Newsletter - December 2019

CONTIGO Nº 35

In-depth Discover how Christmas is News celebrated at the Sisters Find out about the most important Hospitallers centres in . news from our Provinces in recent months. Up close Learn more about the #Committed Congregation’s current process Meet Fegue MBA Féline Claire, a of updating and revising the young volunteer at our centre in Constitution. Yaoundé (Cameroon).

1 In-depth

HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Christmas is the most beautiful time of year

Christmas is the most beautiful time of year, a celebration of light and colour for children of all ages to rejoice in the birth of Jesus. Throughout Italy, the streets are illuminated and the houses decorated for the occasion. There is an atmosphere of peace and love.

hristmas is the most beautiful time of year, holidays, in general, can be a time of sadness and a celebration of light and colour for children longing for a past that no longer exists, and that is of all ages to rejoice in the birth of Jesus. precisely why there are so many activities: singing CThroughout the season, at all the Sisters Hospita- troupes, who come to delight us, youth groups that llers centres in Italy, there is a sense of peace and organise shows, folk ensembles, and a lively bingo love. session.

At the Albese centre Both the community of Sisters at the clinic and the At the Casa di Cura San Benedetto clinic in Albe- patients celebrate the novena in a very meaningful se, Christmas is celebrated on a Saturday in De- and special way. There is also a Christmas Mass, at- cember when the Sisters, co-workers, patients and tended by many members of the Hospitaller com- their families gather for lunch. After the meal, the munity. Everyone gathers to celebrate the joyful attendees play games, exchange gifts and, most birth of the Baby Jesus and of the man who would importantly, have a wonderful time sharing unfor- bring peace, serenity, and hope. gettable moments. On Christmas Day, in addition to celebrating the We are aware that for some of our patients, the Eucharist, the whole clinic gathers to share a deli-

2 In-depth cious lunch, complete with Panettone (a traditional a dance of warm and festive lights. Occasionally, a Milanese cake), accompanied by a glass of spar- former resident drops in to escape the solitude and kling wine. enjoy our company during the holiday. Christmas at Villa Miramare is truly inviting. At the Nettuno centre At the Villa Miramare clinic in Nettuno, the Christ- At the Ascoli Piceno centre mas spirit is boundless and familiar, because be- At the Villa San Giuseppe centre in Ascoli Piceno, yond being a rest home, our centre is first and fo- Christmas has a distinct feel. Like all centres in the remost a “home” for residents. And like any homes, Province, the patients prepare decorations for the the preparations are very festive, making Christmas whole residence in collaboration with volunteers, a joyful experience that combines both religious educators, and co-workers. Special attention is paid and solemn occasions. to the creation of small nativity scenes that are later displayed throughout the units and departments, The activities of educators focus on making or- including the administrative wing. naments to decorate the Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and gifts for volunteers and other visitors For the last three years, we have celebrated the who drop in throughout the season. Many the- Feast of St. Joseph during the Christmas season. At med events are scheduled for December, including this event, held in the centre’s auditorium, the pa- bingo for residents and their families, exhibitions, tients, Sisters, and co-workers gather to enjoy a fun performances by students from the neighbouring time with hearts full of joy. The festivities include schools, meetings with various youth groups from a jury that selects the winner(s) of the best song nearby parishes, and finally, excursions to see the performance. nativity scenes, attend concerts, and stroll through the traditional Christmas markets. During this time The New Year of year, some residents spend a few days at home At the end of the Christmas season, we celebrate with their loved ones. the New Year, an occasion marked by much fanfare in Italy. Nowadays, many people opt to celebrate in On Christmas Eve, the Sisters, residents, and public squares (rather than nightclubs), where live co-workers gather for a family-like dinner. The entertainment and sparkling wine are on offer to home is bursting with joy at every turn; Christmas ring in the New Year. decorations flood the units and departments with

3 In-depth

All the Sisters Hospitallers centres in Italy organise parties and games to conclude the holiday celebration

Even at our centres, the residents who stay awake until midnight to watch the from their windows, as is the custom, toast the New Year with the hope that the year ahead will be better than the last. On 1 January, according to tradition, a plate of lentils is eaten after Mass because “those who eat lentils on New Year’s Day will have wealth and prosperity all year long.”

