Fernando Lugo was officially installed as president of Paraguay, in a ceremony which marked the end of a long domination, of 61 years, of the Colorado party (conservative) in the country.
Aged 57, the new President took the oath before Congress, thus becoming the 48th President since the foundation of the Republic of Paraguay in 1844.
Fernando Lugo was officially installed as president of Paraguay, in a ceremony which marked the end of a long domination, of 61 years, of the Colorado party (conservative) in the country.
Aged 57, the new President took the oath before Congress, thus becoming the 48th President since the foundation of theRepublic ofParaguay in 1844.
Before taking up office, Lugo announced that he will make a gift to the poor of his monthly salary of 6,000dollars. It was in Guaraní, the mother tongue of Paraguay, that he began his speech, before asking permission to continue in Spanish.

Growing in hope

The inauguration of the new president of therepublic ofParaguay, Fernando Lugo, ex-bishop, took place last April.For some time previously much discussion had taken place in an atmosphere of great expectation.  However there was also a feeling of fear that all our great hopes would be once again dashed.  Many people, including ourselves, had this feeling.  We all desperately desired a new era for our country – a better, more serious country; one that we deserved.
We would have liked Monsignor Lugo to continue as bishop.  He is always on the side of the poor; he is a man of prayer and his decision to ask for secularisation and enter politics as a candidate for President came from a conviction that he would serve the people better in this way.  We respect his option and we give him all our support.
On the 20th April, he headed a movement called ‘The Patriotic Alliance for Change’ and he won all the elections with a large majority, ousting the Colorado Party, which had been in power for 61 years.  This party believed itself to be invincible despite the fact that it was totally corrupt, skilled in using the poverty and ignorance of the people to its own advantage.  It was a totalitarian regime and those in positions of power flaunted their wealth in ostentatious and wasteful ways, and were in no way concerned about the illness, misery and even death of the people.
So on April 20th, the people rose up and won.  The people believed in themselves; they grew in self-esteem, in courage, in dignity. This is a huge victory.  But we must not be complacent.  We must remember that Lugo is alone and that we, who have voted for him, must continue to be with him.  The simple, humble people, who believe in him, must go on supporting him because without that support he will not be able to do anything.  There is no party behind him and that is why he has to make alliances with other politicians who demonstrate some love for their country.  He has to forge pacts with others, pacts that will empower him to bring about real change.  We must beware of placing impossible burdens on him that could make him unpopular. 
We, the people, wish for change; we want a better country, a better life for everyone.  We too need to make pacts.  We need to be in solidarity with one another in seeking the common good.  We need to hold onto this first sign of hope.  We need to continue to support Lugo as on the first day of his election, praying that he will have the strength, courage and wisdom to manage all the tensions that may come when members of his government may be tempted by ambition or money as was the case in the former government, where all sorts of tricks and traps were used to oppose change and maintain the status quo. 
And because we are aware of all the difficulties that he may have, we may be tempted to lose hope and fear that he will be surrounded by enemies, disguised as friends and companions.  We will continue to be alert and remain firm in hope; we will continue to give him our support when needed and we will grow in self-esteem, which is the fruit of living in a new democratic country.  We overcame the invincible eternal Colorado Party.  We will continue to struggle for a better country, a country where we can live in truth and prosperity and where there will be peace and justice for all.  This is in fact theKingdom ofGod.
Community Fernando de la Mora
 

