Quarterly of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute lngenbohl CH -6440 Brunnen 130 Volume 2015 I 3 Theodosia 1 1 2015/ 3
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Quarterly of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute lngenbohl CH-6440 Brunnen
130 Volume 2015 I 3
Theodosia
1 1
2015/ 3
Editorial Team:
Sister Christiane Junge Sister Edelgund Kuhn Sister Anna Affolter Sister Elsit J. Ampattu Sister Dorothee Haibach
English version:
Sr. Anandi Parunthumplackel, lndia
Content
Picture 4
Editorial 5 Sr. Christiane Jungo
Pope Francis Writes to the Religious 7
Popular Mission as Preparation for the First Profession 14 Sr. Claudia Regina Do Santos, Vicariate Brazil
Celebration of Profession in the Province Croatia 18
Sr. Finka Tomas, , 8akovo, Province Croatia
Flourishing Life - ,,Community Lebensbaum" 21 Sr. Dorothea Maria Oehler, Bärbel Ströbele, Doris Oschwald, Carmen Liedtke, Hegne, Province BadenWürtemberg
Visit of St. Anne Sisters of Luzern- in the Year of Consecrated Life 23 Sr. Elsit Ampattu, Generalate lngenbohl
Memorial Day against Warnen Trafficking 26
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Theodosia 2015, 3
Sr. Clarens Helfer, Sr. Anna Affolter Motherhouse lngenbohl
At the UNO - Commission on the Status of Warnen in York (CSW 59) 31 Sr. Manju Kulapuram SCSC, Hyderabad, North East Province lndia
60 Years Presence of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in Taiwan 34 Sr. Jermia Thoma Taitung-Malän, Vicariate Taiwan
Sr. Zdenka Schelingovä died 60 Years ago 39 Sr. Dominika Galestokova, Trnava, Province Slovakia
Remembering Sr. Zdenka 45Narrated by lrma Schelingova, her sister-in-law, and written down by Jozef Habovstiak in July 2012
Restructuring of the Central Province lndia from 2011-2015 Sr. Elsit Ampattu, Generalate lngenbohl 48
Information 53
On September 3, 1855 -160 years ago - Fr. Theodosius bought the Niggschen Hof in lngenbohl.
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Editorial
With his Apostolic Letter dated November 21 , 2014, Pope Francis proclaims a "Year of consecrated life". In contrast to the usual practice, this letter bears no title. With his invitation, the Pope addresses directly the "dear women and men of consecrated life" and thus underlines, that he himself is a religious, and writes to them as their brother.
The year was proclaimed by Pope Francis, so that our way of life again may get the focus of attention, and he wants to promote a return and renewal of religious life. lts purpose is that we reflect and talk to each other about it: "Pope Francis writes to the Religious."
Although we had not planned it, the articles of the Theodosia correspond to the many concerns of the Pope. The articles in the beginning deal with young people who joined our communities as members or associates and who "add a significant contribution with the freshness and generosity of their decision." We read about it in, "Popular Mission in preparation of the First Profession" written by Sr. Claudia Regina Do Santos, "Ce/ebration of Profession in the Province Croatia" by Sr. Finka Tomas and "F/ourishing life - Community Lebensbaum" by Sr. Dorothea Maria Oehler and three members of Lebensbaum.
The Pope also is concerned about contacts among religious communities: "Furthermore, 1 expect that the communion among members of the different institutions will grow." This expectation was realized on May 8. Sr. Elsit Ampattu writes about "the visit of the Sisters of St. Anne Luzern - in the year of consecrated life."
The Pope expresses his wish to the religious, "come out of yourselves to go to the existential perspectives." Our working group against women trafficking makes us attentive and alert about a topic that was unknown to us until now. We thank the sisters for their contributions. Sr. Clarens Helfer and Sr. Anna Affolter report about the experiences shared from "Memorial Day Against Warnen Trafficking. "
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Sr. Manju Kulapuram from North East Province lndia is working with many men and women religious for justice and peace. Affected by the cruel death of a nun who was working for the people in a coal mining area, they cannot remain silent: "At the UNO - Commission for the Status of Women in New York (CSW 59)."
The information given by the General Administration also refers to this theme: together with other religious women Sr. Veera Bara from Uganda is preparing herself to offer various kinds of help to the refugees stranded in Sicily.
The Pope invites us, "to look to the past with gratitude." The following articles come under this theme: "60 years - Sisters of Mercy of the Ho/y Cross in Taiwan", written by Sr. Jermia Thoma, "Sr. Zdenka Schelingova died 60 years ago" written by Sr. Dominika Galestokova, and "Remembering Sr. Zdenka", narrated by her sister-in-law, lrma Schelingova.
The Pope in his writing has formulated the desire for "streamlining of structures and the adaptation of apostolate to new needs." The Sisters of the Central Province lndia have decided in a long process, in which all were involved, to restructure their province. On September 14, the Mid lndia Province will be solemnly erected : "Restructuring of the Central Province lndia, in the years 2011-2015." Sr. Elsit Ampattu leads us to take part in the decision making process.
In the "Information" of the General Administration, we learn about the changes in the administration of the Province Croatia and, as mentioned above, about the work of a sister for the refugees in Sicily in response to the needs of the time.
Sr. Christiane Jungo
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Pope Francis Writes to the Religious Excerpts from his Letter
Three objectives of the year: Pope Francis asks us to take all the historical dimensions into consideration:
"T o look to the past with gratitude. .. . Recounting our history is essential for preserving our identity, for strengthening our unity as a family and our common sense of belonging. lt is more than an exercise in archaeology or the cultivation of mere nostalgia, it calls for following in the footsteps of past generations in order to grasp the high ideals, and the vision and values which inspired them .. ... We may also discover cases of
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inconsistency, the result of human weakness and even at times a neglect of some essential aspects of the charism. Yet everything proves instructive and, taken as a whole, becomes a call to conversion. To teil our story is to praise God and to thank Hirn for all his gifts .
Living the present with passion .... The question we have to ask ourselves during this year is if and how we too
Symbol of the past, present and the future (Christiane Püttmann)
are open to being challenged by the Gospel; whether the Gospel is truly the "manual" for our daily living and the decisions we are called to make ....
Do we have the same passion for our people, are we so close to them (like our founders) , to the point of sharing their joys and their sufferings, thus truly understanding their needs and helping to respond to them? ...
Recalling our origins sheds light on yet another aspect of consecrated life. Our founders
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were fascinated by the unity of The Twelve, who were with Jesus and by the fellowship, which marked the first community in Jerusalem. In establishing their own communities, each of them sought to replicate those models of evangelical living, to be of one heart and one soul, and to rejoice in the Lord's presence ...
