Feb 5, 2021 | NEWS
On the third Sunday of January, there was a gathering in the cradle of our Congregation – in the Motherhouse in Wrocław, which was attended by over a dozen women. The leading theme was the person of Mary, “All beautiful and full of grace.”
After the invocation of the Holy Spirit, we sang matins, which is “the voice of the beloved Bride of Christ,” to sanctify the morning hours of the day and to obtain a blessing for the entire Christian people.
The first part of the focus, led by Sister Agnieszka Plasło, was devoted to the essence of entrusting to Mary and putting oneself in “the bondage of love”. For a modern man, being a slave may evoke negative feelings, albeit in the Christian sense and in the spirit of St. Louis Maria Grignion de Montfort, a slave does not belong to himself, he has his Lord and therefore is untouchable, protected. Therefore, entrusting ourselves to Jesus through the hands of Mary, we find ourselves in a safe Ark, where the Evil One has no access. But you can only devote yourself to someone you know, trust and love. That is why the second part of the meeting was devoted to the obstacles that we encounter in our relationship with God and Mary. These obstacles are within us. It is too much concentration on ourselves and our needs, which closes us in selfishness and deepens our defects. The alternative is to enter the path of dying, that is, “when the seed falls into the ground, it first dies to bear fruit” and to choose values so that the virtues take root in us.
We stopped at our relationship with our mother in turn. The mother-child bond is the deepest bond. Often, difficult relationships with mothers look at Mary and therefore, she may seem distant, inaccessible, absent … The relationship with the mother translates into various relational planes, for example: superior – subordinate, teacher-student, employer-employee. Becoming aware of these mechanisms gives you the opportunity to change. If we live in more and more awareness of what is hidden within us, we become more free internally.
After the formation meeting, we shared the work of God’s Word in our lives. We considered the Annunciation of Mary according to the Gospel of St. Luke.
In the further program, the conferences were delivered by Father Łukasz Mścisławski, OP, who reminded us that we are the work of God’s love, created in His image and likeness, and that our goal, home and homeland is the bosom of God the Father. Man’s likeness to God is deeper in us than sin. Many people have not discovered their identity and do not know who he really is, how precious and beautiful he is in God’s eyes. That is why Mary comes to help us. As the most grateful creature whose life was a song of thanksgiving for the great works done by God, he always teaches concentration on Jesus and accepting His Word. The accepted Word gives our lives the right direction.
Throughout the afternoon, the participants of the recollection had the opportunity to enter the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, to talk and to adore the Blessed Sacrament with a beautiful musical setting. At the end of the meeting, we ate the Word and Body of Jesus during the Eucharist.
During a joyful agape we shared the fruits of the day, thanking God for the great things He has done for us today.
Collections for women will take place cyclically in order to enter deeply into Marian spirituality and give oneself into the “bondage of love”.
Here are the brief testimonies of the participants in the concentration:
God bless. My name is Agata and I live in Łódź. On January 23, I participated in the day of recollection “All beautiful and full of grace” in Wrocław, organized by the Sisters of Mary Immaculate.
Sometimes you hear that this or that happened by accident and that’s how I got there too, because I went to meet the leading sister and two friends more than for the topic and focus. That was my motivation.
However, I can see how much the Lord Jesus wanted me to be there.
For some time I have been working on the topic “relationship with mom”, what should it be? What is it characterized by? What was not in my family, etc., I know that despite the difficulties (I was brought up more by my dad), this is something that I have to work with and I have already started to do it. On the way to this day of recollection, I read a book about it on the train. What was my surprise when my sister started talking about it SAME at the conference!
To get to know the Mother of God better, you must first look at your own relationship with your mother. Such a coincidence? I do not think so. God cares for me and I can see HIM leading me.
In a calm atmosphere and in a small group and openness of the other participants, I also learned how to look at the “needs” that develop me and that make me lean more towards selfishness.
It was good to be there, and I also took advantage of the conversation with the priest. I think that this Saturday time is already paying off for me, I am waiting for the next meetings, because I heard that they are planned.
