Wise is the tradition of celebrating historical milestones, rites of passage, important dates like a Jubilee year. Looking in the rearview mirror of life and contemplating the path already traveled, is an invitation to remember the history that has been lived, the victories that have been achieved, and the blessings that have been received.
It was with this reflective look at the life and history of our 12 Jubilarians of 2022 in mind, that the Our Lady Aparecida Province provided a period of leisure and rest for these sisters, from December 26, 2021 to January 4, 2022. And later, the group also participated in their annual spiritual retreat from January 8-15, 2022.
On January 15th, a large group of Sisters from different ND communities, gathered at the Provincial House to honor the opening of the Jubilee Year through a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving followed by a festive lunch.
Sister Maria Nonata, Assistant General, sent a message for the occasion and expressed her gratitude in these words: “Gratitude for your perseverance, firmness, generosity, and fidelity to God translated into your daily experience of the YES given at the moment of the “First Love” and which lasts until today”.
Sister Vania Maria, Provincial Superior, quoting Pope Francis, said: “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine for itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
And, Sister Vania Maria concluded: “Therefore, Sisters, we are sure that in these years of consecrated religious life, lived in love and with love, you have made the lives of our brothers and sisters much happier, through the endowment and dedication of each one of you to the ND mission.”
by Dreamhost