Via Nazareth. Rome, June 2014 Nr 25 THE LONGEST VISITATION

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1 Via Nazareth Rome, June 2014 Nr 25 THE LONGEST VISITATION 1 M. Jana Zawieja On May 20 th I returned from my longest general visitation, that of Holy Family Province in the United States. This visitation started on January 7, On that day I, together with one of my councilors, Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo, left Rome for the USA. Sister Angela Marie accompanied me during the first months. We visited the following geographical regions of the Province: Southwest (Texas, January 12 18); Mid-Atlantic (Philadelphia, January 19 February 23) and New England (Connecticut and NY, February 24 March 14). Prior to Holy Week we returned to Des Plaines. At that point there was a changing of the guard. Sr. Angela Marie returned to Rome, while Sr. Helen Tereba accompanied me for the next month. After Easter we visited the Great Lakes area (Pittsburgh, March 22-April12). Finally, again with Sr. Angela Marie, we carried out visitation in the Midwest area (Des Plaines, April 21-May 19). During these five months, we visited 40 communities and met 294 Sisters. In some cases we also visited the places where the Sisters minister today, in particular our institutions or ones that we sponsor (e.g. schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc). As is usual during a visitation, we divided our work. I tried to offer as much time as possible to the Sisters, both for individual meetings as well as for those with the communities. The Sisters who accompanied me were checking all the books and necessary documents. At the end of visitation we had a meeting with the provincial administration, sharing our first reflections from that time. It was a very good time to look together at the reality of Holy Family Province, with its joys and hopes, but also its difficulties and struggles. During the months of visitation we had the possibility to participate in some special events such as the final vows of Sr. Gabriela Duszyńska, the first vows of Sr. John Paul Bissonette, the ground breaking in Monroe, preparations for the closure of the former provincialate in Pittsburgh and the sad moment of the last Nazareth Sisters leaving this building. Time is passing, history continues, many realities keep changing. Nazareth may be different, but yet fundamentally the same, if only we remain faithful to our mission and charism, left to us by our Bl. Mother Foundress. I will be back in the United States in the second week of July to participate in the National Gathering of the Sisters of the Holy Family Province. The meeting will take place at the Holy Family University in Philadelphia. I hope this will be a good opportunity to share with the

2 Sisters gathered there some reflections based on my experience of visitation and about the presence and future of Nazareth on the continent of America. M. Jana with Sr. Barbarą Jean, Provincial and Sr. John Paul. On the right: with Sr. Gabriela. Dear Sisters, maybe it is a difficult to believe, but I have now completed general visitations in all of our Provinces (in the Mission Homes in Israel and Ghana, visitation happens every year because those homes belong directly to the general administration). According to Canon Law, general superiors are obliged to carry out general visitation in every place of the congregation once during their term of office. I am happy that I was able to fulfill this task before the coming General Chapter. I can now say that I have the entire Congregation in my heart and in my memory. I know it through my own experience and not only through the opinions and stories coming from others. Dear Sisters, let me tell you something our Nazareth is really very beautiful! It is so very diverse in languages, cultures and customs. But at its heart, it is one in what is most important, and it will remain so if we will be faithful to our identity. During my many trips I am being asked if it is difficult to be constantly on the road via different means of transportation, in different homes, experiencing different foods, beds, languages, climates, hours Yes, it is not easy and sometimes I am very tired. However, I am peaceful and happy deep in my heart, feeling at home everywhere in our Nazareth which is one. To be honest, there is only one moment when I do not feel well.in the moments when I see the spirit of Nazareth weakening, when there is a loss of what is the most important for us. Then I am sad in my heart but still hoping that we can start anew, awakening and following Jesus from Nazareth, with new eagerness, together with Mary and Joseph. There is no other Way for us! A LITTLE MORE ABOUT U.S. VISITATION Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo Starting in January 2014, I had the opportunity to accompany M. Jana during much of the General Visitation in the United States. This for me was a wonderful chance to come home since Holy Family Province is my province of origin. I was able to spend time with some of the Sisters who have now been my family for more than half of my life. Unexpectedly, I had the special grace to be with one of our Sisters who was a dear friend as she went home to God. 2

