In between, 12 representatives of different faith communities each proclaimed a different Scripture reading that they had chosen for the occasion. Many of the selections were just beautiful. We also heard remarks by Bishop A.L. Foxworth of Grace Church of All Nations in Dorchester and a reflection from Governor Baker. In contrast to some official prayer services that can be very staid or reserved, it was certainly a very spirited and faith-filled celebration. At one point, everyone prayed over the new governor. It was truly a very moving experience.