During the last few months, two events that particularly captured our attention took place in France. These were: The Congress of Priest Associates at Martillac and, at almost the same time in Lourdes, a meeting of lay people and religious, members of a large diversity of Spiritual Families.

 SPIRITUAL FAMILIES: THE NEW FACE OF THE CHURCH?
During the last few months, two events that particularly captured our attention took place in France.  These were: The Congress of Priest Associates at Martillac and, at almost the same time in Lourdes, a meeting of lay people and religious, members of a large diversity of Spiritual Families.

It so happened that just before this important meeting for the universal Church as well as for the Church in France – Monseigneur Ricard got to know the Priest Associates who were at the end of their session.  Afterwards at Lourdes he alluded to the impact of that visit. He expressed astonishment at the dynamism of the group.Was this just a chance remark or was it in fact an invitation to develop our awareness of the richness and the relevance of our Charism for the Church and the world today?

Last October 19, 20 and 21 Monique RATTIER (Holy Family Lay Associate) and Therese SEGRETAIN (Holy Family Apostolic Sister) participated at a gathering of Religious and Laity in Lourdes which was organised by the Religious Superiors of France. 
We give you some extracts from an article by Therese which appeared in Interconnections 22:
This first meeting of religious and Lay Associates brought together 1500 persons – about 400 religious, men and women and 1100 lay people associated with the religious congregations.

My first impression was amazement at the multifaceted nature of this assembly of religious families.  There was a huge variety of spiritual movements – Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, Carmelite, French School, Augustinian and in each group there was also a large diversity.

This diversity was found also in the different workshops.  There were 23 different themes and in each workshop there were between 120 and 160 participants.  Monique and I went to a workshop entitled ‘Relations with the Local Church’ on the Saturday afternoon, while in the morning one of us went to a workshop entitled ‘Youth’ and the other attended  ‘Formation in the spirit of the Founders’.  These workshops were organised around three different inputs.  Small groups of six were formed and there was an exercise to get to know one another.  Then there was a sharing of experiences and an attempt to bring out some common factors.  

Two big plenary assemblies marked two powerful moments:

First of all there was a conference entitled: ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock’ given by Mme Marie-Jo Thiel, a theologian from Strasburg.  She spoke about the changes in post-modern society, of a secularised world grappling with paradox and the consequences of this for ecclesial life.
The second assembly: ‘Theological and Ecclesial Issues’.This was a round table animated by Michel Kubler, an Assumptionist and journalist for La Croix, together with Monsignor Ricard, President of the French Episcopal Conference, Sr. Marie Helene Martin, member of CSM and superior general of the Ursulines of Jesus, Nicolas Joanne, member of Christian Life Community and director of  ‘Espace Bernadette’ at Nevers.
During this exchange Father Ricard mentioned the Assembly of Priest Associates of the Holy Family of Bordeaux, emphasising the richness of the Charism lived by the different branches.  He expressed astonishment at the dynamism coming from Asia and Africa and his joy at seeing a Bordeaux priest make his commitment in this group of ‘brothers’.  He stressed the close connection that is established between the Hierarchical Church and the Associative Church, since Father Jean Louis Despeaux is a parish priest.
From time to time Monique and I shared our feelings.  I can honestly say that we were proud and happy to belong to the Holy Family of Bordeaux and of all that has been lived up until now.
We have become aware, once again of the prophetic power of our Charism, and of the genius of the Founder.  We are still living to the best of our ability and after so many generations a grace that is blossoming forth today in every part of France.

                                                                                                (To know more …)

Why are we concerned ?
The dream of our Founder in the Nineteenth Century, to found a Family where all states in life could live and work together for the spread of the Gospel, was revolutionary for the time.
“A Family Drinking from the same wellWatering the same fieldsFlourishing in the same spirit Giving fruits of faith, justice, charity and hope ”
Impelled by the Spirit of God, and in spite of many obstacles, P.B.Noailles brought this dream to reality with love, subtlety and perseverance. At the time of his death the Family comprised : 2200 Apostolic and Contemplative Sisters in 223 communities, 300 consecrated seculars, 17900 lay Associates, 773 Priest Associates. This project so original and so much ahead of its time, encountered several hazards in its history. Some branches of the tree remained for a time without fruit. But the original vision was never totally lost to sight. Today, our Family is still there, and very much alive. “Now is the favourable time”…A gathering like the one that has just taken place invites us to go forward in hope.