Monsignor Marius Maziers, archbishop of Bordeaux from 1968 to 1989 died on the 14th August at the age of 93. He was soon to celebrate 70 years as an ordained priest.
For the Holy Family, he was not only a pastor but also a friend.
Monsignor Marius Maziers, archbishop of Bordeaux from 1968 to 1989 died on the 14th August at the age of 93.  He was soon to celebrate 70 years as an ordained priest.
For the Holy Family, he was not only a pastor but also a friend.  He was always a guide for us, a support to the very end and he held our Family in deep affection.  When Joy died, he wrote to us from his place of retirement: ‘The close bonds with your religious family, which have always been the mark of my Episcopal ministry at Bordeaux, mean that I experience the death of Joy as a family grief and with all my heart, I assure you of my deep communion with your pain, prayer and hope…’
Monsignor Maziers had a deep awareness of the spirituality of Father Noailles and sisters remember, even after 30 years, the retreats that he preached on the mystery of Nazareth.  It was he who erected the Secular Institute of the Holy Family on 1st May 1988.
His many letters accompanied by beautiful texts enabled us to keep in touch with him and appreciate the depth of his spiritual life.  Although he was slowing down, and he commented on this with some humour, nevertheless, his heart remained awake and alive.  This timid, humble, self-effacing man had strong convictions and a great love of the Church.   At times there were difficulties – according to some, he was not ‘made’ Cardinal because of an excess of social sensitivity.  He had participated in the Council and this had deeply marked his life.
We quote here from some of his reflections, which are an aid to meditation and in the Prayer section, you will find one of the prayers he wrote and which was read in the Cathedral of St. Andre on the eve of his funeral. ——–
‘Jesus is Emmanuel, the God who shares our human condition so as to divinise it.  To love means to live in a simple fraternal way with others each day.  I stress the importance of a look, a simple gesture to show what is in one’s heart and to keep the door of hope open’. ——–
‘The face of the Risen Lord always enlightens my path.  It is in Him and with the Church that I believe in the coming of a new humanity – a humanity that is reconciled and united by love. We have to long for and work to prepare for the coming of this Kingdom inaugurated by Jesus Christ’. ——–
‘Let us continue to walk in the light of the One who brings the victory of life by the way of death’.

This year, Lourdes celebrates the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous. The Jubilee celebration began on the of 8th December 2007 and will end on the 8th of December 2008. From 13th to 15th September, Pope Benedict XV1 is to visit the small Pyrenean town.
This year, Lourdes celebrates the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous. The Jubilee celebration began on the of 8th December 2007 and will end on the 8th of December 2008. 

From 13th to 15th September, Pope Benedict XV1 is to visit the small Pyrenean town.

 It is estimated that about 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year.  It is thought that this year already, that number has been well exceeded. 
In the Holy Family, international sessions that take place in Martillac near Bordeaux always include a pilgrimage to Lourdes in its programme.

Certainly there are many Marian shrines in the world but Lourdes occupies a privileged place among us, members of the Holy Family, and in many of our communities, there is often a replica of the grotto in the garden with the statue of our Lady of Lourdes.
There is something profoundly human about Lourdes.  It is the place where millions of sick people come to place their suffering before the Virgin.  Others come seeking light and strength in their daily struggles.  For many, Mary embodies that maternal love that each of us needs in order to face the challenges of life.

Today there is a revaluing of the meaning of pilgrimage as something that touches us in an integral way – body, soul, spirit, and heart.  Our hectic life –styles often arouse in us the need for silence, solitude and self-reflection and it is interesting to note that Lourdes attracts, not only believers, but also many others who are on a spiritual quest.
 In seeking healing for their bodies, many find themselves on an intense spiritual journey.  A priest, who has spent many hours in the confessional, remarked that ‘it is there where the greatest miracles of Lourdes take place’.
In Lourdes, barriers of culture, race and social classes no longer count; in Lourdes, you are simply a pilgrim moving towards an encounter with God.  You take the time to listen to others and to be in solidarity with humanity that is thirsting for life.  You may perhaps, take part in celebrations that are not familiar to you, but they will take on a whole new meaning.  Symbols also have a deeper significance.  Father Nieuviarts, writing in the French press on the 15th August 2008, comments:
‘Those who touch the rock at the grotto in Lourdes, may be contemplating God who is their rock and their stability.  Perhaps they are praying to be imbued with the strength of this rock.  Those who drink the water from the fountain feel that their inner thirst is being quenched, that they have been changed and that the water has purified them.  Perhaps the water reminds them of their Baptism.  Those who burn candles have the intention of offering something of themselves.  In lighting the candle, they open themselves up to the clarity that comes from God and when they depart leaving a burning candle, their prayer continues in union with the prayers of all the other people who have placed their lighted candles at the grotto. When they sing the hymn to Mary at night in the torchlight procession, heaven and earth seem to come together in a mysterious way and their faces become transfigured.  Each person is at one and the same time deeply alone with God in prayer and profoundly united with all the other pilgrims.’
——-
Two of our Sisters from the network – Sr. St Jean and Sr. Quitterie took part in the 135th National Pilgrimage from the 11th –16th August.  We asked them about their experience.

                              Click to share their experience

              http://www.saintefamillebordeaux.org/lourdes3/lourdesen.htm

God’s dream and the dream of Family of Father Noailles was fulfilled. We had to break through differences that divided us; violent division in the country, ethnicity, languages, cultures, customs and attitudes.

