Left to right: Juan M. Mahan, CSJ, Jane Frances Carew, CSJ, and Gretchen Bogan, CSJ.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Capturing Spring & the Rise of the Spirit

Ava Doogue, CSJ Archivist

The Boston CSJ Archives is highlighting three gifted poets to celebrate the arrival of April and the Easter season: Gretchen Bogan, CSJ, Jane Frances Carew, CSJ, and Juan M. Mahan, CSJ. Known to friends, family, and students as dedicated educators, these women also used the medium of poetry to explore the profound relationship between the natural world and God.

Both a playwright and director at Regis College, Fontbonne, and Mount St. Joseph Academy, Sister Gretchen Bogan also possessed the ability to capture the spiritual stillness of the world. Her poem, “The Quiet Rain,” reflects a soft April shower as a metaphor for divine nourishment. By highlighting the beauty of these subtle moments, Sister Gretchen suggests that growth — both in nature and in the soul — does not always require dramatic upheaval. Instead, she encourages an appreciation for the “quiet rain” of grace that gently sustains life.

Sister Jane Frances Carew’s poetic journey began with “Christmas Prayer,” a plea for the safe return of her father and other soldiers during World War II. Her father famously kept a copy of this poem with him throughout his deployment, a testament to the power of her words.

In her later collection, Forever I will Sing the Goodness of the Lord, Sister Jane’s relationship with God takes center stage. Her 1941 poem, “I Wonder,” bridges the gap between curiosity and worship. In it, she questions the natural world, ultimately finding that a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty is, in itself, an act
of faith.

Sister Juan M. Mahan’s work, often titled “Spring Morning” or “Kaleidoscope,” serves as a vibrant celebration of awakening. Through the personification of “April,” she paints a vivid landscape of blooming flowers, rolling hills, and shimmering ponds. This imagery not only describes a change in weather but also reflects the rejuvenation of the spirit. Poetry was so central to her identity and faith that “Spring Morning”/“Kaleidoscope” was read during her funeral mass, honoring her legacy as a poet.

Through their eyes, we see that the natural world is a mirror of the spiritual one. As you explore this month’s featured artifacts, we invite you to read each poem and reflect: What did these women see in the budding spring, and how did those sights bring them closer to God?