Living the present with passion means becoming "experts in communion." ..... In a polarized society, where different cultures have difficulties in living alongside one another, where
the powerless encounter oppression, where inequality abounds, we are called to offer the concrete model of a community which by acknowledging the dignity of each person and sharing our respective gifts, makes it possible to live as brothers and sisters... . Live the mysticism of encounter: the ability to listen, to listen to other people!
To embrace the future with hope. . . . The hope of which we speak, is not based on statistics or accomplishments, but on the One in whom we have put our trust (2 Tim 1: 12) and the One for whom "nothing is impossible" (Lk 1 :37) . This is the hope, which does not disappoint; it is the hope that enables consecrated life to keep writing its great history weil into the future. lt is to that future we must always look, conscious that the Holy Spirit spurs us on so that he can still do greater things with us ... .
So do not yield to the temptation to see things in terms of numbers and efficiency, and even less to trust in your own strength. In scanning the horizons of your lives and the present moment, be watchful and alert.
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1 would especially like to say a word to those of you who are young . You are the present, since you are already taking active part in the lives of your Institutes, offering all the freshness and generosity of your "yes". At the same time you are the future of your communities... This year should see you actively engaged in dialogue with the previous generation. In fraternal communion you will be enriched by their experiences and wisdom, while at the same time inspiring them, by your own energy and enthusiasm, to recapture their original idealism. In this way the entire community can join in finding new ways of living the Gospel and responding more effectively to the need for witness and proclamation.
What does the Pope expect from this year?
1. What I have once said will always be true: "Where there are religious, there is joy". We are called to know and show that God is able to fill our hearts to the brim with happiness; that we need not seek our happiness elsewhere; that the authentic fraternity found in our
communities increases our joy; and that our total selfgiving in service to the Church, to families and young people, to the elderly and the poor, brings us life-long personal fulfillment.
None of us should be dour, discontented and dissatisfied, for "a gloomy disciple is a disciple of g/oom". Like everyone eise, we have our troubles, our dark nights of the soul, our disappointments and infirmities, our experience of slowing down as we grow older. But in all these things we should be able to discover "perfect joy". For it is here that we learn to recognize the face of Christ, who became like us in all things, and to rejoice in the knowledge that we are being conformed to Hirn who, out of love of us, did not refuse the sufferings of the cross.
In a society which exalts the cult of efficiency, fitness and success, one which ignores the poor and dismisses "/osers", we can witness by our Jives to the truth of the words of Scripture: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Gor 12:10).
2. 1 am counting on you "to wake up the world", since the distinctive sign of consecrated life is prophecy. As I told the Superiors General: "Radical evangelical living is not only for religious: it is demanded of everyone. But religious follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way." This is the priority that is needed right now: "T o be prophets who witness to how Jesus lived on this earth... a religious must never abandon prophecy."
Prophets receive from God the ability to scrutinize the times in which they live and to interpret events: they are like sentinels who keep watch in the night and sense the coming ofthe dawn (ls 21:11-12). Prophets know God and they know the men and warnen who are their brothers and sisters. They are able to discern and denounce the evil of sin and injustice. Because they are free, they are beholden to no one but God, and they have no interest other than God. Prophets tend to be on the side of the poor and the powerless, for they know that God himself is on their side.
So I trust that, rather than living in some "utopia", you
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will find ways to create "a/ternate spaces", where the Gospel approach of selfgiving, fraternity, embracing differences, and love of one another can thrive. Monasteries, communities ... should increasingly be the leaven for a society inspired by the Gospel, a "city on a hill", which testifies to the truth and the power of Jesus' words.
At times, like Elijah and Jonah, you may feel the temptation to flee, to abandon the task of being a prophet because it is too demanding, wearisome or apparently fruitless. But prophets know that they are never alone. As he did with Jeremiah, so God encourages us: "Be not afraid, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jer 1:8).
3. Men and warnen religious, like all other consecrated persons, are called to be "experts in communion". So 1
am hoping that the "spirituality of communion", as emphasized by Saint John Paul II, will become a reality and that you will be in the forefront of responding to the great challenge facing us in this new millennium: "to make the Church the home and the
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school of communion." 1 am sure that in this year you will make every effort to make grow the ideal of fraternity pursued by your founders and expand it everywhere, like concentric circles.
Communion is lived first and foremost within the respective communities of each Institute. To this end, 1 would ask you to think about my frequent comments about criticism, gossip, envy, jealousy, hostility as ways of acting which have no place in our houses. This being the case, the path of charity open before us is almost infinite, since it entails mutual acceptance and concern, practicing a communion of goods both material and spiritual, fraternal correction and respect for those who are weak . . . it is the mystiq ue of living together which makes our life "a sacred pilgrimage". We need to ask ourselves about the way we relate to persons from different cultures, as our communities become increasingly international. How can we enable each member to say freely what he or she thinks, to be accepted with his or her particular gifts, and to become fully co-responsible?
Symbol of attentive seeing and listening (l'homme a 1·ecoute, Henri de miller in SaintGervais, Paris)
4. 1 also expect from you what 1 have asked all the members of the Church: to come out of yourselves and go forth to the existential peripheries. "Go into all the world"; these were the last words which Jesus spoke to his followers and which he continues to address to us (Mk 16: 15). A whole world awaits us: men and women who have lost all hope, families in difficulty, abandoned children, young people without a future, the elderly, sick and abandoned, those who are rich in the world's goods but
impoverished within, men and women looking for a purpose in life, thirsting for the divine ...
Don't be closed in yourselves, don't be stifled by petty squabbles, don't remain a hostage to your own problems. These will be resolved if you go forth and help others to resolve their own problems, and proclaim the Good News. You will find life by giving life, hope by giving hope, and love by giving love. 1 ask you to work concretely in welcoming refugees, drawing
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near to the poor, and finding creative ways to catechize, to proclaim the Gospel and to teach others how to pray. Consequently, 1 would hope that structures can be streamlined, large religious houses repurposed for works which better respond to the present demands of evangelization and charity, and apostolate adjusted to new needs.
5. 1 expect that the members of every form of consecrated life ask what God and humanity require today ...... . 1 cannot address each and every charismatic configuration . Yet during this Year no one can feel excused from seriously examining his or her presence in the Church's life and from responding to the new demands constantly being made on us, to the cry of the poor. Only by such concern for the needs of the world, and by docility to the promptings of the Spirit, will this Year of Consecrated Life become an authentic "kairos", a time rich in God's grace, a time of transformation."
Other addressees of the letter
- Lay people who share with religious communities, the same ideals, spirit and mission. - The entire Church. - Members of fraternities and communities who belong to churches of tradition other than the Catholic tradition . - Monasticism and other forms of religious brotherhood in all the great religions . - Fellow brothers in the Episcopate.