3 I also had the chance to get to know a number of Sisters whom I had never before met and be exposed to some new realities. For example, we visited Tyler, Texas where the Sisters work in Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. This was especially interesting for me due to my previous hospital work. However, the hospital in Tyler was much different much larger, very technologically advanced, overall just very impressive.and they even had a Starbucks Coffee shop in the lobby! But the nicest part was meeting with the executive team who had such deep respect for the Sisters and what they had built and for what they continue to do. I also had time to visit with many of our elderly Sisters. One encounter really made me smile. In one of the homes, I was waiting with the whole group of Sisters. When this one Sister saw me, she said Who is that? When I went over to greet her, she said I love you.but I don t know who you are. How cute! On reflection, though, I guess that should always be our attitude towards those we first meet. As we visited each of the communities, my tasks included reading through the various house documents House assembly minutes, Chronicles, and financial reports. While it s not the same as talking to every Sister, I found it interesting, and sometimes even entertaining, thanks to the humor of those who were doing the writing. Also, I found it helpful because I think it gives you a feel for certain aspects of the community. In some of the larger homes, we also had the chance to share the presentations that Mother Jana received from each of the provinces. It was a great way to show what is happening in the different parts of the Congregation and many Sisters shared how much they enjoyed seeing areas of the Congregation of which they had little knowledge. Besides the work to be done in each community, there was some time to just relax or play a little with the Sisters. In one community, I was invited to learn how to knit which was a favorite hobby for a few of the Sisters. I am not sure that this is my gift, so I chose just to appreciate their handiwork. While in the novitiate community, we played a game called Apples to Apples. It was a chance to witness a bit of friendly competition. In the end, Sr. Josephine, our first year novice, won the game (they didn t even let Mother Jana win!). Another activity that I was able to share with the Sisters was volunteering for a couple of hours to pack food for the poor. There is a program called Feed My Starving Children and twice during the time that I was in Des Plaines, a group of Sisters joined with other volunteers in helping to pack food. Everyone has a different job someone scoops, someone is responsible for opening the bag and connecting it to the funnel, another weighs the contents, someone is responsible for heat-sealing the bags, and finally for packing the bags into the boxes. Even those who can t stand for such a long time can help with labeling bags. All in all, it is a wellorganized, high-energy affair, with music and people cheering each time a box is finished. 3

4 One of the most touching aspects of the experience is at the end after everything is cleaned up. Then, it is time to pray over the food that is being shipped. The staff explained that in the beginning they struggled with getting the food to the people for whom it was intended as is often the case with international aid packages. Then they decided to have the volunteers pray over the food in three intentions: that the food would reach its destination, for the people who would receive it, and for the volunteers who helped make it possible. They now have a success rate of 99.7%. God is good! The second night that we went to help, we were packing food for El Salvador. With all those present, we packed over 13,000 bags. Enough to feed 36 children for a year. Not bad for an hour-and-a half of work. I am grateful that the Sisters have chosen to take part in this initiative and that I was able to share in it with them. For these and the many other experiences of the past months, I am most grateful. I know that I have been enriched by this experience as I have each time that I have participated in general visitation in one of the provinces. I thank God and ask Him to continue to pour out His blessing on all our Sisters. MY 2014 VISIT TO GHANA 4 Sr. Daniela Tupaj This year my visit to Ghana took place from 1 21 February. Just as on previous occasions the time was full of valuable and rich experiences. Above all it was another step in discovering the beauty, simplicity and poverty of Ghana and its people. Interactions with the Sisters My greatest joy during every visit has been spending time with the Sisters. On this occasion the joy was even greater due to the greater number of Sisters now in Ghana. On the very first day I was able to visit both communities, one in Sunyani and the other in Yamfo. It is so wonderful that both convents are in close proximity to each other, (just a 20 minute drive by car) which enables the Sisters to support one another in various ways. It is also good that the Sisters in Sunyani, having more experience in Ghana are able to help the recently arrived Sisters in the Yamfo community to adjust to their new cultural situation. During this time I was fortunate to celebrate the Day for Consecrated Life, not only with our Sisters but also with all the religious in the Sunyani Diocese. The Building of the School and Convent Project in Chiraa One could say, that the simplicity to which I referred above, became somewhat of a challenge in preparing the building project. The reason for this above all, was because the entire administrative and town planning systems are still in the developmental stages. This complicated the process of obtaining a building permit. As a result, much of my time was spent at meetings

