Final Profession in Russia
On December 8th, in the St. Anna parish in Yekaterinburg, Russia, there was a solemn Mass during which Sr. Irina Cziczerowa, proclaimed her perpetual profession. Holy Mass was presided by Bishop Joseph Werth SJ from Novosibirsk, concelebrating with Fr. Anton Gsel, and Pallottine priests – Fr. Piotr Jankowski and Fr. Sergiej Bildzis. Sr. Iwona Nadziejko, Provincial Superior and few sisters from Poland were also present for the Mass of final Profession. From Novosibirsk, the home town of Sr. Irina, her parents and several friends also attended the celebration. The joy of Sr. Irina was, that many parishioners participated in this special event, they prayed together and praised the Lord for this Pallottine vocation on Russian land.
Together again…
Gathered for a three day meeting in the middle of December, were the two General Superiors of Pallottine Sisterly Congregations, Sr. Ivete Garlet, CSAC and Sr. Izabela Świerad, SAC in Bangalore India, together with their Provincial Councils and Formators of Indian Provinces to build up the bridge of unity. One spirit, one heart and one mind accompanied us all as in the Cenacle with Maria and our Founder. The main topic and discussion was based on the question: what more can we do to journey together in this process taking concrete steps? The groups came out with very practical suggestions in building up mutual relationships; deepening knowledge of our history, strengthening our collaboration in the field of formation and apostolate, celebrating together different Pallottine feasts, etc. Both groups were very open and active and quickly created an environment of one family.
4th Provincial Chapter in India
The 4th Provincial Chapter of the Mary, Mother of Divine Love Province, Bangalore India was held at St. Vincent Krupa Convent, Bangalore from December 14-16, 2018. The theme of the Chapter was: Encounter the Word to Live the Pallottine Mission. Lighting the Indian Lamp by Sr. Izabela Swierad, SAC Superior General, Sr. Helen Lourdusamy, Provincial Superior, Sr. J.X. Clara, SAC, Sr. Inacinha Fernandez, SAC and Sr. Jacquine Mary Susai, SAC, marked the inauguration of this august gathering. There were 17 Capitulars representing the communities and institutions of the Province.
Sr. Helen Lourdusamy, the chapter President officially opened the Chapter and addressed the words of welcome. Fr. Archibald Gonsalvaz, OCD guided the capitulars through his profound and input, deepening the reflection on the chapter theme. Indeed, it was a time of grace, good collaboration and learning to be authentic witnesses of the Word raising above all the hindrances that come in the way from our diversity and turbulences of life. Reflection of the Superior General on the charism, mission call, and expectations of the Church toward the consecrated life, today motivates us to live the mission spirit and our consecration with fidelity, sincerity, and readiness. Sister also shared about the process of re-unification of the congregations, gave a short history of our congregation, and flashes about newly opened missions. This widened our understating of the call to be a Pallottine Missionary Sister in the present time.
We ask Mary Queen of Apostles and St. Vincent Pallotti to intercede for us and all Union Members to live our consecration and commitment with deeper dedication and passion, and that the Chapter decisions will bring newness to our communities and Province in India.
Christmas in Limburg
It was a great surprise for the Sisters in Limburg, Germany to see Sr. Izabela Świerad, Superior General entering Kloster Marienborn on 23 December, afternoon. This year Sr. Izabela came to celebrate Christmas together with her Sisters in Germany. The beautiful liturgy we experienced in the Convent Chapel as well as in the Limburg Cathedral, time of being together, mutual sharing and singing Christmas carols filled the hearts of all. Sr. Helga Weidemann also invited for this festivity two Pallottine Roman Sisters from India who presently are studying in Vallendar. This joyous event brought mutual happiness, and gathered us around the manger, around the altar. May the message of Christmas, spiritual experience of graces from the Mystery of Nativity and encounter with the Infant Jesus deepen our faith and revive love for God and all the people. Blessed New Year!
Christmas in Pallottine Rehabilitation Centre
For the past two years Fr. Tom Ryan, SAC and Sr. Rosemary Ombay, SAC have had the tradition of inviting blind individuals of diverse religions from all over Singida for a special Christmas meal at the Pallottine Rehabilitation Centre in Siuyu. This year about 20 people came to enjoy this charitable Christmas banquet, to share their not easy life experience, and listen to the story of the birth of Jesus given by Sr. Rosemary.
In the Cenacle with Maria, in the world like Maria
Shortly after Christmas the Pallottine Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate of Regina Apostolorum of the Italian Province had their Provincial Chapter in Rome, at Porta Maggiore. Sr. Daniela Siniscalchi, CSAC Provincial Superior invited Sr. Izabela Świerad, SAC – Superior General of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, for one day, to take part in their Provincial Chapter, and to share history as well as the new discoveries in the reunification process. This event was a great sign of close collaboration and brought a good relationship among both Sisterly Congregations. We wish that the Chapter theme In the Cenacle with and in the world like Maria, will rekindle anew within us the flame of the charism, love for Mary and our Founder St. Vincent Pallotti.
