On 27 October 2023 in Ennerdale, Johannesburg, South Africa, the Association of Former Pupils of the FMA of the “Laura Vicuña” Primary School, AFM Province, was inaugurated.
Johannesburg (South Africa). On 27 October 2023, the Past Pupil Association of the FMA of the Laura Vicuña Primary School of the Province of Our Lady of Peace (AFM) was inaugurated at the Don Bosco Educational Projects in Ennerdale, Johannesburg, South Africa.
On the opening day there were 46 Past Pupils from Fine Town and Ennerdale, aged between 14 and 39, from the 2005-2022 school years. Sister Thérèse Pietersen, Provincial Secretary and former Principal of the School for 12 years, was present with some FMA from the Provincial House in Boksburg. The Blessed Laura Vicuña Community hosted the event, which was also attended by some former teachers.
The Laura Vicuña Primary School was opened in 2002 in Fine Town by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) of Ennerdale, Blessed Laura Vicuña Community. Around 250 children from first to seventh grade attend the school, mostly from informal settlements in the area, where families struggle to survive. In fact, approximately two thirds of the families immigrated from neighbouring countries.
The mission of the FMA is to promote the dignity of disadvantaged young people, educating them, to allow them to escape poverty. The FMA seek to create a pleasant and serene environment, where young people can experience joy, peace and hope, and learn to develop their own interiority, to understand and care for others. They receive breakfast and lunch every day. In 2011 the Laura Vicuña Primary School moved to Ennerdale, to the Don Bosco Educational Projects (DBEP).
The Principal, Sister Lidia Castro, began the meeting with prayer. Talking about “The beginning of the Past Pupils with Don Bosco”, she reminded the young Past Pupils that they are part of the Salesian Family. Afterwards, each person introduced themselves, explaining what they are currently doing. Some of them are still in school and studying, others are working, but there is still a small group who are not employed. The young people had a fruitful sharing in groups on how they plan to give back what they have received from their School.
Sister Thérèse encouraged them to continue giving back what they have learned. Most of them are engaged in volunteering in various forms. She, the former teachers and the former pupils were very happy to see each other again after a long time. The meeting ended with a speech by Sister Lidia and a final prayer.
It was an historical event, a day of joy, which marked the beginning of the journey of the FMA Past Pupil Association in Ennerdale, Johannesburg.
On Wednesday, 30th September 2023, before going back to Italy, Mother Chiara Cazzuola met the Salesian Sisters in Zambia. The Sisters in Lesotho and South Africa joined the meeting online.
Mother Chiara thanked the Lord for the wonderful experience of Interprovincial Conference of Africa-Madagascar and asked the Lord to bless them with more vocations. She also thanked the Sisters for the beautiful welcome in African style.
Mother left a message of JOY to the Sisters. “Joy is a sign of love for God (St. Mazzarello). Joy comes from the encounter with Jesus and is a gift from Jesus Resurrection. The disciples was happy to see Jesus. Mary Magdalene was joyful when Jesus called her and she ran to bring the good news to the disciples. Joy is the fruit of meeting Jesus, and no one can take it away”. Mother talked about JOY because she said: if we want to generate life, our Communities must be witness of joy.Joy of belonging to Jesus. Mary is the first who had the experience of an encounter with Jesus: Annunciation.
Mother concluded by inviting the Sisters to reflect on JOY, to go back to the reason of following Jesus. Why am I here? What is my heart seeking? Focus on the journey with Jesus and be witness of joy with the young people. Sr. Cecilia Motanya, Provincial, also called to three Sisters who are in a retirement home, to give Mother Chiara the possibility to greet them too.
From 12 to 18 August 2023, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of Peace Province (AFM) that includes South Africa, Lesotho, and Zambia welcomed Sr. Runita Borja, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, for a short visit to South Africa.
Sr. Runita’s first appointment was with the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement of Gauteng, which took place on Sunday 13 August in the parish of All Saints, in Ennerdale. Over 80 young people from Bosco Walkerville, Finetown, Ennerdale, and Lawley were in attendance.
Welcoming Sr. Runita were also Sr. Giovanna Pesenti, Provincial Economer, representing the Provincial, Sr. Cecilia Motanya, as well as the Salesians of Don Bosco, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, and the parish pastoral councillors of the various parishes.
The day began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, Superior of Blessed Michael Rua Preprovince (AFM), animated by young people and concelebrated by some Salesian priests.
