Testimony of Sr. M. Benona SMI

Testimony of Sr. M. Benona SMI

Feb 4, 2021 | FORUM

I got to know the congregation through my older sisters who worked in Fridrichstahl (Zagwiździe), where I lived. The sisters looked after children and the elderly there, and they also visited the sick. There was one older sister Gerwazja who loved me very much, and I loved her also. This acquaintance drew me to the monastery ("I drew them with human bonds, and they were bonds of love" Hosea 11: 4). Unfortunately, in January 1943, the Russians (Russians) shot Sister Gerwzia. That day she came from the sick, and there was a Rusek who hurt her and then led her out into the yard. She knelt beside a lilac bush, and he killed her with a shot to the side of the head. The sisters took her home and after 3 days she was buried without a priest who was also afraid that they would shoot him. Ultimately, it also happened. My father broke the coffin, dug a grave and laid Sr. Gerwazja in the ground, without any funeral ceremonies. She is lying there in the cemetery to this day. From the age of 15 I had been working for sisters as a help with the care of elderly women and children. I was washing and cleaning. At that time I thought that God specially educates and stores in some special place girls who want to become religious sisters, and then sends them to a monastery. I wanted to enter a monastery, I didn't care what it was. I also knew the Noterdam sisters, but they kept their distance from me, they were unavailable, and I wanted more and more to join and be one of the sisters, so I came to the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, because they embraced me, showed a lot of warmth and interest. I wrote a letter to Sister Agreda in German, because I did not speak Polish yet. I wanted to join on October 1st. She wrote back to me to come in early to go to school from September 1st. And that's how it happened. Together with other candidates, we rejoiced to be together in the convent, there were 14 of us. We were very close, we loved each other. In my candidacy, for the first time I had a dream about the Founding Father, i.e. his tomb. On both sides stood two little beautiful angels, they held the light in their hands and said: "come here to the Founder and pray, he always listens to you." At that time, I did not know the Founder, at first I was just glad to be in the monastery. After this dream, I began to get to know our Founder more, I began to pray for his intercession and feel a bond with him. Later in 1953, while already being deported to Otorowo, I had a dream again of Founder. I only saw him then. He was supposed to be a bishop, but he came in plain clothes, he had black trouser and a white shirt, he was tall, slim and dignified. We were curious how long we would stay there, we waited for him to tell us. We knew it comes from heaven. He raised his hand, looked right, left and said, "Hold on, sisters, hold on." Behind him was an Angel who talked to the sisters and gave us black wool. We followed Father Founder, but only we could get to the border of the house, then not, because he started to ascend to heaven. We were like disciples who looked at the Ascension of the Lord Jesus. This dream gave me more joy, a willingness to pray and to life in general. On March 25, at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 10 sisters and myself made their perpetual vows in Otorowo. It was very modest, but joyful. We got wedding rings (I don't know where from) and sleeves as a gift. I was very happy. I was one of the youngest, I was 23 years old. They took a picture of us. The Ursuline Sisters, who lived 10 km away, visited us, and for holidays and celebrations - they made us surprises to make us happy. Initially, I worked in the field for 3 months. We were collecting potatoes, beetroots, it was harvest. Later, I sewed shirts and sheets on the machine, ironed them (75 shirts a day, but I ironed more), sewed buttons. There was matins every morning, then Holy Mass, noon prayers at noon, and vespers in the afternoon. We prayed the Latin breviary, I presided often. In summer, when it was hot, we prayed outside, sitting on benches made of wooden boards. The following year, in January, they let us out. The stay in Otorowo strengthened my vocation, I was not discouraged by this experience. Only one sister left after her first vows because her mother had come for her. There were 120 sisters there, but only one went. If my mother had come to pick me up, I wouldn't have gone. I am proud that I am in the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate and that Mary watches over us, because she is closest to the Lord Jesus, she is our Protector and Help of Christians. She is ours and we are her children. In the most difficult moments, I was supported by mutual love and the joy of being in the community. I experienced that being together gives strength. Now I am 84 years old and I am waiting for one more dream, when the      Founder will come to me. I want to hear what he tells me.     Nysa, 03/11/2014 (She listened and wrote down Sr. Rachela Wąsowicz)      
25th World Day for Consecrated Life

