Maureen McElroy“I sense a hunger in women to talk about the important things in life, the spiritual things. I think that God has given me a special gift to be present to women. In my sharing with them, I know the Spirit moves me to say the right thing at the right time. I believe that to be a spiritual resource for women is a special gift at this time in my life.”

When you talk with Maureen Fasy McElroy, you sense a deep serenity. Maureen attributes this to the presence of prayer in her life. A wife and mother, she has always taken time to pray and now that she is retired, she cherishes even more time and knows that her prayer helps her to better understand her family and the people in her life. Her practice of contemplative prayer has, in her words, “changed my life.” I am more reflective and more accepting of others.
Maureen’s introduction to St. Marguerite d’Youville came during her years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart. Thus began a long association with the Grey Nuns, first as a member and later as an Associate of the Grey Nuns. During her years in the congregation (as Sister Mary Samuel) she learned St. Marguerite d’Youville’s story and of her devotion to the Eternal Father and to Divine Providence. The charism of Marguerite and these special devotions are still a part of her life.

In her retirement years, Maureen has found her involvement with the Grey Nun Associates increasing. She has been a member of the Yardley Associate group for many years and is presently working with an emerging group of Associates in Newtown. “I love my work with the Associates. I mentor and foster each new Associate and introduce her to St. Marguerite d’Youville, and to what it means to be an Associate.”

“As I see the number of vowed religious growing smaller, I recognize the great importance of the Associates. For me, the women I gather with continue the charism of St. Marguerite as it is expressed by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. I also introduce them to Marguerite’s devotions to the Eternal Father and to Divine Providence. Some years ago, the sisters wrote a reflection book on the verses of the litanies and we use this to understand these devotions for our contemporary world. The charism of St. Marguerite d’Youville is not carried on exclusively by vowed women.”

For many years, Maureen worked as a teacher and as a counselor specializing in family therapy. Her skills in this field were put to meaningful use during her years working at Mercy Vocational School in Philadelphia. “I saw my role as an encouraging, steadying influence, convincing ‘at risk’ teens, including pregnant girls, to remain in school. For me, this was Marguerite’s work. She was always present to human needs. During my years at Mercy, I was inspired by her and I knew that the work I did with the kids there made a positive difference in their lives.”

Through prayer and her work with women, Maureen knows that her life is enriched. Her mantra for life is “Love what is” – love the person you see and the life you have. Her prayer has led her to this quiet acceptance of life.