A new insertion among older people in Azalea gardens, Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)
Just being here is already a Ministry of PRESENCE, a new experience, not only for us as Sisters, but also for those in our Complex. We moved in here to Azalea Gardens on 23 July 2018. The Azaleas were in full bloom to welcome us! And we have been welcomed by our Administrator and Residents alike.
Why have we come here some were asking? As Sisters here, we are beginning to be seen as people amongst people who share this stage of life! The place, presence and purpose of Religious Sisters in society is expanding for all – as one old gentleman said, “I don’t like Nuns, but even so YOU are welcome”.
There are 58 Cottages in the Complex, each with a small garden in front. By chance, we have a little garden space at the back of our cottage too. With the help of our neighbours, we have planted a few different kinds of flowers in the front; and at the back some vegetables: lettuce, carrots, spinach, onions, leaks, tomatoes, peas. The Complex has a lovely Frail Care Unit – open to people from the cottages in time of need, and to people from outside the Complex too. All the Staff here are very caring and special people – so friendly too.
With regard to Ministry, Isobel has started visiting a few of the Cottages, and the Frail Care Unit. Jen continues to offer Spiritual Direction and Prayer Accompaniment and hopes eventually to be able to extend and strengthen faith in the Spirit Alive and Present and at work in ALL CREATION. It is early days yet in the development of possible ministry. Now is a special time of settling in, listening for, and feeling the tugs of our God with regard to Ministry. One thing is certain: COMMUNION IS ALIVE AND SEEN in a special way here. Relevant Ministry is already evolving.
Sent in by Isobel and Jen

On Wednesday 28 November, Micheline and Kumudinie participated in the Annual General Assembly of the Solidarity with South Sudan.  It was a very special event as the celebration marked the 10th anniversary of its journey.  It was a day of listening and sharing, being touched by and in solidarity with what is lived by so many committed and daring women and men of good will!
Solidarity with South Sudan originated as the result of two important factors.  Firstly, the request of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference to the UISG – International Union of Superiors General, both women and men, to help them address the critical educational, health and pastoral needs in South Sudan.  Secondly, it was in response to the call made at the Congress on Consecrated Life, on the theme “Passion for Christ, Passion for Humanity” – held in Rome in 2004.
At present, 31 religious and 3 lay volunteers (women and men) from 18 countries and 19 congregations serve in Solidarity communities in South Sudan under trying circumstances yet with great joy and love!  They minister in training teachers, nurses, and midwives; initiating the collaborative model in Pastoral ministry and training in sustainable agricultural methods provided to 50 families on 30 hectares of hand-cleared land.  Of late, this area gives refuge to 6000 displaced people fleeing the conflict in Rimenze, providing them with humanitarian aid to support this community.
“The harvest is great but the laborers are few,” hence the present President of the Solidarity of South Sudan, Fr Paul Smyth is – ‘Be with us on this mission’!
While thanking God for this good work, we ask God’s constant guidance and protection on these our brothers and sisters who give themselves for the people in need, in South Sudan!

Something more to know about the Holy Family of Bordeaux in Lesotho:
Click here to read more
 

On 21 November 2018, a new dawn for the Italian Sisters.  Italy which earlier had been a Province, had become part of the European Reseau, together with France and Belgium since 2006. Turning a new page in its journey, Italy became again a separate Unit and was officially erected on this day.   The new Leadership Team, consisting of four Sisters, already nominated earlier, were also officially installed on this same day. Maristella Arokiam, the Unit leader; Gertie Peiris, the Bursar Councillor, Franca Di Vincenzo and Giovanna Papa as Councillors were read in for a First Mandate by Ana Maria Alcalde our Superior General. Certainly, it was a joyous and blissful day for all of them. There were around 40 sisters present to grace the event.
The day chosen was indeed significant –the Feast of the Presentation of Mary – which had a close connection to the responsibility this new team undertook to be lived in fidelity to the call addressed to them.  During the Eucharistic celebration, we were reminded of Mary’s ‘yes’ to follow God’s way in deep faith and trust.  The four Sisters were assured of God’s constant and loving Presence and guidance as they give themselves for the service of mission, in fulfilling God’s will at this moment in their history.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the installation ceremony which also took place in the chapel. After this, all were invited for a grand and fraternal meal.  It was an environment of great joy and a deep sense of Family. Singing and reading messages and wishes by sisters were a nice bonus!
Collaboration, support, and union with one another were the genuine expressions throughout the day!
 
