Sr. Cor Immaculatum working on Mary, Woman of the Eucharist

Hands of Mary, Woman of the Eucharist

Theresa Maxis sculpture
by: Sr. Cor Immaculatum

Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM
Professor of Art Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania

Can any day be called typical? Each day is a gift. Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ, in his poem Pied Beauty, really expresses my sentiments when I arise in the morning: Glory to be to God . . . He fathers forth whose beauty never changes . . . PRAISE HIM!

On a typical day in my dorm room at Regina Hall, I awaken with gratitude at 5:15 a.m.  and, if I can summon "mind over mattress," I quickly dress and take a three-mile, brisk walk around the campus of Marywood University. This is a time for prayer, meditation, deep breaths of fresh air filling my lungs and energy abounding. Then, I shower, dress and join the Regina Hall community of Sisters for Morning Praise at 7:00 a.m., followed by Liturgy at 7:30 a.m. The heart of my day  is centered in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is here that God "fathers forth whose beauty never changes," it is here, in union with Christ, that I offer each moment of my day to God through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

One of the energizing things about teaching on the university level is the tremendous variety found in each day. Studio art classes are six hours in length, several times each week. Whether I teach Creative Problem Solving, Visual Concepts, Art in Special Ed, Rendering for Interior Designers, Textile Design - the challenge and the variety are present. Students want to learn, want to be challenged, want to be creative, want to make a difference in the world through their art. In addition, I spend several days each week supervising student teachers of art in the public and parochial schools. This is a special treat because each school district is distinct and each school has its own mission and flavor. And it is a joy to prepare young persons to join the ranks of seasoned art teachers in celebration of creativity and beauty.

In the in-between hours, there are so many things that call forth a creative response! When I first came to Marywood University 22 years ago, I began to take harp lessons; the harp is such a beautiful instrument and, although I might be more faithful to everyday practice, I do spend several hours each week practicing. So, visitors to art exhibits and gallery shows here on campus often hear music emanating from the Visual Arts Center.

I spend at least one day each week in my studio working on sculpture. There are so many times that scripture, poetry, literature and music inspire my work in bronze, wood, and stone! I know that I truly come alive as I take the materials of earth and create something beautiful. And it is so easy to pray while working creatively!

On days that I have a few spare hours, I find that teaching crafts to the dorm students, holding workshops for the Senior Learners and lecturing about art to different local groups, awaken others' consciousness to beauty in the world around them. There are also so many lectures, performances and workshops provided on Marywood University's campus that we are blessed with opportunities for spiritual, intellectual, and aesthetic growth.

Lunch in the University dining hall is usually not on my calendar; however, if I am not teaching in the evening,  I join the Sisters from other campus communities for dinner together. It is a time when ideas are generated, issues are discussed and laughter is shared.

After dinner, both communal prayer and individual time with the Blessed Sacrament provide Sabbath time. I know that it is easy to become so involved in activity that precious time with God can be overlooked. But I also know that, without prayer, everything that I do might become a gift to self rather than a gift of self to God. It is only through prayer and growing more deeply in love with Him that I can remain faithful, fruitful and truly filled with joy.

This is my day. Can any day be called typical? I find that each day is a gift. Praise God!

http://ihmnew.marywood.edu/WhatsNew/9ihmstatue.htm