Reviewing my whole journey as a consecrated religious, what strikes me the most about our charism and the mission I experience are unity, simplicity, love, trust and mutual assistance. These characteristics make me sensitive to the life of others and lead me to act with love and tenderness, so that others experience happiness and wellness. Because of this, I respond to any request for assistance, because the charism always places me at the service of life.

I believe that in my job, work for justice and peace is triggered by the certainty that everyone has the ability to care for and protect life. In every person I work with, I realize that the person is living a process of recognition of their values, potential and gifts. In this context, I try to show that, even with all the difficulties in life, it is possible to help each other and work for the common good. With joy and confidence, I face limitations and the necessary sacrifices, and I dedicate myself to any kind of service, provided that it is in the service of life. Fueled by our spirituality, I seek to be at the service of the poor and to always choose what is right. Interaction, mutual assistance, the strength of unity in community life make me persevere in mission and service in favor of life, giving me strength to be there where God wants me to be at the service of life.

Today, in my day to day, the concrete activities are to live in a quiet way and be open to the action of God. In contact with people, I cultivate an attitude of attentive listening, open heart, dialogue, and renunciation in favor of the poor, in favor of those who do not have time nor voice, who are living alone or who are ill, all those who are insignificant in society. I am together with the poorest, sharing the strong experiences of God they have in their day to day, in an attitude of listening and respect. I always work for more sharing and protection of the environment so that everyone has dignity in life. We need to show the value of life and determine who is responsible for life that is threatened, people, or nature. For me, we should be at the service of life in the most comprehensive way possible. I try to do my part by always questioning myself and asking questions. The greatest motivation is the struggle for life.

And finally, the most important thing of all is goodness, life, and the contemplation of the presence and action of God that I experience in daily contact with nature, in caring for others, in self-giving, and in meeting with people in the web of life around us and throughout the world.

Sister Angelina Bortolotto
Lagoa Vermelha, Brazil