5 in various offices, all of which were of different standards, where Sister Justyna had already trod a well-worn path before my arrival and where she continued negotiations long after my departure since I was unable to finalize various matters during my stay in Ghana. I am very happy to say that Sister Justyna is our very reliable and valuable source of information when it comes to the functioning of the offices of administration and town planning. But above all, Sister is an enormous help in helping us to accomplish our school building project. Mutual assistance One aspect that strikes me during every visit to Ghana is the mutual support and co-operation which exists among the missionaries. This was my experience with various congregations. In a significant way, Father Martino a Franciscan Priest formerly from Italy, has been an enormous help to us. He not only shared his experience and expertise, but also drove us to a building company with which he has worked for many years, and urged the company director to be kind to us. Perhaps in another part of the world, this may not be unusual. For us however, undertaking a huge building project in Africa, aware of the various dubious scenarios in regards to construction, hearing the words You can trust him, he never let me down. were words of assurance coming right from the very hands of our patron, St Joseph. Commencement of construction After all the administrative obstacles were overcome, on the 28th March - still in the month of St Joseph, bulldozers began to clear the site for the building of our school and convent. Once the land was cleared Bishop Matthew from the Sunyani Diocese and the Queen Mother, representing the local Chiraa Chiefs, led the blessing of the land and the turning of the soil in preparation for construction. This was a most joyful event for our Sisters, the local parish priest and the guests who witnessed this historic occasion. 5

6 While my knowledge of this event comes only from the photos which were taken, I felt as if I was also standing there in the group, on that red earth praying to St Joseph for his protection for those who will be working on this building project. And I ask every Sister who is reading these words to join me in praying for them. NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES Translated by Sr. Helen Tereba Sr. Helen Tereba Summer Vacations during April and May probably seem rather odd to many of us. For our Sisters in the Philippines, however, the end of March marks the end of the school year and the beginning of annual retreats, new ministry assignments, packing unpacking. and yes..finally vacation time!!!! During this past May, I had the opportunity once again to be with the Sisters and share in this joyful time as well as a time frenzied activity. New Provincial Administration Saturday May 10, 2014 will be remembered both with gratitude and anticipation by the outgoing as well as the newly appointed Provincial Administrations. It was on this day that thirty Sisters gathered in the Provincialate Chapel in Greenhills for the Celebration of Mass and the installation of the new provincial administration. The Eucharist of Thanksgiving was celebrated for Sr Maria Fe and her council in gratitude for their six years of faithful stewardship of Mary of Nazareth Province as well as for blessings on Sr Elsa Marie and the newly appointed administration. During the Mass Father James Ferry, a Maryknoll priest and the Diocesan Vicar for Religious, reminded us of the importance of community life and mutual responsibility in the lives of consecrated religious. After Communion Sisters Elsa Marie, Sr Jean Marie, Greta Marie, Jeremiah and Judy Marie recited a prayer of commitment to their call to Leadership. To symbolize the passing on of the leadership role each Sister from the previous administration presented a candle to the Sister assuming her particular position on the new administration team. Before the conclusion of the Mass Sister Elsa Marie, Provincial Superior addressed the Sisters thanking them for their trust and assuring them of her commitment to Mary of Nazareth Province which, she stated, she could only fulfil with their prayers, support and co-operation. 6

7 It was my privilege to express words of gratitude on behalf of Mother Jana and the General Council to the outgoing administration and congratulations and support to the new provincial team. In the Philippines no celebration is ever complete without a traditional fiesta meal which was enjoyed by all of us. It was indeed a very happy occasion. The joyful spirit of our three second year novices, our junior and final professed Sisters who were present translated into an energy and vitality that was palpable and totally life giving. The gift of a religious vocation in the Philippines continues to be treasured in families and, thanks be to God, we are reaping the benefits. Currently there are seven affiliates preparing to be received as postulants in June. Four young girls are waiting in the wings, to be accepted as affiliates while in the Antipolo Novitiate six novices are well on their way along their Nazareth formation journey. Tubigon Bohol The tell-tale signs of last October s Earthquake remain clearly visible. Huge humanitarian efforts as well as Recovery Programmes are in place. However due to the enormity of the destruction of buildings and infra-structure it is estimated that it will take at least ten years to see life return to normal for many. Walking through the streets of this small town piles of rubble replace some of the larger damaged houses that needed to be demolished. Workers literally place the stones into hessian bags, and carry the bags on their backs to a nearby empty lot. The tent city which was erected near our school for 200 families, is slowly being replaced by very basic one room dwellings.small houses made of bamboo with Nipa roofing. Nevertheless, the resilient spirit of the people is strong, as family members support one another sharing the little that they have so that homes and lives can be rebuilt. Holy Family School the repairs to the internal and external walls of the classroom have been completed. The renovations in the library are still underway. Minor works such as the replacement of floor and wall tiles as well as the patching of cracks are yet to be undertaken. The Sisters repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the tremendous financial assistance they received in recent months to assist their families to rebuild their homes. St Isidore Parish Tubigon While most of the Parish Church building stands in ruins, the faith of the people remains strong. Hundreds of people gather daily for morning Mass which is celebrated in front of the Church, with a grotto of our Lady of Lourdes in the background.the Patronal Feastday of the Parish, St Isidore the Farmer, was celebrated as a joyful Fiesta on Friday 15 May. 7