A NEW HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY IN AN AREA OF HIGH IMMIGRATION

 THE REGION OF NIJAR IN ALMERIA

The region of Nijar, made up of three villages, is one of the most extensive in Spain.  There is a population of about 30.000 inhabitants registered and to that number one can add several thousand people who are not registered.  About ten thousand of the 30.000 registered persons are non-Spanish.  Thirty-six percent of the population come from 55 different countries including Morocco, Lithuania, Rumania, the Ukraine, Mali,Latin America…
 
 
 

 
Ninety percent of the population depend for their livelihood on food production except for the costal towns and the town ofNijar, which are dedicated to tourism.
The population has grown in the space of 10 years from 10.000 to 30.000 inhabitants mainly because of a huge influx of migrants especially fromNorth Africa.
The material and psychological needs of these people have not been met by the existing structures.  A big majority of those who arrive are cut off from their own roots and the local population is made up of people who have emigrated from other places in the Province and from the eastern part ofAndalusia. 
THE MOST URGENT NEEDS 
Pastoral and charitable aid
The sisters ‘Mercedarias de la Caridad’ at San Isidro have worked with immigrants; they have day workshops, Spanish classes, distribution of food, clothing, furniture and they welcome them and offer them different types of accompaniment.
At Campohermoso, there are the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Castres.  They have been present in this village for 30 years and they have set up a charitable work with the people of the parish.  Because of the age of the sisters and lack of personnel, their work has been reduced to welcoming people, home visits, distribution of clothes and food.

The villages of Pueblo Blanco and Atochares are situated near to San Isidro and they have a large number of immigrants.  Nothing has been organised to receive or welcome them.  In urgent cases, they have to go to San Isidro to ask for what they need.
 
Pastoral and spiritual aid
 
There are among the immigrants, a number of Christians, Catholics who are asking to be accompanied in their faith and who knock at the doors of the Church seeking education in their Christian faith.
 
A number of steps have already been taken to meet their needs.  More needs to be done but there is a shortage of helpers.
 
The ‘Mercedarias de la Caridad’ accompany a group of Christians atSan Isidro. 
 
A White Father from Roquetas accompanies groups of Christians from the sub Sahara at San Isidro and Campohermoso.  He attends them once a week.
 
The Sisters of the Immaculate Conception from Castres with the priest from Campohermoso began working with a group of Christians from the subSahara but they were not able to continue.  About 1500 Lithuanians and a good number of Africans have been members of the parish for some years.  The Ukrainians belong to the Greek Orthodox rite and are accompanied by a priest from their own country and Church.
 

There is also a big number of African immigrants who have arrived without papers and are not registered.  This is their first contact with the peninsula.
 
 
 
 
 
Holy Family Presence
After several visits to the area, dialogue with the Bishop, the priests and the other religious communities, we moved to the area on the 1st March 2008.  There is a small community of three sisters: Maria Paz Alzcorbe, Isabel Martinez de Ilarduia and Mercedes Martinez.  For the moment they will live in thevillage ofCampohermoso and their address is: 

C/  Higuera,  12;  04110 –CAMPOHERMO -Almería-
  
Their mission is to live following the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, creating communion in collaboration with others, humbly offering our small contribution in order to alleviate the many needs at every level in this region.

“Genesis affirms that the world was created by a personal God who is good and who loves his creation. God’s injunction to humankind to “increase and multiply and have dominion over the earth is not a licence to exploit creation.

 WHAT ARE WE DOING TO OUR EARTH ?

