Five Sisters joined the Providence Women’s Caregiver Resource Group for a fireside chat in honor of Women’s History Month. Providence Portland Medical Center hosted the open mic-style event, and participants came ready with insightful questions for the Sisters about staying grounded during challenging times, striving for compassion, and being sources of hope.
“Compassion lives in our heart,” said Sr. Margaret (Maggie) Pastro, SP, during the discussion. “We get better at compassion by practicing it. It is a discipline…. it softens our heart and restores hope.”
Sr. Josefina (Josie) Ramac, SP, spoke about gratitude, saying it is “a powerful tool that can be enhanced.”
“Practicing gratitude regularly can strengthen our ability to appreciate,” said Sr. Josie. “It involves recognizing the good things in our lives and understanding that many of these good things come from outside ourselves.”
“Be authentically who you are,” said Sr. Beverly Dunn, SP. “Share, on a very deep level, with people – and be authentic in that.”
Srs. Marisol Avila, SP, and Gabrielle Nguyen, SP, were not speakers on the panel but also attended the event and met with caregivers.