25th World Day for Consecrated Life

Feb 2, 2021 | POSITIVE IMPULSES, SPIRITUALITY

Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. Three reflections to share: 1. Consecration is a liberation through faith from our personal plans to embrace the plan of God. In the life of St. Joseph, we see it very clearly. He had his own personal plans but after the apparition of the Angel in the dream, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him”. This is a constant process in our life. Standing above our personal plans to be an instrument of His plan. No other plans, Jesus is my plan! 2. Consecration is embracing with hope the present situation to make it the best place for Jesus Christ to be present. Here also we see in St. Joseph a model. There was no place in the inn, instead St. Joseph prepared a manger. Wherever we are, our consecration gives us the hope to make a place for Jesus. Kings or shepherds, they will find in our witness, in our joy, in our being, the good news of Messiah. No doubts, Jesus is my joy! 3. Consecration is becoming love to be the light to guide those around us according to the plan of God. The image of St. Joseph, leading the Holy Family is before us. Becoming love happens in our personal relationship with God who becomes our love. In that love, we know when to flee to Egypt and when to go to Nazareth so that our only Love, Jesus is alive in us. No compromises, Jesus is my treasure! Don Giorgio
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE THINGS DONE BY THE LATE MOTHER INNOSENCIA IN TANZANIA.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE THINGS DONE BY THE LATE MOTHER INNOSENCIA IN TANZANIA.

Jan 31, 2021 | NEWS

The congregation of Mary Immaculate opened a nunnery school in Tanzania in 1970s. The house was opened in the Region of Lindi, Nachingwea District, Kilimarondo Parish. These sisters were engaged in various apostolic activities in order to fulfill the purposes of their congregation. Mother Innocensia  was very involved in helping girls and mothers but for the most part she was focused on helping girls. One of the great methods she used was to start the Virgin Mary’s party where many girls joined the party under her supervision, this party helped the girls learn various spiritual things but mother Innocensia  used this party in building us girls in the best foundations of life. Through the party of the Virgin Mary, she taught us prayers, love and various life skills such as sewing, gardening, sports, agriculture and hygiene. During her life in Tanzania, Mother  Innocensia helped many girls in the whole issue of education, many girls were educated by her and had the opportunity to work in various fields, such as, Health, Catering and Education, even I am writing this report I have been taught by mother Innosencia from kindergarten to form four and I am  currently a government official in the Department of Education. Mother Innocensia was able to help people with various problems, even the sick and disabled. Along with what she did for the girls, she started a preschool (kindergarten) where young children studied there free of charge and she received all the children regardless of anything. With her love, she raised the children well in school without any problems, we sewed beautiful uniforms, they got good food, porridge, milk and wheat, but even when they were sick, she treated them well. Mother Innocensia loved to be with the girls all the time talking with them, every Sunday evening we would go with her in the mountains to walk and sing together, we were very happy because she taught us love. We also went to the hospital to visit the patients and give a little gift. She loved  talking a lot with everyone, she loved to learn Tanzanian culture for example, she loved to wear Kitenge whenever she was working or traveling, she ate Tanzanian food such as porridge, ugali, okra, spinach etc. Not only that but also mother Innocensia  opened a center to teach girls manners and decency eg. During adolescence,  she gathered the girls and taught them prayer, politeness and respect, as well as African things as she had already learned and understood many things. Mother Innocensia  set up a foster care center for girls who needed / called to be nuns. The center was established on 8/12/1987 and the girls were officially received and started participating, all this was in the efforts of mother Innocensia so that she could help the girls. Mother Innosensia who raised us as her children has been able to build a solid foundation in our lives, as to this day we continue to live the teachings of our dear mother Sister Innosensia. There are so many things she did in Tanzania during her lifetime even though I will mention them but I can never finish them, mother Innocensia taught us to decorate the church and organize worship. She loved us very much, she always gave us all kinds of gifts, she dressed up the girls, she gave us everything we needed, such as clothes, shoes etc. Not only that, but also In the area of ​​Kilimarondo mission, she was able to build beautiful buildings that served as a nursing home, but until now those houses continue to be used by the parish, she established large farms that are still used by the parish. Certainly we will not forget her as a big part of her life in Africa / Tanzania was to help people with various problems and to build for girls a better foundation for life and holiness. On this occasion I would like to extend my condolences to the community of Sisters of Mary Imakulata and all those who know Mother Innocensia. We thank God for everything , for the gift of Sr. Innocensia because we loved her, our dear mother but God loves her more. GOD REST HER SOUL IN A GOOD PLACE IN PARADISE AMEN. I AM MARY CHAKALE, I AM ONE OF THE GIRLS  RAISED BY MOTHER INNOCENSIA, I LOVED MY MOTHER VERY MUCH AND I WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HER IN PRAYERS ALWAYS.
Admiration is not enough