 
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth……….and God saw all God had created was very good. (Genesis)
“Genesis affirms that the world was created by a personal God who is good and who loves his creation. God’s injunction to humankind to “increase and multiply and have dominion over the earth is not a licence to exploit creation. In the Book of Psalms, especially Ps 104, and in the Wisdom literature, especially in the Book of Job, there is a clear appreciation that the raison d’être of creation is not primarily in its ability to meet human needs. Creation has its own rights and reasons for being, which are quite apart from its role in sustaining life (cf. Job: chapters 38-41). Creation has intrinsic value because it is created by God, and sustained by God’s Spirit. Genesis 2 and 3 challenge us to be stewards of God’s creation and to live in companionship with the rest of creation.The command of God to Adam and Eve is “to till and keep” (Gen 2:15).” (Extract from an article written by Imelda Coyne).
We humans,  who were given the stewardship of the earth are the ones who are destroying our planet. What is happening to our rain forests, cut down because developers want money? Our rivers are polluted, depriving people of clean water…and so the tragedy continues. Animals and insects are searching for their place and we continue to take over and destroy…Have we forgotten that we are co-creators with God and need to care for, love and respect our earth?
“We have created a world of a few winners and a great mass of losers who are the first victims of environmental degradation. Can our new globalized economy not do better at hearing the lamentations of the land and the cry of the poor of our land? Do you not hear the Earth calling you, groaning to give birth to something wonderful, something just and holy?” (taken from a reflection by D.Toolan,s.j.)
In Zenit (an international news agency) our Holy Father Pope Benedict says to young people “the beauty of creation is one of the sources in which we can touch the beauty of God, we can see that the Creator exists and is good, that it is true what sacred Scripture says in the creation account” God saw all that God had made and it was very good. (Gen 1). Do we hold sacred, this beauty which mirrors God?
What sort of planet we are going to leave to our children? Will it be lush and beautiful or will we have destroyed this God-given gift? Will we have failed hopelessly in our stewardship? There are many ways of living in loving relationship with Mother Earth. Our behaviour, positive and negative will have an impact.

 REVERENCE! REDUCE! RE-CYCLE! RE-USE! REPAIR! REVERENCE! REDUCE!  RE-CYCLE! REPAIR!

BIBLIOGRAPHY :     The heart of the Cosmos      by Brian Swimme                                          
                                         Radical Amazement            by Judy Cannato
Sent by Bernadette & JOY (South Africa)

Our sisters from Schefferville, Martha Groffen and Lieve Bosmans leave the Canadian Great North… Some months afterwards, they recall their experience…
In the valleys, protected from the harsh northern wind, grow larch trees and birches. During the month of October it is as if all the sunlight is condensed in those deciduous trees and they glow from afar between the dark green of the black spruces and are a delight to see. During this month dedicated to mission, we recall the time of our involvement among the native peoples of the tundra, living along the endless horizons and the white remote spaces. Three of us, Sr. Martha, Sr. Lieve and Sr. Alberta, were there to spread the Good News and to strengthen the faith of those people who would have only occasional contact with a priest once a year.  Click on the photo for more news.
 

