“A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me.” Ps 51, v10.

This is a popular psalm, and each word provides food for thought. On researching the above, I was struck by the numerous commentaries and videos available (even of TikTok!). I chose to delve a little deeper into the word, ‘steadfast’.

‘Steadfast’ is derived from the Old English word, ‘stedefaest’, which combines ‘stede’, meaning ‘place’ and ‘faest’, meaning ‘fixed, standing firm’. Jesus’ parable of the rock and the sand comes to mind.

The word for ‘steadfast’ in the original Hebrew is ‘chesed’, referring to God’s devout loving kindness, mercy, and faithfulness at the very core of God’s character and actions.

Therefore, God’s love is steadfast, unwavering, faithful and kind. Venerable Mary Potter certainly embraced both concepts of the word, ‘steadfast’. Her vision was deeply rooted

in the steadfast love of Christ, particularly in his suffering and passion.

Despite constant opposition and debilitating illness, she continued to follow her call to bring to birth and establish the Little Company of Mary:

“For years I have been preparing a pen-and-ink sketch of the sort of convent and chapel I have in mind. I want the Mother House to be an architectural interpretation of the spirit of the Little Company of Mary.” (1)

Like Venerable Mary Potter, we are called to remain firm in hope, unwavering in love, and faithful to the mission entrusted to us. Midst the precarious challenges confronting our world today, may the example of Venerable Mary Potter encourage us to remain ‘steadfast’ in carrying forth the flame she lit in 1877.

(1). The Spirit and Heritage. The Story of the Little Company of Mary in Italy, p.81.