Christmas 2021

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news…   The time came for Mary to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manager, because there was no room in the inn. Is. 52:7, Lk 2:7

Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,

As 2021comes to an end and we prepare a new space of welcome for Jesus, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the abundant blessings our Congregation has received this past year.

As part of our preparation for and living of the 2021 General Chapter, we have committed ourselves to be women immersed in the Spirit as we make new connections with our World.

These two scripture passages from the Christmas liturgy speak of this immersion and connection. They create images of hope and joy, of people carrying the good news of the gospel even in difficult moments of searching and of rejection. We can sense the tenderness of Mary as she wraps her newborn with loving hands and the warmth of her heart even though she is staying in a crude stable.

It is this energy of the Spirit within us that makes our footsteps light as we, like Mary, proclaim the generosity of God. That same energy, along with our experience of God’s personal love, enables us to care for the needs of our dear neighbor with tenderness, while accepting whatever the conditions may be in which we find ourselves.

As we approach the manger this Christmas, our hearts are full of gratitude and love for each of you who live the Gospel journey with such grace and openness as you extend your hands offering hope and peace.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

S.Sally Hodgdon
S. Mariaelena Aceti
S. Ieda Tomazini
S. Philo Pazhuru Parambil