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION FOR GOOD HARVEST India is a land of many religions and innumerable languages. It is more appropriate to describe India is a land of many festivals that signify her rich heritage and cultural past. Pongal is one such Indian festival that is celebrated with pomp and vigour. Pongal is unique as it does not bind itself only to religious aspects like most other Indian Festivals but signifies the sacred ties the farmers have with their land and cattle. This harvest festival is celebrated in the Tamil month ofThai. The first day is Bhogi (cleansing) followed by Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal (sun), Mattu Pongal (bull), Kaanum Pongal (visit to relatives). The second day Thai Pongal (15th January) has greater significance and is dedicated to the Sun God who provides light, life and rain. On this day, the harvested rice is cooked in new pots.
The celebration is more colourful in rural places as Kolams (pretty coloured patterns made with rice flour) are drawn and a new hearth is set up outside. It is a joyous occasion and the children and adults shout: “Pongal O Pongal”. The first offering is made to the sun. Thai Pongal is an occasion for family reunion and get-together. Old enemies, personal animosities and rivalries are forgotten. It is believed that when the month of Thai dawns there will be a way of love, harmony, prosperity and joy in everyone’s life. At Holy Family Convent, Pavunjur, this harvest festival was celebrated on 15th of January. The Community, novices, and the sisters preparing for their Final Vows gathered together in the ground. Our General Councillors, Hyacintha and Genevieve joined the group to the joy of all the members. Kolams were drawn around the place, a new pot was placed on the hearth; branches of sugar cane were also placed. Nine kinds of grain, bananas and opened coconut were spread around the hearth as symbols of plenty and fullness.
Inviting the whole universe to praise God, all sang a song of the universe, composed by the sisters themselves. Scripture reading from the letter of St. Paul (II Cor. 9:6-11) meaningfully spoke about the gifts we receive from the providence of God and of our generous offering back to Him and to others with grateful hearts. Psalms and canticles were sung and recited while the milk and rice were boiling on the hearth. The pongal (milk-rice) swells up and is poured out as a sign of God’s gracious acceptance of our gift and His promise of fullness and plenitude to His people. The assembly sang in a lively spirit “Pongal O Pongal” with clapping of hands, clashing of cymbals and the novices performed a folk dance (Kummi) around the hearth.
Intercessory prayers were raised to God in thanksgiving, praying for the farmers, land owners, landless people, the political leaders, the poor and starving people throughout the world, the sick etc. When the pongal was ready a portion of it was taken to the Church and offered at the offertory. A special Mass for Pongal Festival is provided
After Mass the whole community of sisters and novices, helpers and the gardener sat round on the ground and enjoyed eating the pongal with bananas and sugar cane. It was a joyful experience of thanking God who feeds his people with daily bread. The next day was Mattu Pongal (cattle). In the evening the people brought their bulls and cows that are the companions of farmers in tilling the field, ploughing and spreading manure. They were all decorated with garlands, pottu, (red dots on the forehead) and coloured horns. As they arrived in the Church yard they were taken round the Church and gathered again for blessing. The cattle from the Convent too were brought for blessing. The Parish Priest and Assistant Priest came, prayed over them, and blessed them. It was a great feast for all especially for children who had climbed on the bullock cart and shouted in joy and excitement. All of us remembered the covenant of God with gratitude and love:
“I AM YOUR GOD AND YOU ARE MY PEOPLE!”

