Aging Mellows the SoulJuly 27, 2026

“Aging is a process actually designed by God and nature to mellow the soul.”
Ron Rolheiser, OMI

Each of us approaches aging from her own perspective. I find Rolheiser’s words inspirational because they anchor us in trust. If God has designed us in such a way that we are to experience aging, then there must be value in it.

Our previous experiences, viewed with the eyes of faith, are, without doubt, one source of mellowness. From these, hopefully, we learned patience, acceptance, and the ability to put things in perspective. Adopting a “one day at a time” philosophy can mellow us as well. Life as a senior citizen need not be a solitary time of gloom while dreading death. It ought to be a precious time during which the wisdom we have gained widens our minds and deepens our hearts to prepare us for the gift of eternity.

In addition to the personal, our sisters are aware that on another level we are grappling with the meaning of aging as the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. The aging of our community is a reality that we need to welcome as “a process designed by God.” It too functions to mellow us. We are invited to not merely accept but to relish this chapter of our community’s life. Even though we never expected it, we can still find the blessings it holds.

Let us pray for one another, wherever we are in our journey of life, that we may grow in grace and authenticity. May we ever “cling together with bonds of charity,” as the future unfolds.

Sister Virginia DeVinne