Conclusion of the letter "I entrust this Year of Consecrated Life to Mary, the Virgin of . listening and contemplation, the first disciple of her beloved Son. Let us look to her, the highly beloved daughter of the Father, endowed with every gift of grace, as the unsurpassed model for all those who follow Christ in love of God and service to their neighbor. Lastly, 1 join all of you in gratitude for the gifts of grace and light with which the Lord graciously wills to enrich us, and I accompany you with my Apostolic Blessing."
From the Vatican, November 21, 2014, Feast of the Presentation ofthe 8/essed Virgin Mary
Francis
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Popular Mission as Preparation for the Profession Sr. Claudia Regina Dos Santos, Vicariate Brazil
On April 12, 2015 we celebrated the first profession of Sr. Rosana Pereira dos Santos in her village Meio de Campo in the parish of Governador Mangabeira/BA Brazil.
l ~ -~ :'Q
Celebration of profession in front of the chapel St. Antonio.
The Mass was celebrated outdoors in front of the Chapel of St. Antonio. This was necessary in view of the many believers from the distant villages of the rural parish who wanted to take part in the celebration. We believe that the enthusiastic celebration was the result of the preceding popular m1ss1on conducted in the parish center
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and in the village communities. The preparatory period can last for three days or even a week, depending on the given possibilities and conditions of the parish and the villages on the outskirts .
The texts and the audiovisual aids for these days concentrate on a particular theme, and are presented on different evenings. During the day we make visits to the families, to the sick and in the schools. The encounters with the people are manifold.
lf we get support from the local priest, we can do more. For example, we may be allowed to use public places, and to bring our message to the public "market", as was done at the First Profession of Sr. Beatriz Corina dos Santos in Säo Caetano, Caruaru/PE, on March 16, 2014.
We went in groups to different villages and there we lived with a family. This made the visits easier, and we were able to meet more people. We organized ourselves
into mixed groups with lay people and went two by two or in groups of three, depending on how many people we wanted to visit during our family visits. We went from house to house, prayed with the families, read a passage from the Bible and shared the experience of the Word of God with one another wherever this was possible. We were on the move with the desire to give witness to a living faith . This experience reminds us of the passage where the Apostles are sent on mission: "Take no belt, nor money nor bags fortheway .. , Mt.10:9-10. We experienced God's providence in the generosity of the families and the joy with which they welcomed us into their homes. In the houses where the family members were absent, we just left the invitation to join us in the celebration planned for the evening . About the houses where the sick lay in bed, we informed the priest about bedridden people and asked him to administer the sacrament of anointing of the sick, when people had this desire. On the other hand the priest made us aware of the places where the sick were waiting for Holy Communion.
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For the First Profession of Sr. Rosana we prepared topics based on the document of the Episcopal Conference in Aparecida and the letter of Pope Francis "Rejoice." We used the following schedule:
First Evening: "To be holy: this is the vocation of every baptized world wide": Based on this theme we tried to discuss about our Christian mission as baptized. We further elaborated it by deepening the understanding of our responsibility to build the Kingdom of God. Holiness is a process, which is going on in everyday life, in little things.
God's providence has entrusted to us the precious legacy of belonging to the Church by the gift of baptism, which has made us members of the Body of Christ, pilgrim people of God in American lands, for over five hundred years. Our hope is strengthened by the multitude of our children, the ideals of our young people, and the heroism of many of our families, which despite increasing difficulties, remain faithful to love.
Second Evening: "Family, cradle of faith and love, origin of all vocations." We talked about the
important role of fami ly in the world . Being father and mother; do we understand this sacrament as "God's gift"?" Family is the image of God, who in his most profound mystery is communion and not seclusion." (John Paul II).
joyful and unrelinquishable responsibility for the integral formation of their children .
Third Evening: This evening we explained our charism and mission . Who are we? Where are we? What do we do? Our task as
iiiiiiöiiiii-----~ ii-"'ll!!rr-- ~ Holy Cross Sisters is to continue
Sr. Lidia , Vicariate Superior and Sr. Rosana
The document of Aparecida teils us in No.118 and119: lt is within a family that a person discovers the reasons for, and the path to, belonging to the family of God. From it we receive life and the first experience of love and faith . The great treasure of educating children in the faith consists of the experience of a family life that receives faith, preserves it, celebrates it, passes it on , and gives testimony. Parents must take on a new awareness of their
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the work of Jesus Christ in the service of life and hope. We are a Franciscan, active and contemplative community, inspired by the spirit of the Gospel. We know we are called , loved and sent to penetrate more deeply into the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection. Thus we strive to strengthen our trust and hope and to listen to the call of God in the various needs of the present time and respond to them with courage.
Pope Francis speaks to us in the document "Rejoice": "I want to say a word , and that word is joy. Where there are consecrated people, rel igious sisters and brothers, there is always joy, there is rejoicing! lt is the joy of the vibrant enthusiasm, it is the joy of following Jesus; the joy that the Holy Spirit gives us, it is not the joy of the world ... "
Molton picture pointing our history
The reason that prompts us to organize these days is on the one hand the opportunity to meet people and to bring to the youth and families a new option for living in good and bad days. Besides, we also respond to the words of Pope Francis who teils us that we are the church constantly going out to the people. We also had the opportunity to give the village community a new understanding about a young woman who goes away from her village and chooses another way of life. They can now see her as a member of
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a religious community, sent among the people to bear witness.
Finally, it is a good opportunity for us to make known our charism, our spirituality and ourselves. We see that through these efforts the village commun ities experience the Eucharistie celebration in the profession mass very deeply. The people are taken in and are an important part of the feast.
Celebration of Profession in the Province Croatia Sr. Finka Tomas, Dakovo, Province Croatia
Celebration of the First Profession in E>akovo
Öur Sr. Rafaela Jozic took her first vows on April 18, 2015 in the convent church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The profession took place during the Holy Mass presided over by Msgr.Dr. Ouro Hranic, Archbishop of Oakovo and Osijek, in the presence of the sisters, many priests, numerous family members and other guests.
Pronouncing the vows after the homily was accompanied by an external sign: during the signing of the vow formula those present prayed for the young sister. After the solemn liturgy the feast continued with Sr. Rafaela at the table in the Florentini Hall. Candidates and postulants had prepared a lovely programme and the sisters played different instruments. All in all, it was a great and beautiful family celebration.
1 This solemn and joyful event was :rl for all of us a day of freshness and
hope, because the young sisters gave testimony to God and Jesus through their generosity.