In 2004 the Prioress of the Sisters Deaconesses, Sister Evangeline, expressed the following wish to the Major Women Superiors of France: “Wouldn’t it be yet another sign if some catholic religious joined us to live an ecumenical experience? Giving a common witness would be a fine sign of hope in our big city of Paris.”  The Provincial Council heard the appeal and looked around to see who could respond to it. They thought of me. Following a time of discernment and prayer I accepted this new service because I have always been sensitive to ecumenical openness and the desire for unity. How do I fit into this community in Reuilly?
Two or three times a week I am present in the Community taking part in the liturgy (that of Taizé). Because of my presence there is a Eucharist once a month in the Foundation Chapel and once a month a non-Catholic Communion Service. Having prayed together, we live these powerful moments in fidelity and obedience to our respective communities by abstaining from communicating. These times are painful reminders of the suffering of our divisions even though, in community, we live in fraternal communion.
What is an Ecumenical Chaplaincy and how does it work?
The Chaplaincy is situated in theReuillyHospital which had 400 staff and care for 40,000 patients each year. There are three of us in the team: a protestant sister who is the leader and two Catholics, a lay person and myself. We work with the staff, the social worker and the psychologist.
I have had many meetings with different sick people. I would like to share two of them with you:
“One day the social worker looked for me to tell me about a patient in a difficult situation. He had no fixed abode, was prostrate, sad and mute. After several tries a dialogue began. The man was alone in the world. Wishing to return to his country by car with his wife and children, he was in a car accident and lost all three of them. Everything in his life was turned upside down. I put him in touch with the social assistant who did everything to help him to start again and that is what happened.”
“On another occasion in the intensive care unit, I met a person who had undergone a serious operation. I could sense her upset; she was not able to express it. To try to make contact with her I took her hand, looked at her and remained at her bedside for a long while. It was a long, dense and intensive moment. When she left the hospital she sent me a card which said, “Your look and your hands on the day after my operation at the deaconesses’ hospital are always in my head and give me the courage to keep up the struggle.”
When a death occurs the chaplaincy team is asked to be present for the placing of the body in the coffin. One day I was alone to respond to the call for a celebration of the coffining of a young woman, mother of several young children. Not knowing what religion she was, I would have to improvise, what would I do? Someone, who must have been close to her, came and made the sign of the cross over the corpse. I understood that the family was catholic and I celebrated the catholic rite.
The Chaplains also programme regularly a Service of Remembrance. This is an ecumenical service that brings together the families of the deceased, Jews, Muslims, Orthodox, Protestants and Catholics. After the service the doctors, the other medical staff, Sisters, volunteers and chaplains all meet again over a meal. This is a special time for sharing and catching up.
Our chaplaincy meetings are many and varied, always in the spirit of getting to know each other better and accepting each other with our differences. Every two years we have a week’s training. This year the theme was “Chaplaincy Practice in Europe” and was held in Strasbourg. About a hundred Pastors (men and women) attended. We were just two or three Catholics. What means does the Reuilly Community, whose life I share, use to be able to face up peaceably to the daily difficulties of looking after the sick?
As Lent drew near an outing was organised. We went to Vezelay for four days. We had the Ash Wednesday celebrations in the Franciscans’ hermitage and in the evening with the monks and nuns of Jerusalem. During the day we had walks in the country and recreation in the evening.
This year three of the Sister Deaconesses came to the Chrism Mass in the sports stadium in Creteil. “It was a time of discovery, of wonder, a time of great thanksgiving for all these marvels,” was how one sister expressed it. The feast ended in a self-service meal in the Community of St Mandé.
What have I discovered from my life in this Protestant community?
The importance of being close, open, of mutual enriching, and the discovery of fraternal communion with other Churches. As a Sister of this community often says to me, “Truly it is not impossible to live together,” and another: “With the presence of Sister Marie-Lucie, a catholic religious of the Holy Family of Bordeaux our community has taken on an ecumenical colour which we hold on to with all our heart: nothing can replace the experience of lives that have been intertwined for the advance of the laborious path to unity.”
Sr Marie Lucie Harmann
                        