Agatha
“For me, this day of recollection, it was a time of grace … From the very beginning I felt God’s Presence among us and the Presence of Mary … For me, the process of healing my relationship with my mother began, I didn’t even realize that I needed it so much it affects my life. I was encouraged to work on myself, I realize that it will be a process, but it is important that I was encouraged to do so and I believe that Jesus and Mary will help me. It was a time of good talks, of being in relationship with others. The conversation with my father gave me a lot, I felt the tension drop from me. It is good to hear that I can come to Jesus with what I am weak in, I raise my children by myself and I think I had to deal with everything, that there was no room for weakness. All setting, preparation was very good. It was so warm from the Sisters, the smile made the people feel accepted. Thank you for the songs at Adoration and Eucharist – they touched hearts, were beautifully prepared. I recommend and encourage everyone to experience such days of recollection, it is really a time of God’s grace ”.
Asia
“On January 23, I had the pleasure to participate in the day of recollection in Wrocław entitled “All beautiful and full of grace.” Let me start with the words of the song with which we were able to end the meeting:
“Let our path be common
Let our prayer be humble
Our Love is powerful
Our Eternal Joy ”
Man changes … years fly, but I know one thing for sure, if not for the sisters almost 10 years ago, I would not be here today … I started with time, because time shows how much love is put into each meeting 😊. After the whole meeting, I say that nothing happens without a reason and this is what it is nowadays pandemic – a man needs such a Lamp in the form of sisters that will help to be on the right path.
Thanks to Sr. Rachel and Sr. Agnieszka, we have the opportunity to follow the right path, for which I thank them very much 😊.
During the pandemic, I went far from God and Mary to such an extent that I blamed every little trouble on them, I thought that I did not miss them. I was very wrong … I miss the Church. Courage to take risks and trust again. I felt it already at matins. The first tears behind the eyelids … think “what’s going on?” The meeting with Sr. Agnieszka, which went deep into the depths, although I liked not every word that was said, because it showed how much work ahead of me, but also how much I had already gone through …The meeting ended with working with the Holy Scriptures and sharing the word of God (Lk 1,26-38)
The Lord stopped me over my inner monologue of anger and showed me two verses Lk 1.30 “Do not be afraid” and Lk 1.37 “For nothing is impossible for God.” Jesus introduced peace and a sense of security with these words. I would like to thank the sisters for the opportunity to meet, not only physically, but above all spiritually. ”
Karina
“The day of recollection was a beautiful time to listen to yourself. In the silence before the Lord Jesus, I was able to look at my heart and my desires. Mary, especially at this time, made her presence felt, her closeness felt. Thanks to the content given to us by Sr. Agnieszka and Fr. Łukasz, I have rediscovered Mary as a Mother ”.
Julia
“I think that after the day of recollection, everything is still going well in my head and heart and that the fruit will be more visible with time, but I am sure that it will be because there was quite a lot of spiritual struggle before and during the meeting.
During the conference, I learned interesting things, which affects our femininity and relationship with Mary, but also with the people with whom we meet every day. It also reminded me that everything that happens in our life makes sense and that God watches over everything, and what has been entrusted to Mary will not perish forever.
I had a very important conversation with sister Agnieszka, after which I felt a peace of heart and an even greater desire to build a deep relationship with Jesus.
God bless you for this beautiful and important initiative 🙂 ”
Magda
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.
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.
Jan 27, 2021 | NEWS
First of all, it is better to know the background.
What is the Christian community?
It is the connection and solidarity that families share in order to help each other in any way of life such as their problems, joy, love, peace, and humility in their Christian life in the church (Act 2:42-47)
The church in Africa, especially the countries of AMECEA (Southern and Eastern countries), have a system to simplify evangelization. Namely, to invite the Christian near by the apostolic activities and to share the ministries of the church. This begins with small communities and even individual families.
When we speak about the needs of small, Roman Catholic communities, we include the sacraments and other needs as Roman Catholics. There are some orders to follow: first, they should contact the leaders of the small community of his or her local zone to see if there are any needs; second, they offer a letter of introduction to the parish priest and other local, church leaders. That is the standard way of getting to know the community, leaders, and its needs.
