INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD Asia and Oceania, with unfurled sails on the sea of interculturality

NEWS REPORT Women of the Word who love without measure

SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY N° 8 Ecumenism and dialogue, MAY/AUGUST 2019 ways to peace vita più Towards the General Chapter

“Brother, if you are different from me, propose for personal and communitarian Dear readers, sister. rather than offending me, you enrich discernment. It is a look to the world On 8 May 2019, we celebrate our birthday: In this edition of VitaPiù, I wish to share me”, wrote the French author Antoine with a reflection on the intercultural 211 years of our Congregation. We en- with you an important event for our In- de Saint-Exupéry. Differences and dimension of a growing global movement tered history at the beginning of the 18th stitute to help us live in fidelity our mis- peculiarities of a person, place or of young people who are asking for a century in Italy. Little by little we extend- sion: The General Chapter. It is normally culture, do enrich us if we know how to change of step towards a more respectful ed our presence by inserting ourselves celebrated every six years and it propos- place ourselves in the right perspective: and sustainable globalization of the es to be a search together, with a vision that of welcome and openness. In an environment; a recall of our brothers in various nations and peoples, sharing encounter we can risk the self and and sisters who have lost their lives in their story, their reality, and walking with that embraces the world with the most discover that the other is gift. This is the Easter attacks in Sri Lanka and a them urged by the desire to make known adequate paths in this historical mo- why in this second edition of VitaPiù thought on the apostolic exhortation and to offer the most beautiful gift: Jesus, ment. It is a multicultural gathering in 2019, we continue to deepen the themes “Christus Vivit”. For the first time, we the Son of God, who humanizes and re- which, more than 70 sisters representing of interculturality. In our journey we will offer excerpts and suggestions for veals the beauty and true meaning of life. the whole Canossian world, will partici- arrive in Asia and Oceania, the first reflection also from the web, and finally, In these last two centuries, our response pate. It will be celebrated in Rome from 5 continents outside of Europe towards the commitment of the Canossian has sought to be faithful to the mandate March to 5 April 2020. which the Canossian missionary passion Foundation VOICA for the human of Jesus: “Go into the whole world…”. A In the Chapter we will consider together set out - a melting pot of peoples and promotion of the person in the world mandate that Magdalene has made her what is the significance of our presence 2 cultures where intercultural encounters beginning from the weakest, and of the in today’s world; which are to be our re- 3 are forged. Through interviews, we have projects that need our support. Enjoy own and has passed on to us, her Daugh- plies to meet the objectives we propose gathered experiences and reflections your reading! ters. This mandate, that from the be- from the Canossian communities spread ginning has been lived in collaboration ourselves; what is to be our fidelity to the throughout the East. Meanwhile, with the laity, traces an unending path charism that we have received as gift, be- the Canossian world has entered an that doesn’t end but extends in time and sides other aspects regarding the life of important phase that will bring us to the brings us towards suffering humanity, to- the Institute. Further, during the Chap- next General Chapter of which we will wards the world’s peripheries to continue ter, also the sisters that will form the next tell you the theme and stages that the to “make Jesus known and loved”. This General Council will be elected. It will be present General Council has chosen to Paolo Bovio expression, so often repeated by us, has responsible for promoting the new orien- always had a pressing invitation. tations by animating the sisters and the It is the spiritual, cultural and educa- laity who with us share in our ministries. tional challenge that has always existed. Please accompany us with your prayer VITA PIÙ OWNERSHIP General House of the Canossian Embraced by Magdalene and, over these that we may live this year of preparation Daughters of Charity in universal communion and because, an- RESPONSIBLE DIRECTOR Paolo Bovio two hundred years, by each one of us. It N. 8 - MAY – AUGUST 2019 CONCEPT AND GRAPHICS Studio Bertin is founded on trust in humanity that, in imated by the same Spirit, we might live EDITING Paolo Bovio spite of negative and at times degrading our mission in all nations and cultures. Authorized by the Tribunal of Rome COMMUNICATION TEAM, experiences, it can always restart with a The Institute is a great Family that de- N. 52/87, 6 February 1987 CANOSSIAN INSTITUTE sires to walk united in the same Spirit Sandra Maggiolo (Assistant General) new way of life and regenerate itself with along the paths of the world. Maria Grazia Bongarzone (Coordinator) God’s grace and the help of a brother or Paolo Bovio (Operations Manager)

www.canossian.org infocanossiane Sr Annamaria Babbini Congregational Leader infocanossiane youtube vita Index più

AN IMAGINERY INTERVIEW P. 6 NEWS P. 35

A missionary heart that is still beating Sri Lanka, an “Interview” of Sr Maria Stella, pioneer of the Canossian missions Easter of suffering Sr Sandra Maggiolo United in prayer for the Christians MESSAGGE martyred on the “Pearl of the ocean” PAGES OF LIFE P. 9 PAGES OF LIFE P. 12

Missionary Roots He is alive, and he wants you alive SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY P. 36 Ecumenism and dialogue, Faces, episodes, curiosities from Apostolic Exhortation intercultural paths to peace et us remember the historic and iconic gestures of the past. In L1964, Pope Paul VI embraced Athenagoras, the Patriarch of Con- Canossian history “Christus Vivit” puts us back on the stantinople. In 1986, Pope John Paul II promoted a meeting of religious leaders in Assisi. Pope Francis, on his Ecumenism and dialogue, various trips, has met the Patriarch Kirill in Cuba in 2016, the shaykh journey al-Tayyih, the Great Imam, in the mo- PAGES OF LIFE sque al-Azhar in Cairo in 2017. Even Canossian Sisters all over the world intercultural paths live such wonderful occasions in their daily lives.

Ecumenical dialogue between different Christian confessions and inter-reli- gious dialogue with those of other wor- to peace 4 ld faiths is evermore necessary in a 5 INTERVIEW 36 world made of intercultural exchange 37 P. 14 PERSONALITY and occasions for encounter. Dialogue P. 28 is, in fact, an authentic witness that religions may invite people today to ask themselves the vital questions CANOSSIAN WORLD about meaning, encourage inquiry and openness to mystery. Discover the ultimate value of the human person and rescue him from the logic of profit and utility. Precisely because he is hu- man and as such encloses within self a fragment of the divine mystery. Our humanity is common to all, whatever With unfurled sails on the our faith or non-faith, whatever our culture, nationality or ethnic origin. Dialogue is a way of witnessing we can live together, we can respect our dif- Greta Thunberg ferences and we can seek har- sea of diversity mony and build peace together. A society in which individual identity is not eliminated, but appreciated precisely because of positive relationships.

PERSONALITYRSON EVENTS P. 38

CALENDAR READINGS P. 3 0 EVENTS Suggestions on-line NEWS P. 32 and off-line VOICA P. 4 0 Women of the Word who NEWS P. 34 From the young girls love without measure At the Way of the Cross with Francis, and boys, future guests with “all the crosses of the world” of our new “Lord Jesus, help us to see in boarding Your Cross all the crosses of the world” school at Laripani AN IMAGINERY INTERVIEW vita più A missionary heart that is still beating “Interview” of Sr Maria Stella, pioneer of the Canossian missions

r Maria Stella, we already know those faces, in those hands moved by Maria Stella, a few years later we find ‘firstborn of charity’ who Fr Raimondi some things“ about you. We know the heart always extended towards you leaving for Hong Kong. Tell us... baptized with the name of Maria Sthat you were born in Milan, in others. There was a sister who was “ON 27 February 1860, I left with Angela Francesca. I remember that 1833, of parents that were “Christians, never at peace: Sr Luigia Grassi, other five Canossian companions that while one of us was cuddling her in her of a true Lombardy brand” as it was the Superior of the community. With Sr Grassi called ‘a thousand times arms, another was running to prepare then said. Mother Dagnino related to an open mind, burning with love for blessed’! We set sail from Trieste her food and we would alternate for you a young woman, determined and God and for neighbour, whether men where the anchors of the ship ‘America’ prayer and house chores. When we lively, with a rich, creative personality, or women, she was always ready to were lifted, as we left Italy. After the of strong will and audacious in doing run to their assistance as long as goodbyes came the homesickness, good. Your parish priest, Don Alberto she could save their soul and body. seasickness, risks, vicissitudes of De Capitani D’Arzago, parish priest of So contagious was this desire for the crossing, the unexpected arrival “St Mary at the Door”, Milan, wrote in the salvation of souls that the whole and the precarious accommodation… 1852 to Monsignor Ramazzotti, Bishop community followed her as in one difficult experiences that never took of Pavia, “What a precious acquisition body doing good to others. I will never away the joy in our hearts. We began the Institute of the Canossian forget the experience that we lived the school and other activities. Soon Daughters of Charity would make in that hot summer of 1855, when local young women joined us, among in accepting a certain young woman, the cholera broke out with furious them Emily Bowring, the Governor’s 6 Maria Stella” in his diocese. devastation. There came from the daughter. In this way the works of 7 Bishop the request to assist the sick charity grew and, like the loaves in Tell us, how did you understand that of cholera. Sr Luigia invited us to the Gospel, they multiplied. One of the the Canossian sisters were made for you freely give in writing our availability. realities, that very quickly challenged and you for them? The whole community offered itself us, was that of one’s birthright. I will “I was 20 years of age when I presented ‘spontaneously and freely’ to go to the explain. If the first child was a girl, myself to the Canossians in Pavia! It leper hospital and attend to the sick she had to be immediately removed was 1853. The house where they lived with the plague. We would alternate and abandoned or handed over to had only been opened ten months, one another in going to that place and anyone who wanted her, in order to still in need of many things. One could soon we understood that we needed prevent misfortunes on the couple that were in the new house, we would breathe a tentative atmosphere: ‘Let us to do more. If the patients were in our bore her. Baby girls could end up in receive four or five of these gifts in a give each other a hand, that one helps house, we could care for them better the hands of merchants who brought week.” the other’. I immediately understood by exchanging one another even at them up to release them as slaves or that was the community for me. I night, having more time… and so our for human trafficking. Since the very Regarding this daring charity in decided to enter, I was welcomed with house became a hospital lived in by the beginning of the mission, this caused founding houses and small dwellings, joy and I became a member of that pain but also by the joy of serving and much preoccupation to prevent such you were accused of being “absent- company”. seeing them get better. Magdalene, our evil. It was for this reason that we minded” … what do you say to this? Mother, had shown us with her life that began to open small houses scattered “It is true, but I immediately spoke Concretely, what did you like about Charity has no limits. It is like a fire around the southern part of China. of it to my dearest Mother Grassi them, about that community? that embraces everything, every pain, These newborns were then brought to in a letter dated 31 January 1881. “You know, it was a community where doesn’t fear the risk, not even to be our house in Hong Kong where they I still remember the words I wrote the dreams of my heart were confirmed infected!” were nurtured and provided with an to her: ‘If you were here, instead of by what I saw lived in that place, in education. How can one forget the opening one house a year you would AN IMAGINERY INTERVIEW PAGES OF LIFE vita più A missionary heart that is still beating