8 Celebrations began with a vigil Mass followed by a Procession through the town. Solemn High Mass was celebrated on Friday morning by Bishop Leonardo Yuzon Medroso from the Diocese of Tagbilaran with the Parish Priest Fr. Marlon Lumanas and priests from the nearby area concelebrating. This 10:30 a.m. Mass the third Mass for the day with a capacity crowd attending each Mass. In true Filipino hospitality, Father RMarlon invited the Sisters for the Fiesta in his Presbytery.and what a feast it was!!!! Closing Reflections While each visit to the Philippines is a great joy for me it is also rather confronting. The long drive from the airport to Greenhills in the midst of endless traffic, grounds one very quickly in the local reality of the densely populated city of Manila. The same scene is repeated many times with every journey through various sections of the city. Driving home from Manresa Retreat Centre in Quezon City, after a Thanksgiving Mass, I once again became painfully aware of the clear distinctions which exist between two different worlds on either side of the same street. On one side high rise condominiums and modern shopping malls tower over the never ending traffic below, while street children cut through the traffic selling floral garlands and homeless men and women look for shelter for the night on the footpaths. How does one reconcile the blatant disparity caused by injustice and corruption which results in such disturbing outcomes? There are no easy answers or solutions. However, in the face of all of this, our Sisters, living very simply themselves, do all they can to alleviate the poverty of the people around them, especially the children. Permit me to end on a lighter note! On one particular evening in our convent in Tubigon, the doorbell rang. It was Roger, a nine year old boy from across the street who regularly comes to the Sisters convent for some food while they are eating their evening meal. Knowing it was Roger, one of the Sisters got up from the table and asked What can we give him today? We have some rice. What about some chocolate cake? (we had it for several days already). A voice quickly responded, No, not the chocolate cake, I will eat it tomorrow. There is also cassava cake! chimed in another Sister. No not the cassava cake! I am eating it! Looking at the box of breakfast cereal, I am ashamed to say that I added Not the cereal..that s my breakfast!!! So much for our spirit of sharing with the poor!! But we did give Roger a generous serving of rice, stew and vegetables, so he left happily to share the food with his family. 8

9 UKRAINE: What Lies Ahead? Meeting with the Sisters: Kiev May 2014 Prior to travelling to Ukraine... 9 Sr. Halina Dołęga I can truly say that my journey from Rome to Kiev in Ukraine was by way of Krakow and... Ghana. During the one day s stop over in Krakow (May 15) I personally experienced the missionary spirit our home in Krakow. It was felt in the religious community, among the lay workers, parents and children in our kindergarten and with the members of the Association of the Holy Family. The Pre-School in conjunction with the Association of the Holy Family were holding a festival (fete) on that day, the proceeds of which were earmarked towards the construction of our school in Ghana. It was evident that the preparations for the fete had begun well in advance. All items on sale were handmade by the Associates, Sisters and the children. They were of various sizes, shapes and colors. There were cloth bags, boxes, backpacks, pendants, key chains, briefcases, office stationery, cards, clay goods, knitted slippers, rosaries, gadgets of all sorts and cookies baked by the children. Each item included an African element. At times there was the "corporate" motto on a label We give our hearts to the Children in Ghana attached to the item. The prices were affordable, though larger donations were also gratefully accepted. I noticed that the parents who were bringing their children to the kindergarten first went shopping together and some children even used their own pocket money. Our Sisters too were among, the shoppers who, wanting to help the missions, selected items for themselves or for one of the children present. Members of the Holy Family Association, dressed in special T Shirts which bore the logo with the letters SNR (Stowarzyszenie Najswietszej Rodziny Holy Family Association), a heart in the colors of the Ghana flag as well as the their motto. S. Milena, a teacher at the Kindergarten and director of the Krakow branch of the Association, with flushed faced resulting from spent energy, watched all the activity taking place before her eyes. When I asked her at the end of the day if everything was sold, she answered honestly and with much relief, "Fortunately, some things were left. The school will be having a second fete soon, so now we have some items ready!!! The culmination of the mission day was the celebration of Mass for the children and parents, by Bishop Antony Długosz from Częstochowa. The liturgy was enriched by the use of drums and special hymns reflecting the missionary character of the celebration.