First profession of Sr. Rafaela
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Celebration of the First Profession in Dakovica - Region Kosovo
On May 10, 2015 Sr. Niketa Krasniqi and Sr. Gjoana Bisaku took their first vows in the presence of the Superior General, Sr. Marija Brizar. The solemn Eucharistie celebration was led by Msgr. Zef Gashi, the Archbishop of Bar and concelebrated by several priests. The provincial administration, the regional superior as weil as many of our
sisters working in Kosovo and in Montenegro were also present.
First Profession of Sr. Niketa and Sr. Gjoana
Celebration of the Final Profession
After the two-week preparation for the profession and after attending a retreat directed by Br. Zdravko Lazic OFM two sisters made their final profession on May 02, 2015 in the convent church: Sr. Marija Pia Tadijanov (from Osijek, St. Peter and Paul Parish) and Sr. Luca Dabic (from Matici, Tolisa Parish). Special guests were present at the solemn Eucharistie celebration: the Superior General from lngenbohl, Sr. Marija Brizar,
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with the general councilors: Sr. Verena Maria Oberhauser, Sr. Lucila Zovak, Sr. Sheeja Kolacheril and Sr. Dorothee Haibach. The archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oakovo-Osijek, Msgr. Dr. Ouro Hranic, presided over the liturgy with 15 priests as concelebrants. The rector of the convent church, Zdenko llic, welcomed the many guests and explained the different parts of the Mass and the ceremony of taking vows to the parents, many relatives and guests. Besides a large number of sisters from Oakovo and the nearby
communities also a group of girls participated in the Eucharistie celebration . They just finished a retreat which was directed by Sr. Gabrijela Tea, Sr. Branka Cutura, Sr. lvana and Sr. Topic Doroteja Kresic in our house Betanija
Final Profession of Sr. Marija Pia and Sr. Luca
The professed sisters promised their loyalty to God and to the Congregation until death and their willingness to follow Christ according to the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis and our Constitutions. The vow formula which the sisters signed at the altar was received by the Superior General, Sr. Marija Brizar.
In the festive homily Archbishop Hranic pointed to the Gospel
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verse, which the sisters had formulated in their profession motto: "Lord, you know that I love you." The apostle Peter, who had denied the Lord , did not become less worthy in the eyes of the Lord, but he chose him to build his church with him. Jesus made him fruitful for others. Peter learned that his vocation was a gift from the Lord and therefore was prepared to respond: "Lord, you know that l love you ."
The sisters ' choir under the direction of Sr. Svjetlana Paljusevic accompanied and enriched the liturgy.
After the Holy Mass the sisters and their guests had a happy and carefree time with many signs of joy and togetherness at the common table in the Florentini Hall.
Flourishing Life - ,,Community Lebensbaum" Sr. Dorothea Maria Oehler, Hegne, Province Baden-Württemberg
The "Community Lebensbaum", the young branch of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in Hegne grows and blossoms. At the moment there are 29 members, who are on the way to the future, together with our sisters; seven women are in the introductory phase, getting to know and love our spirituality, four women will be newly joining in November this year.
New forms of membership to our community give people room for spiritual growth. Through various retreats offered, through more coresponsibility in managing the team of the "Community Lebensbaum" and through network meetings with other lay communities in the Diocese our togetherness, the necessary openness and the mutual trust keep growing. In the following short inputs some members share their experience made during retreat.
Retreat in Lenzkirch from 16 -20 March 2015
1 must admit, 1 was a bit nervous before making my first experience with a retreat and its silence. Might I be able to face this challenge, me who love to chat a
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lot, talk and communicate with others ....
And, lo and behold, it went very weil indeed: 1 experienced the silence and the fact that I did not have to talk as a beneficial and enriching gift. lt gave me the opportunity to go to my inner seif time and again; to meet me and my God again, and to fill my glass which was "half empty" the months before again up to "half full."
Through the structure of the day with body exercises, personal prayer, directed talk, silent meditation and daily Eucharist, a space opened up in me, where 1 could regain strength and rediscover my optimism, which had been buried. Inner and external pictures kept emerging. The talks with Sr. Dorothea Maria helped me much to sort out my "knots" and the impulses that she gave were very helpful for my way.
lt was also precious to me to have different moments of free time. 1 filled this time with long walks in the wonderful, flowering landscape. The sisters in Lenzkirch cared for us lovingly and helped me so that I could give
time and attention to going through my inner processes. The contact with the other participants from the Community Lebensbaum was also very pleasant. We could communicate without words, with a loving glance here, a nod there. Knowing that I am not alone on the way feels good.
Long since I came back to my everyday life schedule, and I look back with gratitude to these days that have gifted me with flourishing life on several different In Assisi with Sr. Dorothea Maria levels
foothold in the ground that gives Bärbel Ströbele support, look back to your source,
but the way leads forward . The Retreat in Assisi love of God has been poured into
our hearts. Thank you, Lord. The tangible love of Francis and Clara for every person and all Carmen Liedtke creation opened my heart and made it very wide. Their courage gives me courage. Their Yes - spoken new every day - helps me every day to say my yes.
Doris Oschwald
"Discover the place of Francis and Clare in your own way." That was my impulse - and thus I started out on my way. 1 am very grateful that the longing for God was kindled in me again: Mother Earth, too, touched me deeply. "Draw strength from your roots, find a
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Visit of 26 Indian St. Anne Sisters of Luzern to our Motherhouse, lngenbohl Sr. Elsit Ampattu, Generalate lngenbohl
Pope Francis declared 2015 as the year of Consecrated Life. In his letter, he addresses the consecrated people saying, "I am counting on you to wake up the world". Make your whole life "a pilgrimage of loving transformation". 1 am sure these heart touching sentences enkindle
Sr. Sheeja with the Sisters of St. Anne
St. Anne Sisters, Luzern organised for their Indian sisters a pilgrimage to their source, the motherhouse in Luzern and a visit to the important places of their
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a new fire and enthusiasm deep within us. We read, hear and experience many creative renewal programmes and activities that are being conducted throughout the world to mark the year of consecrated life.
congregation. On this occasion, they also wanted to visit the motherhouse of the lngenbohl Sisters and to spend time at the tomb of Mother Maria Theresa Scherer.
In the Crypt
They expressed their eagerness to hear about the challenges we face today, to know more about our charism and spirituality and the way we are translating our charism today in Europe especially in Switzerland and in lndia.
On 08 May, twenty six Indian St. Anne Sisters visited our motherhouse. Sr. Anna, Sr. Sheeja, Sr. Beatrice and Sr. Elsit welcomed them and introduced them the lngenbohl hill . The exchange programme began with a film of our congregation, thereafter Sr. Anna and Sr.Sheeja
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gave a short input on our charism and mission in Europe and in lndia. Further sharing and exchange on this topic took place during the refreshment.
