Sister Rene Parent
2016 Woman of Strength Award Winner
Each spring during St. Francis Center for Renewal’s Star Struck Gala, the Women of Strength Awards are bestowed upon women who exemplify strength of character, Christian Values, courage, generosity, persistence, optimism, integrity and community service. Among the honorees in 2016 was our own Sister Rene Parent.
When I consider my sisters in community, I realize that each one holds some gift, some grace — which makes our journey together as Franciscan women a revelation of God’s faithfulness. Aside from the traditional relegating of Francis of Assisi to the birdbath, our patron is well known for the graces of simplicity and humility. Among the staff of St. Francis Center for Renewal, there is a sister who by her presence, exemplifies these two graces to all she meets in daily in our community life and in her ministry.
So many times we answer the door at the Renewal Center and the person — often a former retreatant says, “I stopped by just to see Sister Rene. Is she home?” Often when groups come for their annual gathering, the first person they ask for is Sister Rene! Many retreatants, impressed by the gift of Sister Rene, have become volunteers at our Renewal Center. They do dishes, count sheets and towels, clean the cafeteria, etc. In addition, Sister Rene is generous with her time and her person. I know for a fact that she listens to her volunteers with patience and love. Along the way she teaches all of us that sometimes you don’t need to say anything profound, you just need to be there for someone.
Whenever I am rushing around, feeling too busy and overwhelmed, I look at Sister Rene and without a word the message is clear — “Slow down, Barbara! It’s not what we do, but who we are in the doing that counts.” I thank her for that unspoken message. Usually it’s just what I need in that moment — to take a breath and become mindful of God’s presence all around me and in each person I meet.
The gift of her courage is a result of the fact that Sister Rene has some struggles too. (She will probably be upset by the fact that I nominated her for this award – which means that she will be in the spotlight for a change.) Big crowds and a lot of attention make her feel uncomfortable, so it takes courage for her to be publicly recognized. Daily she faces the challenges of living with diabetes. However, she’s also optimistic, always encouraging others to look at the bright side of things. Every once in a while she comes out with a great joke and she has the ability to laugh at herself. Her creativity and effort at risk taking come forth when she juggles — scarves, balls, and sticks to music. She also enjoys writing — letters, poems, and lyrics to songs.
When I think of Sister Rene, an image of the foot-washing Jesus comes to mind. On the night before he died, Jesus made a point to teach his friends that serving others is at the heart of being a disciple of Jesus. Foot washing requires humble service and great love. In September of this year Sister Rene wrote to me: “Try to understand that there are specific needs among the volunteers. In the kitchen we are trying to build the Kingdom of God —ne day at a time. As you know, God shows up in the most unexpected places.” After that what else needs to be said?
For her years of faithful service to St.Francis Center for Renewal and for her faithful Gospel witness, Sister Rene Parent is a true Woman of QUIET Strength!
— Sister Barbara Brown
Sister Rene died in 2018. Read her obituary here.