After the New Year, all the Sisters Hospitallers cen- tres in Italy organise parties and games to conclude the holiday celebration and, little by little, things return to normal. The visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, known liturgically as the Epiphany, conclu- We thank the Lord because, even today, when des the Christmas season with a flourish. There is a Christmas has become commercialised, we still ma- touch of sadness when the holidays draw to a clo- nage to enjoy a profound experience, in keeping se: the lights go out, the decorations are removed, with the religious traditions of those who came be- and life begins again. But in the heart of everyone fore us, because Christmas always marks the start remains the memory of joy and anticipation for the of a new day, a day of Christ within our midst. year to come. Happy Christmas!

4 Up close

Léontine Judith Ngo Mbock Second General Councillor and coordinator of the Constitutional Review Commission.

“For the Congregation, the process of revising and updating our Constitutions is a time of grace, communion, celebration, and gratitude for the great gift that is the Hospitaller charism”

Sister Léontine Judith Ngo Mbock, second General and the Institution? Councillor and coordinator of the Constitutional E For the Congregation, the process of revising and Review Commission explains the details of the updating our Constitutions is a time of grace, com- process that is so important to our Congregation. munion, celebration, and gratitude for the great gift that is the Hospitaller charism, delivered to us Why review the Constitutions now? so that we may “experience, safeguard, explore, and Reviewing and updating the Constitutions is not develop it constantly” (Constitutions 1995, no. 9). a new event in the Congregation. Over the years, since Vatican II called for ”aggiornamento” (brin- From that perspective, it is also a responsibility of ging up to date), our Congregation has revised and faithfulness to the spirit of our Founders, which adapted its “Rule of Life” to suit the times. demands of us creativity, conversion, and paths of revitalisation. It is an opportunity to return to the Given that the need for adaptation is more global source and drink from the spring of the Hospitaller at the moment, at the 24th Plenary Council we re- charism, to embrace the church and the world of cognised the opportunity to begin the process for today, as well as the judgement and experience of the following reasons: all the Sisters of the Congregation.

- To welcome reflection, already underway, on the What is the end goal, according to the proposal identity and mission of the consecrated life in the presented at the 21st General Chapter? church and in the world. As General Superior, Sister Anabela Carneiro re- minds us in Circular no. 38, the goal of the review - To deepen our charism and spirituality, embracing aims, “not only to make certain changes in order to perspectives that can enrich the experience of the adapt our legislation to reality, but to ‘revisit’ our consecrated life and the Hospitaller mission. Book of Life in order that — illuminated by the Spirit, the source of all charisms, and accompanied by our - To open up to cultural diversity, the universal va- Founders — we revitalise our vocational identity as lues of the charism, enculturation, and multicultu- women devoted to Jesus, witnesses of his compas- ralism. sion and mercy toward the sick and all who suffer.”

What does reviewing the Hospitaller Constitu- The approach is simple: to reflect on enlightenment tions mean specifically for the Congregation in the biblical texts, on the charismatic and spiritual

