Vedruna Today 94_October 2014

VEDR UNA TODAY – Informative Leaflet – Nº 94 – OCTOBER 2014
TO ERADICATE POVERTY WITHOUT CHANGING THE MANNER OF POLITICS?
During this month of October there have been several activities in different countries
conducted with the aim of creating an awareness of the serious problem of poverty in the world,
and the need to end it. One cannot help but wonder: is it possible to eradicate poverty without a
desired will to change the manner of politics? And when I say politics, I do not think only in what
the “specialists” do in turn, but also the politics that we citizens play with our participation or
inhibition.
Pope Francis, talking about the social inclusion of the poor as an essential element in a new
policy, focusing on the common good and defending the dignity of the person, makes an important
call to ecclesial communities:
“Any Church community, if it thinks it can comfortably go its own way without creative concern
and effective cooperation in helping the poor to live with dignity and reaching out to everyone, will
also risk breaking down, however much it may talk about social issues or criticize governments. It
will easily drift into a spiritual worldliness camouflaged by religious practices, unproductive
meetings and empty talk.” (The joy of the Gospel 207)
With these words and the serious call it makes, we can imply ourselves in two ways: 1) think
that it is said for someone else, 2) humbly accept that it is said to us. The first way of implying
ourselves is being sterile, the second is being fruitful as it moves us. It leads us to become aware
of how the laws, silently published, affect the poor and which sometimes, due to our passiveness
we are not even aware of it because "that's not our thing."
Every day there are many actions of this kind that demands our attention. One such example
is the Tax Reform of the government of Spain that was
approved on October 8th , on the very eve of the celebration
of the Week of Poverty.
The Spanish Alliance Against Poverty (which CONFER is
part of) and the Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human
rights of the United Nations alert us that this reform
encourages discrimination, inequality, prejudice, breach of
rights and obligation to reach the maximum available
resources to ensure human, economic, social and cultural
rights of citizenship. YES this goes with us. Our option for the
poor is asking us first for information and then, along with
many others, for a response.
What matters is how we stand by the side of the poor so that
our projects are truly human. If their needs and rights are not
97
the center of everything, both political and ecclesial social projects will vanish in pure appearance
and empty talk. As the song goes:
If the person is not the first, the world is moving backwards
If the person is not the first we have to do something.
THE GENERAL TEAM INFORMS
In Rome we continue working in our team attending to several issues. According to the
schedule and the courses of action, we have planned the calendar for 2015 and foresee 2016.
We are also looking and thinking in the EGC. We have made the synthesis of what has come
in from CULTURE OF VOCATION, looking at how to encourage this journey and reflect about it
together with government teams in the next EGC. We're anticipating the appointment of Provincial
Teams and Delegates to be able to send the material asking for information.
We also enjoy our regular meetings:
•
With the Spanish and Portuguese language group of JPIC the programme for the coming
year has been based on the theme “Peace, fruit of justice”, requiring to gain a broader
understanding on the worldwide conflicts that occur, and interests that promote the
defense industry and concrete ways of combating it. The English language group, in which
Sr. Bonnie participates, dealt with the theme,
“New approach to conflict resolution”.
•
In the Pontifical “Urbanian University” we
attended the presentation of “SCRUTANIZE”, the
second letter of CICLSAL, in the view of the Year
of Consecrated Life. It is a call to scrutinize the
horizons of our life and time with vigilance. We
listened to its presentation with the desire of
deepening into the path it is suggesting.
In UISSG 1, Fr. Jesús Manuel, Salecian, with the
aim of celebrating the Vth centenary of the birth of Sr. Teresa presented to us the topic
REQUIREMENTS OF TERESA TO BE CONTEMPLATIVE AND “TO BE SUCH”, this great woman who always
puts prayers as a verification of love towards all, and at their service. She accompanied us
on the morning of Thursday the 16th October.
•
In short, this is how we lived the month of October.
We wish to live this year dedicated to Consecrated Life with faith and hope. It is an event
calling us to live “always on the move with the virtue of a pilgrim which is: joy” . Pope Francis.
1
International Union of Superior Generales
98
FROM ALL THE CONTINENTS
Africa
Visit of Srs. Herminia and Leonor
In July 2012 Srs. Herminia and Leonor visited us to
guide, support and assist the sisters of the province
administration team in the mission entrusted to them.
Since then this closeness and working together has
continued. We now have the joy of once again having
them with us to go ahead in the process begun.
They arrived on the 7th and remained here until the
28th of October. They spent the first three days in
working with the two sisters of the Administration Team.