Holy Family Novices in joint formation in Sri Lanka share their difficult and challenging experience

We came together as Novices from the North andSouthProvinces of Sri Lanka, and began our formation as a joint group. God’s dream and the dream of Family of Father Noailles was fulfilled. We had to break through differences that divided us;  violent division in the country, ethnicity, languages, cultures, customs and attitudes. Our goal was clear but the journey was difficult and challenging. It is the Spirit of faith and the Charism of our Founder that is leading us beyond our boundaries. We witness that Communion is Possible.

It is not easy to break down what is so deeply seated in our being. It was a risk and a breakthrough to give up our own ideas, our mindset, bitter experiences, facing the reality of war, displacement, hatred, revenge, prejudice. Still struggling!!! We realize that only  conversion and reconciliation can transform and liberate us.

We try to pool together all that we are and have. We realize that differences make us rich. What beauty in sharing all our resources, strengths and limitations! It is the first step of a long journey. We are moving slowly and steadily, with conviction. We are clear about our goal, vision and mission – To be and to create Family – “Building Communion” is kept before our eyes always. We are helped by various elements of our formation programme, such as continual evaluation, reviews and integration to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and his Mission – we are inspired by the models placed before us – the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph who loved, sought and desired nothing but God Alone in their lives. We are constantly reminded of our Good Father’s invitation – “Go forward, increase in numbers and virtues!”

We are convinced that we are called to be prophets and bridge-builders; to create new communities which are Kingdom-centred, with a global outlook, and the capacity to give and receive.

“Choose Life” the theme of 2008 General Chapter is holds great meaning for us, and challenges us to look forward in HOPE,  to embrace the international and multicultural dimension in order to live for God Alone, always available for his mission: to spread God’s Kingdom with missionary zeal.

Novices – Diyatalawa.

We are the French-speaking Temporary Professed Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux in Africa: Cameroon, Tchad, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. At present, we are taking part in a formation Session in Ifwanzondo, (D.R. Congo).

The Holy Family  Temporary Professed Sisters at Ifwanzondo in D.R.Congo

We are the French-speaking  Temporary Professed Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux in Africa: Cameroon,Tchad, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. At present, we are taking part in a formation Session in Ifwanzondo, (D.R. Congo).  Our joy is great at meeting each other for the first time, in order to get to know one another, and to strengthen our Holy Family bonds.  We are here for twelve days. The first part of the Session began on the evening of July 24, and finished on 26th evening with the Pilgrimage of the Holy Family. It was animated by Sr. Micheline KENDA, on the theme:  LIVING THE CHARISM IN FIDELITY, AS AFRICAN WOMEN.  We took time to understand ever more deeply that each one of us must assume this Charism personally…  The second part will be animated by a Josephite Brother from Kinzambi, beginning on the evening of July 27.  He will address the theme: “Management of our woundedness and community life”. 

 French-speaking Holy Family Temporary Professed –Africa.

Faithful echo of the Sovereign Pontiff’s directives that we have already had occasion to quote, the General Chapter of 1957 has marked for the Holy Family a turning point of history.

Holy Family of Bordeaux marked a significant event which is the 50th Anniversary of introducing Provinces to replace the Branches. This took place on 29 June in 1958. Some Provinces have already celebrated this event which inspires us to remember this day too.  
Here is the information taken from the archives, it is an extract from the Circular No 245 of 1958. Thanks to Mª Carmen Fernández-Shaw.
 
 

J.M.J.

Circular No 245

                                                           Talence, June 29th 1958
MY DEAR DAUGHTERS,

During the paternal speech which the Very Reverend FatherGeneral addressed to the Mothers Capitular at the close of the Chapter on July 14th 1957, he spoke as follows:

“The aim of the Chapter, what has characterised it, is that it has been in truth a constitutional  work. It was necessary to “remodel” – I do not exactly say “remake” – your Constitutions, to perfect them, to add new articles.”

Now, this constitutional work had to fulfil a double purpose:  

Preserve the spirit of the Holy Family in all its purity and integrate this spirit into the new structure.

Faithful echo of the Sovereign Pontiff’s directives  that we have already had occasion to quote, theGeneral Chapter of 1957 has marked for the Holy Family a turning point of history. While safeguarding the continuity with our ever-living past, it wished to prepare a future no less rich in promise. The definite approbation given by the Sacred Congregation of Religious, encourages us to look towards this future with confident serenity.