open ten!’ With her I could open my distant 12 April 1860, when Maria Missionary Roots heart in everything, completely. Her Stella, together with 5 other Canossian FACES, EVENTS, CURIOSITIES FROM CANOSSIAN HISTORY wisdom, her counsels, her spiritual companions docked on the island of guidance, were for me and for all of us Hong Kong, the Canossian pioneers light, strength, courage, consolation, realized the desire of Saint Magdalene direction, charity and maternal to become “dust” in order to make solicitude. With the collaboration of Love known, namely, to be available The beginning of the Canossian missions The sisters replied with enthusiasm re- the sisters, for love of God and of our humanity to the wind of the Spirit who is a story that we have listened to many lying on what was concretely possible. neighbour we threw ourselves into renders Love visible, real and operative times. Yet, in rummaging inside the or- Incidentally, we also recall that Angelo dinary account of that heroic beginning, Ramazzotti was also outstanding in his arduous works. Between 1871 and 1890 everywhere! there always emerge new aspects, proba- support of the Canossian Sons of Char- we established 15 centres of missionary A single-minded woman, enterprising, bly remaining hidden. It’s like gleaning to ity. In fact, he saw the great good they activity, but when I say ‘centres’ don’t resolute, forgetful of self, sister rediscover and gather those aspects that did in the oratory of St Giobbe in Venice, think of big establishments. When Maria Stella lavished herself to the normally remain unseen. their Institute having been canonically I speak of ‘a small rented house’, it consummatum est, especially when, The promoter of such a great enterprise approved even if consisting of only 5 means small or big huts exposed to after the death of Mother Lucia members. A few days before his death, the uncertainties of tomorrow with the Cupis, she was elected Superior for 26 on 24 September 1861, finding himself presence of two sisters, some tertiary or years! From this great heart of hers in Crespano del Grappa, he received the only of some women or families.” there were born the foundations of news that he was to be made Cardinal in Macau, East Timor, India, Singapore, a pending consistory. He replied by ask- How were you able to realize all of this Malaysia. There were fifteen centres ing to be exempted because he didn’t have with an almost total lack of means? of missionary activities opened by the money to pay for his red apparel. He “I tried not to be disheartened Maria Stella with her sisters between 8 had spent all his patrimony to assist the 9 and besides, we were prepared for 1887 and 1890. She greatly esteemed victims of a famine. uncertainties from the first day we the local sisters and was particularly Let us now see the reply of the Canossian docked at Hong Kong, that means enthusiastic of the Chinese and Sisters following the request of the Patri- the “Perfumed Port”. The perfume of Portuguese sisters. Maria Stella made arch. Both M. Luigia Grassi in Pavia and providence was constant. I remember herself servant of that Love that was Monsignor Angelo Ramazzotti, Patri- M. Francesca Lucca in Venice motivated that in times of greatest hunger I anticipates, making herself a mother arch of Venice from 1858 to his death. His the sisters with missionary passion so would repeat to myself, ‘With the bag for the dignity of the little ones and successor, the future John XXIII defined that all were disposed to depart. At that of Providence hung in Heaven we can of those who lived at the margins him “a Pastor according to the Heart moment, Venice could only offer two sis- provide for everything’. We lacked of society. She made of her heart a of God” and desired his canonization, a ters, “the widow’s mite”. The city had not everything. How many appeals, how welcoming home, a place for those desire that is about to happen. In fact, in entirely overcome the consequences of the many calls for help in the letters sent who were learning to grow, to become 2015, Pope Francis signed the declara- siege of 1848-1849 that brought her to the to Mother Luigia. How many times I adults. tion of his heroic virtues. In 1850, Msgr ground. The sisters “given on loan” from pleaded with her that she would send Angelo Ramazzotti founded in Milan the the other Houses had already returned to me some sisters.” She was born with the mission in her Seminary for the Foreign Missions that, their respective communities. In Venice, Dearest sister Stella, it has been very heart, so much so that she realized in 1926, was combined with the Roman there only remained those two treasures beautiful to hear of your experience various educational works - the Seminary to become the PIME (Pontifical offered for an undetermined time by the from your missionary heart, of all that Catechumenate, the Orphanage, the Institute of Foreign Missions). In 1858, community of Brescia. They were Sr you have lived with deep passion for School, the Home for the sick. the priests of the Milanese Seminary Francesca Lucca, the Superior and Sr the Kingdom. Now you will listen to Maria Stella was 85 years old, of which opened their mission in Hong Kong, after Lucia Cupis, her assistant and Mistress what, reading from excerpts from your she had spent 57 years in the mission, which, the presence and the collaboration of Novices. numerous letters, has remained in our when on 23 September 1917 she left of religious sisters became desirable. It It was clear that the novice Claudia Com- hearts as an inspiration and challenge this earth to shine like “an eternal star was natural for Ramazzotti to turn to pagnotti, whose vocation ad gentes could for our mission. Beginning from that in the heavens”. the Canossian Sisters in the community not be doubted, was also destined to de- of Venice and Pavia where he had been part. She was born in Pavia and entered SR SANDRA MAGGIOLO Bishop from 1850 to 1858. the convent when she was very young PAGES OF LIFE vita più Missionary Roots

in her native city. She later transferred ria Stella (27 years), Sr Giuseppina Test- details). In 1885 she returned to Italy, to the Novitiate in Venice to be in pole era (29yrs), Sr Rachele Tronconi (33yrs), perhaps for health reasons. She then at- position at the first sign of a departure. Sr Giovanna Scotti (22yrs). The departing tempted the foundation in Philadelphia In the freshness of her twenty years, she missionaries received the Crucifix on 23 from where she soon returned to Pavia was eager to wear the Canossian dress February 1860 and left Venice on the fol- where she died on 4 January 1904. and would profess the Holy Vows in Hong lowing day (for Trieste). They arrived in Kong. Sr Lucia Cupis was very much in- Hong Kong on 12 April. And now we have Sr Giovanna Scotti left from Pavia at volved in subduing the enthusiasm of the a snapshot of these pioneers. only 22 years of age. She suffered much young sisters and was busy preparing all on the journey and on arriving in Hong that was needed for them, oblivious that Sr Lucia Cupis. Assigned to guide the Kong she immediately applied herself to one of the two sisters would be her very group at the last moment, she had to the study of Portuguese. She progressed self. run against time to farewell her sister quickly and was able to dedicate her- Meanwhile, towards the middle of Febru- and brother and in two days prepare self to catechesis. She carried out many ary 1860, Mother Grassi arrived in Venice all that was needed for such a distant chores in the house and was very enthusi- with five sisters, among them the group’s mission that was so different. Soon after ditions, but is some prodigious way she astic of her missionary vocation. Perhaps leader. When she presented herself to the the arrival, the school already started on managed to recover. She died much later, she had a premonition of her premature Patriarch to submit the names of these 1 May making miracles of charity and always in Hong Kong, on 23 September death. Initially, she seemed to adapt rath- missionary aspirants whom he knew dedication. Apart from the House in Hong 1917 at 85 years of age and 57 years of er easily to the climate, but in almost less since his time in Pavia, he seemed in- Kong, Lucia Cupis also founded that in mission. than two years from her arrival in Hong spired to deny his consent for the depar- Hankow on mainland China (1868). The Kong she felt a great pain in her chest, at ture of the oldest sister who was destined difficulties and hardships she had to bear Sr Rachele Tronconi was born at Pavia the time incurable. She died on 8 Septem- 10 to be the Superior of the new House. He heavily affected her health but did not in November 1826. She entered the novi- ber 1867 at only 29 years of age. She was 11 felt that, beside health problems, she prevent her to make a new foundation tiate at Pavia in September 1853. In 1860 the first Canossian sister to be buried in would struggle to adapt to the climate in Wanchai, on the island of Hong Kong. she left for Hong Kong and in 1868, with Happy Valley. and the different culture. The opinion of Instead, her premature death was caused the new foundation in Hankow, she was the Patriarch was interpreted as a sign of by two blood clots at a distance of a few chosen as the Superior. After nine years Claudia Compagnotti. We already God’s will. At that point, Sr Lucia Cupis months. She died in Hong Kong on 10 as community leader, she returned to know of her departure from Venice when felt within her a strong inspiration to of- October 1869. She was 49 years old, nine Hong Kong where she generously ended she was still a novice. On 25 July she fer herself for that mission and her forty of these being spent in total dedication for her earthly life on 12 January 1898. made her Religious Profession in Hong years of age were neither too many nor the cause of the Gospel in mission land. Kong. She was responsible for the school too little. She received the approval from Sr Giuseppina Testera, originally from and the infirmary. When in 1895 Sr Don Pietro Cagliaroli, secretary of the Sr Maria Stella was born on 28 July the outskirts of Pavia, was the one who Stella relinquished her role, Sr Claudia Patriarch and the extraordinary Confes- 1833 in Milan. She entered the House of suffered most seasickness on the journey became the Superior of the central House sor of the community, as well as from the Pavia in 1853 and three years later she to the East. In Hong Kong she was re- in Hong Kong from 1900 to 1905 without Patriarch himself. pronounced the Holy Vows. In 1860 she sponsible for the kitchen and the orphan- completing her second three-year term, It is heartening to notice how the Canos- was sent to Hong Kong with the first ex- age. In her correspondence to Sr Luigia interrupted by her death. With her beau- sian mission was born with the collabo- pedition of Canossian sisters to the Far Grassi in May 1860, she writes about the tiful character, she was able to heal the ration of two houses, spreading like an East. Despite her frail health, she became first little girls and of two sisters who misunderstanding with the Bishop of oil stain throughout all the then existing Superior after the death of Sr Lucia Cu- were daughters of martyrs. Their parents Hong Kong that began in 1894 when Sr communities in Italy. What is inherent to pis. In 1876 and 1885 she returned to were killed for having hidden in their Maria Stella had left, against his will, for the charism of charity is of necessity ex- Italy for a few months, primarily for her home a missionary, who himself would the foundation of Singapore… The sisters posed by the communion of purpose and health. Being Superior of the House of also be martyred in Canton. In another in Macau would have been able to carry the synergy of the action. On 27 February Hong Kong, Sr Stella was the point of call letter of the same month she continues: on by themselves! Let us remain with the 1860, the first six Canossian missionaries for all the requests for new foundations. “There are 18 orphan (girls). Of these memory of Sr Claudia Compagnotti, an set out from Venice. Besides those already She always tried to give a positive reply. one is crippled; another is blind but very excellent “astisan of peace”. named, Sr Lucia Cupis and the novice, In February and November 1888, she intelligent and above all, very interested Claudia Compagnotti, there were Sr Ma- found herself in very serious physical con- in religion… (she continues with many PAGES OF LIFE vita più “He is alive, and he wants you alive” The Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit” returns us on the journey