After Holy Mass, Sister Runita had the opportunity to address the young people and members of the Salesian Family in the parish hall. In her words, she underlined that the best formation for everyone is life experience and she encouraged young people to find time during the day to reflect on their lives, in order to discover the voice of God speaking to them. “Only by listening to the voice of God and through the accompaniment of an adult is it possible to discern one’s own vocation.” She concluded by inviting them to listen to Mary, the mother who leads everyone to Jesus. To express their gratitude, the young people gave Sister Runita a beaded mat with the South African flag.
In the following days, the Councillor met with the teachers, children, and young people who attend the schools of Ennerdale, Booysens, and Malamulele, managed by the FMA.
Before leaving for Lusaka, in Zambia, where with Mother Chiara Cazzuola and other Councillors, she will live the inter-sector Seminar on Generative Authority for the Africa-Madagascar Interprovincial Conference (CIAM), she passed by the Provincial House of Boksburg and visited three Sisters who are in a retirement home run by the Dominican Sisters.
Each year on the 5th of August the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of their Institute. It is customary, where possible, that on this day each year around the world, there are young women who consecrate themselves to God through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience according to the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. Religious vows joyfully free a person to live for God and through that first love to serve others with love and to witness to God’s faithfulness, compassion and care for all.
In the Province of Our Lady of Peace (AFM) which includes South Africa, Lesotho and Zambia there are three young Zambian women making their First Religious Profession in Lusaka in the hands of Sr Cecilia Motanya, the Provincial. They are: Sr Veronica Kaselema, Sr Esnart Chali Mutale and Sr Winfridah Katongo. In the community in Malamulele – South Africa, three Sisters renewed their vows.
In the Booysens community, South of Johannesburg, Sr Prisca Chalwe who is working in Lesotho, renewed her vows for two years in the hands of Sr Giovanna Pesenti – delegate of the Provincial.
The nearby communities of Boksburg and Ennerdale as well as the Sisters from Maputsoe – Lesotho gathered together in Booysens to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sr Patricia Finn. The SDB community of Booysens joined in the festivities. The celebration of the Eucharist was presided by Fr Alberto Villalba SDB who in his homily thanked Sr Patricia for her many years of generous service to the Church and to the Congregation. He also noted that many years were spent in the Catechetical Ministry, especially the last twenty-five years in which she was the National Catechetical Coordinator of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference.
All the Sisters present joined in the renewal of their vows thanking God for having called them to serve Him as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
Sr. Prisca ChalweSr. Patricia Finn and the Sisters renewed the vows3 newly professed Sisters and Sr. Cecilia Motanya – ProvincialMalamulele Community
An important aspect in the life of Mary Mazzarello – was deep humility and simplicity. We have only to remember how she constantly ceded to others and was always hesitant to accept the leadership of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and then of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
In the letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul constantly highlights the antithesis of the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God. What and who the world considers wise God considers foolish and meaningless. Instead God values things that the world considers foolish. Thus the cross and suffering, humility and simplicity are important considerations in God’s sight. St. Paul reminds the church in Corinth that they have this claim on God’s love – the fact that none of them were great in the eyes of the world.
These elements can be so aptly applied to Mary Mazzarello. She who did not know how to write until she took the reins of the nascent congregation, was chosen for her magnificent gifts of head and heart, for her deep union with God and her limpid sanctity to lead and guide the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
In the letter he wrote for the Centenary of the Death of Mary Mazzarello in 1981, Don Egidio Vigano – the seventh successor of Don Bosco – highlights two distinguishing characteristics of the spirituality of Mary Mazzarello (among many others). Her deep and profound mysticism and her radical simplicity and asceticism. These are the vertical and horizontal axes of her spirit that enabled her to reach out to the poor and the needy entrusted to her care. She had already seen those entrusted to her in her vision at Borgoalto as she recovered from an almost fatal attack of typhoid. She seen many young people appealing to her to come and help them. And a voice said to her: “I entrust them all to you.”
To comment on her mysticism in a few words is difficult but just a glimpse at her Eucharistic piety would be sufficient. She was very close to the Eucharistic Jesus. From her days at the window at the Valponasca where she would adore the Eucharistic Jesus being exposed in the Church at Mornese…to the way she transmitted her closeness to the Eucharist to her companions in the early days of the Institute. We are told of how beautifully she would describe Jesus. Don Costamagna commented that hearing her describe Jesus present in Holy Communion one had the distinct impression that she was seeing Jesus not just with the eyes of faith but with her bodily eyes. On one occasion in the whole community there was one very sad postulant. When asked why she was sad she lamented her inability to receive communion that day. “After all that Mother said about Jesus present in the Eucharist I feel so sad that I was not able to receive him today and will only be able to do so tomorrow.” The spirit of Pentecost prevailed among the early sisters.