Admiration is not enough

Jan 31, 2021 | POSITIVE IMPULSES

Our sense of wonder or admiration at inspiring thoughts and reflections could act as a block of really making differences in our life. We like the reflection but that is it! No effect in real life! Because to admire is easy, but to change is difficult. We admire the thoughts and with that admiration finishes everything. Admiration becomes the closed door to the heart where the inspiration is supposed to make changes and betterments. So, watch out, whether your admiration about models, reflections or thoughts are being closed out at the door of your heart or are you letting them make betterments in your life? Don Giorgio
Long-time missionary, S.M. Innocencia passed away

Long-time missionary, S.M. Innocencia passed away

Jan 31, 2021 | NEWS

Sr. Innocencia was one of the first founders of our missions in Tanzania. Below we present the biography which Sr. Innocencia wrote a few years ago. “I entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Katowice in 1963, I had my veil on August 16, 1964 in Wrocław. The first Profession on December 8, 1966 in Wrocław. My first job in the Curia was the secretary of Bishop Bednorz. At that time, I also attended the three-year Catechetical School. Working in the office did not give me satisfaction and I undertook this effort with the hope of changing my job. It happened, although it was not easy, because the Bishop did not want to fire me. It was with great joy that I went to teach the children in Brzezie, that was my element and I joyfully brought the children closer to God. In 1971, on 08/12, I made my perpetual vows. Brzezie is like my second home. Working among you, I learned to grow up in mercy. Noble Omy and Starki with their lives opened the way to the future for me. By teaching children, I got to know not only them but also their families. My stay here prepared me for my missionary trip, and it happened. In 1972, I went to Tanzania, a different world that did not scare me. The beginnings were difficult, the difficult of the language. It was the first thing to sit with the children on the first steps, and they were teachers. I went everywhere with pen and paper, writing down words. And so was learning at an accelerated pace. In my favor, I quickly learned to speak. Lots of children came every day, so the priest said we would open a kindergarten. And so it happened, in the great square in front of the house, children gathered. It was fun, singing, games and other activities made the children happy. Then we started building a kindergarten and looking for older girls to help, we succeeded. Work flourished and bore fruit, children acquired culture and religious education. On the bishop's order, there was work among Catholic women, setting up household help, teaching hygiene, cooking, sewing, growing vegetable gardens and culture. It was beautiful, but linguistically difficult. The time came that I was able to finish my Swahili language course at Lake Victoria and the problem was solved. Despite other classes, I started teaching children religion in the school. The beginnings are always difficult, but I wasn't afraid of them. We started various construction sites, a boarding house for girls, a house for women, we had a lot of farmland. We adopted cooking in our style, and breeding was better year after year. I loved children and these people and I left a piece of true love there. I knew I was needed, and with them I experienced a feeling of hunger and joy. Today, in Tanzania, we have our black Sisters, and I am with them in my prayers and various gestures of help. I was in Tanzania for 21 years, I came back because various ailments did not allow me to stay longer. After my return, I returned to Brzezie, worked in the sacristy and prepared small children for Early Holy Communion. It was wonderful. After the lapse of time, I went to Gorzów to the Bishop's Curia as superior, and after a few years to Studzianna in the same capacity. I was in Domachów, Strzybnica, and now I'm in Brenna Leśnica. Brenna is beautiful, we work with young people and people who come to rest, we have places, please. " From Brenna, Sister Innocencia, due to a serious illness requiring care, was transported to Provincial House in Wrocław. The Lord took her to eternity on January 26, 2021. May her soul rest in Peace.