THE NEW ARTICLES INTRODUCED INTO THE CONSTITUTIONS: CONCERNING PROVINCES AND REGIONAL DISTRICTS

The fundamental amendment of the Constitutions, the one from which the greater part of the other proceed, is the introduction of Provinces to replace the Branches.

Previously, each Branch constituted a distinct juridical entity, governed by a Directress who resided at the Mother House and who was appointed by the SuperioressGeneral in Council. The Branch grouped together all the subjects engaged in the same activity, whether in France or in other Countries. Each Sister, by her Profession, acquired the right of stability, in the Branch of her choice. She could not be withdrawn from it without her consent.

Henceforth, the Congregation is divided into Provinces,  or distinct divisions contained within fixed territorial boundaries. These Provinces are erected by the SuperioressGeneral in Council, with the previous authorization of the Sacred Congregation of Religious. The Provinces may and even should have, as far as possible, different works that are representative of the varied aims of the Institute. These works, normally established in separate houses, are all placed under the authority of the Provincial Superioress who resides in the Province.
Your Good Mother,
Sœur CLAIRE DE JESUS
SuperioressGeneral of the Sisters of the Holy Family.

From 15 -22 June 2008, the 49th International Eucharistic Congress took place in Quebec, presided by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the Primate of the Church of Canada. Since it was impossible for the Pope to participate himself, he named Cardinal Josef Tomko Papal Legate to take his place.

THE EUCHARIST, GIFT OF GOD FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD.

From 15 -22 June 2008, the 49th International Eucharistic Congress took place in Quebec,  presided by  Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the Primate of theChurch ofCanada. Since it was impossible for the Pope to participate himself, he named  Cardinal Josef Tomko Papal Legate to take his place. The Cardinal is the President emeritus of the Pontifical  Commission for International Congresses; he was welcomed with honour, joy and respect.
In the course of this memorable week, the faithful from 60 countries all over the world heard the call of Christ to be better witnesses in a world thirsty for hope and for love.
The Eucharistic Celebrations, the Catechesis, the testimonies, the sharing, and the brother/sisterly encounters, along with the various expressions of commitment, enriched and confirmed us in our Christian Mission.
The volunteers formed one of the pillars of the Congress,  contributing greatly to its success. From all over the world, people came as participants, but they were also ready to give their time to the Church, because of their faith. The Holy Family was present through multiple services in the ExpoCity area, transformed for the occasion into a Eucharistic City, where a great variety of  activities took place, many of them open to the public at large, such as the Opening Ceremony,  the Blessed Sacrament Procession through the streets of the City, the vigils of  prayer and adoration, and the closing ceremony on the Plains of Abraham. 
We experienced solidarity with the planet. The Congress brought forth some very practical options for the life of the world. Every effort was made to reduce pollution at its source, and to encourage re-use, and recycling.
The Congress has borne major fruit in the domain of faith and culture for the whole population. It was an extraordinary opportunity for the people ofQuebec to live this unique experience  in a festive atmosphere  with believers of all ages from all over the world.
Colette Lambert (Canada)  
http://www.cei2008.ca/en/accueil

Jean Vanier  has touched the whole Eucharistic Congress in Quebec
Click on the phrase

On June 28 we entered the Year of St. Paul, “The Apostle of the Nations”, who was particularly committed to announcing the Good News to all peoples, and who was untiring in his pursuit of unity and concord among all Christians. We invite you to look up the site dedicated to this event.

Rome, Monday 24 June, 2008 (Zenit.org).  The ecumenical patriarch ofConstantinople, Bartholomew I, will attend the inauguration of the Pauline Jubilee Year and Mass celebrated by Benedict XVI the next day. According to reports Monday and today from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, Bartholomew I will participate in Saturday’s celebration of vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. With this event, Benedict XVI will officially inaugurate the Pauline year.  Representatives of other Christian communities are also scheduled to attend.     
The Pope mentioned this “great ecclesial initiative” during his Sunday Angelus, saying “May this great spiritual and pastoral event inspire within us renewed confidence in Jesus Christ, who calls us to announce and to bear  fearless witness to His Gospel. I therefore invite you, dear brothers and sisters, to prepare to celebrate with faith this year dedicated to St. Paul.”

