It is Christ who has called you to follow Him in the consecrated life and this means making a continual ‘exodus’ from yourselves to center your existences on Christ and his Gospel, on God’s will, letting go of your projects so that you can say with St Paul “It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me.” This ‘exodus from oneself means placing oneself on a journey of adoration and service. An exodus which takes us on a journey of adoration of the Lord and service to the Lord in our brothers and sisters. To adore and to serve: two attitudes which can not be separated but which must always go together. Adore the Lord and serve others, without keeping anything for ourselves: this is the ‘letting go’ of those who exercise authority. Always live and recall the centrality of Christ, the evangelical identity of the consecrated life. Help your communities to live ‘the exodus’ of self on the journey of adoration and service, first of all through the three pivots of your existence.
~ Pope Francis to Heads of Women’s Religious Communities on May 8, 2013
Pope Francis speaks to heads of women’s religious communities on May 8, 2013.
Recommended Book of the Week
“He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Lk 1:49). These words certainly refer to the conception of her Son, who is the “Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:32), the “holy one” of God; but they can also signify the discovery of her own feminine humanity. He “has done great things for me”: this is the discovery of all the richness and personal resources of femininity, all the eternal originality of the “woman”, just as God wanted her to be, a person for her own sake, who discovers herself “by means of a sincere gift of self.” (MD, 11)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Recently, I attended the National Council for Vicars Religious General Assembly in Chicago with the theme, “Consecrated Life: Gift to the Church.” There were 52 Delegates for Religious from all over the U.S. gathered together for enriching talks and sessions to share with insight and information with another. It was a great and uplifting experience for me, “the new kid on the block.” All the Sisters and Fr. Lane from Hawaii welcomed me with joy and genuine concern. I am exceedingly grateful for this supportive and enriching experience from God. Here are some nice pictures for you:
The Felician Sisters’ Convent in Chicago
Participants at Mass in the Chapel of the Convent.
This breathtakingly beautiful structure is behind the Altar!
Fr. Hank Lemoncelli, OMI celebrated the Mass.
Sr. Karen Elliott, CPPS gave a talk about the gift of Consecrated Life.
We had wonderful sessions together!
Fr Frank Morrissey, OMI, a canonist, spoke about relevant issues giving great practical advice.
Br. James and Sr. Maryann are top notch!
Sr. Maryann Lopiccolo, SC
Sr. Joyce Candidi, OSHJ
Sr. Nancy Mathias, OSU, President
Mass with the Auxiliary Bishop Kane of Chicago
Procession at conclusion of the Mass
Bishop Francis Kane, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago
Stations of the Cross on the Grounds of the Felician Sisters’ Convent
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the Cross.
Isn’t this a good replica of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes? I must come back someday.
The fruits of this Assembly were abundant and lasting. I am so grateful for this opportunity to grow in my new role and to have contact with such exemplary colleagues. These Religious are truly inspiring as they collaborate to support one another in their ministry and service. They are such a gift!
Until next time when I will have more great stories of my adventures with Religious, in union and charity.
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM
Waking Up the World 