Along with her deep mystical moments Mother Mazzarello was known as a woman of profound asceticism and simplicity. Much of what she did may not be stuff for imitation but we need to look beyond the practices to the reason for this total self-abnegation. We know that there was abject poverty prevailing among the early sisters. Money was hard to come by and their diet left most of them feeling hungry after each meal. Many of their visitors were astounded at how they managed to survive. In fact, it seemed to Don Bosco to somewhat exaggerated; and after a number of deaths among the young members he had to intervene several times personally to moderate the rigors of the community. But this frugality made for a very happy community with genuine warmth and concern.
Finally it seems that this profound mystical depth and her deep simplicity and asceticism made her totally available for the mission entrusted to her by God – leading the young and the poor to salvation. Knowing the loving heart of God and detached from all earthly things she was able to be the humble instrument in God’s hand to make this world a better place.
As we keep the monthly commemoration of Mary Mazzarello, may each of us imbibe her spirit: the humble, simple and the gentle….May this lead us to be deeply united with God in a profound mysticism and may it help us be totally detached from all worldly things with a radical asceticism. Then we will experience God’s action in our lives and be transformed by his grace.
The Junior Salesian Sisters from Lesotho and South Africa had their Annual Retreat which was animated by Sr. Lidia Castro. It took place at Ennerdale community – Blessed Laura Vicuna in Johannesburg from 30th June – 8th July 2023. The main theme was the WEDDING AT CANA IN GALILEE, in which each day we were being reminded of the different persons who were at the wedding and their roles hence finding ourselves in the wedding. This is also the Theme of XXIV General Chapter of the Institute. The Lectio Divina in the morning was so helpful in order to keep the Word of God the rest of the day.. Hence through lectio, oratio, meditatio and contemplatio.
The retreat was such a lovely atmosphere of silence and prayer, SR FELISTUS MUBANGAsays ‘in the wedding of Cana, I see myself as one of the servers…who are the first to realise there is no WINE. Then surprisingly a woman comes to our rescue. She is the mother of Jesus.’
Then, SR. PRISCA CHALWE says ‘I see myself as an empty jar, which has to be filled with clean water then the water which will be transformed into WINE by Jesus, to give joy to all, in community and mission.’
SR. HOPE CHABABA connected the wedding at Cana with the Eucharistic Sacrifice, in which Christ remains the centre of community life as an FMA. Sr. Hope sees herself as the bride who upon knowing there is no WINE, she gets stressed but Jesus saves the situation through Mary.
SR. LIDIA CASTRO encouraged the young sisters to relate their own profession day as the wedding of Cana and the wedding of St. Mary Mazzarello and the other first Salesian sisters in MORNESE, then how can we live effectively these weddings.
The retreatants appreciated the reflections both by Sr. Lidia and Fr Hydeman Muroso SDB who celebrated Holy Eucharist every day during the Retreat. We concluded our retreat with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration at ALL SAINTS CHURCH .
It was a wonderful experience that help the retreatants to allow Jesus to fill their jars so as to offer the best wine to their communities and the Young.
In the months of February and March, the General Council of the FMA Institute, with the collaborators, dedicated itself to the elaboration of the Program for the six-year period 2022 – 2027.
Rome Italy). The Mother and the General Council of the Institute of the Daughters of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, together with the Collaborators, during the months of February and March, dedicated themselves to the elaboration of the Program for the sexennium 2022 – 2027.
This Programming is the result of a journey in which the process of involving the Sectors and all the Collaborators was privileged. Up to 2014, in fact, the Programming of the General Council was the result of the work of Mother and her Council, who then submitted to the Collaborators the document already prepared for comparison.
In 2014, for the first time, a unitary Sector Planning document was drawn up on the basis of the Council’s Programming itself, which the Provinces then drew inspiration from to draw up their own planning. On the basis of what emerged from the verifications and suggestions presented by the Provinces regarding the implementation of the Programming, the Council reflected on the methodology to be followed, proposing to elaborate on the Programming from the beginning with the Co-workers.
