MARCH 2021
"Return to Me with Your Whole Heart" JL 2:12-18
READ MARCH NEWS Pope's Prayer sacrament of reconciliation - Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with Intention renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God. for March
emain in my Word “If you remain in my Word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.” John 8:31b-32 BY SR. M. ROSE SCANLAN, CCVI
How do we remain (abide) in God’s Word? Desire it with all our being, knowing that God has already embedded the Word within us; continuously discover it by making room in our hearts to savor it as we go about our day. Doing this means a commitment to conscious daily practices. These can vary and may include: beginning the day with a blessing and reading reflectively a short section of the Word of God in Sacred Scripture, or in the evening before going to bed, contemplating God’s Word and by taking time to really listen to the words of others, receiving their feedback with openness, expressing gratitude:
ear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.” - Rumi Participate in the sacraments; develop a reflective attitude through spiritual reading and personal prayer. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.” John 6: 57 Other practices may be: reflecting on nature – walking in the woods, the forests, by the rivers, at the foot of the mountain tops, by the ocean shores, around our backyards, listening to the birds and the animals, admiring the flowers, looking up at the skies to admire the clouds, the raindrops, the snowflakes, the different shades of blue; count the stars if you can.
wisdom still abides in the natural rhythms of the earth, if we are still and open ourselves to it.” - Kimberly Green Angle Give alms quietly with our whole hearts with “no strings attached” is another commendable way to remain open to God’s Word.
here are many kinds of alms; the giving of which helps us to obtain pardon for our sins; but none is greater than that by which we forgive from our heart a sin that someone has committed against us.” St. Augustine of Hippo.
NEWS & NOTES
Remain, con't. God’s Word is everywhere and in everyone. Listen attentively to God’s whispers during the day; at the end of day lovingly converse with God about how the day went, and ask yourself did I remain in God’s Word today? Did I try to walk in the footsteps of the Lord? Was I conscious of God’s Word living in me? In this way, you will grow in awareness of doing so and over time find peace even in the midst of the day’s events however challenging they may be.
he patient and humble endurance of the cross, whatever nature it may be, is the highest work we have to do.” - St. Katharine Drexel. Mary, our Mother, remained in God’s Word even when not understanding God’s designs for her. St. Luke tells us that: “Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19.
ary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19. Even when we don’t understand, are confused, can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, or are troubled in any way, reach out to Mary and she will guide you and intercede on your behalf before God. Know that above all, you are dearly loved by God. Abiding in God’s Word will bring you comfort and joy.
his is the way we may know that we are in union with [Christ]: whoever claims to abide in Him ought to live [just] as He lived” - 1 John 2:5-6. Incarnate Word, we ask for the grace to live as You lived – in contemplation, generously, selflessly, with gratitude, compassion and love. Let us end this short reflection with the words of Pope Francis:
gape, the love of each one of us for the other, from the closest to the furthest, is in fact the only way that Jesus has given us to find the way of salvation and of the Beatitudes. " - Pope Francis
NEWS & NOTES
SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD, MARCH 25TH
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THIS FEAST, UNDER ITS ANCIENT TITLE, CELEBRATES THE WONDROUS EVENT THAT BINDS GOD AND HUMANITY FOREVER.
MAY WE IMITATE MARY’S
GENEROUS AND TRUSTING COMMITMENT WHEN SHE GAVE HERSELF FULLY TO GOD.