o follow Jesus Christ – crucified, the steps that have led us to this point. condition”. But what is it and what occasion of encounter. How is all this risen and alive – is the way for Let us briefly recall them. From the does “Christus Vivit” contain? First of possible? The Pope reminds us of “three Thuman life to be fully lived. This journey of listening and sharing that, all, it is a letter addressed in a special great truths that we all have the need to is the message that Pope Francis, once throughout the whole of 2018 brought way to young people. For this reason, hear always, and many times.” The first again, puts to us with enthusiasm, in us to the Synod and on which the in many occasions the Pope addresses is that “God loves you”. The message the post-synodal exhortation “Christus Canossian family chose last year to focus himself directly to young people with is of a disarming simplicity, and yet Vivit”, promulgated at the beginning of its reflection with the three editions of the common use of ‘you’. It is a style it is the critical point of the Christian April. The Pope confirms that he allowed “VitaPiù”; through the intense challenge that is characteristic in all the meetings message – to live knowing that we are himself to be “inspired by the richness of lived in the XV Ordinary General of Francis with young people, a style loved. From this derives the second the reflections and from the dialogues at Assembly of the Synod on the theme of proximity, freshness, simplicity, truth: “Out of love, Christ has given the Synod”. He calls for a “down-to-earth “Young people, faith and vocational tenderness and affection. Among these himself to the end to save you.” No one pastorality of young people” prepared discernment”; to the joy of the World young people – noted by Pope Francis is left behind; no one is “too little”. The to change beginning from its capacity to Youth Day experienced at Panama and himself – there are not only believers third truth that grounds and exalts the “collect the vision and even the criticisms to this text. According to what Cardinal but also non-believers, those who don’t other two: “Jesus Christ lives”. of young people”. It is a concern that Lorenzo Baldisseri presented at the know Jesus Christ and his Church but The pope’s words open us decisive cannot leave our Canossian family press conference, (this exhortation) are, nonetheless, searching. In short, the reflections, also for our Canossian family indifferent, especially for those involved “will constitute for the near future principle approach is that of an inclusive walking towards the General Chapter. in ministering to them, but also all those the ‘magna carta’ of the pastoral and ministry, able to welcome everyone and Commitment. Mission, Discernment. Are who are involved in the education of vocational ministry to young people in overcome every form of elitism. With the we ready, as Francis invites us, to “fly 12 young people, particularly in the school. the various ecclesial communities, all to apostolic exhortation, Francis proposes with our feet”? 13 “Christus Vivit” relaunches the Church’s be affected – although in various ways to young people an alliance, an invitation journey for young people, with young according to the different latitudes – to collaborate and build a better future, people, and is the important fruit of by a profound transformation in their especially in the areas recognised by the Synod assembly as being crucial to the life of the Church and society: the digital world, migrants, the painful situation of abuses. This cannot be hidden, and the Pope doesn’t hide this: young people of today are young in a world in crisis, a crisis that is derived from violence, N°N° 4 5 FEBBRAIOGIUGNO / /APRILE SETTEMBRE N° 4 20182018 FEBBRAIO / APRILE persecutions, abuses, addictions, and all 2018 INCHIESTA MONDO CANOSSIANO INCHIESTA MONDO CANOSSIANO INCHIESTA MONDO CANOSSIANO CostruiamoGiovani e frontiere ponti verso i giovani Costruiamo ponti verso i giovani

REPORTAGEREPORTAGE kinds of exclusions. The answer can’t GiovaniOltre i confini e politica REPORTAGE Giovani e politica SOCIAL FOTOGRAFICO SOCIALObiettivi FOTOGRAFICO per lo sviluppo Giovanisostenibile e servizio SOCIAL FOTOGRAFICO be apathy, dispersion, the surrender Giovani e servizio to a loss of sensitivity that stops at appearance, superficiality and shuts its eyes to all that is despised, ugly, poor, rejected. There is an antidote. Francis points to it in a sublime way: to see reality through JOURNEYING

N° 6 N° 4 OTTOBRE 2018 / FEBBRAIO / APRILE GENNAIO 2019 eyes full of tears. The tears that tell 2018

INCHIESTAINCHIESTA MONDO MONDO CANOSSIANO CANOSSIANO CostruiamoStorie di vocazione ponti verso i giovani of the capacity to deeply perceive the REPORTAGE WITH YOUNG REPORTAGEDa Hong Kong per una Giovaninuova missionarietàe politica

SOCIAL FOTOGRAFICO SOCIALLe parole FOTOGRAFICO del Sinodo injustices of the world and to hear its Giovani e servizio plea, to feel the pain of others as our PEOPLE own pain, to accept our wounds as an INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più

With unfurled sails For a culture of encounter on the sea of diversity ast Timor is a small island that When we speak of culture we think gained its independence only of the dignity and identity of every The journey of VitaPiù in the archipelago that teems with diversity. world of interculturality and in the The ecumenical commitment of the Ein 2002. It possesses a robust human being. When people meet, each interculturality of the world continues, Christian denominations in Malaysia historical and cultural patrimony, person knows that in observing these arriving in Asia and Oceania, parts for the respect of human rights. The saturated with human values that have values the outcome is love, respect, of the world marked from always intercultural DNA of Hong Kong. The been passed on from one generation to peace, progress and prosperity in the by the meetings and exchanges Canossian presence in India beside the next. intercultural dimension of life. among peoples, cultures and various the least, like leaven in the dough, Before the arrival of missionaries We too as Canossian sisters take part languages. It is here that, beginning in the midst of a thousand cultures in East Timor, the Timorese people in the diversity in unity of culture with the landing of the Canossian and beliefs. The intercultural mission had already a system of governance and in the unity of its diversity. pioneers at Hong Kong and in China in Australia celebrating 70 years. and some rules. It was a system that This, because we come from different in the 1860s, that the Canossian The fruit of a journey of reflection on directed the life of the people. In this cultures, but we have one aim – to family experienced the dimension of intercultural education carried out by a system there was also a local culture or make Jesus known and loved. This interculturality for the first time in its group of young sisters from around the rather, various diverse cultures. They desire of Magdalene is our point of history. So very rich are the experiences world in Italy this year, taking in Rome and the stories of the Canossian and Verona. were different but they held in common departure and arrival. As Canossian communities of the Provinces and Diversity is an element that continues the value of unity in their diversity and sisters, we try to be anchored to the Delegations in Asia and Oceania that to strongly connote the presence of diversity in their unity. In fact, every charism and the spirituality of our tribe has to pass on orally their story Foundress so as to be salt for the 14 we have collected in this “Interview on our family and represents a true 15 the Canossian world”. enrichment for the whole Institute. from one generation to the next; every earth and light for the world in the The accompaniment of the “small The contributions that the sisters have kingdom has its musical tradition, multicultural context of today. Our herd” of the Japanese Church where sent us, describe this richness through dance and art and there is a traditional presence must become more real Christians are a such a minority. different and significant contexts wisdom in staying together to survive. and dynamic in the intercultural The significance of interculturality in and stories. Let us know it and be But what is culture? Why do we need dimension, in tune with the mystery of East Timor. Indonesia, an enormous challenged. cultural values? Culture is the bond Christ Crucified. of values, signs, symbols, and customs In the context of East Timor, we of the people. Therefore, everyone has Canossian sisters try to be a strong to respect the dignity, the identity and sign of unity while we seek to respect the sharing of all of this with the other the local culture, wherever we are. tribes in the understanding that when Tolerance of differences, welcome, we share, we gain an abundance of sharing, the language of love, these are wisdom. In knowing my culture enables the keys to feeling at home in every me to know and appreciate the culture place. These are the values that we of others, considering that no culture must nurture if we are to live in peace is superior to another. Every culture in our common house and in our service has the same value from the past to the as Daughters of Charity. EAST TIMOR P. 15 JAPAN P. 16 INDONESIA P. 18 present. Further, culture is a mirror in which I can see my life. Hence, the MALESYA P. 19 HONG KONG P. 2 0 INDIA P. 2 2 respect for the dignity of every person.

INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION P. 2 3 AUSTRALIA P. 26 EAST TIMOR Sr Elsa de Jesus da Silva INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più

A minority building bridges Announcing Jesus in Japan, today

o make Jesus known to be from Syria, some are even given hospi- young people. There are in fact two are- differences in trying to be as much as loved” is the passion that tality in houses run by religious congre- as of youth ministry. One area consists possible docile to the Holy Spirit, the “Tburns in the heart of all those gations. of mostly young Japanese, the other, only one capable to give us unity in who have inherited the fire of Mag- There is the hope that the influx of foreigners. The difficulty of walking the diversity – a work not always easy. dalene. The modalities and cultural migrants will continue and grow be- together shows itself in various fields. We know it and experience it, but if expressions vary with the passing of cause Japan, in need of workers, is Firstly, in how one thinks, understands we are journeying always seeking the time, but the Holy Spirit always finds opening the migration politics simply and expresses the faith. Then there is common good and the will of God in our new ways to send us on mission with to welcome anyone who wants to come the language. The majority of young renewed strength and parrhesia. to work, especially in the three areas Japanese don’t speak a second language The social and demographic changes of of assistance to the sick (above all the fluently; at the same time, many young the last ten years present us with new elderly), agriculture and construction. people who come to Japan for a time challenges in a mission that always There is also an increasing number of don’t learn Japanese and use English tends towards the non-believers who in young foreign students, bringing the instead. Conscious of this difficulty, we Japan are an immense majority in con- population, especially in the big cities try to create spaces for encounters and trast to the scarce number of the bap- where the universities and large firms sharing. Those mostly engaged are the tized. Generally, the Japanese don’t con- are concentrated, to take on a multicul- children of mixed couples, or children sider belonging to a determined religion tural look. of foreigners who have grown up in Ja- communities, we live the marvellous as something central. Rites and tradi- The Church too is an echo of this pan. It is they who very often create the experience of communion, fraternity, tions are strongly inserted in the prac- change. The small Japanese herd, bridge between the two groups. encounter and reciprocal enrichment. 16 tice of their culture that don’t imply re- less than 500,000 baptized, sees itself In 2017, the TICYG (Tokyo Interna- Necessarily, this experience passes 17 ligious membership. It is very common enriched and strengthened with the tional Youth Gathering) was initiated through the cross because we are called to hear said that a Japanese adheres to presence of a more or less equivalent for young foreigners, with an impor- to renounce to something we want, or Shintoism at birth, is a Christian when number of foreign faithful. All of this tant presence of young people from the to recognize that in the end, what I con- they marry and a Buddhist at death. consists a strong challenge, in which Philippines. During the first year the sidered important was not as evangel- This way of understanding religion the Canossian sisters are immersed activities took place mostly in English ical as I thought. It is this continuous opens the way to interreligious dialogue through the pastoral care of migrants and a scarce participation of young experience of death and resurrection and answers, at least a little, the scarci- and young people. The challenge is to Japanese. Since last year in 2018 there that makes us live the paschal joy in ty of conversions in contrast to the ener- make the journey together from multi- was a greater integration from the be- community. gies given to evangelization. culturalism to interculturality. ginning celebration. It was youthful, in- This joy of community life, experienced Presently, there are no conflicts in Ja- Let us take Tokyo. We find ourselves in ternational, or better, intercultural. The as fraternity built through the paschal pan at the level of religion. Occasions a particular situation in ministering to journey is long. We must walk it with mystery, is what we seek to pass on for dialogue and moments of common great attention to the desires of young in our apostolic ministries, composed prayer are part of the annual calendar. people. We must be available to the cre- always more by multiculturality. This Many of these are tied to moments of ation of spaces and bridges of unity in is the hope that we nurture. May the suffering and people approach religious the diversity. There are difficulties and Church in Japan be a workshop of in- offices in asking peace for the victims of joys of which we Canossian sisters are terculturality and spread it throughout wars or the frequent natural calamities. experiencing in our own communities. society. May the day come in which that In the last few years there has been an Of 27 sisters who live in Japan, 19 are immense multitude who doesn’t yet increase of people belonging to Islam. Japanese and the rest belong to four know Jesus may recognize him, believe Mosques have been built and even their different nationalities. Community life and live the joy of experiencing the leaders participate in interreligious presents us with daily opportunities Mercy of the Father. gatherings. Among them are refugees to recognize, accept and integrate our

JAPAN Sr Valeria Martinez INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più

In the archipelago of diversity In the name of the human family Indonesia, on the footsteps of God’s work in the uniqueness of each The commitment of Christians in Malaysia for the rights of everyone

An Indonesia proverb says: “Bhineka cultural identity, rather, we celebrate With over 31 million inhabitants, concern for religious freedom and Tunggal Ika”. What does it mean? It it according to the respective festivities Malaysia is a country that welcomes that the right to express it may be says: “Unity in diversity”. This is truly and, if necessary, by wearing our a large cultural diversity of Malay, authorized by the Federal Constitution; Indonesia, an archipelago formed by traditional dress and preparing some Chinese, Indian, Eurasian and to work with Government and non- over fifteen thousand islands can’t special food. Indigenous. Islam is the official religion Government organizations at all levels, but be a cauldron of various cultures, But dialogue goes much further. With while Christianity is practiced by 9.2% national and local, on the themes of ethnicities, beliefs, languages and regard to the people we are in contact of the population. Two thirds of the 2.6 common interest. religions. Every ethnic group has with and who belong to other religions, million Christians live in the Eastern unique characteristics that enrich part of the country, in the regions of A common appeal that the pastors the wide cultural landscape of the Sabah and Sarawak with a presence of of the various religious groups have country. Indonesia consists of 33 30% of the population. launched to all citizens, beyond provinces, each having a specific ethnicity and faith affiliation, is that of cultural identity. The main ones The Christian Federation of Malaysia a tireless commitment against human are Java, Kalamantan, Sumatra, is an ecumenical body that gathers trafficking and the elimination of Sulawesi, Nusa Tengarra and the suggestions of the Malaysian violence against women and children. West Papua. This diversity that churches. Its objectives are to unite each Indonesian province carries all the Christian denominations that The Christians in Malaysia are making within it, is an extraordinary gift. recognise the authority of the Bible, an important contribution in building 18 19 The great majority of Indonesians to strengthen and extend, through bridges among the various Faiths, profess the Islamic faith. Christians are a minority, only 3% of the population, although not a few. Only the Catholics surpass 7 million. To live in such diversity is we are committed to building mutual the responsibility shared by the whole respect, a positive tolerance based nation. We too, as Canossian religious on dialogue that needs to be always in Indonesia originate from various open. For this reason, ecumenical and cultural contexts and even countries. interreligious prayer is a privileged Our intercultural commitment is, first way. We live it with particular intensity of all, to have respect for one another’s during the celebration of Christmas, culture. As a choice, we don’t speak the country’s Independence and other another’s language (unless it is our national events. The cultural diversity mother tongue), but we address each of this, our country, is a work of art particularly with Hinduism, Buddhism other in Indonesian so as to preserve and, as we scan our eyes across it, we the use of dialogue and encounter, the and Taoism. Also, the ecumenical unity. Another fundamental aspect is are able to see beautiful traces of God’s areas of agreement among the various movement is increasing as a true social respect for the local customs in which creation for us. Christian groups present in Malaysia; movement. It is a movement that offers we find ourselves. This, however, to protect the interests of the entire impetus and growth in the faith in all does not mean that we negate our Christian community with particular the dimensions of Christian life.

