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12.02.2021
A DAY TO FEEL MORE CONNECTED WITH THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD
Continuing the activities of the 30th General Chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, today, on 1st December, the Chapter members got up very early and headed to Rome, Vatican for an audience with Pope Francis.
This was a moment of being united with the Universal Church. As a Congregation, we need to be increasingly connected to the reality of the world which suffers the consequences of the Pandemic and also the unjust social organization that privileges the few at the expense of the suffering of many.
After greeting all the participants of the audience of the day, Pope Francis, read the text from the Gospel of Mt 1:18 -20.
In the Reflection, he said that he would like to deepen the two dimensions of the person of St. Joseph namely Joseph as a just man and Joseph betrothed to Mary. The betrothal in ancient times was the first phase of marriage, during which the bride continued to live in the paternal home, but was already considered to be the bridegroom's wife. A year later came the second phase, when she would leave her paternal home and go to live with her husband.
It was during the first phase of Joseph's marriage to Mary that it was noticed that she was pregnant. The law of the time gave the groom the right to publicly accuse the bride of adultery.
In the Gospel, we perceive Joseph as righteous, precisely because he obeyed the laws like every pious Israelite. The love for Mary and the trust he had in her made Joseph to find a way save Mary as a mother and his honourable wife. Joseph came up with an idea of disowning her in secret, without exposing her to public humiliation.
Joseph was pondering on this idea when the voice of God intervened his discernment and revealed a way which has a much greater meaning, than Joseph's own righteousness. "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit". He thus received Mary.
Dear brothers and sisters how important it is for each of us to cultivate a righteous life. At the same time to feel grateful for God's help, to be able to read life in a wider horizon.
Often we feel imprisoned by something that has happened. But it is precisely behind events of life which initially seems dramatic, that the hand of Divine providence is hidden. With the passage of time everything becomes clear.
St. Joseph helps each one of us to let ourselves be surprised by God and to welcome events not as unforeseen, but as a mystery that answers the secret of joy. The Pope remembered the ‘World HIV Day’ and said “I hope that there can be a renewed commitment of solidarity to ensure efficient and equal health care (for those with HIV-AIDS),"
MOMENT OF RELAXATION AND TOUR
After the audience and photo session with Pope Francis, , we continued our pilgrimage in small groups visiting churches and historical sites, as well as buying religious articles/objects. It was a day of joy and relaxation. Certainly, a moment for greater acquaintance among the chapter sisters.
Sr. Adelide Canci - Brazil
Delightful to see your exiting presence in the Vatican, a moment' of grace and blessings
Que lindo vocês ouvindo as palavras sábias e cheias de unção do Santo Padre sobre São José. Continuem soltas, porque o Espírito está encaminhando tudo para que aconteça conforme os desígnios do Pai. Abraço e fiquem com Deus.
Grace filled moments with our Pope Francis.This outing and break was lovely after a hectic time these days.Glad to see you all enjoying the day.Our sincere prayers and accompaniment as you soon enter into discernment process dear sisters.