The third day in the afternoon, the three teams met to organize their trip to the interior
communities.
Accompanied by Srs. Ambroisine Bateko Mansi and Nicole, they also visited three communities
in the interior of the DRC (Kikwit, Kingungi and Kolokoso) to better understand the reality in which
the sisters live and work and to talk to them.
In every community that we visited, we had the chance to
have two meetings with the sisters. The theme of the first day was
focused on: "Poverty today”. On the second day the community
was given the opportunity to share and express their joys and
difficulties.
Finally to give a closure to the visit to each community, the
Provincial Team and General Administration Team gave some
suggestions to stimulate the life and mission of each community.
At the end of the visit to the communities, we devoted some
time in preparing a synthesis
and talking together about
what we experienced or
discovered.
We are very happy with
the visit and the advice we
have received and the work done together with Srs.
Herminia and Leonor. We take this opportunity to thank the
General Team for their support and also to Srs. Herminia and
Leonor for their availability and expertise.
Thank you very much.
Provincial Team of Africa
A feast over the fence in the refugee camp
Taken from the web page
CHAD: There was a feast, though not for all.
I asked a girl, Abakar, how is the feast?. For an answer she gave me a shy smile; I insisted:
"What feast?" And this time I get a sober and humble reply: "I am poor". With these two words,
Abakar had said it all.
The feasting was for the enthronement of the new Sultan Sagawa. A deployment of power
imposed by the President and funded with public money... But Abakar is poor, and could not
participate in the celebration of her king.
99
We participated as Abakar, from over the fence, from
the dust of the streets, and with a mixture of feelings, a
mixture of outrage at a state that does not put at the
disposal of the students some books so that they can
study, and at the same time deep pride, feeling good to
know that we are on the better side, accompanying Jesus,
who did not raise dust as he passed through the streets,
humble, without the desire to gain power. A servant, poor,
like Abakar.
There was no lack of a reflection: the powerful are not
always tyrants. All of us have this virus in us, and this is
the pain we felt when a month ago some refugees violently opposed that we gave work to a group
of women making it possible for them to earn some money by preparing the food for the training
seminar of teachers. The greedy make their own demands; We were showered with criticism,
threats and anger; the people and military authorities of the place had to intervene ... and the
women lost –we too lost.
But in fact, neither did they win. What won was the Word which made us realize its presence
in this place where a banquet was lovingly prepared and the teachers refused to eat it... And then
the banquet grew wings, it flew out into the street inviting the poor.
The ones to gain from the lost battle were the children, they enjoyed the food that was
rejected by the teachers because it was prepared by a group of women whom they did not
control; even the sick won because they too ate like the children. They gained the feast of God
open to all.
This year our Vedruna family has grown with the coming of Pierre, a young Frenchman of
DCC; after coming back home we laughed, we cried, we became discouraged and encouraged
together... when discouragement over powers the three of us, then there is always a spark of light
that makes us feel that life does not end here.
Yes, life continues to surprise us and flooding us with wider horizons.
Teo Corral, ccv
VedrunAmerica
Dominican Republic
From an Island, desiring to go far away! What a beautiful task!...
This is how my experience has been with the
sisters of the Dominican Republic. A group of
women who are finalizing the process of the
beginning of a new mission project. With a desire
to live more faithful to the Lord from the Vedruna
charism, they continue to feel an unrest and
ask:: “In this historical moment, what are we
living? Where and among whom does the Lord
want us to be? The younger sisters wish to go
further and live this attitude, the footprint left by
many sisters who went ahead of them and
continue to go. In an atmosphere of trust, the
sisters listened and accepted their restlessness
and worries, and they expressed their availability
to make together a journey. In the younger sisters I sensed the conviction of not letting the flame
that was lit burn out and they know that giving a response would mean for each one a giving up,
openness, faithfulness and risk. This attitude of searching in a group can be synthesized in the
phrase of Joaquina expressed at the beginning of the Congregation: “…desiring to work for
100
the glory of God and the good of neighbour,…”(L.81). Sisters, let us encourage one another,
giving a hand to the laity to listen to and discover the call of the Lord in each reality and continue
committing ourselves so that the Vedruna charism may be new each day.
Rojas Inés, ccv
Chile
Education
Taken from the web page
From Melipilla Paulina Núñez Miranda, a
teacher shares her experience of being a member
of the educational community.