INDONESIA Sr Fransiska Nufa MALESYA Sr Santha Rajoo INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più

Where the East meets the West Hong Kong, an intercultural archipelago

tivation of the students from minority Particularly strong is the relationship Hong Kong is often described as a place especially spread. Many adhere to the groups to adapt. As Canossian sisters between Catholics and Methodists as we where the East meets the West. Here Taoist concept of Fung Shui, “Wind and we are ready to welcome them, especial- share in the desire to announce the Gos- we see the realization of a sophisticat- water”, a system of divine interventions ly those who have arrived in Hong Kong pel to the people of Hong Kong where ed fusion between the Chinese roots of in nature, dating back to more than without a religious identity. Thanks to Christ’s faithful are in the minority. For the territory and the adopted culture 3 thousand years ago. It teaches the our school we are able to give many girls this reason, it is much more important during the years of British colonization. achievement of harmony with the forces and boys the possibility of a Christian to engage in dialogue and ecumenism. It’s part of a history that has given the of nature and of change in order to live education in making them know and With the Buddhists also, there has been archipelago an extraordinary cultural in comfort and prosperity. But also com- love Jesus. We encourage our students an open dialogue for many years. Since richness and to its population a very mon are the beliefs brought by the mis- to live an ecumenical spirit, of friend- 1978, Catholic and Buddhist commu- open mentality. sionaries who arrived with the British ship and of service with whoever they nities organize twice a year the “Sym- Today the population of Hong Kong is colonial forces and the first migrants. meet, setting aside religious affiliations. posium of the six religious leaders” and formed by a unique mixture of ethnic Today, in Hong Kong there live around In this way the students learn to grow every year they hold an “Exchange on groups, Cantonese, Chinese from main- 360 thousand Catholic Christians. The in respect of others. religious thought”. In 2013 and 2015 land Shanghai, British, Indians, Jews celebrations are carried out in English As Catholic and Canossian communi- Forums were held with the five major and people who have more recently and Cantonese and for a few years also ties, we take part in many events of ec- religions. In July 2017, the new General arrived with the waves of migration. in Tagalog, following an influx of Filipi- umenical and interreligious encounters. Director and six representatives of the However, the major component remains nos within the Catholic community. Beginning with the annual appointment main religions participated at the gath- Cantonese and therefore, concepts like Cultural diversity is a daily experience of the Week of Prayer for Christian ering “Hong Kong in light” held by the 20 family solidarity, the good name of the here. It is something that enriches our Unity, to which we participated in the Episcopal church and led by the Arch- 21 family and modesty continue to make a lives and maintains the collective mem- “Feast of Christian Unity” in the Meth- bishop of St John’s church in which they significant impact on the local culture. ory. It is our cultural identity, unique odist church and to the gathering dedi- prayed together for Hong Kong. The fol- On the other hand, many residents have of its kind, entrenched in the Chinese cated to pastoral workers and collabora- lowing meeting saw the presence of five adopted a style of life that is distinctly traditions, moulded by the local cultures tors, celebrating the richness of diversity leaders (absent being the representative Western. and open to a global vision - an owned and praying for the unity desired by the of Confucianism) at the Baptist Univer- Religious freedom, protected by the unity thanks to the emphasis placed Lord for his mystical body, the Church. sity. fundamental law, is one of the essential on the integration of various contribu- Also, the Taizé prayer is a beautiful At the symposium of the six major re- rights of the citizens of Hong Kong that tions. A good example is the program occasion to meet. The first time it was ligious leaders, organized by the local welcomes a rich variety of religions: of “Integrated Education” developed held at the Youth Centre of Hong Kong, government, also the Association for Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam by the government in recent years. It 2,500 people participated. Since then it activities of religious friendship partic- and others. Buddhism and Taoism are helps students coming from minority is held regularly in the Catholic church ipated. It is foreseen that other inter- ethnic groups to insert themselves in of Sts Cosmas and Damian, at the Angli- religious encounters will continue to the mainstream school environment can church of St John the Baptist and at take place. For the (Chinese) Year of the and life. It allows a good interaction the Company of Christian alumni at the Pig, religious leaders sent to all ethnic among students and teachers, Chinese Union church. As Canossian sisters we groups a united message for harmonious and non-Chinese and offers students the have accompanied the secondary school co-existence and growth in collaboration opportunity to find their own place in students and their teachers to these cel- and practical humanism. society once they have completed their ebrations and have invited the brothers studies. In itself, what this type of inte- and sisters of Taizé to guide the prayer gration does is not enough to guarantee in our schools. harmony because it depends on the mo-

HONG KONG Sr Maria So, Sr Catherine Fung INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più

Among a thousand cultures, like leaven in the dough Education for interculturality Being Canossians in India beside the least Reflections on our journey of charismatic formation

India is a big country, an ancient civ- phetic dimension of Christian life. The his year I had the chance to take We learned how growing in cultural ilization, of thousands of years. It is religious diversity of this large country part in a charismatic formation sensitivity and a widening knowledge a country that has nurtured a price- has to play a central role in the build- Tcourse with a group of Sisters of other cultures is essential for the less patrimony of different cultures, ing of our nation. It must be a bridge from six Asian countries: Malaysia, In- predominant cultural group. In this religions, languages - a country of between those who have and those who donesia, India, Timor, Hong Kong and way, the good of the single person is the extremes, the crib and home of all the the Philippines. It was a privilege to good of everyone. However, a further major religions in the world. Religion be able to make this experience of in- step needs to be taken to understand is the integral part of human existence tercultural richness linked to the vital that the intercultural dimension must and of intrinsic value for the people of India. It has a strong influence on nucleus of the charism of the Greatest be assumed by everyone and not just the social customs, traditions, values, Love. The first part of the itinerary by the dominant group. We must go architecture, diet, thought and style started in October 2018 in the commu- beyond our mental barriers and our of life of the population. The ancient nity of San Michele in Rome, where we cultural comfort zones. It is true that traditions and values of family and so- were able to deepen our formation in having a definite set of mental catego- ciety are added to the vibrant spiritual the fields of theology, education and in- ries has a positive function. It makes life and ethics of Indian communities, don’t have, those “included” and the tercultural cooperation at the Pontifical sense to feel Italians, Chinese, Indians challenged by the constant acceleration many who are “excluded”. It must push University of St. Thomas Aquinas. or Nigerians. It is right that we identify of rhythms of contemporary life and for the social transformation through a Our itinerary of intercultural education ourselves in national, regional, local evolution of values. Spirituality and growing common harmony. concentrated on the moral and theoret- and tribal groups present in the coun- 22 mystical fascination have always had a 23 The Canossian presence in India has ical potential of the interconnection be- tries in which we live. However, the particular attraction. Spiritual figures, tween cultures. The aim was to encour- accent placed on this process of iden- political leaders and saints have spread been like the leaven in the dough. It has age educating for inclusion in a world tification must never take place at the a message of peace, fraternity and har- contributed to sow Gospel values, espe- where often we find different cultural price of the intercultural spirit of those mony that is very rooted in the national cially among the poorest. The heart of culture and philosophy. A vast variety our call has been the welcoming of the philosophies that divide. The objective nations. We must work to promote a of languages crosses the country with person, going beyond the caste system, of this part of the course was to help more welcoming attitude in this heter- 22 major languages and hundreds of re- the culture and belief. By reaching out us approach differences with an open ogeneous world in which we live. This gional dialects. to the periphery and promoting the de- mind, tolerant of differences and able means widening and modifying school Certainly, secularism and pluralism are velopment of the weakest, in particular, to value common aspects. This meant programmes that we offer so that they two aspects of the interreligious and the Indigenous groups and those for- studying various models of education, recognise our society to be a world intercultural harmony of India. In this gotten by society. The focus of our apos- such as assimilation, separation and in- composed equally of men and women, context, religious pluralism provides a tolic commitment has been just this: to tegration, but also analysing more fully not simply white skinned, and that in democratic situation among the various re-establish the dignity of every person, the concept of culture itself, as well as one’s own country of origin the problem religions, where beauty is seen as unity above all of those who are oppressed by enculturation and intercultural shar- of diversity has always been formative in diversity. But we have said that In- the slavery of inequality, discrimination ing. This part of the course prepared us in every phase of our development. It dia is a land of extremes and has also a to interact in an active way with society is important to tend towards an un- face of the poor, the oppressed, the mar- and oppression. To walk together with as intercultural citizens. It also made derstanding of the common aspects ginalized, those who are discriminated the other groups who share a vision against and used by society. As Canos- in which unity is born of diversity, not us see differences as something pro- and differences, including the social, sian sisters, our commitment of fidelity only among humans but throughout ductive rather than menacing, so that political and moral consequences of to the values and principles of frater- creation, is a pillar of our ministry of we can contribute to a more competent these differences. It aims at promoting nity and service remind us of the pro- charity. intercultural society. a comparison that is open, exhaustive

