Interesting from the Congregation 2022

The year 2022 comes to an end and we owe to the Lord our Creator for His steadfast love and mercy. True indeed, we all had bad and good moments. But the very fact that we are alive today and we are able to look forward our future with hope, is not given to us because of our merits but by the graciousness of God.  “From His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace.” (Jn 1: 16)

As any other religious Congregations especially in Europe, we the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint-Marc also went through trials and challenges. Although it was not very easy, we have overcome lot of obstacles by the mercy and faithfulness of God. Ever since the war broke out in Ukraine, we are anxious about the safety of our sisters in Ukraine. They lack facilities, electricity, etc. and their life is disturbed and affected. The Superior General and her Council proposed them to come to France and take refuge. But they refused to leave Ukrainians in despair! They live by the following words of St. James. “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let your endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1, 2 -4)

Until today, our sisters are not only safe there but are able to give security for others who come to them for refuge.

“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (II Cor 9: 8)

On August 08, 2022 Sr. Simone Burger, the Superior General of the Congregation flew to Ukraine to visit our sisters. Though the sisters have been informing regularly that they are safe, Sr. Simone could no longer resist herself but took courage to travel alone to Ukraine and stayed there with the sisters for a week. She experienced also the terror and horror of the war, hearing the siren alarm frequently. She has set an example for a leader who is keen not only in the success and joy of the sisters but is with them in fears and dangers. She proves that she is with us in all bad and good moments. She says:

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Heb 13: 6)

On September 08, 2022 Sr. Simone celebrated the 50 golden years of her religious profession in Kloster St. Trudpert, Münstertal. Our God is worthy to be praised and glorified for all the marvelous things He has done to our Congregation through Sr. Simone.

 

“Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways!” (Rev 15: 3)

The three European Councils (General Council, French and German Councils) met together from May 20 – 22 in Saint-Marc and from November 3 – 5, 2022 in Kloster St. Trudpert, Münstertal. These meetings help the provinces to share certain affairs and to help mutually, morally and spiritually.

The General Councilors visited Lourdes in May and Rome in November. We visited our sisters in the communities there and also as pilgrims prayed for all the intentions of our Congregation and the entire world.

 

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphant procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (II Cor 2, 14 -15)

Sr. Marie Louise and Sr. Shobha visited some of the communities in India from September 21, – October 28, 2022. This canonical visit enabled to strengthen the bond between the Generalate and the provinces.

To conclude, I must acknowledge God’s merciful and marvelous deeds that He has done to each sister, community, delegation, mission, province and the Congregation of SJSM! (Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint-Marc)

“Awesome is the Lord and very great, and marvelous is His power. Glorify the Lord and exalt Him as much as you can, for He surpasses even that.” (Sir 43, 29 – 30)

 

Sr. Shobha