On 27th January 1997, three years after the terrible genocide five Holy Family Sisters arrived in Rwanda to found a community in Rushaki in the diocese of Byumba. They arrived amidst a people that had been decimated not only by the genocide but by the flight of so many to neighbouring countries, abandoning houses and fields and relatives who could not travel.
The new community was one of different cultures, experience and ages. Agnes was from Belgium and had worked for years in South Africa; Franca from Italy came from the Congo; Christine Abanga and Jacqueline Imbungu were Congolese recently professed and were on their first mission and Ma. Jesus, from Spain had worked in Peru. Counting on God Alone and the support of the whole Family, they began by exploring the hills around Rushaki and opening their house and hearts to so many people who had been diminished by the war, anguished and vulnerable. Aware of the scarcity of their resources, but with faith and trust in the Lord they set about the task of inspiring hope and respect to all Rwandans in their reach. Likening themselves to the “flowers of the desert that grow on the edge of an abyss or at the foot of ruins and tombs,” they set about responding to a whole range of urgent needs opened up before them.
Their immediate response was in Health Care: the Sisters began work in the Diocesan Health Centre. A year and two years later they were hit with epidemics of malaria and other infectious diseases. The hills became infirmaries. Next came the Nutrition Centre, taking care of hundreds of children and mothers, undernourished by the destruction of their harvests, their displacement and several months in refugee camps.  With the help of many people of good will and various organisations, they did their best to respond creatively to the urgent needs that presented themselves: tuberculosis and AIDS, mental illness, orphans and physically handicapped people.
The Centre, Nazareth House of Peace is inspired by our Corporate Commitment: “As consecrated women, becoming more conscious of our own dignity, we wish to affirm and promote the dignity of woman so that together we take our place in the Church and society and contribute to the transformation of the world in our own specific way.” It opened its doors on 2nd June 1997.
It began with literacy classes and education for life, but quickly expanded to include cookery,  cultivation of the soil, gymnastics. The classes and pupils multiply as if they were infectious.
PASTORAL WORK AND EDUCATION All during these years the community has been trying to attend, as far as its possibilities allow, to the calls from the secondary school by giving religion classes when they can. They also take part in the training of catechists. The Sisters are very involved in the parish. They support the priest and committed laity. The people express their faith by flocking to Mass every Sunday. They come from afar and tom-toms, choral singing, dances and brightly coloured clothes give a festive air, an air of meeting and sharing. This sharing is completed in their visits to the villages where they meet with the people along the way. They go into their houses and share their own food and drink millet beer from the same calabash as a prolongation of the thanksgiving the Eucharist.
EVENTS THAT HAVE MARKED THE COMMUNITY: During the course of the years the community has changed and been reinforces. Some members have returned definitively to their own country and others have left for some time for studies. The current community consists of Joaquina, Maria Oteiza, Maria Jesus, and Franca, Christine (studying in Burundi, Scholastique, Weronika and Vicentia (a student in Butare) Jacqueline is finishing her nursing training in the Congo and Clementina is studying in South Africa. The Sisters see as a grace the foundation in 1998 of the Ugandan community, just 50 kms away from Rushaki. The two communities cultivate Family bonds and the difference of language is never an obstacle. Some Rwandan girls present themselves wishing to commit to Holy Family Religious Life. In December 2005, Scholastica the first Rwandan sister, made her final profession. At the moment there is a temporary professed and two pre-novices as well as a young person discerning her vocation to contemplative life.
TEN YEARS AND MANY CHANGES… Many of the changes affect health, political and social life and education …the State takes responsibility for some of these sectors and others are looked after by various organisations. Health staff is much more qualified, there is a social security system, and health insurance. They regularly carry out preventative examinations to detect AIDS, and retroviruses. The physically and mentally ill are better cared for and school attendance has been made obligatory. The Sisters now face new challenges and must modify their work to meet these new ministries. The celebration of these ten years is an occasion to stand back, evaluate, and dream of a future full of new dynamism without being afraid of leaving some activities and bravely  discerning new  priorities. It is one way of continuing to choose life in fidelity to our Holy Family Mission.
           

