Monday 16 December

Monday 16 December

Monday of the 3rd week of Advent
Gospel – Matthew 21:23-27
In this passage, we witness a profound moment when Jesus is questioned about His authority by the chief priests and elders, who challenge Him because His teachings disrupt their comfort and sense of control. Their inquiry stems not from a genuine search for truth but from a fear of losing their power and authority. Jesus, with wisdom and clarity, responds by challenging them with a question about John the Baptist, exposing their inability to commit to a position. Their evasiveness reflects a deeper issue—they are not clear or honest with themselves, unwilling to confront the truth for fear of its implications. As we approach Advent, this passage invites us to examine our own openness to the truth of the Incarnation, the profound mystery of God becoming human. Advent is not merely a season of waiting but a time to cultivate a mindset of humility, curiosity, and courage, shedding our fears and preconceived notions to encounter the transformative reality of Christ. Just as the religious leaders’ discomfort prevented them from seeing the authority and truth of Jesus, we too must confront the barriers within ourselves—pride, fear, or doubt—that hinder us from embracing the fullness of God’s revelation. In doing so, we prepare our hearts to receive the light of Christ with a genuine openness to be transformed. Let’s reflect: What fears, doubts, or preconceived notions might I be holding onto that prevent me from fully embracing the truth and transformative power of Christ in my life?

Don Giorgio

Jubilee in Tanzania

Jubilee in Tanzania

HOW WE CELEBRATED OUR FEAST OF OUR PATRON OUR MOTHER MARY IMMACULATE
IN OUR TANZANIAN REGION IN CHIKUKWE 08.12.2024

Real we thank God for the gift of our Founder John Schneider, because this year we commemorizing universary of the Jubilee of 200 Years of his birth. His life is the catalist of our life now a days. Also we are so happy for the 170 Jubilee of our Congregation. How much good things we received in our Congregation daily. The important thing for us is to deepen our Evangelization wherever we are, and to bring our Charisma of our Congregation in perferial by living honest the last word which our Founder John Schneider given us as her beloved daughers of Mary Immaculate ‘To live in Unity and Love among us’

As you see we gatherd for thanking God for the life of our Founder.
Here are all representative in any community in the Tanzanian Region

Sunday 15 December

Sunday 15 December

3rd Sunday of Advent
Gospel Luke 3:10-18
John’s ministry drew widespread attention, and the people, filled with expectation, began to wonder if he might be the Messiah. However, John quickly clarified his role, pointing not to himself but to Christ. His words, “I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals,” reflect a deep awareness of his position and the magnitude of Christ’s mission. John’s humility lies in his willingness to step aside, directing the people’s focus to Jesus rather than seeking glory for himself. Advent, as a season of preparation, calls us to adopt this same posture of humility. It is a time to recognize our own limitations and redirect our attention to the coming of Christ. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are invited to prepare our hearts and lives to receive Him fully. This involves setting aside pride, self-centeredness, and distractions that may hinder us from recognizing and presenting the true Christ to the world. Humility in Advent is not about diminishing ourselves but about creating space for God to work within us. It means acknowledging that we are not the center of the story but part of a greater narrative in which Christ is the focus. By doing so, we become authentic witnesses to His love, mercy, and truth, much like John the Baptist. Let’s reflect: How can I humbly step aside from my own desires, pride, or distractions in this Advent season to allow Christ to take center stage in my life and in the lives of those around me?

Don Giorgio

Visiting patients at our hospital in Berlin

Visiting patients at our hospital in Berlin

At St. Marienkrankenhaus Berlin, as in other Catholic hospitals, it has been a long-standing tradition to organize a pre-Christmas celebration for the patients.
This was also the case on 12 December 2024, when a representative of the Archbishop of Berlin, Dr. Heiner Koch, always attends this Christmas party. This year, it was Cathedral Provost Prelate Tobias Przytarski who, together with the hospital’s Catholic and Protestant chaplains, brought the bishop’s greetings to the patients.
The Christmas celebration began in the hospital chapel with a short prayer service. Hospital staff, nursing staff, doctors, student nurses and also many nuns took part, before going to the individual wards together with the cathedral provost and the chaplains and performing Christmas carols for the patients.
The cathedral provost and the chaplains went to each individual patient and the surprise and joy of the patients was written all over their faces. Some cried, others sang along and this was a rich reward for all those involved in the organization, in the profound experience that he who gives receives it back a thousandfold.
In this joy, a dinner was then held for all those involved in the St. Augustine monastery and it was a happy conclusion to this successful celebration.

Saturday 14 December

Saturday 14 December

Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor
Saturday of the 2nd week of Advent
Gospel – Matthew 17:10-13
“however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognize him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.” This reminds us of the dangers of spiritual blindness when our hearts and minds are not united with God’s will. In this passage, Jesus highlights how Elijah, symbolizing John the Baptist, was already sent by God, yet the people failed to recognize him. Instead, they rejected him and treated him as they pleased, allowing their personal plans and expectations to cloud their judgment. Jesus forewarns that He Himself, the Son of Man, will face a similar rejection and suffering. This reflection emphasizes that when we prioritize our own plans, desires, or preconceived notions over God’s divine plan, we risk overlooking His messengers and the messages they bring. God’s messengers may come in forms we do not expect, speaking truths that challenge us. However, if we are unwilling to recognize them or accept the messages, we not only dismiss the messenger but also reject God’s presence and guidance in our lives. Recognizing God’s messengers requires humility, prayerful discernment, and a willingness to act according to His will, rather than our own. To live Advent fully means opening our hearts to see God’s hand in unexpected places and people. It means receiving His message with faith and responding with trust and action. In doing so, we prepare not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also for His coming into our daily lives and ultimately His return in glory. Let’s reflect: Are we willing to set aside our plans to embrace God’s?

Don Giorgio