At the opening of the works with La Madre and the Council, on 23 February 2022, the desire to vitally deepen the Acts of the XXIV General Chapter emerged from the initial sharing with the Co-workers. To fulfill the Chapter, the Acts must be known, studied, lived, bearing in mind that they are not only the fruit of the Chapter Assembly but also of the great process of involvement of the Communities, Provinces, Interprovincial Conferences, in the reinterpretation of the Instrument of Work and in light of the great changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Starting from the common horizon that characterized the pre-capitular, capitular and now post-capitular journeys – “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2,5): as in Cana and Mornese we are a presence that generates, promotes, and takes care of life today and in the contemporary world– there have been various moments of listening, sharing in groups, re-elaborating and restating the various passages to form a common basis.
The process of elaboration of the Program was therefore an experience of synodality and circularity within each of the Sectors, but above all an enriching journey between the fields, in a spirit of discernment and openness to the Holy Spirit, motivated by the search for the best ways for the concretization of the Acts of the Chapter.
Important moments of sharing were those of formation lived together. The General Council identified some thematic nuclei on which to train together with the collaborators, relating to some areas, and invited the experts:
– Sr. Alessandra Smerilli , FMA, ad interim Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, presented some experiences of involvement starting from the style of discernment;
– the aspect of integral ecology in view of the implementation of the Chapter resolution was dealt with by Fr Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam, Salesian of Don Bosco, Coordinator of the “Ecology & Creation” Sector of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development who recalled the Objectives of the Laudato Si ‘Platform;
– Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesian Congregation, spoke on the theme of the formation of the FMA today;
– Sister Linda Pocher , FMA, Professor of Mariology at the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences “Auxilium” spoke of the ‘Presence’ of Mary in the identity of the FMA.
Mother Chiara Cazzuola participated in all the phases, encouraging and enhancing the contribution of each and clarifying, when necessary, some aspects. At the presentation of the draft to the Collaborators, on April 8, 2022, thanking them for the work – carried out according to criteria of essentiality, involvement, participation, coordination, and above all discernment – recalled the purpose of the Program, that is to put itself in continuity with the journey of the Institute and encourage the Provinces to live the delivery of the Chapter: “With Mary, be a presence that generates life”.
The fruit of this work will be a single document, in which the programmatic lines of the animation of the Mother and of the General Council, of the Sectors, and of the General Secretariat are collected.
In his message for the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, Pope Francis appeals to the international community and every individual to foster a “culture of care” by advancing on the “path of fraternity, justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations.”
“There can be no peace without a culture of care,” the Pope stresses in his message for the 54th World Day of Peace, held on 1 January 2021, which was released by the Vatican on Thursday.
The Holy Father calls for “a common, supportive and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity and good of all, a willingness to show care and compassion, to work for reconciliation and healing, and to advance mutual respect and acceptance.” In this task, Pope Francis offers the principles of the Church’s social doctrine as a compass on the path to peace.
Established by Pope St. Paul VI in 1967, the first World Day of Peace was observed on 1 January 1968. On New Year’s Day, the Church also celebrates the solemn feast of Mary, Mother of God.
“A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace” is the theme of the Pope’s message, addressed to heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, spiritual leaders and followers of the different religions, and to men and women of good will.
Lessons from the pandemic
Pope Francis begins his message noting how the “massive Covid-19 health crisis” has aggravated deeply interrelated crises such as those of the climate, food, the economy and migration, causing great sorrow and suffering to many. He makes it an occasion to appeal to political leaders and the private sector to spare no effort to ensure access to Covid-19 vaccines and to the essential technologies needed to care for the sick, the poor and those who are most vulnerable.
Alongside the pandemic, the Pope also notes a surge in various forms of nationalism, racism and xenophobia, and wars and conflicts that bring only death and destruction in their wake. These and other events of 2020, he says, have underscored the importance of caring for one another and for creation in our efforts to build a more fraternal society. Hence, “A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace” is a “way to combat the culture of indifference, waste and confrontation so prevalent in our time,” he says.
Evolution of the Church’s Culture of Care
The Holy Father traces the evolution of the Church’s Culture of Care from the first book of the Bible to Jesus, through the early Church down to our times.
After the creation of the world, God entrusts it to Adam to “till it and keep it”. Cain’s response to God – “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – after killing his brother, Abel, is a reminder that all of us are keepers of one another. God’s protection of Cain, despite his crime, confirms the inviolable dignity of the person created in God’s image and likeness. Later, the institution of the Sabbath aimed to restore the social order and concern for the poor, while the Jubilee year provided a respite for the land, slaves and those in debt. All this, the Pope says, shows that “everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationship with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice and faithfulness to others.”
