| In this section we plan to have some space for reflection each time the site is updated. |
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| United in Vision and Mission - |
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Margaret Aylward and Fr. John Gowan CM
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| Fr. John Gowan Day |
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Fr. John Gowan C.M.
with backdrop of the cedar of
Lebanon in the grounds of
Holy Faith Convent, Glasnevin |
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Fr. John Gowan C.M., aged 80, went to eternal life on 16th January 1897, on the 40th anniversary of the first committee meeting of St. Brigid's Orphanage. Having chopped some firewood, he passed away suddenly in Glasnevin, our mother-house, among the sisters to whom he had devoted his life's work. It is on this day, therefore, that Holy Faith Sisters in all regions recall with thanksgiving his sterling contribution to the founding of our congregation and the strengthening of its early ministries.
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Margaret Aylward had entered eternal life eight years beforehand, ending a thiry-seven year union in vision and mission between our foundress and this remarkable priest. Until his own death he continued the work of St. Brigid's Orphanage and the direction and support of the sisters.
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This celebration day is a fitting time to ponder also on the wonder of God's call in our faith journey through life, on the touch of God at a moment in our history which is only fully understood many years later, on the people who cross our path of life and leave an indelible mark, on trust in God in times of joy and in times of trial and sorrow.
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Fr. John's Vision
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At the age of 12, John Gowan knew that he was called to become a priest. Shortly before he died, he confided the circumstances of his call to his grand-niece. On a message for his mother, he took a short cut through the fields near his home in Skerries. As he reached the stile he saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. Brigid. Eleven years later he was ordained but it was only another sixteen years later, when Margaret's work for destitute children in danger of loss of faith received the name 'St. Brigid's Orphanage' at his suggestion, that the true significance of his childhood vision was understood.
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| Margaret's 'messenger of Heaven' |
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Fr. John became Margaret's spiritual director in 1852, in the critical founding days of her branch of the Ladies of Charity. The circumstances of their meeting was another example of extraordinary grace in the ordinary of life. Margaret went to St. Peter's Church in Phibsboro, Dublin, at confession time. As she knelt alone at the end of the church an old woman came over to her. "If you want to go to Confession, Ma'am," she said, "go up to the gallery. There's a priest hearing there and he's the man for you." Ever after, Margaret Aylward regarded that old woman as a messenger of Heaven in disguise.
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| United in Mission |
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Initially Margaret's spiritual director, Fr. John later sensed his call to be involved long-term in the work of St. Brigid's and in the spiritual formation of the new Holy Faith congregation:"for my part I devote myself heart and soul to the work from this day." Now Margaret had a soul-mate, a kindred spirit, an enabler, encourager and guide by her side - and, indeed, following her death, Fr. John was to continue supporting the congregation until his own call to eternal life.
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| They shared moments of deep joy together. Fr. John conducted the first reception ceremony in 1865 and shared the delight of full approval for the congregation in 1867. Also, as early as the 8th Orphanage report Margaret could write: "The pledge that was given some years ago of receiving 500 orphans was thought by some to be rash and chimerical, but now, thank God, that pledge is more than redeemed". They shared even more trials together, especially Margaret's imprisonment, her co-workers diminishing in times of difficulty and the struggle to obtain the permission for Fr. Gowan to devote himself exclusively to the work of St. Brigid's. |
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Fr. Gowan's Wisdom
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Many of Fr. John's words of wisdom to Margaret Aylward and the first sisters have come down to us today. As Margaret began her life's work that would result in the Sisters of the Holy Faith as a religious congregation in the world of our day, Fr. John had unbounded confidence in her abilities - more than she had herself. His words are as relevant for us in 2009 as they were during their lifetime:
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"You have a great future before you for God and for his Church.
Be firm in your vocation. Be cheerful. Be patient in your troubles.
Wait for God and he will not fail to console you.
Firm in matter and agreeable in manner, this is your course." |
| [Letters of John Gowan to Margaret Aylward, 12 June 1851] |
- Ponder your own life journey - with thanksgiving for the past and trust for your future.
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Go to Reflections 2 to listen to the hymn "God's Will will be your polar star"
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