10 The girls also had their hair braided according to African custom and fashion. Bishop Antony, well known for his ability to dialogue with the children, joined in the singing and dancing during the Liturgy. He masterfully engaged the children, focused their attention and awakened in them the missionary spirit. I was very pleased that the fete was held during my stay in Krakow. Congratulations, Sisters for your commitment and this wonderful initiative. The Ukraine as I saw it Early the next morning, together with Sr. Elena, Provincial and Sr. Estera, Assistant, we set out on our journey to Kiev for the Meeting with all the Sisters ministering in Ukraine and the newly appointed administration of the Ukraine Region. Sister Amata, the Warsaw Provincial and Sister Benigna, councilor, were waiting for us in Kiev. Our mission in the present territory of Ukraine has a long history. Before the war there were homes in Lwów, Stryj and Równe. The house in Lwów was established during the life of Mother Foundress in It is worth noting that Cycylia Tańska, the daughter of Adam Siedliski, was a teacher in our school in Lwów and that several of our Sisters are buried in the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lwów. After the fall of communism in later years, the Sisters ministered in places which had been closed in Czerwonoarmijsk, Malin, Czudnów, Krzywy Róg, and Dnieprodzierżyńsk. Currently the nineteen Sisters in Ukraine are members of the Krakow and Warsaw Provinces across six homes: Kiev, Żytomierz, Gniewan, Czernichów and Cherson. Two new local communities will be formed in September, one in Kiev and the other in nearby Browara. We have seven Ukrainian Sisters in the Congregation. On Saturday 17 May, all the Sisters from various parts of Ukraine were able to meet near the left bank of Kiev in the parish of the Capuchin Fathers who provided rooms for us to hold our gathering. At the meeting the Sisters shared their hopes and concerns about the establishment of the Region. The role of the members of the new administration were also discussed and clarified. These were the two main topics of the meeting. At this time, Ukraine is in a very difficult situation socially, politically and economically. At the meeting many Sisters expressed their gratitude for the messages of support and concern they received via , telephone and other means from the Sisters at large. The Sisters expressed their thanks for the expressions of solidarity, interest and for prayers for them and for Ukraine. With much hope they wait for peace and a resolution of the conflict which exists. They were also grateful to us for being with them in Ukraine during this difficult time. 10

11 What kind of Ukraine did I see?? Along the road, there was plenty of greenery..reminiscent of the song Na Zielonej Ukrainie.. On Green Ukraine..Close to the entrances to the cities, the number of security guards have been increased, temporary barricades have been set up to prevent intrusion by the separatists. The Sisters continue in their ministries, pray together and with the lay people for peace and freedom, without feeling threatened. In our conversations they underscored the fact that the media reports often exaggerate and sensationalize the events. The general public, on the other hand is waiting for the coming elections and look forward to peace and a solution to the crisis. Life appears to go on as usual. Along the streets of Kiev one can see many pre-election billboards and traffic as always. The installation of Bishop Witali Skomarowski, the newly appointed bishop of the Latin Rite Diocese was held on the 17 May. At the same time, and on the same day in Żytomierz a funeral was held for of a young man (the father of two children), who was killed in skirmishes between gangs of separatists in Slavyansk. On Saturday, in another city a picnic was organized in the park for the local residents, with the intention of changing the name of the park form Lenin Park to Family Park. The prices of basic products in the stores are increasing day by day. Due to the lack of time I did not reach Maidan Independence Square, the site of the recent conflict. Maidan is not only a section of the capital, Kiev, it is the heart of Ukraine. A heart that expresses the soul of the nation, seeks true freedom, and is the hope of a better tomorrow. In Maidan Square the common prayers of all Christians of various rites are an expression of true ecumenism. At the same time Maidan is a living monument of the price which was paid in defense of true values, as evidenced by the "Nebesna Sotnia" (Heavenly Squad). Sister Amata, who managed to go there after our meeting expressed her experience in these words:- Everyone has his/her own experiences of Maidan. As I stood there it left an indelible impression on me. Maidan is a contrast between the reality of life and its ideals; the sacred and the profane; between unwavering Ukrainian patriotism and confusion. Maidan bears the fresh imprints of the genocide tragedy which we had witnessed. 11