5 Up close

experience of our Founders, on work phase in the Provinces. ters on the Commission, many of the magisterium of the Church, whom have extensive experien- on our personal and communal - June - October 2020: amend- ce in the Hospitaller lifestyle and lives in light of the history of ment of the Constitutional text examining charismatic issues mercy and compassion that God by the Commission. in depth. I feel a closeness and weaves in each of us. Through communion with each Sister of these efforts, the Sisters contri- - November 2020: dispatch of the Congregation in this process. bute their opinions on the Cons- the new Constitutional text to titutional matters under exami- the communities to be re-read. The messages that reach us from nation. all over the world are very en- - 20 January 2021: sending of couraging and hopeful: they fill After being assessed by the each community’s proposals to us with gratitude for what God is Commission and by experts, the the Commission. doing through each of us. True, it contributions of the communi- is a big responsibility, but shared ties will be added to the existing - February 2021: introducción de among many and approached Constitutional text. This material las aportaciones en el texto de with simplicity and generous de- will form the draft of the new Constituciones. termination. Constitutions that will be stu- died and approved by the Spe- - 16 march 2021: delivery of the At this important time, is the- cial General Chapter. revised Constitutional text to the re a message that you would General Superior. like to send to the Hospitaller What is the timeline for this community as a whole? process? Which steps are alre- What does this process mean To the Hospitaller community: ady complete? for the Sisters specifically, and a message of communion and The timeline, which takes the for the entire Hospitaller com- thanks to everyone accompan- form of a spiritual path, con- munity generally? ying and supporting us in this sists of 12 subjects, divided into The Sisters of the Congregation process through prayer. To the dossiers, one of which will be have shown tremendous resolve, Sisters of the Congregation: let’s studied every month. This will enthusiasm, and gratitude. The stay on track with intent, enthu- involve three community mee- process helps deepen our ex- siasm, and gratitude. tings (invariably preceded by perience of Hospitaller devotion reflection and personal prayer) and appreciate the gift of being I want to conclude with these and a festive celebration to con- called to serve the kingdom of enlightening words from Sis- clude the process. hospitality. ter Anabela, in Circular no. 38: “how meaningful it would be The timeline began on 16 March After nearly a year of promo- if—through this process—we are 2019. In April, the methodolo- ting this process, what does it able to rekindle the gift recei- gy and timeline for the Provin- mean to you on a personal le- ved and feel, on a personal and ces were explained, and in May, vel, as a Sister Hospitaller and congregational level, with per- we began with the first dossier. General Councillor? ceptible signs, more like women, Broadly speaking, the timeline is On a personal level, it is very summoned and consecrated as as follows: rewarding. It is a concrete way followers of Jesus the Samaritan, to delve deeper into our origins, more like Sisters in the company - May 2019 - April 2020: monthly “where we come from,” as well of Sisters, sent to serve the sick examination of dossiers. as the teachings of the Church and poor, more hospitable, fo- and the reality of the world. It is llowing Mary’s example.” - May 2020: conclusion of the a privilege to work with the Sis-

6 News

50 years of faithfulness to the Lord Province of

On 19, 24, 27 and 30 October, in Assumar, Sao following the example of your mother, and I reiterate Miguel (Azores), Funchal, and Lisbon, the Sisters my YES again. After 50 years of devotion, my life has Hospitallers of the Province of Portugal united in gained new meaning through the desire to continue a single sentiment: gratitude for the love of God in living, proclaiming: I WILL SING OF THE MERCIES their lives. Four Sisters from the Province renewed OF THE LORD FOREVER! I surrender my past to your their vows together with their religious communities, mercy. I devote my present to your love. I put my patients, co-workers, and family members. Thanks future in your provident hands”, Sister Arminda Inês. to their generosity we are able to share what each of them felt on this monumental occasion. “Celebrating 50 years of devotion to hospitality means praising and thanking God for the path he “Celebrating 50 years of devotion to the Lord is a has laid for me; for his patience in shaping me every very joyous occasion: a time of gratitude for having time my life grew contorted. Celebrating 50 years received the calling to serve in hospitality; a time to means recognising and appreciating the wonders observe how God helps us embody our vocation and that God has revealed to me: offer it in faithfulness to the mission”,Sister Floripes. - In the Word that has lightened the load and “To me, celebrating 50 years of the consecrated smoothed the way. life means celebrating hospitality at all times in all - In the lives of the Founders, who continue to inspire things. Serving Jesus by helping the sick was my life me in my experience of the Hospitaller charism. choice. I always ask the Lord to send new callings to - In the many patients, who have served as veritable serve the needy. God is everything to me, but I know anchors for me in the sea of Hospitality. I am everything to God, and simply following Christ - In the Sisters from whom I receive countless gestures gives meaning to my life”, Sister Cremilde. of communion, assistance, friendship. - In the co-workers with whom I share the Hospitaller “I surrender myself wholeheartedly to you, Lord, mission”, Sister Maria Anália

7 News

Mental Health Day Province of

On 12 October, the Sisters Hospitallers’ TELEMA Mental Health Centre in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) celebrated World Mental Health Day. It was a delightful occasion, during which doctors and psychologists from our centre shared their expertise at an awareness conference on depression and suicide prevention. The main objective of these talks was to raise awareness about mental health as a disease, to combat the associated stigma, and advocate for the social inclusion of those who suffer from it. After the conferences, attendees were encouraged The conferences also focused on helping families to visit an exhibition in the centre’s occupational and patients detect early symptoms of the disease, therapy workshop. It was a very positive day with as well as learning the causes of depression, its the Hospitality that characterises our Institution on manifestations and its consequences. display first-hand.