 

The JRS UK hosting scheme offering destitute refugees respite accommodation
As a member of one of the hosting communities, Sr. Margaret Muldoon HFB offered this reflection.
As members of an international congregation of women Religious, we have committed ourselves to “be with” people who are on the margins; migrants, refugees, those who are marginalized, trafficked, ignored and deprived of their dignity. We do this according to the diversity of our situations and the opportunities available to us.
When our community in London came across the At Home hosting programme organised by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) we welcomed the opportunity to open our hearts and our homes to women refugees accompanied by JRS.
“Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age.” (Pope Francis, Message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2018)
Beginning something new can be a challenge. Questions, insecurities, fears may arise. Becoming involved through the At Home programme made taking that first, and subsequent, step very easy. We are grateful for the fact that there is a clear agreement between us, as a host community, and JRS, especially the friendly support and accompaniment from the At Home Coordinator who is always available, if and when needed. So far, we have hosted 5 guests, each for a period of 3-4 months and will soon open our home to our next guest.
Each time we welcome a new guest into our home, they each bring something different and make their own unique contribution to our lives. Through each of their placements, there are many common, life-giving aspects that have had an impact on us – a community of four sisters.
“I encourage you to welcome refugees into your homes and communities, so that their first experience of Europe is not the traumatic experience of sleeping cold on the streets, but one of warm human welcome. Remember that authentic hospitality is a profound gospel value that nurtures love…” (Pope Francis speaking to Jesuit students in Rome, 2016)
Firstly, we would like to say that we consider it a privilege to have this opportunity of sharing our home with women, who are living in destitution, often alone and uncared for, longing for that “warm human welcome” that Pope Francis speaks of. Our current guest, Helen, very quickly made herself at home. She is a gentle presence in the community and is free to come and go as she pleases. She is totally trustworthy and accountable. Our only request is that she informs us if she is going to be late coming in to ensure that the door is left unlocked for her.
Sometimes she shares meals with us; at other times, she cooks for herself according to her own preferences. She engages in conversation and shows interest in each one. We listen with respect to whatever she chooses to share with us while ensuring that we do not intrude into her life and that she has her own space and privacy.
Through our interaction with her, we come in touch with destitution, with someone who has nothing and no rights, who is totally dependent on charity. In this way, we are brought close and remain open to, aware of, moved and challenged by a reality that is a lot of millions of people in our world today.
“To the maternal intercession (of Mary) we entrust the hopes of all the world’s migrants and refugees and the aspirations of the communities which welcome them, so that, responding to the Lord’s supreme commandment, we may all learn to love the other, the stranger, as ourselves.” (Pope Francis, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2018)
Helen has suffered much in her life, gone through experiences we can’t even imagine and has already spent over 12 years in the country without any support from the government. Despite all that, she shows remarkable strength, courage, and compassion. Her way of living this very challenging situation is an inspiration to us. It helps us to relativize our own difficulties and invites us to grow in openness, compassion, and hospitality. Opening our home has given us the opportunity to make a difference and, in a small way, be a counter-culture to the separation, discrimination, inequality, and injustice that is prevalent in society today.
 

A drop of rain turned into a shower….. A birthday gift to our   Good father…
In the year 2016, the youth of the Holy Family decided on 5 projects among remember was to provide needed equipment to the cancer hospital. 
The seed has sawn….meetings, discussions were held to find ways and means to raise funds. Finally, we decided to have a public show.  The theme for the concert was “Hangum warusawa” – a shower of feelings.  To bring a smile to those who seek hope.  All the items were based on cancer: causes, how to prevent, problems faced by near and dear ones, how to look after the patients etc. Each cell was to perform an item.  
Date fixed for 26th in honor of our Good Father’s Birthday. Thus the main project of the whole family became this event.  
Gradually the seed was turning into a tree spreading its branches. We felt the great need of conscientious the public when we learned from the relevant authorities that in Sri Lanka annually 15000 succumbed to cancer. 5000 due to unawareness.  
The ministry of health, director of the cancer hospital, national cancer control institution together with our big family joined hands to launch the battle. 
it was a fortune to meet Dr. Suraj Perea specialist consultant of the above institution, who also had been a Youth of HF. Since then he became our guiding light. 
Throughout the year the awareness programmes and preparation for the event went on simultaneously. 
Pin prickly cards, wristbands, leaflets, stickers, street dramas, and awareness lectures in schools took place. 
The concert was a massive task to monitor17 units spread in all corners, find accommodation and food for 250 youth for 2 days etc. 
Here the support we received from our nuns and associates is commendable. We really felt the richness of unity in diversity. They have been our pillar of strength. 
Seeing our good work many came forward to help us. The Claretian novitiate and Holy Cross provincial team opened their doors to keep more than 150 youth to spend the 2 days. 
The auditorium and the premises are given for a minimal fee. 3 nearby houses kept the nun and youth providing meals for 3 days sharing their rooms with us.
It is not only the concert, but the richness of goodwill that showered on us was marvelous.  The 15 subcommittees comprised of youth associates and nuns did their part and finally, we achieved our collective effort.  It was indeed a shower of feelings. 
The concert is over… but we will not stop until we fulfill the task of bringing the smile to the face of people who seek it by eradicating cancer from our motherland. 
 

