Spiritual vaccine
On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Pope Francis blessed the statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the Vatican, which from December 1, 2020 to November 22, 2021, will be on pilgrimage in Italy. In Paris it received by St. Catherine Labouré. In 1830, Mary said to Catherine Laboure: “Get a medal like this! All people who wear it around their necks will receive great favors. Graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence. " While the preparations for the first medals were being struck, in March 1932 a terrible cholera epidemic broke out in Paris, which began to spread to neighboring areas. The death toll grew rapidly. On June 30, 1932, the Sisters of Charity began distributing medals to people affected by the epidemic. In a very short time the disease disappeared. Later, miraculous events began that made the Miraculous Medal known all over the world in a few years. In our troubled times affected by the pandemic, the peregrination of the statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is very important. Mary's assurance that in difficult times and in a world affected by various cataclysms, everyone who trusts in her and will wear her Miraculous Medal with faith will receive special favors is still valid. Pope Francis saw such a need at the present time, who blessed the statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and her pilgrimage began from Roman parishes. This message of entrustment and mercy that accompanies the peregrination also included the parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Rome, with whom our community of the Generalate works. On the 4th Sunday of Advent 2020, together with parishioners, we prayed in front of the statue of the Mother of God. We participated in the Holy Mass. and in the prayers offered to God through the intercession of Mary, we thanked for all the gifts so far, asking for the necessary favors for people affected by the coronavirus disease and for an end to the pandemic. S.M. Weronika Wojciechowska
Heaven opens!
- St. Stephan’s day celebration after Christmas is beautiful. St. Stephan saw the heaven opened. That is what happened in Christmas. Heaven is opened for us with the birth of Jesus Christ. (Acts 6: 8-10.12; 7.54-60)
- We face more provocations than persecutions. Provocations are a kind of persecution. Your love inside your heart is challenged. Don’t lose the love. If you don’t lose love, the Holy Spirit will inspire you what you have to say when you are provoked. (Mt 10: 17-22)
- So, to give testimony is not about what you say but who you are. (Mt 10: 17-22)
Another Christmas
There are many elements and characters in the Christmas nativity scene, and the most important Character is always the smallest. This is a divine paradox, what seems small to God is great, what is weak for us has great power in God's eyes. If you did a survey among those celebrating Christmas, what is needed for the holiday to be successful, many important answers would come up: family atmosphere, cultivating traditions, good weather, etc. All these can certainly help in the celebration. On the other hand, the answer is quite rarely answered that during Christmas, the most important thing is Christmas - Baby Jesus who comes to us. He is so little, when He comes, sometimes we get lost in the multitude of all these traditions, dishes and holiday pleasures. This year it is said that the holidays will be different. Due to the pandemic, there are many prohibitions and restrictions. Not everywhere will be possible to celebrate all traditions, meet with loved ones, trips or even outings are not possible everywhere, many holiday attractions are closed. But it is precisely for this reason that we have a chance to make this Christmas the most normal. Maybe this year there will be fewer things for us to cover Little Jesus in the manger. Let us accept all these difficulties and look at them positively, seeing them as an opportunity to celebrate the great Mysteries of God more deeply. Let this little Baby, who is the Lord of this world, with all its problems and concerns be at the center of our holiday. God wants to remind us that He is born in us regardless of external conditions, it is enough to be attentive and accept Him with faith and trust. If we cannot travel or go outside during the holidays, let's remain inside. Sr. Sybilla Kołtan