INDIA INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION INCHIESTA vita MONDO CANOSSIANO più Una pedagogia interculturale

and continuous regarding questions of equal society. diversity, even if they are controversial. It wants to encourage an understand- Human equality. In terms of giving ing of the traditions and varied expe- each person equal opportunities. riences, which are different from ours. This allows us to have a fuller under- Common good. A community is genu- standing of our own experience and the inely healthy when everyone prospers, recognition of our unique place in an not only the individual or a few catego- intercultural world. ries. God, becoming man in Jesus Christ, became part of a culture. Jesus was A preferential option for the poor and born into the Jewish culture of the vulnerable. The needs of the poor must first century, precisely like each one of have preference in our choices and de- us is born within a particular culture. cisions. We are born within a culture, but not with that culture. We are free to accept Solidarity. Learning to practice the and grow within it, or within another virtue of solidarity means learning that culture. The incarnation of God is also “loving our neighbour” has a global di- the enculturation of God, expressed by mension in an inter-dependant world. Paul in Philippians 2:5-7, “Christ Je- 24 25 sus, though being divine in nature, did Association. We are the best version of not claim equality with God, but emp- ourselves when we are in a positive re- tied himself, taking on the nature of a lationship with others, not when we are servant, made in human likeness.” The isolated individuals. only difference between Jesus and man is sin. Again, Paul says “there is no Administration. We have a responsibili- longer any distinction between Jew and ty to take care of the goods of this world only for its contents, but, above all, for gave us the chance to experience to- Greek, or between slave and freeman, as administrators and trustees, not the chance to live together with men gether the Lord’s presence, to under- or between man and woman, for all of solely consumers. and women religious of other countries stand better the truth of self, to accept you are one in Christ Jesus.” and cultures. Living in the communi- differences and share sincerely our joys Our small community deepened these Participation. People have the right ty of San Michele provided us with a and trials, prayer and work. We were themes, in terms of culture and encul- and duty to contribute to the formation meeting point between East and West, able to dialogue and discern together. turation, by means of study, reflection, of a more just and human society that hearts united by the same spirit of love This helped us find shared aims and a sincere sharing and interaction respect- seeks the common good and wellbeing that expresses unity in diversity, in the consensus on common projects for as- ing the teachings of the Church. of everyone, especially the poorest and ordinary and extraordinary moments sisting to the disadvantaged and those most vulnerable. of life. We experienced diversity of lan- who are “different”. As a community of Respect for human dignity. Every per- guage, different food, liturgy and the consecrated women coming from dif- son is worthy of respect for the simple Welfare. Clearly evaluate the correct pure joy of living together and celebrat- ferent cultures and backgrounds, we fact of being a human being. amount of government benefits nec- ing the gift that we are for each other give a joyful witness of the values and essary to reach certain aims or fulfil in the universal Church. virtues that spring from Jesus Christ Respect for human life. Catholic tradi- duties. Living in an intercultural community crucified and risen. tion considers the sacredness of life as part of every moral vision for a just and All of us found this course positive not By Sr. Catherine Fung INTERVIEW vita CANOSSIAN WORLD più

Opening new horizons - intercultural initiatives and mission in Australia The Canossian communities of the Australian Delegation

uilding walls and dividing peo- built to divide countries. wisdom that often presents itself in the grants, our Sisters have opened their ple: this seems to be the pre- In a society where we often hear that most unexpected encounters and un- hearts and valued this great variety of Bvailing theme today on social the higher the barriers, the safer we foreseen events. In 2006, Pope Benedict cultures, always ready to accept differ- media. For months we have heard the will be, Pope Francis continues to in- XVI said, “True love does not eliminate ences, promote what unites and help American president, Donald Trump, vite us to be builders of a culture of en- differences, but harmonizes them.” people to accept one another precisely speak unceasingly of his project to counter. During the World Youth Day in This appeal to harmony, to unity, is a as they are. Whether the Sisters hold build a wall between the United States Panama, the Pope launched once again, path that each of us is called to take. It retreats for refugees from Sudan, assist and Mexico. With the debate on Brexit, not only to youth but to everyone, a is an intercultural journey that invites families from Timor, help Vietnamese people are talking about re-introducing plea to build bridges and not walls. He us to appreciate each person just as he youngsters to deepen their faith or a border between Northern Ireland encouraged us to respect the diversity is; without making discriminations and prepare adults from Myanmar to re- and the Republic of Ireland. Since 2001 of others and regard differences as a distinctions. The capacity to dialogue ceive the sacraments, they are always to the present, thirty walls have been chance to be enriched, thanks to the and accept differences enhances the active in favour of the neediest. We are possibility of a shared mission, which ready to undertake new initiatives and we see as something good for everyone. respond to the needs of the mission here, which are in constant evolution. An intercultural path opens new ho- We also try to be involved in voluntary rizons for our mission in Australian service together with a group of young society and in the local Church. We live women who are being formed in view of 26 27 in a very multicultural nation, but we an immersion experience in Papua New realise that recognising differences is Guinea in June this year. not enough. We must be more aware of recognising the strengths and limits of As we continue our journey this year, our own cultural and personal heritage. we, as Canossian Sisters of Australia, A second step is to recognise the need are ever more aware of being united to be open and learn from the “other and cultivating an attitude of openness, person”, aware that we learn much both of mind and heart, to appreciate more from searching for the common the good in each person. We want to be good together. committed to building bridges and not walls in our daily contacts. We unite The Canossian Sisters constantly try our hearts and prayers with Jesus “so to promote this intercultural style that we may be one”. (Jn 17:21) through the ministries in which they serve. During the 70 years of our pres- ence on Australian soil, the Sisters have responded to a great variety of needs of many ethnic groups who came to these shores looking for a brighter future. Starting from the Italian immi-

AUSTRALIA By the Canossian Delegation of Australia PERSONALITY vita vita Greta Thunberg più più The fight for climate change, an intercultural challenge A lesson from Greta Thunberg and the youngsters of #FridaysForFuture

“I do not want your help. I do not want front of Parliament. you to be without hope. I want you to panic so that you may feel the fear I This happening, picked up by the have every day. This is the time to be media, ended up in many papers and clear; resolving the climate crisis is the on TV all over the world. Month after biggest and most complex challenge month, the protest became a source of humanity has ever faced.” What cour- inspiration for other students. This is age, what determination are contained how the protest #FridaysForFuture in these words of Greta Thunberg, a started and it brought about a wave sixteen-year-old student and Swed- ish activist for climate change. She of strikes, marches and demonstra- addressed them to the powers of the tions on Fridays by groups of students, world united at the World Economic following Greta’ example. Finally, on Forum in Davos and later to the Eu- Friday 15th March, for the first time, a ropean Parliament in Strasburg. On “world strike for the future” took place, many other occasions, institutions and with about 2,000 demonstrations in organisations gave this girl the chance more than 100 countries. to speak out and she has succeeded in a very important aim: give a voice The year 2018 was the hottest ever re- and an identity to the growing preoc- 28 corded. Scientists have been saying for 29 cupation for climate changes that are a long time that the Earth is getting threatening the life of this planet and hotter due to the enormous quantity of humanity too. She inspires thousands carbon dioxide emitted into the atmos- of people to fill public squares and demand governments to do something phere caused by human activities. It is about global warming after decades of time to change course. It is truly time dithering. to change mentality because it does It all began on 20th August 2018, not affect just one area of the planet or when Greta decided not to attend country, but it affects all of us, the hu- school until 9th September, the day man species! We must invest in renew- of the political elections in Sweden. able energy, invent more sustainable She asked the government to adopt lifestyles, change methods of heating, policies that would be more incisive transport and production. All this has in reducing carbon emissions. The an impact on our daily lives, both indi- protest began after a particularly hot vidual and collective, and thus has an summer with widespread fires in Swe- intercultural dimension. It requires all den. Instead of going to school, every individuals, nations, cultures, to re- day Greta would place herself outside the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm nounce something for a greater good, carrying a placard saying “Skolstrejk for the community. Will we be able to for klimatet” (school strike for the cli- respond to this call launched by Gre- mate). Following the political elections, ta and by all those youngsters who the girl returned to school, but every demonstrated in public to ask for the Friday she continued her protest in right to a future? READINGS vita più

Katie Bouman, Talking points online and offline how you photograph a black hole

We were all astonished at the sight of the first image ever realized of a black hole, dif- Greta Thunberg, fused at the beginning of April. Who knows Our house is on fire how excited Katie Bouman was, a computer science fellow of only 29 belonging to the California Institute of Technology, being a The “school strike against climate leading figure of this historical achievement. change” of a single young student in A black hole is a region of space-time exhibi- front of the Swedish parliament has ting gravitational acceleration so strong that become a global message involving nothing—no particles or even electromagne- tic radiation such as light—can escape from thousands of youngsters all over Eu- it. Stellar black holes are made when the rope following her example regarding centre of a very big star falls in upon itself, #FridaysForFuture. Greta Thunberg or collapses. When this happens, it causes has started a revolution that does not a supernova. A supernova is an exploding star that blasts part of the star into space. seem to stop, a battle for a future taken This is one of the most fascinating mysteries away from the new generations at the of the study of the universe. If it so hard to Sr. Melissa Dwyer, speed of 100 million barrels of oil used grasp these concepts, you can imagine how the story of my Canossian every day. Our house is on fire, says wonderful to photograph such an image! In this video, the young scientist recounts the vocation Greta together with her parents and long and arduous itinerary that led to cap- sister Beata, who, like Greta, suffers turing this image after having elaborated an Sr. Melissa is an Australian Canossian from Asperger syndrome. It is the story Pope Francis , algorithm from an enormous amount of data working in vocational animation for of this family’s difficulties who has to Apostolic Exhortation obtained from radio telescopes our in space. the Diocese of Brisbane. In this video A result that has something connected with on YouTube on the channel “Shalom 30 face an imminent crisis overthrowing “Christus Vivit” the Canossians. In fact, a member of the in- 31 our planet. It makes us aware of the ur- ternational team that contributed to the ela- World”, she tells the story of the intense and unexpected itinerary that brought gency to act now since more than nine “Christ is alive! He is our hope, in boration of this image of the black hole is an Italian scientist called Elisabetta Liuzzo who, her to recognise her way in life as part million people die every year from pol- a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches during her studies in Bologna, frequented of the Canossian Family. It was not a lution. This a girl’s “cry for help” that our Canossian University Hostel. We met her foreseen choice. During her youth, she has made her family change their ways. becomes young, new, full of life. The as a young student when she arrived from very first words, then, that I would had a passion for sport taking part in Now they want to convince the whole Aosta to settle in our hostel in Via Sant’Isaia, like to say to every young Christian a good few years ago. Today, she is a very the Olympics with javelin throwing. world. are these: Christ is alive and he wants happy wife and mother who investigates the She had to face many difficulties and you to be alive!” The Post-Synodal mysteries of astrophysics together with the sufferings in her family, but she made Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit” best scientists of the world. many enriching experiences as a vol- of Pope Francis opens with these words. unteer in Africa with VOICA and this It was signed on 25th March in the led her to decide to become a Canossian Holy House of Loreto and addressed Daughter of Charity, desirous to serve to “the youth of God’s people”. In this young people. document, composed of nine chapters and divided into 299 paragraphs, the Listen to: Pope reveals he was “inspired by the https://www.youtube.com/ richness of reflections and dialogue watch?v=fPLxjakKc24 during the Synod” of youth, celebrated in the Vatican last October.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?- v=P7n2rYt9wfU&t=208s NEWS vita più Women of the Word loving without measure. Announcement of the XVII General Chapter of the Institute

