Claire Fisher, SBU ’25, offers gratitude for the gift of Mt. Irenaeus
I would consider myself a long-time friend of Mt. Irenaeus. In just my time during undergrad, I have been on six On-the-Road ministry trips, been a four-year intern for the Mountain and even lived there for two months. There are no words to explain what the Mountain has given to me. Contemplation, the beautiful gift of community, and even the passion for my major, communication and social justice.
But my favorite part of the Mountain is simple – the fact that I am known. Not “well-known” in the egotistical sense, but simply known.
Named, seen and known.
When Jesus revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection, she did not recognize him immediately. But once he called her by name, she is filled with joy, suddenly comfortable. I had my own version of this at the first time I went to the Mountain in September of 2021. I met bright-eyed Fr. Dan Riley, who, once I introduced myself exclaimed, “Your name is Claire! You were meant to be here!” While he meant that in reference to Saint Clare, I know that he probably would have said that regardless. It’s my favorite compliment to receive at this university.
But the Mountain goes beyond being named. Over my four years, I have continuously been seen and known as well. The entire core community asks about my education, not to make small talk, but to understand why my soul works the way it does. They know all of my roommates, not just to be polite, but because what’s important to me is important to them. There is always an extra seat at the table for me. And not just me, everyone. I am seen through every gracious invitation they offer, for dinner, an overnight or a retreat.
I even know myself a bit more when I’m at the Mountain.
My grandma died when I was eight, so you can imagine how little I remember about her. But, when she received the fatal diagnosis of ALS, the first thing she did (after calling her kids) was to take a retreat with my grandpa to Mt. Irenaeus. She went there in her most vulnerable time, just as I have done. And the more time I spend in the same place she did, the more I get to know my other name sake, Kathleen.
I have been given so much from the Mountain. But now it’s time for me to go out and do the same. How can I make others feel named, seen and known? How you bring this to others is up to you, and how I do it is up to me. That’s what being in the “real world” is about, now being instilled with Franciscan values. A new charge is placed upon us and much is expected. What a beautiful responsibility!
Thank you to Mt. Irenaeus for making all things new, including me.