The Father’s love for humanity, the Pope says, finds its supreme revelation in Jesus, who asks His disciples to do likewise. The early Christians followed Jesus by sharing what they had and caring for the needy, thus making their community a welcoming home.
Today, the Church has “many institutions for the relief of every human need: hospitals, poor houses, orphanages, foundling homes, shelters for travellers…”
Church’s social doctrine – a “‘grammar’ of care
This culture of care of the Church, enriched by the reflection of the Fathers and the charity of luminous witnesses to the faith, the Pope continues, became the “beating heart of the Church’s social doctrine.” This, he says, can serve as a “grammar’ of care: commitment to promoting the dignity of each human person, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, the pursuit of the common good and concern for the protection of creation.”
The Christian concept of the person, the Pope says, fosters the pursuit of a fully human development. “Person always signifies relationship, not individualism; it affirms inclusion, not exclusion; unique and inviolable dignity, not exploitation.” “Each human person is an end in himself or herself, and never simply a means to be valued only for his or her usefulness.”
According to the “compass” of social principles of the Church, every aspect of social, political and economic life achieves its fullest end when placed at the service of the common good, which allows people to reach their fulfilment more fully and easily.
In this regard, the Pope says, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed that all of us, fragile and disoriented, are in the same boat. All of us are called to row together”, since “no one reaches salvation by themselves.”
The Church’s social principles also urge us to concrete solidarity for others because we are all really responsible for all. It also stresses the interconnectedness of all creation, as his Encyclical Laudato si’ points out.
This highlights the need to listen to the cry of our brothers and sisters in need and the cry of the earth our common and care for them.
“A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be authentic if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings,” the Pope says, citing his encyclical.
“Peace, justice and care for creation are three inherently connected questions, which cannot be separated.”
(This resources were taken from different websites)
Leader:
Heavenly Father, we come before you to give thanks as we near the end of 2020 — a year of confusion, conflict, coronavirus, quarantine and shutdown. But what does it even look like to be truly thankful in 2020?
Response of the people: Lord, help us find gratitude in this year of brokenness.
Leader: Gratitude for a year of pruning and suffering? A year of pain and wounding? Wounds found in the loss of jobs, loss of security, sickness and disease. Wounds from seeing loved ones die at a distance. Wounds of division, strife, injustice and violence. Wounds from political pride and tirades among family, friends and fellow believers. Long forgotten wounds exposed and unearthed in the quiet of quarantine. Wounds broken open. Broken apart. Brokenness that can’t be put back together again.
But you God, command us to be thankful in all circumstances.
Response: Lord, we’ve been fearful and uncertain. Yet, our hearts still believe you’re good.
Leader: For the gifts of suffering hide in our pain and require work to unearth. Gratitude that ignores pain is neither hard-won nor true. Nor is a joy that denies sorrow real joy at all. So what gifts have we to be truly thankful for in the grief of 2020?
Response: So what gifts have we to be thankful for?
Leader: As our world came to a stop, we were humbled. Stripped of our routines, our calendars suddenly empty, we were forced to slow down. We were invited to rediscover what really matters in life — family, friendship and faith.
Response: Thank you, God, for slowing us down so we could rediscover what really matters.
Leader: As our nation and world grew hostile and divided, we were able to recognize our own brokenness and need. My fear, resentment, hateful words and critical spirit were exposed. Humbled and in need of grace, I saw you as the only one who could cleanse my troubled heart.
Response: Thank you, God, for the gift of repentance and restoration.
Leader: In our isolation, we felt alone and uncertain. And yet found that You were near. You were near in my questions, my grief, my struggles and my frustrations.
Response: Thank you, God, that you are faithful and you are with me.
Leader: In the brokenness of this world, Your love still remains. You have compassion for the lowly, the lost, the broken and the burdened — just like me. It is your unfailing love that changes our hearts and increases our capacity to love others. Though I deserved nothing, you have given me everything.
Response: Thank you, God, for the gift of genuine love.
Leader: Heavenly Father, this year has been hard, exposing and stripped so much from us. Yet, we thank you for all that you are and all that you have done.
To our God who comforts all who morn, gives beauty for ashes and joy for mourning; we say thank You.
(Rebekah Mobley)
A Reflective Review of the Past Year: An Ignatian Annual Examen
St. Ignatius Loyola’s Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites us to find the movement of God in our life. The following is a reflective review of the past year.
The Examen is simply a set of introspective prompts for you to follow or adapt to your own character and spirit. Begin with a pause and a slow, deep breath or two; become aware that you are in the presence of the Holy.