he XVII General Chapter of To love without measure is an evangel the Institute of the Canossian mandate (Jn 13:34) and a maternal TDaughters of Charity, Servants reminder of our Foundress who asks of of the Poor, was announced and will be her Daughters an unconditional love, celebrated at the International Centre, the only aim of life. Ottavia Rome, from 5th March to 5th April 2020. Sr. Annamaria Babbini, Reconfiguration to a life of Congregational Leader, and her Council holiness made the announcement. She has This expresses an interior process entrusted the year of preparation for based on a solid spirituality of change this event to the Virgin Mary, Mother and conversion that requires a re- of God and Mother of this “minimum modelling of self on Christ. This Institute”. It is to Her that this year implies a change of structures; a of grace, discernment, reflection and process to be carried out together dialogue, is dedicated. in community, in one’s Province/ Delegation and requires a holistic 32 33 Theme of the Chapter vision of the Institute. It cannot come The Extended General Consultation, about without the reconfiguration of which met in Rome 16th – 23rd one’s own life. Interior conversion and November 2018, established the the reconfiguration of structures are theme of the XVII General Chapter. strictly tied, both having their roots Rule says, it involves all the Sisters. should reflect personally before sharing The Sisters present considered the in the Gospel and our charismatic This is why the Canossian family has in community. A report should then be suggestions and contributions received identity. They go hand in hand. chosen to journey towards this event sent to Rome, which elaborates these and in an atmosphere of prayer and asking all the Sisters to take part questions. discernment, formulated this theme. Mission in various ways. It is an open and Women of the Word loving without Renewal always has mission as its participatory process; a courageous and To which interior reconfiguration are measure. aim. Pope Francis reminds us that new choice. Reflections, expectations we called at a personal level? Reconfiguration to a life of “if consecrated life wants to preserve and proposals will be precious material holiness in and for the mission its prophetic mission and attraction, for the General Council who will To which holiness are we called so today. it must preserve the freshness and summarise it into a Document. This that it penetrates our evangelical newness of the centrality of Jesus. It Document will substitute the usual and charismatic witness through the Word must show an attraction to spirituality Instrumentum Laboris and, contrary imitation of “Jesus Christ who breathes The Word illumines our consecrated and the force of mission as well as to the past, will be sent not only to nothing but charity”? life and unifies our journey, irrespective the beauty of following Christ, and the Chapter Delegates but to all the of our different geographical locations irradiate joy and hope. Provinces/Delegations so that every This work will encourage each Sister and cultures. The Canossian Sisters Sister may participate. to respond with greater frankness and are women who want to harmonize life The path towards the Chapter This is a responsibility and a duty depth to the proposed questions. with faith, in and for the mission. A General Chapter is always an event to take on in an attitude of prayer, of the Church, an expression of faith, collaboration and openness to the Without measure of conversion and communion. As the promptings of the Spirit. Each Sister NEWS vita più The Way of the Cross with Francis, together with “all the Sri Lanka, an Easter Passion crosses of the world” United in prayer for the Christians killed in the “Pearl of the Ocean” “Lord Jesus, help us to see in your Cross all the crosses of the world.”

hese words, pronounced by Pope betrayal, by the seductions of the evil one hree churches and three hotels ination, but they were never attacked Francis during the solemn Way or by homicidal levity and selfishness; in three different cities. It was with terrorist violence. Tof the Cross on Good Friday in the cross of consecrated people who TEaster morning in Colombo, Over the years, significant progress Rome this year, call us again to our tirelessly seek to bring your light into Negombo and Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, a has been made in the respect for differ- commitment to serve the Lord by being the world and feel rejected, derided and great island off the southeast coast of ent faiths, but now a new nightmare ready to serve our brothers and sisters. humiliated; southern India, when a series of bombs seems to be looming, leaving behind the Only in this way will we carry out our the cross of consecrated people who, exploded killing hundreds of innocent threat of more attacks. Following the Foundress’ request to live our life as a along the way, have forgotten their first people. An Easter of blood. First esti- attacks, the Christians communities gift so that Jesus may be “known and love; mates spoke of 359 victims, but later kept their churches closed. loved”. the cross of your children who, while The Canossian communities in the five believing in you and seeking to live the authorities confirmed the number The days following the massacres, in continents followed this liturgy. Our according to your word, find themselves of 253. More than 500 people were the darkness of suffering and shock, a family received a special grace. One marginalized and rejected even by their injured. A local terrorist organisation tiny light of prayer was offered up by of our dear Sisters. Josephine Sim, families and their peers; called the National Thowfeek Samaath people all over the world for the popu- took part by carrying the cross in the the cross of our weaknesses, of our and the Islamic State claimed responsi- lation of Sri Lanka. During the Way of procession. We want to quote the words hypocrisy, of our betrayals, of our sins bility for the attacks. The Muslim com- the Cross on Good Friday, Pope Francis of Pope Francis’ prayer and make them and of our many broken promises; munity in Sri Lanka firmly condemned asked us to recognise in the crosses of ours. the cross of your Church that, faithful these attacks. this world, the cross of the Lord. This to your Gospel, struggles to spread your These massacres open up deep wounds. Easter massacre has shown the dra- 34 Lord Jesus, help us to see in your Cross love even among the baptized themselves; They cause more evil because they matic reality of the Pope’s words. The 35 all the crosses of the world: the cross of the Church, your Bride, that took place on the holiest of days for wisdom of Church tradition teaches the cross of people hungry for bread and feels constantly assailed from within Christians and they struck down those that the blood of martyrs is never lost for love; and without; present at the Easter liturgy. Violent, but becomes the seed of new Christian the cross of people alone and abandoned the cross of our common home that is cruel and inhumane acts that brought faith. Let us continue to pray that we even by their children and kin; gravely withering before our selfish eyes, the entire population of Sri Lanka to may grow in confidence, entrusting to the cross of people thirsty for justice and blinded by greed and by power. for peace; Lord Jesus, revive in us the hope of mourn. These people had hoped that God innocent suffering, and that the the cross of people who lack the comfort resurrection and of your definitive the years of inter-religious conflicts and various religious faiths in Sri Lanka of faith; victory over all evil and all death. the horrors of civil war that the cross of the elderly who struggle had torn the country apart, under the weight of years and of Amen! had been left behind. This loneliness; island is a composite reality, the cross of migrants who with an abundance of reli- find doors closed in fear and gious confessions. The State’s hearts armoured by political institutions are secular but calculations; this people is one of the most the cross of little ones, wounded religious in the world, accord- in their innocence and their ing to a recent survey. About purity; 70.2% of the inhabitants are the cross of humanity that Buddhist, 12.6% are Hindu, 9.7% are may be united in this tragic moment. wanders in the darkness of Muslim while Christians are only 7.5%. We hope it will be the beginning of a uncertainty and in the obscurity of temporary culture; In the past, the Christian minority new and common journey of peace. the cross of families split by were targeted by episodes of discrim- SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Ecumenism and dialogue, intercultural paths to peace

et us remember the historic and iconic gestures of the past. In L1964, Pope Paul VI embraced Athenagoras, the Patriarch of Con- stantinople. In 1986, Pope John Paul II promoted a meeting of religious leaders in Assisi. Pope Francis, on his various trips, has met the Patriarch Kirill in Cuba in 2016, the shaykh al-Tayyih, the Great Imam, in the mo- sque al-Azhar in Cairo in 2017. Even Canossian Sisters all over the world live such wonderful occasions in their daily lives.