'PANEL FROM DUCCIO'S MAESTÀ ALTARPIECE IN SIENA, ITALY: THE ANNUNCIATION' NEWS & NOTES
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Committed
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THE PATH OF DISCERNMENT AND TRANSFORMATION THAT LED TO MY VOWS & LIFE AS A SISTER BY SR. VILMA ARACELY RAMOS GUTIÉRREZ, CCVI
With my final profession of vows on January 15, 2021, I feel fully identified with the Congregation and very grateful for the opportunities I have been given, all these wonderful gifts. That day, when the priest, Father Víctor, said my name for the blessing, I felt very grateful and when I received the ring, I was very moved since it represented my commitment to be faithful in perpetual love to God. Through many years of prayer and service, I have built a path of love that brings me closer to those most in need who seek relief in my hands. This is my vocation story. I am Sr. Vilma Aracely Ramos Gutiérrez. I was born in the village of El Guayabo, municipality of Olopa, Chiquimula Department in Guatemala. I am the youngest of six children. My parents are the late Laureana Gutiérrez García and Santiago Ramos Castillo. I was raised to be grateful for everything I had, and always to pray. NEWS & NOTES
SR.VILMA - THE PATH OF LOVE I first thought of becoming a Sister in the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, on a Sunday afternoon in November 2001. My sister Ileana Ramos attended a Celebration of the Word in my community, and when she returned home she told us Sister Vicenta Miranda was going to pay us a visit. She also had learned the Sisters had a Student House in Esquipulas, and gave scholarships to young women interested in religious life. This caught my attention. I asked my sister to please speak with Sr. Vicenta on my behalf to see if there might be an opportunity for me to attend Casa Claudio. When Sr. Vicenta made her visit to my house she asked me if I wanted to be a Woman Religious, and I immediately said “YES!” My father agreed that I should continue studying and would support me. My mother was quiet about my decision, but, deep down, I knew she supported me. My inspiration to pursue a life as a Sister began in earnest when I was a student at Casa Claudio in Esquipulas. I met the residents of El Hogar de Mi Hermano for the first time. (El Hogar de Mi Hermano is one of the Congregation’s ministries that serves the elderly.) Seeing these older persons in need was a very moving experience. I soon overcame my initial reserve and fears in this new environment. Before long, I grew to feel a part of the ministry and identify with the Sisters. I admired them deeply, and during that three-year period of study and ministry, my desire to learn more about the charism and spirituality of the Congregation grew. The process of getting to know the Congregation more thoroughly started after I graduated as an Intercultural Elementary School Teacher and returned home to work to support my family. Back home, I joined Sr. Juana Margarita Flores in her work in the community. By the end of the year, I was presented with a surprising situation that required me to make a difficult
My mother, Laureana Gutiérrez García, and father, Santiago Ramos Castillo
decision. In December 2007, I was offered a contract from Guatemala’s Ministry of Education to continue working as a teacher. The same month, I also received a Letter from the CCVI Formation Team accepting me to the formation process to become a Sister! Believe it or not, both letters asked for my commitment on the same day! With two paths now open before me, I spent some days in discernment, searching for signals from my heart to guide me. NEWS & NOTES
SR. VILMA, CON'T In the end, I made the decision to continue listening to my calling. Now, when I look back, I admire my courage and perseverance because I chose to follow my dream and God’s plan for me to be a different and extraordinary woman. I have incorporated prayer into being faithful, persevering, and in my practice of new methods of meditation. This has allowed me to feel connected to the universal church and the signs of the times and to be able to respond to the mission.
"The example of Mary, mother of the Incarnate Word, as a humble servant of the Lord, invites me to be docile to the Spirit, it has fostered in me a tender, compassionate love, for which I can give joyful service in being a gospel of love through my commitment to the Congregation, and with others." - Sr. Vilma
Sr. Vilma as a student at Casa Claudio (left), with family upon graduation, and in her first discernment retreat with the Congregation.
The example of Mary, mother of the Incarnate Word, as a humble servant of the Lord, invites me to be docile to the Spirit. It has fostered in me a tender, compassionate love, with which I can give joyful service in being a gospel of love through my commitment to the Congregation, and with others. Community life is another aspect of my vocation which I have grown to love. It is a wonderful gift from God, allowing me to share my gifts and empowering me for the mission. I have integrated prayer and community life into joyful service in the ministries; it is an experience that gives me life and makes me feel like a CCVI, following the example of Monsignor Claude Marie Dubuis and the first three sisters. In 2020 I started preparing for my perpetual vows in the Verbo Encarnado Convent, Zona 1, Guatemala City, with the accompaniment of Sr. María Magdalena Rodríguez Ortiz, Director of Formation. I felt the love of the Incarnate Word in a unique and wonderful way.
NEWS & NOTES
"During the litanies, I felt connected and an immense joy filled my heart when I realized I walk and live always accompanied by the Incarnate Word and the entire Congregation." - Sr. Vilma The pandemic was for me an opportunity to learn many things, to connect with myself, practice my creativity, meditate and enjoy, and learn about the history of the Congregation. The Eucharist was celebrated on January 15 at Casa de Retiros Verbo Encarnado, Aldea Pachali Santiago Sacatepéquez. That day I felt a deep joy in celebrating my commitment, which also coincided with the Feast of the Black Christ of Esquipulas. It was a very special day for me. Even though my family and some of my Sisters of the Congregation could not be there in person, I felt the presence of the Spirit that accompanied me through our prayer. I thank all the Sisters who accompanied me during my formation process, the communities of Convento la Anunciación, Comunidad Verbo Encarnado, Zona 1. They were the ones who prepared the food, the place, the Eucharist and the artistic presentation. It was a great blessing.