From her visit on 21st October to the workshop of
UNPADE, where the differently abled youth and
adults participated in different activities for a better
integration and employment in society and
environment, she realizes how rewarding the
experience was, "because these youth greeted her
with affection and respect for hosting various
activities for them". Paulina continues saying:
"participating as a group strengthens us as
persons and professionals, and being a pastoral school in a consistent mission with
others, makes us accomplish the work entrusted to us under the care and charism of
the Lord and Joaquina."
Japan
50 years of the foundation of the Association of Ex-students
This year the school Aitoku GAKUEN of Tarumi commemorates its 60th anniversary and the
ex-students celebrate 50 years of their Association.
On October 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Pilar (Spain) and Our Lady of Aparecida (Brazil)
around 250 ex-students, teachers and sisters who have worked here in the past had a gathering in
the school. 300 people in all attended the ceremony.
The meeting began with
the Eucharist celebrated by
a Jesuit Priest, Fr. Manuel
Diaz, who spent many years
as a director at the Marian
School. He was surprised to
see a long queue to receive
communion, which showed
the increase in number of
the believers in Christ during
and after the school years .
After the Mass all joined
in
a
feast
beautifully
prepared in the hall where
there was an overflow of joy
101
and excitement of being reunited after several years with the sisters, brothers and former
teachers. Time seemed to be too short for all to share their stories.
It was a day of full of emotions and thanksgiving to God for seeing so many good fruits that
He has given to us, the Church and our society.
Vedruna Province of Europe
Zone B / Madrid
Mirasierra: Celebrating 100 years of joy and service to others of Sr. María Paz Arguijo
Today, October 4, the community of Santa Joaquina de Vedruna school joyfully celebrated
the 100th birthday of Sr. Paz Arguijo. There could be no other way than to celebrate it with a
thanksgiving Mass in which she renewed her vows as a religious. All of us participated with joy and
we also gave thanks to God for the 83 years of religious life dedicated to serving others and
prayer.
She was born in Yécora (Álava) and at the age of 17 she entered the Congregation of the
Carmelite Sisters of Charity, through the intercession of a friend of her mother who told her about
this religious congregation; in this casual way, her daughter Paz was able to realize her vocation.
The first years of her religious life were spent in San Fernando (Cádiz), serving young children
with love and joy; In Fortuny she was in charge of the laundry and now here in Mirasierra, she
attends to the parlour, where she leaves a lasting memory to all who pass by, very gently she
attends to the students and parents, everyone loves her, she lives the words of St. Joaquina ,"joy
is the main virtue."
A humble and simple woman, "never complains about
anything.” Sr. Conception Rocha, superior of this Vedruna
community –Mirasierra, says that celebrating 100 years of
Sr. Paz is a grace.
Fr. Ramon in a touching homily expressed the most
characteristic features of our dear Sr. Paz: surrender and
generosity, an example to the students of what the Lord
should be for them in their lives. "Today the Lord has
shown us an example to remind us of the enormous
responsibility that we all have as a school community, as
defenders of the faith and transmitters of the gospel."
Sr. Paz reflected in her life all her spirituality, always
giving to God and to others. She is a leader and an
example to all who know her and continue to enjoy her presence THANK YOU, SISTER, FOR YOUR
TESTIMONY!
What they say about her
Mª. Paz celebrates 100 years: For some she is Mª. Paz; for others, Sr. Paz; Whatever may be,
your parents Balbina and Anianus chose a name fitting to your life, what intuition! Peace you have
maintained throughout these 100 years, listening attentively to those of us who sat in a round
table while we waited for our parents to come and pick us up after school. Peace in every step of
this long life of service for others. Peace is not just your name but when you look, you transmit it.
Basque by birth and Madrileña by adoption, at the early age of 17 you decided that you were
for God. Secure in your roots in the same way of thinking and deeds of Joaquina de Vedruna you
entered the novitiate. Young and full of joy with your first transfer to San Fernando Cadiz; later
you came to Fortuny, where some of us met you and saw your silent commitment to your work
while you greeted us with good morning dear one, and you were there with us without fail, with
102
the same affection, as if there was no difference between bad or good
day; Finally you came to Mirasierra where you are you living your old
age, your commitment to a more peaceful prayer, and your simplicity
and humility which all of have experienced has grown and it also makes
us feel that what we were asking God for is fulfilled
Despite your fragile appearance, your strength has grown, thanks to
your dedication to your work, whether it was working with kids or in the
laundry or in the parlour always with the same smile with which you
greeted each one today as we entered the chapel, and you asked each
one about our husbands or children or grandchildren, some about our
great grandchildren!