Sr Chandani Jayasooriya – PBN Committee
Sri Lanka – Colombo 

The awareness programmes conducted along with the “HANGUM WARUSAWA” project. The youth of the holy family, Colombo unit has been conducting various programmes since 2017, under the project, “Loved ones seeking for a smile of Hope –Showers of feelings”.
These programmes were launched through SUPATHA (Youth of the HF) units in different parts of the southern part of the country targeting the public to concertize them on cancer and cancer prevention. We gratefully mention that the medical officers and the Cancer Prevention unit, Colombo give their fullest support for our programme.
One such interesting awareness project conducted on 6th October 2018 at the main bus terminal of the capital city, Colombo was a street drama with distributing leaflets and stickers.
Although the Colombo skies gave out massive torrents of rain we did not give up. Apostolic Sisters, Supatha members, and   Supasa members gave their maximum in this effort.
The responses of the public were satisfying. They were receptive, most of the private bus and three-wheeler drivers willingly pasted the sticker in their busses.
We are determined to save at least one life by giving out information about cancer, as out of the
15,000 patients who are diagnosed with cancer around 5000 become victims due to ignorance. Our battle against this dreadful disease will continue in future too with many other awareness programmes in rural and urban areas so as a preventive measure. Our vision of “Hangum Warusawa” project is to create healthy people through awareness.

Sri Lanka – Colombo

From 9th – 15th October the members of the “Roots” team met in the Generalate.
The last General Chapter reminded us that “it is the spirit of God Alone that gives energy and impetus for mission” and throughout the Family reflections are taking place, helping us to explore our spirituality in the light of new insights. As a follow up the General Leadership Team asked that a further reflection be made regarding the understanding of mission today.  During their time together, the members of the team had a very profound and rich experience of searching and reflecting, marked by deep listening and open dialogue. It is hoped that a similar possibility and process will be made available to all at a later date.

The General Chapter in 2014 recommended that we “seek ways of encouraging and deepening the Spirit of God Alone in all members”. In the December issue of Weavings 2017, we shared how our Sisters – Breda, Colleen, and Kathleen participated in an international session for deepening our roots.
The three Sisters were trained in facilitation and committed themselves to share their experience with the whole Association in our Unit. Together with the Leadership Team, it was decided to have two retreats of six days each for the Apostolic Sisters. The consecrated Seculars and Priests and lay Associates were invited to share in these retreats with the Sisters. The retreats were held at Good Shepherd Retreat Centre and Holy Family Convent Pietermaritzburg.
The reflections focused on the cosmic walk, God Alone, Faith, Incarnation, and Presence. Each day our programme focused on prayer, reflection, group sharing, and the Eucharist. The way in which participants entered into the spirit of this retreat was very edifying. Participants were invited to allow themselves to be taken along a new path on their spiritual journey.
First of all they were asked to move beyond their comfort zones and stretch their beliefs to include the new – see the Creator of the Universe as mystery beyond mystery rather than trying to contain God in a way that keeps us comfortable and filled with illusion- thus leading us closer to the truth of who God, the Divine mystery, is and who we are in the Divine Truth.
The Cosmic walk gave us the grace to walk this earth and see it as a sacred place. It gave us some knowledge of the age of the earth and universe, and know something of the long story of its unfolding to become what we know it to be today, with its powers and patterns of unfolding.
The retreat reminded us of Teilhard de Chardin’s words: “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey; we are spiritual beings on a human journey”.
Later this year one-day retreats have been planned for our Lay and Priest Associates and Consecrated Seculars. Let our prayer accompany them as we continue to walk this journey together, living the Spirit of God Alone.
Sent in by Sr Melanie O’ Connor
 

Pope Francis will preside over the Synod of Bishops on – “Young people, Faith and Vocational Discernment”, scheduled to be from 3-28 October.  The discussions will focus on teenagers and young adults in the Catholic Church, to find ways to encourage their enthusiasm and dreams and help them sift through the possibilities to serve others thus finding meaning to their lives.
This Synod is said to bring together 300 cardinals, bishops, priests, religious and lay experts, including some 40 young people, formators and educators.
Addressing the pre-synod gathering in March, Pope said, the church and its members must reach out, ask what God wants of them and continually find new ways to respond to the hopes and needs of the world’s people.
Young people he said are the ones who can help the church fight “the logic of ‘it’s always been done this way’ ” which he describes as “poison, a sweet poison that tranquilizes the heart and leaves you anesthetized so you can’t walk.”
But to equip young people to take their rightful place in the church, church leaders must listen to them, be as honest as possible in responding to their questions and pass on to them the art of discernment.
So the keyword during the synod seems to be ‘listening’.  It will no doubt be an opportunity to learn together and discern together.
Let us pray that all the participants of the Synod may be open to the movement of the Spirit within each one and within one another.
POPE FRANCIS’ Prayer for Young People In View Of the Synod of Bishops 2018:
Lord Jesus, in journeying towards the Synod, your Church turns her attention to all the young people of the world. We pray that they might boldly take charge of their lives, aim for the most beautiful and profound things of life and always keep their hearts unencumbered. Accompanied by wise and generous guides, help them respond to the call you make to each of them, to realize a proper plan of life and achieve happiness.
Keep their hearts open to dreaming great dreams and make them concerned for the good of others. Like the Beloved Disciple, may they stand at the foot of the Cross, to receive your Mother as a gift from you. May they be witnesses to your Resurrection and be aware that you are at their side as they joyously proclaim you as Lord. Amen.