12 The newly formed administrative Unit in our Congregation the Region of St Michael the Archangel, Ukraine will be inaugurated in September of this year. Let us support the members of the Region s administration team: Sister Aneta Tobiasz Regional Superior; Sister Felicyta Dworecka Assistant; Sister Karolina Młodzianowską - Councilor/Treasurer and Sister Frances Tumaniewicz Councilor/Secretary, as well as every Sister is the Region with our prayers so that the Kingdom of God s Love will flourish in this land. The newly planted seed is already bearing fruit. On 17 May Irina Charzewska was accepted as an affiliate. After her vacation she will live with the Sisters in Cherzon and begin her Nazareth formation. Translated by Sr. Helen Tereba CELEBRATION OF FAITH 12 Sr. Beata Rudzinska What an unprecedented event! The day of four Popes, the canonization of the century, and one of the most important days in the history of the Church!! These and many similar words could be heard or read in commentaries about the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. Never before had the Bishop of Rome canonized two of his contemporaries and predecessors, and never before was there a Pope and a retired Pope standing at the same altar. Sentiments of joy and gratitude for the sanctity of the canonized popes, as well as humility, simplicity and genuine mutuality shown by their successors filled the whole of Rome and indeed the entire world, making 27 April 2014, a day of special significance. Before the prayer Regina Caeli, at the end of canonization ceremony, Pope Francis used another expression to describe this event, and the one which probably best captures the uniqueness of the day to me, was - a celebration of Faith. It is this Faith, lived so heroically by Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, which led them to holiness. It was this Faith which transformed them, the Church and the world.

13 It is Faith which also guides and enlightens their successors and which often leads to unprecedented decisions. In the end, it was Faith which united millions of people who personally or through the mass media participated in this extraordinary Sunday of four Popes. During the Mass, in his simple but meaningful homily, Pope Francis emphasized the exemplary obedience to the Holy Spirit of John XXIII which made him a good shepherd and guide of the Church. In turn, he named John Paul II the Pope of the family, because that is how he wanted to be remembered. It was only a few days later when I glanced again at the text of the homily that I noticed a strange coincidence. In the year in which we as a Congregation are reflecting on the ministry of authority and obedience, and preparing for a Symposium on the Family, we received the gift of these two holy Patrons from whom we have much to learn and on whose intercession we can depend. Sr. Halina with the Sisters from Belarus As you are aware, thousands of people descended on Rome for the canonization. In spite of the fact that the Duquesne students were still residing in the Generalate, which left only a few rooms available, 160 guests were accommodated overnight with an additional 100 stopping over for meals and a toilet break. A further 30 guests were hosted in our home at Machiavelli. Among the guests were Sisters from various provinces including two from Australia, two from the United States as well as six Sisters rom Belarus who were in Rome for the very first time. Many Sisters from Poland and even from far away Russia joined various parish groups for the canonization and were accommodated with their groups elsewhere. 13 S. Beata and S. Christiana from Russia Those of us who live in Rome chose their own way of participating in the canonization. For various reasons some Sisters decided to stay home and watched the broadcast on television. The more adventuresome and determined Sisters left on Saturday afternoon and spent the night close to the Vatican so as to gain entrance to St Peter s Square at 5:00 a.m. A more practical group decided to leave between 3:00a.m. and 4:00 a.m. This group included the Sisters from Belarus, the General Councilors who were in Rome, Sister Lucyna from Australia and Sister Nahida from the United States all of whom were counting on a small miracle to at least find a good spot on Via Conciliazione, the street directly in front of St Peter s Square. The miracle happened when we found a good position at the beginning of this street in the midst of the already large assembled crowd. While we were at quite a distance from the main altar we were