Sr. Vilma Ramos, with Postulants Maruca Ramírez and Maudilia Mejía
NEWS & NOTES
A YEAR OF INDUSTRIOUSNESS AND PATIENCE
Lunar New Year 2021 BY SR. SYMPHONIE GIAO-HUONG NGOC NGO, CCVI
The Sisters celebrated the Lunar New Year on Feb. 5th with great flare. This year is the Year of the Buffalo. The Buffalo symbolizes industriousness and patience, a strong sense of patriotism for the country, ambitions for life, and the significance of family and career. Sr. Kim Tran prepared many delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes. We also had a buffalo bar, which was served with gladness by Sr. Kevina (aka Ms. Bouquet) and her companions. The entertainment continued with the fan dance, Tet’s trivia, and the international fashion show. Everyone enjoyed the food, entertainment, and fellowship. Afterward, some Sisters stayed for the movie, “Soul”, which is about a jazz pianist who has a neardeath experience and gets stuck in the afterlife, contemplating his choices and regretting the existence he took for granted. It was a wonderful opportunity to see and share the blessings of the New Year with the Sisters from different communities. May God continue to bless each of us in the New Year with peace, joy, and love.
NEWS & NOTES
NEWS & NOTES
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BY MARIE O’MALLEY, CEO OF CARRIGORAN HOUSE, CO. CLARE, IRELAND
The original video was first posted in South Africa last September; the song “Jerusalema” was released by South African musicians Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode in 2019, with much of the lyrics in Zulu. The global challenge began after the Angolan dance troupe Fennomen’s do Semba shot a video of themselves dancing to the song in February. The video is set in a backyard in Luanda, where they break into a group dance, all the while eating lunch from plates in their hands. The dance has become a viral sensation performed at police stations, hospitals, restaurants and many public places across the world. Even priests, nuns and monks from Zimbabwe to Montreal have taken part. Here at Carrigoran House, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, we got together to create our video so we could join with the spirit worldwide and in particular to show the spirit that is Carrigoran House during the most challenging times of the pandemic. The video shows employee pride and joy in our service which everybody worked so hard to put together. The Sisters, residents, their families and the employees experienced such joy, fun and laughter, not to mention the excitement of all during the production. This was achieved alongside the everyday work and care of the team here in Carrigoran who have excelled themselves in keeping the centre COVID free to-day. We hope you enjoy. https://www.facebook.com/110942583648709/videos/2198722900262599
NEWS & NOTES
Growing in Christ through Ministry Sisters Sharon, Juana and Benedetta are second-year CCVI novices. Each novice participates in a significant ministry experience as part of the discernment process leading up to their First Profession of Vows, God willing, later this year. Please remember them in prayer.
"THIS EXPERIENCE FILLS ME WITH JOY AS WE BRING RELIEF AND HEALING TO OUR COMMUNITY."