So, the catechist and the priest are those who confirm if the correct order has been followed, if the faith and regulations of the church has been followed, and simply, if the relationship is beneficial to the local community. If this is indeed the case, the distribution and reception of sacraments and other important services, should begin. This is a good evangelizing model for the People of God.
According to my experience of evangelization, this small community model is a good way to help the all the People of God, the local parish and also trains students trained teach the sacraments. Happily, a good example of this occurred in 2020-21. We had 110 students receive their first Holy communion.
Prepared by Sr Teresia Mgwilanga
Jan 26, 2021 | FORUM, NEWS
“And Enoch lived in intimacy with God. Then he disappeared because God took him. ” (Genesis 5:24).
The literal translation of this text is: “Enoch walked with God, and then he was gone, because God took him.” “… walked with God …” that’s right. But what does that actually mean to me?
Well, recently this short phrase has become the basis of my relationship with Jesus, because I discover the beauty of being constantly in His presence. It seems to be obvious for a nun, but I must honestly admit that it was not always like that for me. I mean, of course, the awareness of his constant presence, not on the basis of fear and the feeling of being trapped. On the contrary – on the basis of freedom and an awakened desire to “live abundantly”. This “walking with God” is characterized by simplicity of expression, simple gestures. For me, staying in His presence means, for example, not dividing my time during the day into pieces such as: now it’s time for work, now for prayer, and now “for myself”, etc. If my life were to be cut, I risked that I would not want to invite Him everywhere … Because I find that some part of my world is not “holy” enough to accept His presence. But it is He who sanctifies with His PRESENCE. And I don’t want to share this anymore. And most of all, I am aware that He does not want it. He, on the other hand, wants to share every time with me… literally.
On this occasion, I will reveal my, maybe a little funny, habit of drinking tea. When the circumstance causes me to do it myself (which I generally dislike), I put two mugs on top and invite Jesus. Sometimes we drink in silence, but most of the time He just listens… and that’s enough. It may be strange or banal, but such a gesture helps me a lot to remind myself that time belongs to Him. And if I would spare 15 minutes for Him now over a cup of tea, what will I do with Him for all eternity?
The feeling of being constantly before God’s face helps when temptations come. It is easier and faster to reflect then and ask Jesus: “Do you like what I did?”
“Walking with God” is also the basis of a mindful and simple life, living in the present. If I walk “by the hand” with God, I am focused on the signs of His presence in my life, in the world around me. Then I don’t need a lot of things, experiences, crowds of people around me. On the contrary – I can “settle for little”, because I have HIM with me… so I have everything (I do not try to feed myself with just anything when I have SENS with me). And I live in the present, because God is in it (not in dwelling on the past and not in worrying about tomorrow).
Every now and then I ask myself a question that verifies and sets me up spiritually: do you see that my heart is really already occupied? (i.e. am I really the bride? Is it known that I am already “walking” with Someone? Is there a recognizable sign of being a “woman of God” in me apart from my habit?). My answers are painful, but they help us return to the trodden path with Him.
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he would not see death, and he was not found because God had taken him. Before he was taken away, however, he received a testimony that he was pleasing to God. ” (Hebrews 11: 5)
Oh, how much I would like to receive such a testimony from God …
Sr. Franciszka Jarnot
Jan 23, 2021 | NEWS
Unity, love, harmony in our community of 3 sisters. We live in unity, each of us caring for each other, as one family we are united by the words of our founder (Be united if you want to thank me and do acts of compassion in my name)
In the 2 years I have lived in this community, I have learned many good things from my colleagues, who received me with love and were willing to teach me what they are doing for the mission of our congregation. Despite the difficulties of language but the language of love was uniting us more than the language of words, in our community each one opens her heart for others and each is responsive to the other. When one offends another we immediately apologize before the sun sets. We have time to pray and adoration every day, eat together, have recreation and meditate together, we also visit homeless people on the streets and we talk to them and they are very happy when they see sisters visiting and talking to them. Also here at home we have women and children and we talk to them and celebrate together the birthdays and holidays of each of us and sometimes we pray Holy mass with them in our small chapel here at home. Because of our unity we feel that the parents and relatives of one of us are brothers and sisters.
Dear sisters, let us live together in love and peace.
Sr .M. Helena Chialo