On Sunday, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Bartholomew I will participate in the Mass celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter’s.The patriarch and the Holy Father will pronounce the homily; together they will recite the profession of faith and impart the blessing. The Pope will concelebrate Mass with the new metropolitan archbishops, upon whom he will bestow the pallium during the course of the ceremony.
The Pope announced the Pauline Year on 28 June 2007 inSt. Paul’s Basilica itself, saying in his homily:  This year must have an important “ecumenical dimension.” “The Apostle of the Gentiles, who dedicated himself to the spreading of the good news to all peoples, spent himself for the unity and harmony of all Christians. May he guide us and protect us in this bimillenary celebration,” he added, “helping us to advance in the humble and sincere search for the full unity of all the members of the mystical body of Christ.”
A website in four languages gives a detailed programme of all the events and initiatives planned for this « Ecumenical, Jubilee » Year of St, Paul, marking the 2000th Anniversary of the birth of the Apostle of the Nations. 

Maria da Conceicao Apparecida Marins was born in Sorocaba (a city that is situated near Sao Paulo) on 27th December, 1914, into a family of five children. After the death of her mother, she came to Sao Paulo to live with relatives.

Maria da Conceicao Apparecida Marins was born in Sorocaba (a city that is situated nearSao Paulo) on 27th December, 1914, into a family of five children. After the death of her mother, she came to Sao Paulo to live with relatives.  

She was a member of the group, Daughters of Mary in the parish of Our Lady of Consolation, where she came to know the Sisters of the Holy Family.

In spite of the fact that she knew of several other religious congregations, she felt a special attraction for the spirituality of the Holy Family and for the person of the founder, Pierre Bienvenu Noailles.   Even though the Holy Family had no Brazilian sisters at that time, she was courageous enough to enter.

She began her initial formation in difficult times, 1940, which was a time of war.  On the 29th June of that year, she began her postulancy.  On the 24th March 1942, she entered the Novitiate.  On the 26th September 1943, she made her first vows and received the name of Sister St. Luiz Gonzaga.  On the 26th September 1946, she made her final profession.

As she was the first Brazilian vocation, she took on responsibilities very early on: she became a member of the Directorate of the Association of the nursing Sisters of Hope and was in charge of formation of postulants who were entering by the door that she herself had opened.

She began her community life in the house on Consolation Street and later carried out her mission in other communities that were founded at that time: Alameda Glete, St. Edwiges Hospital, Pocos de Caldas, Altinopolis, Santos – in Gota de Leche, Holy Family Chacara and Queen Isabel Shelter where she lived and worked for the last twenty years.

She was especially devoted to the poor.  She said herself that she had been particularly marked by her experience in the shanty town ‘Orden y Progreso’ where she worked during the 70s.  She was gifted with a rich personality, knowing how to combine gentleness with firmness, fidelity to the rules with openness to the new, courage with prudence, wisdom with simplicity, prayer with activity.  Above all she had great love of and a strong sense of belonging to the Holy Family.

During her last days of illness, it was good to see her always busy.  She would be seated in her armchair and in her own place, arranged to her liking, and when we came to visit her we would find her engaged in sewing, reading or writing.  She would interrupt what she was doing and smile that familiar smile that we miss so much.  She always prayed the Office and read the Word of God each day, up to the last day of her life.

Last year, at the opening of the festivities to celebrate the Centenary of the arrival of the Holy Family in Brazil, unable to be present at the Mass in the Church of the Consolation, she made her presence felt by a beautiful letter.  The following extract from this letter contains a message for us today:  ‘I thank God for these 100 years and for the happiness of belonging to the Holy Family of Bordeaux.  I am encouraged by the words of our Founder, the Venerable Pierre Bienvenu Noailles who says to us:  “Take courage, you are not alone.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph hold you by the hand.  Go forward!” ‘.

6 sisters will participate to SEDOS Seminar 2008 – Missionary Church in a Globalizing World. Perpetue Mumpanga Angoulême Community – France

6 sisters will participate to
SEDOS Seminar 2008 
 Ariccia – 20 to 24 May
 

 MissionaryChurch in a Globalizing World

•       Globalization 

•       Missionary Church and Globalization

 •       Points of Fracture in our human society; new social sufferings; new social fractures ( New ‘Presences’ for Mission)

 •       The Role of Religious  — Can religious become the ‘bridges’ over those social and human fractures?  —  Spirituality – Living in Justice               ‘Being’ Missioners versus ‘Doing’ Mission

Speakers:  Prof. Martirani, Sr Anne Falola, Robert Schreiter, Daniel Groody

ECHOES FROM THE SEDOS SESSION:    Perpētue Mumpanga 

          ANOTHER ECHOES:  Margaret Bradley
http://www.sedos.org/site/