Assisting in the fight against COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. BY SR. SHARON APIYO ANAM, CCVI
Being part of the CHRISTUS Mobile Unit staff as a volunteer has given me a whole range of new experiences and learnings. I feel grateful for this opportunity to open and widen my knowledge and skills as I reach out to the community we serve in Houston. I have had the privilege to work as a team member with our staff since December 2020, thus helping me to learn different skills from each one of them and from the trainings about vaccination and data entry into the system. Reaching out to persons from different race, age, ethnicity, social status and nationality helps me to extend the healing ministry of Jesus to the people we serve. Our main focus is on vaccination to prevent people from acquiring “vaccine preventable” ailments. Working in the mobile unit has enabled me to travel to different parts of Houston, including: Harris County, Conroe-Sleepy Hollow, Bethel Baptist Church, the Mexican Consulate, the mission northwest, Moran health center, YES Prep northwest, Alliance of new Americans, Trini Mendenhall community center, House of Help, St. Mary’s clinic, CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare, Villa de Matel and other places in order to provide vaccination services. We give influenza shots, children’s vaccines and COVID -19 Moderna vaccines. I have been entrusted with giving vaccine information statement, health messages concerning a particular vaccine to a person receiving or inquiring about it, and providing clarification on any question or concern the clients have; giving a post vaccination card with a return date for the next dose; encouraging and reassuring them, and assisting with data entry into the system. I have also had a chance to assist with vision and ear check-up at Presbyterian elementary school which was a wonderful opportunity to remind myself of what I had learned previously in school. I have learned a little bit of Spanish as I relate with client and staff around me and I believe that through our sharing, those I have encountered have learned something from me and from the clinic. This experience fills me with joy as we bring relief and healing to our community. I thank God for the CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Clinic and the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word for making it possible for me to have my ministry experience. Many blessings to you all. “Praised be the Incarnate Word. Forever!” NEWS & NOTES
Growing in Christ through Ministry
"It is almost too much for the heart to take. "
Serving uninsured patients and the poor at CHRISTUS St. Mary's Clinic BY SR. JUANA MATÍAS TOMÁS, CCVI
My life experiences are like pieces of a puzzle that make up the ministry profile that God uses to prepare me for serving; together they bring me perspective. What I believe about God helps determine how to handle my experiences - past, present, and future. I started helping at St. Mary’s Clinic on Nov. 30 of last year. Since that time, it has been a privilege, along with some feelings of sadness, for me to encounter many patients with different illnesses who come from different countries. Of course, I am happy to hear many people speak Spanish, my primary language. Many individuals who enter the doors of St. Mary’s are experiencing many problems and illnesses in their lives; these human beings long to be seen and heard. I am touched by how the people extend love to me each day and I feel God’s presence in them. I am committed to providing holistic personal care to these patients. That means going above and beyond to care, not just for their physical needs, but for their emotional and spiritual needs as well. The good news is that it can be as easy as saying a quick prayer or offering a comforting touch, but sometimes it is not as simple as that. When I interact with them, I imagine what it is like to be in their shoes and I ask God for wisdom to support them in the way they need it most. BECAUSE… Day by day tears are welling up inside me when I see how much turmoil, sadness, and disbelief exist; it is almost too much for the heart to take. I hear children crying and I listen to stories of why many people have come to this country -- some dying, hungry, thirsty, needy, no love given and their vacant eyes stare distantly. There are so many hurting, so many feeling hopeless, so many lost, abandoned, sick, and dying. Sometimes, I am too far away to love and give what they deserve as a human being. So, all I can do is be compassionate and assist in any way that I can. I ask God to hug these loved ones, especially those in need today, and to take away their pain -- women lost without their homes and unemployed men in despair because they have no income to support their families. Some have been separated because of floods, fires, and storms. Some have watched death take victory which has left them feeling numb. Some experience desperation; they have been left behind and they feel overwhelmed by each new tragedy. I try to support them in their tragedy and to treat them with the utmost compassion and let them know they are valued as human beings. That is why I serve and care and stand for the broken -- to help them release their feelings of emptiness, this sense of and to know their dignity as children of God. Photo byworthlessness, Sr. Christina Murphy, ccvi
NEWS & NOTES
Sr. Juana, con't. I am so grateful to have this meaningful experience. I am happy to serve God’s people, especially during this most challenging time. It has not been easy for any of us to encounter people with such grave needs. I believe God has given me the grace to continue in this calling because even in the midst of such suffering I am finding joy. I love the ministry that the congregation is doing for these people in need. I know it is challenging sometimes but trusting in God with hope I will persevere in this mission. Monsignor Dubuis, our BY SR.will RICCA CCVI founder, prayDIMALIBOT, for us. You and I are here to carry on what he started long, long ago. Praised be the Incarnate Word. Forever! Amen.
ON THE WAVES OF OUR TIME
Praised be the Incarnate Word. Forever! Amen.