The climax of the visit was in the crypt. Sr. Elsit prepared a short prayer service on the life of Mother Maria Theresa Scherer. The melody of the song "You are here, so this is holy ground" and placing the lit candles around the grave of Mother Theresa was a moment of deep silence and experiencing "God's kindness has no bounds!"
At the grave of M.M Theresia
At the end of the prayer, as a sign of connectedness each sister received the picture and the medal of Mother Maria Theresa.
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The encounter and exchange with St. Anne Sisters of Luzern, during the year of consecrated life was indeed an experience of being found, touched and transformed .
Memoria Day against Women Trafficking Looking back to November 25, 2014
Sr. Clarens Helfer and Sr. Anna Affolter, Motherhouse lngenbohl
We notice how intensely our congregation keeps alive the memory of the life of our founders , our blessed sisters and important events of our congregation's history. This influences, among other things, the way we remember important events by feasts and memorial days. We give great priority to them, because they offer possibilities to pass on the values that have shaped us individually and as community and kept us connected throughout history and are still important today. Memorial days are not always about people. We also commemorate the day of Consecrated Life on 2 February, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October or 25 November as a day of remembrance of the victims of human trafficking .
This last mentioned memorial day we have already celebrated twice. The working group against warnen trafficking had prepared brochures for those responsible in the provinces and vicariates : Scripture texts, prayers, intercessions, photos and current information material. Those responsible were to decide how they wanted to use
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the material in their provinces and vicariates. The feedback has encouraged and strengthened the working group. We could sense a lot of interest, commitment and solidarity in it. We would like you to get an idea of the feedback received.
All provinces and vicariates celebrated the Memorial Day because they have recognised the challenge and the need to fight against women trafficking. The day was celebrated differently from province to province and from community to community and has left its trace.
Many sisters have realized how the sex work and sex slavery are shockingly rampant around the world, in Asia, in the US, in South America, in Europe and in Africa. Some sisters express their dismay over the "new" knowledge of the actual situation of human traffick ing around the world, especially in our own country. The sisters from lndia write that they are concerned because they are too busy with their own apostolic work in the villages and therefore are not able to undertake anything against women trafficking. The
idea of joint prayer comforts them.
In fact, the sisters emphasize time and again how much they appreciate the importance of the joint commemoration and prayer day. lt is impressive and wonderful that all the sisters of the congregation unite in prayer with the same concern on the same day, being convinced that community prayer has great power.
groups. Our records were filled with the activity reports of sisters, who live together specifically with women and work for them or through continuous information on the subject of human trafficking. In the US, sisters have formed a committee to fight against women trafficking and are supported by students, guests, parish members, in schools and education centers, who try to raise awareness among people with lectures, discussions, prayer meetings etc.
With three examples, we want to round off our article. The region Kosovo belongs to the province of Croatia. Our community in Pristina was working there together with an ecumenical youth group, the "network of young people." This group took the issue of human trafficking for the entire
Picture ofthe Memorial Day month of November 2014 into ~~r program.
The sisters invited their associate They performed in front of a !arge members, employees and group of participants. The acquaintances to pray together. program began with the dance of The prayer guidelines were found a young woman and two little girls. helpful and were used freely and Then a priest spoke about women in creative ways during lauds, trafficking. His talk was followed vespers, meditation, Eucharistie by a musical performance, a solo celebration, adoration etc. They singing with the accompaniment were used in novenas and in the of a violin . Afterwards a student many groups that come together presented the problem of human to prepare for the Sunday liturgy. trafficking in Kosovo, giving Events were conducted now and statistical data. In a 7-minute then in parishes and in youth video show the "network of young
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people" addressed the young people, informing them about the reality of women trafficking and asked them to be very careful when they are offered good jobs abroad. The picture of chained hands from our brochures inspired the dance and was hanging on the wall throughout the presentation. All the sisters participated in the preparation of the program and prayed for its success. Thus, the problem of women trafficking was also a subject of discussion in other communities.
the women affected by violence in every prayer, starting with the Morning Prayer, meditation, the Eucharist celebration up to Compline. After reading the touching life story of Osas (brochure for memorial day) a novice took the role of a 14-yearold Nigerian girl. Her hands were tied up; her eyes and mouth were bound. Thus they tried to portray the ordeal faced by sex slaves. They are silenced, deprived of their freedom, must hand over their passports and despite resistance end up in forced prostitution. During the intercessory prayer everyone lit a candle, which burned for the people for whom they had been invited to pray for. The candles burned throughout the day. The formees along with their formators spent the day in a solemn atmosphere without neglecting their work. In the end, for night prayer everyone brought a symbol of a redeemed being . Where in
Celebration of Memorial Day in Pristina, the morning the slave stood, there Kosovo was a beaming Oas in the
An impressive report was sent to us by the novitiate community from Uganda.
evening, freed from the chains, with a rose in her hand; at her feet there was a fruit, a flag, a flower, a plant, a light, a butterfly, a decorated cross and fresh water.
In Namugongo on 25 November Everyone was filled with great all the sisters, novices and hope and joy. They feit the candidates arranged a memorial redemptive power of our Lord and and prayer day round the clock, His promise, which we sing in the which means they remembered Benedictus every day and apply it
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also to all people, especially the people in great need . "The loving kindness of the heart of our God visits us like the dawn from on high, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
The third example we took from the report of the South Province lndia. In Ambaulium, in the state of Goa, the sisters run a big school. The community invited women and girls to a big function and prayer. The educational work bore fruit. First of all the women could not believe that women trafficking also exists in Goa; it
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may happen in other places but not in Goa. Without revealing the names of girls and people concerned, the women learned about the incidents in their region. They were made aware of the machinations of the traffickers, for example the methods and routes they choose to bring the girls from the villages into the red light areas of cities. Parents were asked to keep a watchful eye on the girls in the house. The meeting was successful and was repeated with 92 women and 26 girls. They were shown documentary films. The participants came to know about things that they had never heard before, how people lure them with
good job offers, gifts and money into their trap. Many have corrected their misconceptions. The girls now know that they have to discuss with trusted persons before making any decision.
As you can read , dear sisters, the joint memorial day bears fruit worldwide. We thank all the sisters who work with great personal commitment within their possibil ities for the victims of women trafficking . The next memorial day is already at hand. Again , you will be provided with documents by the working group in time. May your creative activities be successful this year too, and may it be possible for you to have similar courageous initiatives as in Kosovo, Uganda and Ambaulium!
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My Experience of Participating in the CSW 59 in New York Sr. Manju, Hyderabad, North East Province lndia
lt was a great privilege and wonderful experience for me to participate in the 59th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 59) at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York from March 9 -20, 2015 and be a presenter of the side event on the theme Unearthing
Panelists with Sr. Manju in the middle
As National Executive Secretary of the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace (FORUM) 1 got involved in the Pachuara people's struggle in relation to coal mining after the brutal murder of Sr. Valsa John on November 15, 2011 . After 5 months of her death, three of us
Development: and Women's am greatly International
Extractivism Experiences. 1
indebted to Presentation
Association who invited me and made all arrangements for me and sponsored my travel and took care of all other expenses very generously.