 On 9th April it will be two months since our sister Anaclet A’Kattar answered the call of the Father. Time has strengthened her presence among us. It is another kind of presence perhaps stronger than physical presence. This we can gather from some of the testimonies of those who were close to her – Sisters from the community, members of her family, Holy Family Sisters who experience her heartfelt welcome, kindness and affection. We will let some of these speak from their heart:
Anaclet “You did not separate yourself from those who live under the common law,” (1851 Preface) you accompanied us along part of our way. You were chosen, loved and, without shining, lit our path by your faith.
Thank you Anaclet, because you believed in Love, because you faith radiated around you, even when the light escaped through the cracks and brokenness of human existence. The faith you received as a gift always triumphed in you. It is hard to believe when the path is dark but we saw you believe even in darkness. Thank you, because the void you have left brings out the best in us, we want to serve the Gospel better. You gave us the example. Life arises from death. We will continue walking the narrow path of faith… “Nothing can now check our course.”
Thank you, because even though we see that faith is growing cold on earth, we feel a growing desire to share this great fire…a gift that burns in our heart. Thank you, because this General House, here in Rome, continues uniting the extended Family from all over the world…and we as a community on mission, we continue creating an atmosphere that helps to transmit the flame of faith, to put it on the mountains of the world, to light the way for all who walk in darkness and the shadow of death. So we, with our little lights, quivering but united to the new fire of the never-ending holy night, celebrate the liturgy of the Universal Passover. Christ is risen with all those who believe in Him. Those who ‘choose life’ will never die…  Thank you Anaclet!  
Mari Carmen Leach (General House Community) Anaclet’s brother, Justin, wrote a letter to her after her death in which he recalls moments of her life which were both witness and teaching for the family. He published it on the family website, www.kattar.ca :
After Mass you would joyfully greet us and everyone at home with an embrace and kiss. Your sweet smile was so infectious, for whatever we had in our mind would vanish and make us joyful. Every action was a prayer for you. You tied a scarf around your head like little Bernadette before you set out to pick flowers on the wayside for it was so cold in the morning and you said, “May the Lord give us nice flowers for Our Lady.” After returning with a bumper harvest as the Lord was so generous in answer to your prayers, you would immediately thank the Lord, “See what beautiful flowers He strewed on the wayside for us to gather, praise the Lord.”
During the days we spent in Rome, you looked so happy and cheerful in our company and so pleased to do anything we asked of you. The day we were leaving Rome from the convent, you carried our bags and loaded them in the car. We were very upset that you did this when we knew that you shouldn’t be doing such things. You simply smiled and said, “Don’t worry, the Lord has taken care of me so well all these years and He will continue to care for me.” We learned from you to place all our trust and faith in the Lord, to surrender everything into his hands. You had a big heart to be nice to all and an unlimited enthusiasm to help anyone in need. In all your actions your life was an example that we should always follow Jesus and lead others to him.
All those who have been touch by dear Sr. Ani’s warmth and friendliness and constantly over-whelmed by her kindness beyond counting surely would join with us in our experience and be happy to think of the words of St Paul: I thank my God each time I think of you, and when I pray for you, I pray with joy…! Justin Kattar “I lived two happy years with her. I felt free knowing that she approved of any of my initiatives. When anyone proposed anything she always admired it. She was interested in everything. I now understand better her desire to live… Maybe she felt that life was escaping her…She was a very humble person, often asking advice from others. She always agreed to proposals to invite family or friends…When I think of Anaclet I still see her concerned look that did not judge, her acceptance and silence… She prepared community prayer with great care and gave a spiritual touch to all our meetings…I understand that Anaclet’s great occupation was prayer…at night she spent long periods in the chapel. When I think of her the words that come spontaneously are: compassion, service, serenity, prayer…She was a Holy Family Sister according to the heart of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles. It was easy and agreeable to live with her and for this reason we will greatly miss her.
Marie Madeleine Fedrigo (General House Community) Sister Ancilla James writes in the name of the Sisters of Jaffna, Anaclet’s Province of origin:
Anaclet came to Colombo on the 12th, met a few of her loved ones and contact many to share about her surgery and to request prayers. She went to India for the heart surgery, unaware that she would not come back alive. I would like to speak of some aspects of her life which touched the lives of our sisters and left an indelible mark. Anaclet, a unique person, woman of faith, rooted in the love of God with the conviction He never abandons anyone.