In the woods at the Villa de Matel. Photo: Sr. Juana Matías Tomás,
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Growing in Christ through Ministry
"No one should judge, belittle or demean those suffering from drugs and substance abuse. Instead, we should all create awareness on how to help them. "
Sr. Benedetta is using her gifts as a teacher to assist homeless men in the education department of Open Door Mission in Houston, TX BY SR. BENEDETTA KALEKYE MALINDI, CCVI
“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word.” Revelations 3:8 Having an open door in front of you means having an opportunity before you. I joined the Open Door Mission in Houston, Texas, on January 5, 2021 as part of my ministry experience as it is a requirement for my novitiate formation program. Open Door Mission is a special home to men who are eager to admit that they are desperate and willing to make a change from the way they have been living. It is a faith- and evidence-based program dedicated to transforming the most addicted, destitute, homeless and disabled men in our communities. Every man who enters this beautiful campus has to come to the conclusion that his way of living is no longer manageable and that he is powerless over his addiction and behaviors. Through the month, I have been able to interact directly with most of the clients in the program. This has helped us to know each other which make it peaceful and joyful to work together. Not to mention the staff who are so dedicated and love their mission here. I have had many opportunities to listen to the client’s life history, to read their essays and to read their body language which has helped me to understand each client individually. My experience so far has been impressive, as I look forward to every Tuesday and Thursday to go to Open Door Mission. Since day one till today I have been experiencing great hospitality, support, and appreciation from this family. I bet you immediately that as you step foot on this ground you will be welcomed by a warm loving spirit. Spending time here I have experienced and received a spirit of healing, perseverance, endurance, forgiveness, patience, faith, hope, joy, honesty, humility, self-awareness, gratefulness, power and grace! The list is endless.
NEWS & NOTES
Sr. Benedetta con't. What makes me more humble is the client’s vulnerability, respect and receptive heart. This has been a gift for me to be able to touch their hearts with my presence and service here. Through this experience, I have learned that there is always a way out and this gives me much hope for the future. I have also experienced some disappointments, frustrations and relapse moments of the clients. It is sometimes so intense to the community when any of the clients leave the program. It becomes a moment of recollecting the memories, appreciating the grace shared and learning from the experience. This has challenged me towards the disposition of my heart for more opportunities of self-awareness and transformation. I am grateful for the wisdom I have received from each individual I have shared time with. Among the many blessings I have received from Open Door Mission these are some life lessons I have learned:
~ It is never too late to try and make things right. ~ Though we all need pillars in our lives, building our relationship with God seems to be an individual journey. ~ God opens the right door for us at the right time; it is our responsibility to walk through. ~ Take every opportunity and make the best out of it. ~ ~
Accept who you are and aim at becoming the best of you.
We are all called to be the healing presence of Jesus wherever we find ourselves.
This is one of the phrases on the walls of the Education Center: “change starts with you, in you, for you and by you; so that God can use you”. This was evident when I experienced the graduation of some of the clients. Their testimonies could tell how much transformation they have received and what their current goals are. It might not be that easy to apply the knowledge, blessings and experience received through the program but it calls one to hold on to God’s grace and seek support. I embrace every moment I spent at Open Door Mission as my moments of recovery, healing and learning, too. My message to all is: no one should judge, belittle or demean those suffering from drugs and substance abuse. Instead, we should all create awareness on how to help them. We too should be sensitive to the pain and suffering these persons go through. Although their lives might be broken inside and outside, there is still much beauty in their brokenness. I am most grateful to the congregation and to the formation program for having this period of ministry experience. I am delighted that the family of Open Door Mission's has given me this great opportunity of my life to experience different doors God keeps opening for me. Praised Be the Incarnate Word. Forever!