FORUM members, (Joel SCN, Jyoti SMMI and 1) spent the Holy Week in Pachuara area, staying in the same room where Valsa was murdered. lt was because of my tireless efforts the documentary film, TAKING SIDE, was produced by the FORUM, highlighting the
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indigenous people's realities and Valsa's involvement in their struggle. The documentary film was released in Ranchi , Jharkhand on November 17, 2014. On the next day while 1
was still in Ranchi , 1 got the email form Eisa Muttathu Pbvm, UN Representative of International Presentation Association, suggested to me about my participation in CSW 59. 1 was not willing to go. But when I realized that I could make Valsa's story heard in the UN, 1 agreed to Elsa's suggestion. 1 consider it and all that followed after that as a miracle through the intervention of Valsa John SCJM.
Joel started the event with a Power point presentation giving an over view of mining in lndia explaining various laws/acts/conventions regarding coal m1ning in lndia. She focused on the impact of mining on indigenous communities, especially on women, the effect of displacement due to mining on the culture and communities , destruction of environment, health, education , the whole life itself.
lt was followed by an 8 minute -video based on the Documentary Film TAKING SIDE depicting the involvement of Sr. Valsa John SCJM in the people's struggle against displacement due to coal mining in Pachuara area of Jharkhand state, lndia.
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Sr. Manju 's presentation
More than a decade Valsa lived among them, becoming one with the life of the affected people, adapting their simple life style, their language and customs even the attire of a Santhal woman to identify with them forgoing the comforts and security of the convent life . With the people she formed an organisation called Rajmaha/ Pahar Bachao Ando/an - RPBA (people's organisation for the protection of Rajmahal Forest) . This organisation became the nucleus for the future resistance
activities. Valsa was brutally murdered by vested interests on November 15, 2011.
had a power point presentation on the resilience of the Pachuara people after Valsa's murder. The emerging leaders, many of them illiterate women, and their determination, the measures taken by them with the help of many social activists groups to fight for their rights were the seeds of hope and courage sown by the blood of Valsa's martyrdom.
Anima Pushpa Toppo, an indigenous person, shared her own experience in the case of Extractive lndustries. She also spoke about the national and international networking she is involved in .
The panelists made clear to the audience the extreme contradiction between the people, the actual situation, and the assumptions of the government/company. They showed the lies, the double standard and the hidden agenda of the company, the pol iticians and the government. How they dealt with the Memorandum of Understanding
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(MoU) at Pachuara is a proof of all these.
1 got the opportunity to meet and interact with many activistgroups and take part in different events of the CSW 59 which were very informative, inspiring and challenging . Knowing the Mining Working Group (MWG) at the UN and getting connected with Religious NGOs and other groups working at the UN were rich experiences and will help me to have issue based collaboration and networking at a Global level.
The tour to United Nations gave me an understanding of the working of the UN. The cru ise, the visit to World Trade Centre, the stay at St. Michael and the daily travels from St. Michael to the UN by bus and metro, etc provided me with a glimpse of the New York life.
As I coordinate the Religious social activists in lndia as National Executive Secretary of FORUM I share my experience with FORUM members and others and facilitate the networking with different National and International groups to further the work of justice.
60 Years Presence of Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in Taiwan Sr. Jermia Thoma, Taitung Malän , VicariateTaiwan
On May 5, 1955, the first four sisters arrived in Taiwan after a three-month 's journey by ship from Switzerland. They, like the Bethlehem missionaries, settled down in the poor area of Taitung.
The first four sisters
The four sisters, Sr. Lima, Sr. Blandina, Sr. Moderata, Sr. Benigna were expelled from China. They already knew Chinese and therefore could settle down easily in Taitung. These sisters sowed the seeds of love in the Taitung district, which was a poor region those days. In the beginning the sisters lived in a small house in Taitung-Malän. As
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the number of sisters from abroad increased , the present day vicariate house was built. 1958 a hostel was built in the city of Taitung for the girl students from the surrounding villages who were studying in the middle school in the city. lt bears the name of St. Joan of Are till today. In recent years, the house has undergone many changes. For some years it was the cultural and training center of the diocese. In the coming months workshops for disabled adults will be organized there.
The old House
The new House
1960 a hostel was built on the seashore in Chengkung. Since the schools established their own hostels in this town, the house is now being used as retreat and holiday home. In addition, students come daily to this place to do their homework under the supervision and with the help of a teacher.
In the mountain area of Kuanshan a hospital was established in 1963 wh ich , according to the "need of the time", was converted into a nursing home in1999.
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In the harne for the handicapped
In Changguang (north of Taitung) and in Shangwu, (south of Taitung) , both places situated on the sea shore, courses in home science were conducted from 1963 and 1967 respectively. In Shangwu a nurse takes care of the sick in the surrounding villages.
In the town of Taitung-Malan a kindergarten was established in 1971 . In the beginning it was run by two of our native sisters. They had undergone kindergarten teacher training in Switzerland. Today the Kindergarten is run by an associate member and is the
biggest Kindergarten of the city with 160 children.
After the home science school was established in Shangwu, a kindergarten was opened there, too. The children mostly come from very poor conditions. However, the number of children decreases and therefore we foresee, that this offer will have to be cancelled within the next 1-2 years. Already the sisters started with a new endeavor. Twice a week about 30 old people gather in the mornings in the house of the sisters, doing some craft work, singing, music and gymnastics.
Altar on 23 May
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After lunch they go back home happily.
Shangwu, was also the place where the m1ss1on for handicapped children was started first, a modest beginning in a small home. Those days only 20 children could be admitted. As the number of handicapped children increased, the home was shifted to Taitung. Now more than 50 more or less severely disabled and/or mentally challenged children live there.
In 1981, two sisters took up a completely new task in Chihshang, north of Kuanshan : parish administration. Due to lack of priests this task has been entrusted to us sisters. The spirit of our founders lives on: "The need of the time is the will of God!"
After 15 years of pastoral service, the parish was taken over by a deacon and later by a priest. Since 1996 a sister is working in the parish Chulu. A priest comes for the Eucharistie celebration only twice a month. The sister is responsible for all other pastoral duties.
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Years ago, there were 35 sisters working in the vicariate of TaitungMalan. Today we are 23 sisters, and a novice from Vietnam. We sisters continue the mission in the spirit of Mother M.Theresa and Fr. Theodosius. The sisters are weil appreciated by the people. On his own initiative a teacher prepared a photo exhibition displaying our activities from the year 1955 -2000 in the art centre of the city. The theme was "Silent Commitment." The person in charge of the art centre will prepare and publish a book with these photos.
