Sep 28, 2022 | NEWS
On September 20, 2022, the “Induction Day for New Employees” took place in the St. Augustinus Monastery in Berlin. This day has been held twice a year in Berlin since 2005 (there was an interruption only in times of Corona). The newly added employees in the Sisters of Mary facilities in and around Berlin are invited to this event, i.e. from the Marien Hospital in Berlin-Lankwitz and the senior citizens’ facilities in Berlin-Kreuzberg, -Karlshorst and Luckenwalde.
The day was led by the Vicar General, Sr. Petra, and the manager of our facilities, Mr. Thomas Wagner. After a round of introductions, the participants learned from Sr. Petra about the origins and history of the congregation. In a further step, Mr. Wagner explained the structure and working methods of our facilities using the organizational chart and addressed the current problems and challenges. The participants had the opportunity to ask questions and after initial reluctance, a lively exchange developed. This time it was also a special pleasure that the Superior General, Sr. M. Sybilla, took part in the meeting and was also happy to get involved in the discussions.
The presentation of the mission statement of our institutions, in which the participants are familiarized with the principles and guidelines that guide the work in our institutions, was another important focus of this meeting. Here values and the Christian image of man, the self-understanding of pastoral care, dealing with dying and terminal care were informed and discussed.
After a feedback session, where the participants could give their feedback and wishes, the meeting ended with an ecumenical service in our hospital chapel.
Since we have been holding this day in the German Province for so long, I can say that it has a good tradition and is valued by the employees and they wish for more such meetings.
Sep 28, 2022 | NEWS
After celebrating the 50th anniversary of our congregation in Tanzania in July of this year, we had a great joy on September 8, 2022 that 7 young girls started their novitiate in Chikukwe (Tanzania) and other 7, after completing their candidacy, have asked to be included in the postulancy of our congregation.
Let us accompany these young girls with our prayers as we ask God to continue accompanying our congregation with His blessings so that the work and charism of our Founder may continue to spread and develop in Tanzania in the future.
Sep 28, 2022 | DAILY BREAD
Wednesday of week 26 in Ordinary Time
Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr
Saints Laurence Ruiz and his Companions, Martyrs
Gospel – Luke 9:57-62
We want to follow Jesus. That is for sure, but we have our conditions. Our vocation is to follow a person, Jesus Christ. Not an idea, not some ideals. The difference between following a person and an idea is this. When you are following a idea, you can put your own ideas and principles into it. But when you are following a person, you must follow fully that person without conditions. Our conditions cannot be part of our following because in following Jesus Christ, we give up all our conditions. Conditions make compromised discipleship. Whereas unconditional following make radical discipleship. Today the gospel asks us to meditate: my following of Jesus Christ, is it a compromised discipleship or a radical discipleship?
Sep 26, 2022 | DAILY BREAD
Tuesday of week 26 in Ordinary Time
Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
Gospel – Luke 9:51-56
Jesus is the one who rebukes us whenever we resort to violence. It’s our natural tendency to react with violence to teach justice, to bring justice. Our sense of justice always empowers us to enforce justice with all means. But it is where the rebuke of Jesus who is going to Jerusalem comes. Rebuke of Jesus who is going to accept the cross for all the sins of others comes. Rebuke of Jesus who is going to bring justice with his love. Love and sharing in truth contain justice in itself. There this gospel passage is asking us: is our sense of justice is provoking us to resort to any means or is provoking us to love and share more in truth? You want to do justice to someone who is poor, just share what you have.
Sep 25, 2022 | DAILY BREAD
Monday of week 26 in Ordinary Time
Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs
Gospel – Luke 9:46-50
“For the least among you all, that is the one who is great”. What is the logic behind this thought? It seems like a contradiction. Being least and being great at the same time. This is the logic of God. When you have nothing or when you are nothing, then you are the least. How does this happen? This happens through the process of emptying oneself. The principle of incarnation. God emptying himself to become man. In our case, we must empty ourselves of our selfishness, of our ego. This is when the process of becoming the least materialises. When this is happened, he or she becomes great because this person can love the most. So, today mediating on the Gospel, let’s try to empty ourselves so that we can love the most.
