Dec 14, 2024 | NEWS
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.
Dec 13, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
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
Dec 12, 2024 | DAILY BREAD
Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr
Friday of the 2nd week of Advent
Gospel – Matthew 11:16-19
“Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions”. Jesus challenges the tendency to judge people based on superficial categories or societal expectations. He highlights that John the Baptist was criticized for his ascetic lifestyle, while Jesus Himself was judged for His approachability and willingness to share meals with sinners. This juxtaposition underscores that the essence of a person is not determined by appearances or conformity to others' standards but by the wisdom and integrity evident in their actions. Jesus affirms that true wisdom is revealed through deeds that reflect love, compassion, and justice. Jesus challenges this mindset, emphasizing that true worth is not found in conforming to societal labels or external rituals, such as what one eats or drinks, but in the authenticity of one’s actions. Wisdom, He asserts, is proved right by her actions—meaning that a life of genuine love, compassion, and integrity speaks louder than any preconceived judgments or superficial appearances. Jesus invites us to look beyond superficial criteria and focus instead on the transformative power of actions rooted in God’s love, which ultimately define a person’s true character and align them with divine wisdom. Let’s reflect: In what ways do I allow societal expectations or superficial judgments to influence my view of others or myself, and how can I focus more on living a life of love, compassion, and integrity that reflects God’s wisdom?
Don Giorgio
Dec 12, 2024 | NEWS
The day of the Jubilee of our Congregation is also a time to celebrate the Groups of the Children of Mary. In the parish of St. Matthew and St. Matthias in Brzezie, 11 new children made their vows to Our Lady, were added to the Group and received Miraculous Medals.
There was a joint photo with the priests and Sisters, also they had breakfast. There was plenty of conversation and fun together.
We wish the Sisters and the Children of Mary the love for Mary that the Lord Jesus had and fidelity to the pledge they made.
Dec 12, 2024 | NEWS
On Saturday, December 7, we celebrated 170 years of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate. The solemn thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Archbishop Joseph Kupny, Metropolitan of Wroclaw. The Eucharist, attended by seven bishops, many priests, sisters from various religious congregations and numerous friends of our religious family, was celebrated in the Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Sand in Wroclaw . It is here that the tomb of the congregation's founder, the Servant of God Fr. Jan Schneider, an extraordinary defender and protector of women, is located.