Your family who has come to join you right now knows how much
the words of the Gospel mean: come follow me. They accepted and
accept the will of God and this because you are happy.
We cannot forget your companions on your journey, the sisters of
this school who welcomed you years ago, those who have come and
those who have gone. They love you because you never complain about
anything, nor speak ill of anyone, because you are always aware of your tasks however small they
may be, and because in every passing day you are more aware of your commitment to religious
life.
We have to finish this thanksgiving with our gaze on St. Joaquina and summarize your life in
these words that define you and has impressed us students, parents, teachers and non-teaching
staff: do not let any child go home sad.
You are a great person: Thank you, Sr. Paz, for your simple life, for your dedication to any
task great or small, for your cheerfulness despite your age, the prayer you offer for us, for being
so faithful today in renewing your vows, and above all, for transmitting to us the life of our
foundress.
Madrid, 4 October 2014
La Palma del Condado
On the occasion of the Jubilee Year of the Vth
centenary of St. Teresa of Jesus, with the desire of
the Bishop of this place, our Chapel of La Palma del
Condado has been designed to gain the plenary
indulgence.
Here we show you the poster published for this
occasion.
In the very famous phrase of St. Teresa we are
reminded, although in short what Joaquina de
Vedruna left us as inheritance: “Courage, with Jesus
and having Jesus we need nothing more”. (L. 80.)
From the Formation Community of Europe, Villaverde Alto (Madrid)
COME TO THE WEDDING!
“On this mountain, for all peoples, Yahweh Sabaoth is preparing
a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines, of succulent
food, of well-strained wines.”
Is 25, 6
" my banquet is all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is
ready. Come to the wedding". (Mt 22, 4)
103
El día 12 de octubre la comunidad de “Sígueme” tuvo su primer encuentro de curso. Es motivo de
gozo puesto que la comunidad se amplía con más gente, deseosa de compartir fe, vida y Palabra
en el seguimiento de Jesús.
On October 12th the community of "Follow Me"
(Sígueme) had its first meeting of the academic year. It
is a joy to see the community expanding with more
people willing to share faith, life and the Word in
following Jesus.
On Sunday we met together around the Table and
praying with the Gospel of the day (Isaiah 26: 6-10 and
Matthew 22: 1-14), leaving time for sharing what life
means to each one of us. Invited by God who wants to
celebrate the wedding with us, we discovered the love
and feasting which he offers.
We are invited to come and to invite others to
participate in the kingdom of joy; aware that our attitude changes at the time of inviting others,
without distinction, in an open table for all peoples.
We were grateful for this first meeting which will be repeated more frequently throughout the
year. We never cease to thank the Formation house of Villaverde for their hospitality and support,
becoming also an important part of the journey of this group wanting to follow Jesus.
Irene Palomino
VEDRUNA LAITY
VedrunAmerica
The feast of commitment
I feel my arms stretching out
And many sons and daughters coming into it.
It was like seeing our Mothers arms stretching out and which embraced us all on this evening
of the 25th October. Six members of
the Vedruna Laity of Montevideo,
three women and three men very
solemnly
pronounced
their
commitment. The Lay commitment. I
felt as if I was in the first vows of six
novices: the illusion, joy, enthusiasm,
sense of surrender, marked the
Eucharistic celebration, followed by a
very nice and deep sharing.
The lay community, accompanied
for many years by the community of
Montevideo, and presently by Sr. Anita
Rodriguez, was prepared for this event
with a retreat in which they reflected
on the songs of the Servant of Yahweh (Is 41 1-16 and 42.1-9) giving a Servant to be light of
nations. It is the mission of the VL.
The certainty that the Vedruna Charism is well grounded in the Uruguayan soil and will not die
even we sisters are no more gives us and all those who joined, including some from Argentina,
Merlo community in this celebration much joy. Sr. Ana Maria Raventos, the sister in charge of the
VL of Argentina and Uruguay, was present, along with Srs. Andrea Guedes and Josefa M.
104
Lawrence, members of the economic team of the province, since there was a meeting in
Montevideo. The celebration was marked with a sense of Vedruna family.
Sr. Virma Barion, ccv
Spain - Zone B
A letter from Bahía de Cádiz
"Hello. I'm Lucia Garrido Silva, a laity from the community of Bahia of Cadiz. On October 4th, I
made my commitment as a Vedruna Lay. They have asked me to share my emotions of that day,
that's going to be difficult but I'll try.
This began much before the 4th, because my sisters of the lay group on one side and I on the
other, did whatever we could in the discernment process, until finally St. Joaquina "spoke to me"
and I saw clearly that it was time, after ten years of walking with my community, it was time to
make my commitment.