The charm of being a woman Province of Italy

19 - 25 November to women. Various activities were organised in which the entire Hospitaller community participated, including testimonials from women against gender violence, travelling theatre and dance performances, a poetry reading with refreshments, a Mass, and a photography exhibit featuring portraits of the women of Villa San Benedetto. The Sisters Hospitallers’ Villa San Benedetto centre in Albese (Italy) has carried out a project to Our centre celebrated the week in an effort to improve and acknowledge the role of women in embody the words of Pope Francis: “Without our Organisation. women, there is no harmony in the world. […] It is she who brings the harmony that teaches us to Every day, roughly 110 women work at the Villa caress, to love with tenderness and who makes San Benedetto. Each of these women has a unique the world something beautiful.” The aim is that personal story, professional background, and women are aware of their strength and ingenuity, position within the organisation. and encouraged to strive for increasingly ambitious professional goals while fostering a culture of This initiative consisted of dedicating the week of respect and equality.

8 News

“Zero Maternal Mortality Project” Province of England

The Sisters Hospitallers St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Foso (Ghana) has embarked on a project known as “Zero Maternal Mortality.” The goal of this ambitious mission, which began several years ago, is to combat infant mortality in the area and reduce the risk of birth-related infections. The project involves the construction of a new maternity unit.

There is a tremendous need for this initiative, as the existing maternity unit has become obsolete and does not meet the necessary standards to provide quality medical care. Moreover, there is insufficient space for the required beds. The facility must also provide prenatal, postnatal, and OBGYN services, and must be equipped with other provisions, such growing needs of society and to the requirements as laboratories and operating theatres. of Ghana’s health authorities. In response, the medical, surgical, and paediatric units, as well as the Our unit is the only hospital facility in the area and operating theatres have been rebuilt. is used by patients from our district as well as by the main hospital of the surrounding districts. In Construction of this new maternity unit is budgeted recent years, our facility has adapted to both the at €1,025,113.

Spanish Psychiatric Association Province of

Within the framework of the 22nd National Psychiatric Congress, Manuel Martín Carrasco, Medical Director of the Sisters Hospitallers Centres in Navarra, was elected vice-president of the Spanish Psychiatric Association (Sociedad Española de Psiquiatría, “SEP”).

SEP members gathered at the 22nd National Psychiatric Congress, held in Bilbao, to choose a new vice-president. Manuel Martín Carrasco, Medical Director of the Sisters Hospitallers Centres in Navarra, was selected for the position. For the next three years, Dr Martín Carrasco will join Celso Dr Martín Carrasco embraces the arduous task Arango in leading the SEP and will subsequently that lies ahead with tremendous enthusiasm and become president of this scientific association. responsibility.

9 #Committed

Fegue MBA Féline Claire “My love of serving the poor and needy has grown stronger thanks to my participation as a volunteer in the rounds that the Sisters Hospitallers of Yaoundé conduct to help people living on the street”

My name is Fegue MBA Féline Claire and I My love of serving the poor and needy has am 20 years old. I am Cameroonian and I live grown stronger thanks to my participation as in the city of Yaoundé. I am a third-year law a volunteer in the rounds that the Sisters Hos- student at the University of Yaoundé II, with a pitallers of Yaoundé conduct to help people concentration in private law. living on the street, especially those suffering from mental illness. It is a wonderful and very As a devoted Christian of the Catholic faith, I meaningful activity. My first experience was attend the chapel of Saints Charles and Mar- the best of all; I will never forget it. Though I tin in Efoulan. I am passionate about reading, am a reserved person, I like to test my limits especially the liturgical service. I am also a when helping others and answering the call member of the St. Jerome group (for French of the Lord. readers) and I head the “Friends of Jesus” group, created by the Sisters Hospitallers of I am very grateful to God and to the Sisters, the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was through this who have given me this wonderful and ama- group that I met the Congregation of the Sis- zing opportunity. Thank you! ters and joined the Hospitaller community, forging and strengthening great friendships.

Important dates: December 2019, January and February 2020

19 December - 6 January 9 - 10 January 15 January - 28 February General Superior, Sister Rome’s Constellation Meeting of the General Anabela Carneiro, and 4th Assembly of the Government in Rome. General Councillor, Sister Mª UISG, including the Begoña Pérez, will pay a visit participation of Sister to the communities of Ghana Anabela. and Liberia. They will also meet with the Commission of Hospitallers in Africa.

More information/contact: [email protected] www.hospitalarias.org