14 able to follow the canonization ceremony on a large screen nearby. The images of the two nominated Popes for canonization were in full view on the distant façade of St Peter s Basilica. Some Sisters chose to participate in the Mass in various other Piazzas where the ceremony was also to be televised and where equally large crowds had gathered. On our return to the convent it was amazing to hear from almost every Sister who attended the canonization ceremony, I am so happy that I was, where I decided to be, because that is exactly where I wanted to experience the celebration of the canonization. One of the Sisters who watched the ceremony on television overseas hared her impression with me as being exceedingly solemn and even sad. As I watched the telecast I understood why she had this impression. The solemn or even strict rite of the Roman Liturgy, the Gregorian Chants of the choir and the sight of the dark clouds which loomed in the sky, over St Peter s Square presented a very different picture from what was actually taking place.the prevailing atmosphere in the Square and in Rome was one of great joy and enthusiasm, reminiscent of the joyful singing of young people during world youth days or during papal pilgrimages. Clearly the televised transmissions could not covey the atmosphere that prevailed among all gathered for the canonization. It was an atmosphere of immense joy, unity of people and nations, a beautiful Church in its universality, which has captivated me from my very first days in Rome. Before the beginning of the Mass many groups began to pray out loud in their own language. Syrian families, American pilgrims, Spanish catechumens, these were some of the groups nearby. Each time the image of our new Saints appeared on the large screen, every time their names were mentioned there was a joyful burst of applause!!! Upon the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI, onto the podium followed by that of Pope Francis, the sincere brotherly greeting of the two Popes sparked and eruption of cheering and shouts of joy. This simple gesture symbolized the joyful gratitude of the living Church for the gift of witness to the Faith shown by these two holy men which the Lord has given to His Church today. A white night of prayer - Piazza Navona The canonization ceremony was not just a matter of the celebration of Mass on Mercy Sunday. It also included a white night of prayer together with adoration, and the sacrament of Reconciliation in Churches in the center of Rome, and the numerous Masses of Thanksgiving celebrated after the canonization. Perhaps the first of these was the Belarussian Mass of Thanksgiving offered at 2:00 p.m. on the Sunday of the canonization, in the Church of St Ann by the Vatican. Sisters Halina and our six Sisters from Belarus, after ensuring that they still had sufficient energy and some snacks to see them through so as not to faint on the way, decided not to return home after the canonization but to remain for this thanksgiving Mass. 14

15 Sr. Nahida from USA with S. Cyryla during Papal Audience The Sisters and pilgrims who attended the Mass of Thanksgiving in St Peter s Square on Monday were most impressed by the beautiful liturgy and Cardinal Angelo Comastri s homily. A special concert organized by the Polish Community featuring the Music and Dance Ensembles, Mazowsze and Śląsk, was held in the Basilica of St Mary Major. Sisters Lucyna Frączek from Australia and Sister Michaela Tomkowiak from the United States were fortunate enough to enjoy this concert. Sisters, our guests and the residents of Rome we were also privileged to attend the first papal audience following the canonization on Wednesday as well as the first Mass at the tomb of Saint John Paul II on Thursday morning. The spirit of thanksgiving permeated both these celebrations, not to mention the extraordinary large number of people who participated. The final celebration linked with the canonization was held on Sunday, 4 May, in the Polish Church of St Stanislaus where Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the Polish community in Rome. The Church itself, even with the adjoining courtyard and small auditorium could only accommodate a small number of the faithful who had gathered for this special Mass. Fortunately a large video screen erected in front of the Church enabled the large crowd gathered outside to join in the celebration. Today was another example of the fact that not only does our Holy Father speak of moving to the periphery but he does it himself, even in smallest possible ways. That is how I interpreted his many spontaneous decisions during celebrations, which are often a problem for the security guards. Today, instead of going directly into a waiting car, Pope Francis decided to walk along Botteghe Oscure Street to greet the hundreds of people who came to see him but were unable to be in the Church. As a result Sisters Daniela, Halina and I had the opportunity to wave to Pope Francis up close, and thank him for coming to visit the Polish Community in Rome. Moving to the periphery.. The Canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII is one of the many events, and blessings which I continue to experience during these years in Rome. Events which leave their mark, and which strengthen my faith and which give me a true experience of Church!!! Translated by Sr. Helen Tereba 15