By Sister Nancy Liddy

“You haven’t any pluck.” [Rabbit said to Piglet] “It’s hard to be brave,” said Piglet, sniffing slightly, “when you’re only a Very Small Animal.” … Rabbit then said: “It is because you are a very small animal that you will be Useful in the adventure before us.” – Winnie the Pooh © 1926

Before a recent gathering of Ursuline Associates in Louisville, there were so few Associates available to attend that we considered an 11^th hour cancellation. Instead, we decided to lean in and recommit ourselves by keeping the meeting on the calendar. On the day we met, we shared Ursuline spirituality, food, project ideas, and prayer for our sick and absent members. All of us agreed our perseverance had reaped a return when even the turnout for the meeting exceeded our expectations.

In traditional theology, perseverance is connected to the Gift of the Holy Spirit and the virtue of fortitude that helps us to overcome fear and serve a higher purpose. An extreme example of the exercise of this gift is martyrdom. But for most of us who are unlikely to die in this way, we can continue to grow, no matter what age we are, with a little “pluck.”  

When we say someone has “pluck” we can sometimes confuse it with toughness. Pluck is different. Pluck is defined as “courageous, spirited, and often cheerful determination to overcome hardship.” Toughness is enduring or resisting a situation where pluckiness can help us rise to the occasion.

We can all rise to the occasion and begin to recognize, if we have not already, that every gathering is not only for our Ursuline Sisters and Associates, but we are also engaged in a divine project. Every school that shares the charism of Saint Angela, every Ursuline community throughout the world, and all our local activities are about being this kind of hub of Christ’s message in the world. It is not easy but with fortitude, perseverance and “pluck” we can recommit to engage to be God’s presence in the world.

Something to Consider

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC 2342] “Self-Mastery is a long and exacting work. One can never consider it acquired once and for all. It presupposes renewed effort at all stages of life.”

 Self- knowledge is key to helping us recognize how we face life’s challenges.

• Am I aware of times when I tend to give up too easily?
• Am I aware of times I resist when a needed change becomes obvious?

This reflection also appears in the May 2026 issue of Associate Update newsletter.