Sisters of Vicariate Taiwan
On May 23, 2015, we were able to look back in a special way into the past 60 years. lt was a day of thanksgiving! Although the weather played us a little prank the announcer's comment put it this way: "The raindrops are the tears of God, which are to be transformed into pearls ." Yes, it was a day of great joy. One of the greatest pearl was the birthday of our founder, Fr. Theodosius. On this feast his shoes found their way to us in Taiwan. His shoes
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are truly "travelling on the roads of the world ."
We cannot thank God enough for all the great things he has done and will continue to do through our sisters on this part of the earth. May he allow us to go boldly into the future and be leaven for this part of the earth !
Sr. Zdenka Schelingovä died 60 years ago Sr. Dominika Galestokova, Trnava, Province Slovakia
This year we celebrate the 601h
death anniversary of Blessed Zdenka. She died on July 31 , 1955 in the oncology department of the hospital in Trnava. She was about 39 years old. She reached there , where one cannot suffer any more. In her notebook we read : "Jesus, 1 stand before you with a humble and contrite heart. 1 also offer you the last hour of my life and everything that comes afterwards. And when I shed the last tear, then please accept it Lord, as a sacrifice of reconciliation . lf only 1 could die as a sacrifice of reconci I iation ! "
How did it happen? On February 29, 1952, the State Police arrested Sr. Zdenka Schelingova for helping a captive priest to escape. On June 17, 1952 for alleged treason , she was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment and 10 years' deprivation of civil rights. Sr. Zdenka was in pretrial custody in the law court in Bratislava. Then she was imprisoned in Rimavska Sobota, in Pardubice, in Brno, in the prison hospital in Praha -Pankrac. There she met Miss.
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Helena Wildeova - Kordova, in whom she confided many details, especially about her suffering in pre-trial detention. When it became clear that Sr. Zdenka would live only a more few months because of serious health problems (she had a malignant tumor in the breast) , on 16 April 1955 she was released on amnesty in order to avoid her death in prison.
Sr. Zdenka
Due to the unfavorable political situation (violent removal of the sisters from the provincial hause in Podunajske Biskupice, internment of the Provincial Superior Sr. Uvia Kl'ukulciakova in Hejnice, banishment of many sisters to the border area of the Czech Republic, limited living conditions for the sisters in Trnava), the community could not accommodate Sr. Zdenka. The sisters had no harne of their own, but lived in rooms that belonged to
Sr. Zdenka bare her cross with surrender to the will of God. She died three months after her release from prison, in full consciousness and without any
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the hospital. Therefore Apol6nia Galisova, who later became our Sr. Lucy took Sr. Zdenka to her harne. She owned a hause in Trnava. The health condition of Sr. Zdenka deteriorated rapidly after her discharge. That is why the sisters who were still working in the hospital saw to it, that after a few days she was admitted as a patient, first at the department of Ophthalmology and later at the department of oncology.
hatred towards those who had wronged her. She requested her fellow sister to ask the priest to bring her Holy Communion before the Eucharistie celebration . She
died during the Holy Mass in the hospital in Trnava on July 31 , 1955 at 7.45 a.m, strengthened by Christ and united with his sacrifice. lt was Sunday, the day of Resurrection . Her life of sacrifice was over. She went to meet the Risen Lord and "her beloved sun ."
In her notebook we read: ''Eternal Father, 1 surrender my life in reconciliation and to your honor and praise. 1 unite my last sigh and my last heart beat with yours, with the devotion of your divine Son at all the altars on which at this moment of my death the Holy Mass is being celebrated , to thank you for all the graces that I have received from you all my life. " Sr. Zdenka shines as an example of loyalty and forgiveness. She completed her life in the awareness that "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." (Jn. 15:13) She did not lose her smile until the end. Her motto was: "Smile!"
She was beatified on September 14, 2003 in Bratislava by Pope John Paul II . Her grave is in Podunajske Biskupice, Slovakia.
Devotion to Blessed spread quickly, not
Zdenka only in
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Slovakia, but also abroad. In the church of the Exaltation of the Cross in Podunajske Biskupice and in the chapel of the provincial hause in Trnava pilgrim mass is celebrated on the 30th of every month. Many of our parishioners and devotees from all over Slovakia take part in it. Since 2008, in Dolny Smokovec recollection days on the base of the spirituality of Blessed Zdenka are conducted twice a year. From the group of the devotees of Zdenka a small shoot known as "source" was formed with the group of our employees. They become familiar with our charism and are connected to us spiritually. Many parishes in Slovakia show great interest in the relics of the Blessed Zdenka. We also get requests for prayer for serious cases from abroad and from overseas.
In March we received the news about the establishment of a hospital with the name of the Blessed Zdenka from Slovak doctors working in lraq as volunteers. This clinic was built for refugees by the University of St. Elisabeth. "The Clinic Blessed Zdenka Schellingova in Erbila provides medical care for more than 10,000 people - the majority are Christians, the others are
Yazidis and Muslims. Thanks to the great help from the side of the local Church; all have found accommodation in rented buildings (3-4 families in one house), but in a remote area without any access to further help or opportunities. For these people, ours is the only medical center, which they can afford. We hope that through us they see a ray of sunshine behind the clouds." Sr. Zdenka conquers many people's hearts. Blessed Zdenka, you who live in your beloved sun, pray for us!
Jubilee celebrations in Podunajske Biskupice
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015, the celebration of the Triduum in honor of Blessed Sr. Zdenka began in the Church of Exaltation of the Cross in Podunajske Biskupice. In the afternoon at 4.00 p.m. the sisters from various communities prayed the rosary with the reflections of Blessed Sr. Zdenka. Then our sisters ' choir sang the litany of the Blessed Sr. Zdenka. Before the mass, we meditated for a moment some sayings of Sr. Zdenka on the Eucharist. Then the solemn Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Anton Tyrol, Vicar General of the
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diocese pf Zips. Four priests concelebrated .
On Wednesday July 29 the program began at 04.15 p.m. with the Divine Mercy Rosary. Then the litany of the Blessed Sr. Zdenka was sung again . At 5:00 p.m. we celebrated the Holy Mass. The main celebrant was Thlic. Stefan Fabry, chaplain in Kysucke Nove Mesto.
After the Mass we were looking forward to the concert of the Capuchin brothers, who joined in this way in our celebrations. At 08.00 p.m. we continued the program with the Eucharistie adoration, which was prepared by our novices with texts and songs.