Ecumenical dialogue between different Christian confessions and inter-reli- gious dialogue with those of other wor- ld faiths is evermore necessary in a 36 world made of intercultural exchange 37 and occasions for encounter. Dialogue is, in fact, an authentic witness that religions may invite people today to ask themselves the vital questions about meaning, encourage inquiry and openness to mystery. Discover the ultimate value of the human person and rescue him from the logic of profit and utility. Precisely because he is hu- man and as such encloses within self a fragment of the divine mystery. Our humanity is common to all, whatever our faith or non-faith, whatever our culture, nationality or ethnic origin. Dialogue is a way of witnessing we can live together, we can respect our dif- ferences and we can seek har- mony and build peace together. A society in which individual identity is not eliminated, but appreciated precisely because of positive relationships. XVI CONVENTION OF YOUTH PA- 1ST WEEK OF STORAL MINISTRY: “BUILD A HOUSE CANOSSIAN COMMUNICATION 29 2 FOR THE FUTURE” 26 2 JUNE 2019 A P R I L MAY M A Y JUNE 2019 WORLD 5 ENVIRONMENT DAY LABOUR DAY AUSTRALIA – 1 17 DEPARTURE OF M A Y VOLUNTEERS 2019 FOR PAPUA NEW 3 GUINEA 20 WORLD REFUGEE JUNE-LUGLIO 2019 JUNE DAY E V E N T S 2019

ROME – PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE INTERNATIO- 2019 NAL UNION OF SUPERIORS GENERAL AUGUST- DEPARTURE OF 6 10 SUMMER MONTHS VOLUNTEERS FOR VARIOUS MISSION PROJECTS 38 M A Y 39 2019 FEAST OF ST. MAGDALENE OF JULY-AUGUST 2019 39 CANOSSA, FOUNDRESS OF THE INSTITUTE XPERIENCE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE 8 28 4 FROM ARGENTINA TO PARAGUAY M A Y 2019 JULY 2019 JULY 2019

BRESCIA – “A STEP BEYOND” FEAST OF WORLD POPULATION DAY INTERNATIONAL 19 ST. MAGDALENE FOR ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTH 11 30 FRIENDSHIP DAY M A Y JULY 2019 JULY 2019 2019 WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL AUSTRALIA – CELEBRATION DIVERSITY FOR DIALOGUE FOR 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONCLUSION OF AND DEVELOPMENT 14 CANOSSIAN PRESENCE IN THE CHARISMATIC 21 31 FORMATION YEAR AUSTRALIA M A Y 2019

OTTOBRE 2019 AFRICA DAY YOUTH MEETING IN JARDIN 25 AMERICA MISIONES M A Y 11 13 2019 FOUNDATION VOICA

ON THE SIDE OF SMALL GIRLS AND BOYS, NEW GUESTS AT THE NEW RESI- DENTIAL SCHOOL IN LARIPANI of innocence, where there are no dis- tinctions between religion, ethnic origin or family. However, this offer does not cancel his past. “I am sorry to leave my e may be busy with thousands Now Rohit has decided to make a mum and dad who for us (7 mouths to of jobs or involved in work only choice and accept Sr. Zinia’s invita- feed and Rohit is the fifth of the series) Wwe can do, but when it comes tion to be part of a group of 200 lucky work hard all day. I will miss looking to stories like that of Rohit, which children who, next October, will go to after my two smaller brothers who cry means “sunray” , and Poonam, “full a new residential school in Laripani. when they can’t leave the shack because moon”, two children from North India, It means emigrating away from his of the mud and rain.” This story tells we must just stop for a minute. With village to the city. Do you think this of attention, dedication, of decision too wonder, we identify with these words, is easy and without problems? Per- hard for a boy of his age to face. Now difficulties of each day. They will en- this expression, a smile that says more haps it is not so for you, since you feel a Rohit feels more secure and even if courage me to overcome fears, bullying, than words. citizen of the world. strangers are present he would like to humiliations, bad dreams that cause carry on telling his story. There is Poo- anxiety at night, the thought of tomor- Is this not a special expression of I pose a question, “Rohit, in October nam, a future classmate, who, in si- row.” Poonam’s fears are real. In fact, an intercultural reality? Is it not will it be your first day at school?” lence, has listened to this conversation. all of us, despite white or black skin, an invitation to eliminate every His radiant smile precedes his trem- She is with her dad and two younger elegant or rough speech, refined culture form of racism, of caste or discrim- bling words. “I don’t know what will brothers who cling to her skinny legs. or country ignorance, need someone ination? happen.” Rohit’s mother is with Sr. Poonam is 11 years old and comes who offers us a hand and Poonam’s Zinia. She is timid and fearful of what from an even more isolated village. time has come. We feel part of that same world which, her son’s answer will be and fearing he There is no transport and her dad’s 40 41 even though thousands of miles away, will refuse, she whispers in a reassur- shoulders are just as good. She had to “In our new school and house I already we feel our own. Listening to this in- ing way, “You are free to decide Rohit”. grow up quickly feel the presence of people who will take terview, the complexity and variety of She is surprised to see for the first time and being a female, care of us and we will receive the ges- meanings regarding diversity that gen- that the boy is encouraged to decide for she has to obey the tures of true love like a mother’s caress, erate confusion, disappear and a single himself. He answers with enthusiasm, orders of males, my mother never had time, syrup for a common direction appears. “I don’t know what will happen, but even the brothers in cough, impossible to find in our village I want to try.” This reminds us of the her family, without and too expensive, a word of encourage- I believe in what these two children story of the Little Prince who leaves his question. In silence, ment like thank-you, how beautiful tell me and I feel we are citizens of the planet to face the unknown. bare feet and a sari or good …” same future. This is nothing to do with adapted by her el- “the age of dreams” or “fiction” in which Just like Rohit. Is he a refugee by der sister are the Poonam is not talking about going to symbols and emotions play a major chance? No, this is a story of hope! signs of an identity the Moon or exploring Mars. She is re- part. This is reality and the experience she does not feel to minding us adults so clearly, wherever of daily life. What do you expect going to live be hers. we come from, that gestures of affection with other children far away from and tenderness are still important for Rohit is not a famous your parents and you big family? Poonam does not little girls since they leave a permanent personality. He is 9 need to be questioned since she intro- mark on a young life in the phase of years old and represents With a hoarse voice, he recounts what duces herself with self-assurance typi- growth and exploration. those thousands of chil- he imagines this new experience will cal of one who has clear ideas about Sr. dren who, like him, live be. “New friends, a bed for myself, a Zinia’s proposal. Her words are simple We ask Poonam another question. in shacks in poor villag- real school desk, exercise books and co- and clear. “The thought of going to a Even if in your new experience you es without roads or san- loured pencils, plastic toys, a good bowl primary school, even if I am a bit older will be asked to take care of some- itation … even though of rice and perhaps a cake, a school uni- than others, and in a place run by the one, perhaps a few little boys rather surrounded by the beau- form and slippers …” His desires would Sisters who will take care of me gives than girls, how would you react? ties of nature, for many be infinite. Here is a child in front of a me confidence. I will have time to learn reasons he cannot go to bright future, a ray of light that illu- to read and write, the Sisters will help “All of us in Laripani should feel ac- school. mines his path. It is a story of values, me to keep well and put up with the cepted by each other. I would like to FOUNDATION VOICA

The path of change

feel useful, knowing that I will not be magically transformed into a majestic judged and be respected and accepted. wonderland, spacious and full of sur- I am aware that the beginning of a prises. This is how I imagine the school HOW TO GIVE: new experience will be uphill but not in Laripani. Big classrooms that ac- like those steep hills that every day commodate at least 50 pupils, both boys BANK TRASFER IN EUROS now I have to climb to find mango and and girls, decorated with our coloured banana trees. In this new school and drawings. Then I see an even bigger Banca Popolare di Sondrio Filiale di Roma home, it will be easier to find trust and room with single beds or straw mats. Sede Viale C. Pavese n. 336 - 00144 Roma the hope of changing our lives positive- Then I see a kitchen and many other IBAN: IT83 E056 9603 2110 0000 5128X88 ly.” places to explore. But the best part of BIC/SWIFT: POSOIT22 the adventure will be to learn to read Intestato a: Fondazione Canossiana - At this point, another story may come and write.” progetto Laripani to mind. That of “Linus” who holds tightly his blanket as his indispensable How wonderful! CREDIT TRANSFER IN US DOLLARS comfort to survive. Poonam’s story is completely overturned. She is the one Poonam and Rohit, the time has BANCA POPOLARE DI SONDRIO – Roma who is ready to take care of others. come to say goodbye. Together with IBAN: IT53 D056 9603 211V ARUS 0005 128 Surprisingly at Laripani, the question you, we have rediscovered the passion BIC/SWIFT: POSOIT22 of gender, boy-girl, in not a problem. to promote others, to be involved in In favour of: Fondazione Canossiana - Here, an adventure will start for 200 people’s life stories. Distances seem to to Project Laripani girls and boys, all of whom have known have shortened and we want to remain sacrifice, misery, repulsion and disgust. in contact with you. We want to have They are ready to overturn the present news about the development of this POSTAL ORDER NUMBER 42 because they have impelling reasons project. We want to have other chances 43 to overcome obstacles by helping one of similar moving encounters, positive POSTE ITALIANE S.p.A. n. 62011531 another and receiving energy from the for your and our future. This is the true Postal Giro Account group. It is like a personalized game of message of the Laripani project: a new “Treasure hunt”. It is an opportunity of community that looks beyond its limit- priceless value that, once experienced, ed horizon, where girls, boys, lay educa- NON-TRANSFERABLE CHECK will bring a turning point to one’s life: tors, volunteers and Canossian Sisters the conquest of one’s own identity and work together to accompany, form and Cheques dignity. instruct, without imposing burdens on the shoulders of the weakest. This is Poonam, doesn’t all this seem a the aim of the Canossian Foundation! dream? Her reply is immediate and As is our custom, we assure Poonam disarming. “When the sun illumines and Rohit that we will support them with concrete gestures of solidarity, continuing to nurture a network of collaboration between our internation- al “Canossian family” and our many friends.

For these two youngsters, the future passes through Laripani.

our group of shacks I spontaneously close my eyes and dream that these homes made of rags and leaves will be By the Canossian community of Laripani «Dear young people, my joyful hope is to see you keep “ running the race before you, outstripping all those who are slow or fearful. Keep running, “attracted by the face of Christ, whom we love so much, whom we adore in the Holy Eucharist and acknowledge in the flesh of our suffering brothers and sisters. May the Holy Spirit urge you on as you run this race. The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them! And when you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us.”

Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life.» ”

[Pope Francis - Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit”]

CASA GENERALIZIA DELLE FIGLIE DELLA CARITÀ CANOSSIANE

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