As I review the past 12 months, from a year ago through to the present moment – What am I especially grateful for this year?
An event that took place Courage that I mustered Love and support I received
I ask for the light to know God and to know myself as God sees me.
Where have I felt true joy this year? What troubled me this year? What has challenged me? Where and when did I find an opportunity for renewal and pause?
Have I noticed God’s presence in any of this?
In light of my review, what is my response to the God of my life?
As I look ahead, to the coming months what comes to mind? With what spirit do I want to enter the next few months, the next year?
I ask for God’s presence and grace, for this spirit, as I enter the next year
Amen
Drenched in Holiness: Prayer for a New Year
Dear God, On this day I ask You to grant this request? May I know who I am and what I am, Every moment of every day. May I be a catalyst for light and love, And bring inspiration to those whose eyes I meet. May I have the strength to stand tall in the face of conflict, And the courage to speak my voice, even when I’m scared. May I have the humility to follow my heart, And the passion to live my soul’s desires. May I seek to know the highest truth And dismiss the gravitational pull of my lower self. May I embrace and love the totality of myself? My darkness as well as my light. May I be brave enough to hear my heart? To let it soften so that I may gracefully Choose faith over fear. Today is my day to surrender anything that stands Between the sacredness of my humanity and my divinity. May I be drenched in my Holiness And engulfed by Your love. May all else melt away. And so it is.
– Debbie Ford
Prayer for the New Year
On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, the household gathers at the table or at the Christmas tree or manger scene. Many people make New Year’s Day a day of prayer for peace.
All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:
Let us praise the Lord of days and seasons and years, saying: Glory to God in the highest! R/. And peace to his people on earth!
The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
Our lives are made of days and nights, of seasons and years, for we are part of a universe of suns and moons and planets. We mark ends and we make beginnings and, in all, we praise God for the grace and mercy that fill our days.
Then the Scripture is read, Book of Genesis 1:14-19:
Listen to the words of the Book of Genesis:
God said: “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark the fixed times, the days and the years, and serve as luminaries in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth.” And so it happened: God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night; and he made the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw how good it was. Evening came, and morning followed—the fourth day.
(The family’s Bible may be used for an alternate reading such as Psalm 90:1-4.)
Reader: The Word of the Lord. R/. Thanks be to God.
After a time of silence, members of the household offer prayers of thanksgiving for the past year, and of intercession for the year to come. On January 1, it may be appropriate to conclude these prayers with the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (in Part VII: Litanies) since this is the solemn feast of Mary, Mother of God. In conclusion, all join hands for the Lord’s Prayer. Then the leader continues:
Let us now pray for God’s blessing in the new year.
After a short silence, parents may place their hands on their children in blessing as the leader says:
Remember us, O God; from age to age be our comforter. You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and years. Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the coming of Christ. You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever. R/. Amen.
Another prayer for peace may be said:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. R/. Amen.
—Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
The leader says:Let us bless the Lord.
All respond, making the sign of the cross:
Thanks be to God.
The prayer may conclude with the singing of a Christmas carol.
As we know our Development Office is taking shape under the leadership of Sr. Marie Claire J and her Council. All the communities of the Province have been actively involved in this process attending workshops, answering surveys, and handing proposals to this office.
The purpose of the Salesian Sisters Planning and Development office is to assist each and every single mission in the province to become more operative and sustainable in its projects and pastoral works to benefit children and young people.
It is a very strenuous and demanding work for those who are involved in the SSPDO, they require all human and heavenly assistance to bring about life and development into our mission, therefore the need to take St. Joseph as Patron of the SSPDO came as a priority on the 1st of May 202 where all the communities entrusted to St. Joseph this new and exciting adventure.
St. Joseph has the Power to assist us in all cases, every necessity, every undertaking. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Entrustment of the Development Office to Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, you were a man greatly favored by the Most-High, Who chose you to care, like a father, for His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
You were both silent and strong, loyal and committed, caring and protective, the guide of Mary and Jesus.
Please take into your heart all our plans and projects and present them to Jesus. Help us then, to hear His voice, as you did, and to act with love in all our pastoral work among the young and the people we are called to serve.
We entrust to you our Provincial Development Office, all the people working with us and those whom we serve, the ones supporting the projects and all the needs and difficulties we might face, sure of your fatherly love and protection.
Teach us to listen to Jesus as you did and help us to serve, love and praise in simplicity and joy, for the glory of God, our Father.
AFM SALESIAN SISTERS 