On Thursday July 30, 2015, we concluded the celebration of the Triduum in the Church of Exaltation of the Cross in Podunajske Biskupice. At 4.00 p.m ., the pilgrims gathered in the cemetery, where they prayed the Rosary together at the grave of the Blessed Sr. Zdenka. At 5:00 p.m. the festive Mass was celebrated; the main celebrant was Msgr. Viliam Judak, diocesan bishop of Nitra. For all pilgrims it was, among other things, a special event, because the bishop was wearing the robes , which
benefactors from Trnava. Mrs. Suzanne Pevny from Colorada Springs in the United States, who was in Slovakia those days also took part in this festive Mass (Theodosia 2/2014).
Pope John Paul II had worn at the Mass on September 14, 2003 at the beatification in Petrzalka. Together with the bishop 13 priests concelebrated . Among the offerings there was also a bouquet of 60 white roses , which was presented to us by the ~~~---,...,..,....-~~~~~~~~~...--,
.. In Trnava
On the 60th death anniversary of the Blessed Zdenka Schelingova, Friday July 31 , 2015 at Calvary Mount in Trnava - originally "the old cemetery" in Trnava - a celebration was organized at the memorial plaque of Sr. Zdenka. This is the place where Sr. Zdenka was buried 60 years ago
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on August 2, 1955. The Holy Mass was preceded by a spiritual program, which was prepared by the sisters and novices. The main celebrant was Msgr. Jan Soko!. With him Mr. Dean Stanislav Vojtko from Trnava and several priests celebrated. The Assistant Provincial , Sr. Maria Lassakova, informed those present about the circumstances of Sr. Zdenka's death. The Provincial Superior, Sr.
Sebastiana Tuptova, thanked all those who had contributed to the organization of this celebration . After Mass, the organizers placed a bouquet of flowers at the altar,
... In Krivä
Last week Sr. Zdenka was remembered very much in her birthplace Kriva, The recollection days in the parish began on Wednesday, July 29, with the Holy Mass. The highlight was the solemn Mass on August 1. Archbishop of Presov, Mgr. Jan
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where the relics of the Blessed Sr. Zdenka are kept. All present had the opportunity to venerate the relics.
Babjak SJ presided over it. Along with him Msgr. Stefan Secka, Bishop of Zips and several priests concelebrated . The local choir embellished the liturgy with melodious songs.
Remembering Sr. Zdenka
Narrated by lrma Schelingova, written down by Jozef Habovstiak in July 2012, translated into German by Fr. Timo Mazar SJ
Sr. Zdenka in Prison
My husband, Cyril Scheling, was a brother of blessed Sr. Zdenka. He was born as the last of eleven children and was three years younger than Sr. Zdenka. Because of their age, they were very close in their childhood and adolescence. This closeness remained throughout life. She took care of Cyril as a child . She was the one who pushed him in a baby stroller back and forth through the
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uneven streets of Kriva; she accompanied him on his first day to school, and taught him writing and arithmetic.
When she joined the convent, they kept regular contact through correspondence. As time went on Cyril considered a visit to Sr. Zdenka in Bratislava almost an obligation. In July 1947, on the feast of Saint Cyril and Method and her brother's name day, she wrote wishing him: "My beloved brother, 1 would love to give you all the beauty of summer, to make a bouquet with the beauty of the flowers and send it to you on your name day."
We had been married for four years when Sr. Zdenka was arrested. My husband was deeply affected. Only scarce information came to the public through the walls of prison. Those days we were living in a lodge not far from Safarikovo. After the verdict , she was transferred to the prison in
Safarikovo. She wrote from there that we were allowed to send her a packet of one kilogram. We did it gladly. We were also permitted to visit her once a month. After some time, however, this permission was withdrawn. Sr. Zdenka was no more allowed to receive any packets. This was a punishment, because she did not want to denounce her fellow prisoners.
Finally, one day in spring of 1953 we were permitted to visit her. We took along our little two year old daughter Zdenka, who bears her name. Rimavska Sobota was easy to reach by bus. There the unfriendly environment of the prison was awaiting us. In the visiting room there was only a lang table. Sr. Zdenka was brought in wearing a coarse, dark gray robe. She was thin and pale. Beside her stood a uniformed, armed and very unfriendly guard. She called our attention to what we were not allowed to speak. We were not allowed to hold her hands and could not even hand over the parcel brought for her.
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Sr. Zdenka, however, greeted us, smiled, asked how we were and how were the families in Kriva. She also talked to little Zdenka. Surely she would have liked to cuddle and hug her. We stood at the other end of the table and were simply speechless. When my husband saw his sister, all childhood memories went through his mind, memories about the family, and the love that she had always shown us. When he saw her in this state of humiliation, he just cried and was unable to say anything. 1 also feit the same. Somehow, everything was stuck in the ehest, we could not say anything. Such emotions were not tolerated in the prison, and therefore the visiting time came to a sudden end.
We went away without properly saying goodbye. My husband was still crying in the bus and even at harne. For a lang time we just remained silent. 1 feit especially sorry that I was not allowed to give her the little packet. lt would have been a small reminder of us and of course a welcome change from
the miserable prison meals. For a lang time we could not forget the impact of the rudeness in the visiting room. Even today, it sometimes comes to my mind. Shortly thereafter, Sr. Zdenka was transferred to the Czech Republic to Pardubice. This was a punishment for refusing to testify against other prisoners. We could not visit her In this new place. In other words, we never saw her again in her lifetime.
My husband Cyril was in Trnava at her funeral. He came back sad and was very pensive for a lang time. 1 stayed at harne with our second baby daughter. An old Slovak proverb says that we cannot choose our relatives. The paths of life have led me and Cyril together over hundreds of kilometers. Sr. Zdenka was with us all the time.
In 1975 my husband died at the age of 56. Many years later 1 moved to a harne for the elderly in Martin. Since the time of Sr. Zdenka's imprisonment more than 50 years have passed. One day a roommate told me, that the same
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picture of Sr. Zdenka that is hanging in my room is with another woman in her room. This woman came here from England where she lived for many years. Naturally, 1 went to look for her. "How and from where did you know this sister?" 1 asked. "How could I not know her," she said. "We were together in Prague Pankrac prison 50 years ago. This is the blessed Sr. Zdenka. She remains in my memory lifelong. She was a wonderful woman; 1 used to nurse her after the operation, which she had to undergo after being tortured. Even today I see her amputated breast before my eyes. lt was a terrible sight. - And who are you?" "I am lrma Schelingova, sister-in-law of Sr. Zdenka," 1 introduced myself to Miss Helena Wildeova - Kordova. Same may say it is a coincidence. 1 see it differently: God's providence and His ways know no limits. And for us it was so. Miss Helena narrated to me everything to the smallest detail. That is why the good Lord gave her a lang life. She died a year ago at the age of 94. Something like this one can never forget.
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