The day came, I was very nervous,
especially when I saw that many people
had travelled to join me, especially
Ascension Grace, our general coordinator.
The laity group from Seville, sisters and
others from the nearby communities and
of course my community all came. The
Parish Priest of the Church of Christ also
prepared well for this moment. The
Eucharist was very lively, my family and
my community participated in the liturgy.
The choir directed by Sr. Fina with the
songs of Ain Karem made me live an
unforgettable moment. I even got a letter
from St. Joaquina which came "Via the
Internet”.
The first reading was from the Prophet Jeremiah, the potter. I chose it because I feel that
Jesus has shaped my life. I lived the Eucharist, but I felt that the others around me also lived it. At
one point I publicly thanked the Lord with words that came from my heart.
At the end they sang the Salve Marinera. In our land, the land of Carmen and of Salt, you
cannot miss the song of Our Lady, Queen of the Congregation and of our land.
Not even a small detail was missed out by my community. A simple evening snack ended the
day that was so filled with emotions and thanksgiving.
What else can I ask of the Lord? That he may continue working in me with his hands of a
potter.
Lucía Garrido
San Fernando, 4 October 2014
Vedruna Laity Catalunya Zone C.
The Vedruna Laity of Catalunya Zone C, began the academic year 2014 - 2015 with a fraternal
and educational meeting on the 5th of October in Barcelona, in the noble building which the
community of Carmelite Sisters of Charity have on Lladó street.
105
The meeting began with a prayer which created the atmosphere needed for an understanding
and willingness to begin the new year. Then Sr. Mª. Dolors Ribes –Vedruna, made a presentation
on the theme of the work for the day with the title "The Lay Vocation, a commitment of each one."
Illustrated with a power point, Sr. Ribes introduced to us the culture of vocation: how we can
connect with our society and in a special way, with the youth, to understand that a vocation comes
from God and that the culture of vocation must be a call to Love. It gave great importance to
family values, which greatly helps in discovering any vocation, and that gives meaning to life.
Within the time table there was a lot of group work which helped in deepening and giving
mutual suggestions.
A shared meal allowed us to greet one another and share our joy.
We started the evening with the screening of a documentary entitled "Strings", beautiful,
showing how, through work, tenderness and love for all, one can discover a true vocation.
We continued with the sharing of our group work and a time for information. Later there was
time given for personal sharing of what had touched or motivated us during the day. WE
concluded with the song, "Alcem els Cors ."
We felt that St. Joaquina was present throughout the day with us and we experienced her love
and strength that encourages our charism.
Josep Mª Castelló,
VL- Verdú
*************
BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE
Sisters
H.
H.
H.
H.
H.
H.
H.
AULET PRATSEVALL, Emilia - PVE / Zone C, Vic: Manso Escorial
BARDISA BARDISA, María – PVE / Zone A, Vinalesa: Casa S. Joaquina de Vedruna
BITO DEL CASTILLO, Mª de la Luz – PVE / Zone B, Valladolid: Casa S. Joaquina de Vedruna
CUEVAS FERIA, María – PVE / Zona C, Vic: Casa Mare
DUEÑAS (de) PASTOR, Lourdes - PVE / Zone B, Cádiz
MIRA del PINO, Consuelo - PVE / Zone B, Valladolid: Casa S. Joaquina de Vedruna
SOLÀ PEDRO, María - PVE / Zone C, Caldes de Malavella
Family
The father of a sister
Sánchez Páez, Marisol - VedrunAmerica / Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros
Zhang Ziaoli, María – Japan, Philippines: Manila
A brother of sister
Muñumer Rodríguez, Cesárea - PVE / Zone B, Valladolid: Jesús y María
A sister of sisters
Barriketa Irauregi, Katalin - PVE / Zone A, Bermeo
Cuevas Feria, Ángeles - PVE / Zone C, Vic: Casa Mare
106
Lomeña Jiménez, Maria Beatriz - PVE / Zone C, Sabadell: Garcilaso
Maeda Mitsuyo, Catalina – Japan, Tarumi: Aitoku Gakuen
Martínez Sánchez, Maria Peña - PVE / Zone C, Igualada
*************
ADDRESS
Africa
Philippines
Kinshasa Limete
Change of e-mail of the provincial secretary:
e-mail: [email protected]
Quezon City
Delegation House
Change of e-mail of the community:
e-mail: [email protected]
Tagaytay City
Change of mobile number: 090 64 695 220
107