Intern Insights

Reflections: The Tree on the Avenue
By Zachary Hacker

Standing out starkly against the rest of the natural background, the pictured fallen tree rests just off the main drive of the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. This tree was broken by Hurricane Ike winds that swept through Cincinnati in November 2008.

Despite its brokenness and its relative unattractiveness, the tree has been significant to a number of retreatants during their time on the Motherhouse grounds.

“The tree needs to be seen in a different light. It has spoken to many people through its brokenness and ability to remain standing,” said S. Maureen Heverin, who facilitates retreats and various spiritual programs through the Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center. She also offers individual spiritual direction.

Serving as a constant reminder that even amidst the tragedy and devastation of a hurricane, something good and beneficial can be left behind, the “Broken Tree” has held up some people despite tragic circumstances.

“They connect their own pain with this natural tree, providing for a real spiritual experience, and are held up, just as the roots hold up the tree,” S. Maureen said.

“It’s not always the orderly parts of the world that speak to the heart; the jagged, chaotic parts can also speak profoundly,” she continued.

It truly shows that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and spiritual inspiration is unpredictable. Of the many people who have been spiritually moved or inspired by the tree, the following three reflections showcase the broad spectrum of emotions associated with it.

As I come into the Motherhouse property and gaze at the broken tree, my thoughts veer toward my own brokenness. Always, as soon as I enter the Sister’s property, I sense a calming of my spirit. The land around me, the trees, flowers and humans that inhabit this holy space are a balm to my wounded spirit. That broken tree represents ALL of this to me. We are all broken in one way or another. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati continue to provide healing to a broken world. The “Broken Tree” is a holy symbol.
Let it be.  -MB

There is a tree that was damaged and mostly felled in a wind storm. It is visible along the ridge line just as you drive onto the Motherhouse avenue. It has been there for a year and a half now.  At first it bothered me that as neat as the rest of the grounds are kept that the fallen tree had not been removed. Then slowly I found myself looking for that tree as I would drive through the gates. Before long I came to see that tree as symbolic of my own brokenness as I approached the Motherhouse, seeking spiritual direction, private prayer time, a program, or choir practice. The neat thing was I soon realized that after my activity at the Mount was concluded, I would never pass that tree again as I returned home. I would arrive broken, like that tree, but after having been healed, affirmed, encouraged and loved; I would leave the property whole and restored.  -VW

Devastated Beauty “Everyone passing looks with awe at me! They see what is left of ‘devastated beauty.’ Once, I stood tall and elegantly straight, I could look toward the East Main gate. One day a violent storm passed through. There I was standing in its direct path too. Suddenly came a strange snapping sound. Parts of me crashed, thrown to the ground. I was terribly broken! My leaves shredded, My injury was mortal. This I sadly dreaded. Today still, my broken branches remain. My feelings, my soul wrapped in pain. My God above alone knows my deep fears. He values each sigh, many, many tears. Alas! Dear friends, stop! Visit this lowly tree. Experience what is truly “devastated beauty.”                                                         - MTB

 

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Zachary Hacker is a junior at the College of Mount St. Joseph College of Mount St. Joseph majoring in History and English. He is a cooperative education student in the SC Communications Office.

 

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