Anaclet, a woman of prayer, drawn towards long periods of prayer and contemplation, found inspiration and strength from the Word of God, gave herself totally to God and believed in Him. She allowed herself to be led by the Holy Spirit and was always ready to live her ‘yes’. Anaclet, a good communicator who built bridges, lived and witnessed to communion wherever she was. Her openness to embrace all into the one family enabled her to live internationality in a concrete and radical way.
Gentleness, simplicity, humility, compassion towards the poor and the abandoned, respect for others, affection and sense of humour were some of the qualities that drew people closer to her and to God. In imitation of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, her models and inspiration, she always lived the Spirit of God Alone. She recognised God’s abundant blessings on her, her family, her province and the Institute and was full of gratitude and generosity towards everyone, especially God.
We miss her physical presence, her joyful smile, her encouraging words, and her sense of humour, her loving relationships and her companionship. Thank you, Anaclet for your life and love for all of us in theProvince ofJaffna. May you enjoy the eternal bliss for which you longed and lived for.
Sr Ancilla James (Provincial, Jaffna) “Where is our dear Anaclet? Whether she is here on earth or in heaven her guiding presence is with us. Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away.” (Adapted from a Tamil song)
“I have tried to become everything for everyone of God’s children, Angels! Oh Angels! Open the heavens for me” could possibly have been the song of Sr Anaclet as she entered the gates of heaven. It was one of the action songs that she enjoyed hearing her novices sing. Yes, being a good singer herself, Anaclet passionately loved singing and she not only enriched the liturgy with meaningful and lovely hymns but also a community sing-song. A mixture of feelings and emotions wells up in my heart as I sit down to write something on Anaclet’s life just one month after her death. From the moment I had to give up all hope that Anaclet would regain consciousness, the above two lines from my favourite Tamil song, kept resonating in my heart. “Engay engal Anaclet? Irunthaal enna Pirinthaal enna Kaval emakku pothum amma, oom kaval emakku pothum amma.” Each time I hummed this song I felt an unknown, comforting presence encircling me even though a few teardrops rolled down my cheeks. I came to know about Anaclet through her younger sister Glory (known as Sr Stany) in the early 80’s while I was a pre-novice. I still remember the prayer of abandonment of our Founder that Anaclet sent four us pre-novices. But my first personal acquaintance with Anaclet was in 1989 as my accompanier during the three months of intense preparation for Perpetual Profession in India. I was very impressed by her deep spirituality, zeal and enthusiasm for live, real love for the Institute, compassion, concern for each one, her availability to help and many other good qualities. We decided to continue our faith-sharing through correspondence and thus she played a key role in my spiritual growth.
When she was at Ilavalai from 90-92 as Novice Mistress despite her heavy schedule, she made it a point to visit my mother and sister on a regular basis as none of the family, who were scattered all over could have any access due to the war. Needless to say how much gratitude we owe for this enormous relief that she brought to our family by her act of charity. Likewise, she always went out of her way to help anyone who was in need and as a result she had won the hearts of many for the glory of God alone. I am certain that many sisters in the Province will agree with me if I say that Anaclet has touched each one’s life in some way or other and has left a lasting memory. Her novices will have stories to write that can be bound as a book. Before she arrived in Rome in November 2004, her utmost concern had been for the Province, the suffering people of our country and peace in Sri Lanka. She accepted the responsibility as leady of the local community at the Generalate, no doubt as God’s will, but at the same time, though she felt incompetent to some extent, saw it as an opportunity to manifest her love and gratitude to the Institute by rendering her service in this manner. She also though that it would be an honour for her Province which is making efforts to be generous in sharing personnel according to the greater needs of the big Family. Soon she became international in her heart, mind and body and used all her strength and energy to care for each and every one who stepped into our house. I would say that life was not a bed of roses for her yet we often marvelled at her ever-readiness to be of service, always with a smile. If someone expressed the desire to eat something special she was prepared to cook, if someone felt lonely or sad she was ready to listen, if someone wanted to relax a little she would make her self free, if someone had a joke she would join in the laughter, if someone was alone she was available to accompany, if someone was angry she was willing to forgive, if some was sick she was there to care, hence she became everything for everyone. I wonder did she have a premonition that she had very little time left to live with us that she felt compelled to do things, not minding her health. Was that the reason that she seemed over-enthusiastic? To be honest I couldn’t keep pace with her and at times I felt it was too much for both herself and others as well. As Sr Winie said, ‘nothing could stop her from doing something when she determined’ and she accomplished it without grumbling or any ill feeling that she had to do it by herself. So dear Anaclet you will live in our hearts forever. We have learned from you the precious joys that only caring brings. Thank you. Enjoy you blissful reward in heaven!
Puvana Thuraisamy (General House Community)