NEWS & NOTES
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International experience recap
COVID-19, Race Demonstrations, Travel Restrictions, a Presidential Election and Learning about the Congregation Made for a Exciting yet Somber Year for Sr. Maurine BY SR. MAURINE CHEMNUNG PANGALE,CCVI
My International Experience, which took place close to a year ago, was very enriching. On 28th November 2019, I left Kenya for the U.S, with Sr. Agnes Njoki Njeru where we arrived the following day. We were happy to be met by Srs. Mary McHale and Mary Patricia Driscoll with the driver, Howard Gordon, at the Airport. After that, we went for dinner at Villa de Matel where the Sisters including the rest of the Leadership Team were waiting to receive us. I was grateful although tired and sleepy. What marked the beginning of our international, intercultural, and inter-generational experience in the new communities and ministries is described in a summary matter in the following. I was happy to join Casa De La Paz Community where I had been welcomed earlier by Sr. Marisa Revert Font who was the community leader at the time, but had moved to Ireland by then. I was also privileged to live at De Matel Community when I was taking a National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) online program which was enriching. That experience gave me an opportunity to live in a bigger community as well as getting time to interact more with the Villa Sisters, especially during time for meals, community meetings and prayers. My community members and the Sisters at Villa played a major role by ensuring that my International Experience was a success. Through their support, I managed to visit almost all the communities, both within and outside the Villa, as well as the Beach House and Lake House. I was also engaged in important congregational activities like ARC Meetings, our corporate stand on the care of the environment, and new normal community prayers in the Villa Chapel which enabled our senior Sisters to join us online. I was privileged, too, to visit our Sisters in Saints Ann’s and Placidus communities. I also benefited from regular coaching sessions with Mary Lynch, and participated in prayers and a walk against human trafficking and the death penalty. I was also present for the funerals of five Sisters who died while I was there. These experiences filled me with different feelings. I felt happy, inspired, encouraged, and empowered because of the given opportunities. At the same time, it was sad and disappointing to learn about unfavorable events. But I am hopeful that lasting solutions can be reached especially on care of our mother earth, human trafficking and the death penalty. I was challenged to start from within by playing my part as an individual in my small way. In connection to that, working in different departments was one of the most exciting parts of my international experience. I enjoyed observing, listening and doing different types of work with different people. All the Sisters and our associates who oriented me and who worked in Ruah, Dietary, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Library, St. Mary’s Clinic, Social Concerns, and the Archives among others, were ready and willing to take me through everything that they do amid their busy schedule. All the good memories are still fresh in my mind. It was encouraging to see the CHRISTUS Core values in the Associates’ Job Cards speaking loudly through action in all the departments. NEWS & NOTES NEWS & NOTES
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That experience made me feel comfortable and I looked forward to working anywhere with anybody every day. These experiences exposed me to understanding and gaining knowledge and skills, knowing the congregation in a deeper way, interacting and working with our associates easily. The staff meetings enabled me to know how to approach things differently. I also noticed that there were similarities on some things they address with what we have in our ministries in Kenya. Job rotation, delegation, teamwork, flexibility, effective communication, hard work among others were common across all the departments. I considered all these important organizational attributes as food for thought. The Sabbatical Program at Mercy Center in Colorado Springs was one of the most important exercises for my International Experience. Our competent presenters used tools to develop personality and to promote healthy living. Some of these include Mercy Life-line, Genogram, Myers Briggs, Enneagram, Dream Exploration, Conscious Celibacy, The Mountains and Hills Retreat, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, Life Transition, among others. I was happy to be part of the process because it helped me to look deeper into my life and connect with my family background, thus increasing my self-awareness. That understanding helped me to continue thanking God for the wonder of my being. The holistic approach helped me, too, to use the content to connect my inner world with my outer reality, hence understanding other people, considering the factors that contribute to human personality. The transition also helped me to release what could be holding me back by accepting and letting go of some things in my past, appreciating my present moment and hoping for a promising future. Besides the relaxing but very important program, I enjoyed the company of the twelve colleagues from other continents especially during group work, community living and during Mass and prayers. Although Colorado was extremely cold during winter, I was happy to see snow for the first time and have the opportunity to visit the beautiful historical sites. The same applies to when I was in Houston where the Sisters were generous and kind to bring me out for different Church functions and other sites. During my first few months in the U.S, all was well and peaceful until COVID-19 struck. It spread throughout the country and broke a world record on confirmed positive cases. The loss of lives was also high. Another challenge was the loss of lives and property following the protests and demonstrations caused by the death of George Floyd. Looting and use of excessive force by the police resulted in increased tension. In addition, natural disasters like Hurricane Laura that hit Lake Charles among other places caused much damage. Finally, lead-up to the 2020 General Election, especially the Presidential Election, created tension and concern in the country. This sad news reminded me that life has its ups and downs and the importance of changing what I am able to change and accepting what I am not able to change. Otherwise, I am very happy to have successfully completed my international experience despite the challenges of COVID-19 that prevented both Sr. Agnes and me from going to Ireland. I express my sincere gratitude for all who played different roles to make the above possible. In a special way I thank our Leadership Team, the Formation Team, our Sisters and the associates for their generous contribution. May the good Lord continue to bless you in your respective ministries. PRAISED BE THE INCARNATE WORD. FOREVER! NEWS & NOTES
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Daybreak Experience BY SR. KATHLEEN DALY, CCVI
Kaleidoscope of peace, harmony, love, beauty, fragrance as you gaze at the sun, your mind, heart, and whole unfolding of life becomes one with God, Creator, Sustainer, indescribable Silent Beauty. A real unspoken transformation moment is occurring with the One God. You walk away in awe and wonder because your soul and body have become one and nothing becomes important that can change your spiritual morning experience with the Father, Son, and Spirit. My former doubts have evaporated into a mist. Racing across the sky, I am one in the Trinity. The Gospel of St. Mark has been liturgically chosen for our daily reading at Mass for the beginning of 2021. It is both instructive and consoling as Jesus begins His public ministry with His baptism by John the Baptist; selecting his Apostles, curing the sick, and instructing the people through Parables. One of my favorite parables is the Seed. St. Paul says that all things work together for good for those who love God. We may conclude that all the events, good and bad, faults and sins will work to our advantage and salvation. Our desires and goal is to daily live a life of submission to the Divine Will of God. We must trust and be ready to sacrifice everything without exception for the Glory and Praise of God. Let us conquer fear by trusting fully in “God’s Loving Providence Always.”
NEWS & NOTES
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"The dedication of those who, even in these days, are working in hospitals and health care facilities is a ‘vaccine’ against individualism and self-centredness, and demonstrates the most authentic desire that dwells in the human heart: to be close to those who are most in need and to spend oneself for them.” - Pope Francis
Sr Celeste Trahan, CCVI, VP Mission Integration, Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center, greets a centenarian patient born during the 1918 flu pandemic arriving for a COVID-19 Vaccine. "This lady graced us with her presence and confidence in getting the vaccine," Sr. Celeste said. To read the story in the in the Long Beach Press-Telegram click here.
“Charity gives life to all the virtues.” St. Catherine of Siena NEWS & NOTES
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St. Austin Center Spotlight: United Against Human Trafficking BY SR. MARGARET BULMBER, CCCVI
United Against Human Trafficking was founded in 2007 and was called Houston Rescue and Restore with a goal of educating the public about human trafficking. The name was later changed to United Against Human Trafficking and the mission and vision were expanded to meet growing needs. The organization had office space in various locations in Houston. In 2009 the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word offered them office space in St. Austin Center. They were very grateful to receive this free space and honored the Congregation for our generosity and for taking them in when they were “homeless”. They remained at St. Austin’s until 2019 when they had to move so that St. Austin’s could be renovated. Their new office is at 6671 Southwest Freeway, suite 220, Houston, Tx 77074. During this time the organization expanded, added new staff and programs to meet expanding needs. When St. Austin’s renovation was completed, the organization divided its services. Administration and education programs remained in Southwest Houston Offices and the Direct Services staff moved back to St. Austin’s. In January 2021 The Direct Services Program opened a second site at 59 Southwest Freeway and Hillcroft. This site will make client appointments, house the case managers office, client group meetings and storage space for donated items. UAHT provides a growing number of programs including education, prevention courses and workshops, direct outreach, direct services - which include their Real Talk program and a case management program which served 279 trauma survivors in 2020. UAHT is also the founder and leader of the Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition. Made up of over 50 members from around the Houston area, these groups work together to strengthen the local anti-trafficking movement. To read the group's 2020 impact report, click here.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT 1 (888) 373-7888
NEWS & NOTES
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Ice
and
snow,
bless
the
Lord
A historic winter storm blasted much of the United States the week of Feb. 15, causing power grid failures in Texas that forced millions into darkness and deadly cold. At the Villa de Matel, Sisters were without power and water for several days. Let us continue to pray for those who are still recovering from damages to their homes from bursting pipes and for those who suffered other impacts from the extreme weather. Photos: Sr. Ricca Dimalibot & Sr. Rose Scanlan.
NEWS & NOTES
Honoring
Covid-19
Victims
From February 22 through February 26, 2021, the flags at Villa de Matel, Motherhouse of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas, were flown at Half Staff as we remembered with the nation the 500,000 persons who died from COVID-19 in the United States. We pray for their eternal rest with God forever, and for those who mourn their passing.
Photo taken by Mr. Anthony Garcia, Maintenance Supervisor at Villa de Matel.
NEWS & NOTES