December 2005 December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3 Canossian International VoluntaryVolume Service 3 · Number Newsletter 3

In this issue…

22 Witnessing in ommunion

Will you come talk about voluntary service? ence the need for others and, at the same 33 VOICA Brescia Takes Off What are the summer projects for 2006? time, we are a gift for others. Voluntary ser- vice endures and transforms into a lifestyle 44 Distance Adoptions These are the questions I often hear, a when each volunteer, in his/her turn, becomes sign that something is alive within the spheres a life-giving spring through the gift of self. 55 VOICA Membership of interest for voluntary service and that VOICA In brief, what we hope from the Canos- is journeying into peoples’ hearts. In this issue, sian Volunteer is the lasting fruit of a personal- 66 Taking Root in the UK we focus on how to be VOICA in various ity; a fruit that continues even after voluntary environments and places. service. It is a temporary commitment trans- 77 The History of VOICA Poland Regarding voluntary service, young formed into a lifelong commitment; from the people immediately think of what to do, accord- logic of choosing a profession to the logic of ing to initiatives, and the sisters push the point 8-98-9 Four Pillars of VOICA vocation and mission; from acting in favour of of formation. From the international coordina- persons and situations in need to the discov-

tion standpoint, we seek to create a balance ery of the joy of the permanent gift of self. 10 10 Uganda - Summer 2005 between identity and action. These are the two

In good company individual strands that interlace in ‘service’. I did not know what to give Gazing at the moon Sometimes we begin by doing something in order not to get something in return. and consequently discover how to be some- The heart asked from me the 1111 Brazil - Summer 2005 body. Other times, we are motivated by a immense freedom that lives in nothingness Fuelled by joy - Praia Grande feeling inside. We question who we are and yet grows beyond measure.

seek an answer. Our actions - our choices - By now the heart was no longer content 12 Summer Projects 2006 12 validate this self-discovery. So we start from with smaller ventures, different points, involving ourselves in the web the minute attempts of giving. 1313 Called to Serve of true life. I woke up and had to answer VOICA provides a framework for building the desire that was burning within me, 1414 After the VOICA experience an individual identity through the spirit it pro- to go and seek the lowly, poses and in the concrete service it suggests. those who could ‘pay’ me with only a smile. 1515 Reflections from the Mission Truly, we cannot be authentic unless we look I left and travelled far, Living in solidarity ad intra and ad extra, inside and outside seeking, curing, embracing sorrow ourselves. Contemplation and action must in the hearts of the poor. 1616 St. Bakhita Clinic Inauguration work together. I was left with nothing, Lomè, Togo Then we have yet a further passage to impoverished as they were, make: understanding that participating in but joy was the shelter of my soul. service activities is not the same as making a gift of one’s life. Assuming the responsibility of MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL others by meeting their needs is certainly a VOICA Sr. Patrizia Livraga, FdCC Via Aurelia Antica, 180 required step in making a gift of oneself, but it VOICA International Coordinator 00165 ROME - ITALY goes further than this. In mission, we experi-

Tel. +39 06 39375103 Fax +39 06 6385885 http://www.voica.org www.voica.org Make sure to visit the VOICA Website [email protected] for the latest news and updates on VOICA or for more information on our missions and becoming a volunteer. December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

“I am the vine and you are the branches…” - Jn 15 “we are many parts…but we are all one body.” - 1 Cor 12

As Church, we are called to communion. VOICA is an expression of that Universal Christian communion: international volunteers coming together to serve those in need. To date, we are 76 long-term volunteers from eleven countries, over 500 short-term volunteers, and groups of volunteers (some mentioned on the following pages) that serve in their own countries and/or support the VOICA missions abroad. We come together to raise funds for our projects, to give of ourselves to those in need, and to do our best to share our motivations and experiences of mission with others.

Communion represents both the source and the fruit of mission: communion gives rise to mission, and mission is accomplished in communion. John Paul II, Christifideles Laici

Several branches produce more fruit than one; a body cannot function with only one part. We need each other’s support - moral, spiritual, financial - in order to be mission. The fruit that comes from this is the joy of sharing with the people we serve in mission. Beginning with communion, we become the salt and light for others, beckoning them to join us on the journey together.

‘Communion’ speaks of a double, life-giving participation: the incorporation of Christians into the life of Christ, and the communication of that life of charity to the entire body of the Faithful.” Paul VI, General Audience at conclusion of Second Vatican Council

Communion is a life-giving participation… it’s not just an experience, and it doesn’t end with an experience. We constantly seek to live in Christ…to discover Him within ourselves. By this discovery, we are strengthened to bring Him to others through our living witness of charity. Essentially, as laypersons, we must embrace our duty to be- come ‘Christian leaven’ in our secular world. You are called; we are called to be that living witness...to be the Universal Church.

“grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift…. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers…” Eph 4.7,11

St. Magdalene of Canossa involved the laity from the beginning of her works of charity. She recognized that “In the Lord’s vineyard, all are called to serve but not all in the same manner and in the same state of life.” She called upon the generous lay- people of her time to act as teachers, formators, and benefactors of charitable works. VOICA follows St. Magdalene’s initiative into mission, where volunteers collaborate with Sisters in ‘making Jesus known and loved’ through the ministries to which they are called. What is your role? What gifts can you share as a member of Christ’s body, as a branch among many that are unified in Christ? We have a responsibility to work to- gether, to make that extra effort to begin…continue…to start again on our journey in 2 bringing Jesus to others through a life of charity. Jenny Brink Wisconsin, USA Malawi 2002-2004; Rome 2005 December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

The idea of forming an official group The first introductory and came from people who’d had various planning meeting was 21 Septem- VOICA experiences. Many of the current ber. In the following meeting on 28 VOICA Brescia participants were present October, we had a bit of formation at the 2005 Convention held in Rome with the theme ‘VOICA… a little during the summer. The Convention was history’. For about a half hour, we a way of sharing and getting into contact explained how the Canossian with others, particularly with the Polish missions work, discussing the first participants, who had formed a group official VOICA document in 1995 up called ‘VOICA Poland’. Their faith, until the establishment of the strength, and the initiatives that they had VOICA Onlus [non-profit] Association in obviously, relatives and friends! created gave us great motivation. 2004. It was necessary to emphasize We strongly feel that promoting Upon leaving this new enthusiasm these milestones in order to understand VOICA membership is of fundamental we encountered at the Convention, we that it’s not only the work tied to the importance. It was a demand born from decided to form a stable VOICA group projects that’s important, but it’s important the ‘Guidelines & Commitments’ we that would have regularity and continuity to remember that we belong and work created at the 2005 Convention, where in meeting. Until then, the people that had according to the Canossian charism, we all felt the necessity to be much more participated in the VOICA initiatives expression of the love and charity of God. connected to VOICA. It’s one tool that will (apart from the volunteers directly in- enliven volunteers and supporters in volved in the projects) were involved on Among the initiatives that the group assisting us or in receiving information. an ‘as needed’ basis, for instance in promotes are, in general, all that the Membership will also help make possible fundraising. This was a great act of good- VOICA Onlus proposes and particularly: a concrete list of contacts and secure a will but certainly didn’t develop a sense of line of communication over the years with • various distance adoptions according affiliation to VOICA. each person that has been involved with to the needs of the missions; The objective, then, was to create a VOICA; it could be one way of achieving • long-term volunteer adoptions; group with a structured identity, clearly an active Consultation of VOICA Volun- referenced to the Canossian charism, • local initiatives; teers, a fundamental part of the Associa- that could sustain the development of • VOICA membership campaigns. tion. VOICA projects in that group’s zone of We are working, in our free time and origin (in this case Brescia). We believe that it’s important to goodwill, to push these initiatives beyond sustain the missions not only with fund- the border of enthusiasm. We pray that The group meetings are two-fold: raising but also through a campaign of the expression of God’s love that we have well-contemplated sensitization. inside us be transformed into something • sustaining the long-term and short- more tangible for those around us and for term VOICA projects; In this view, adoptions are surely a those who are living in situations much • periodical formation for the group fundamental step for our association in more difficult than ours. In light of our own participants. how much it also gives to those that don’t limitations and weaknesses, we have have the possibility to live an experience individually committed ourselves to sup- in the mission, to sustain a primary neces- port one another on this journey. As I’ve mentioned, one of the funda- sity (education, health, nutrition). As such, mental characteristics that this group this creates a link between the community We thank all those people who have seeks is continuity - to avoid ‘dying out’ of group members and the VOICA mis- inspired and encouraged us: volunteers in when members move away from the sions. mission at this moment and Sr. Pat who, group. Consequently, we find it neces- with Jenny and the other sisters, make sary to establish an identity of a stable Surely more binding in economic the operational-spiritual gear of the group with a fixed location, led by com- terms is the volunteer adoption. As such, ‘VOICA machine’ run. we have decided to propose this initiative mitted people that can provide informa- tion to those interested. to groups and associations. In VOICA Brescia’s particular context, this could be Roberto Gatti and3 Emanuele Sciarra Participation in VOICA Brescia is Caritas or other associations that have Brescia, Italy open to all, even to those that have never supported VOICA projects in the past, experienced voluntary service. groups tied to the youth centre and, December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

AIDS afflicts Africa... and the world suffers When people discover that they have the sickness, they In response to the women’s situation in Togo, the are increasingly marginalised from others who are afraid VOICA Volunteers and Canossian Sisters opened a of coming to the same end. They are abandoned by school in 1999 for the purpose of their formation. their own physical power and remain alone, without Here, they provide young women with self-supporting means of support. When children are born life skills by teaching them a trade and offering an HIV-positive, their future is drastically cut short. integral and Christian education. Many of the women AIDS can be controlled, though, with proper come from poor families who are economically ex- medical care and with a complete and nutritious hausted. Studying and preparing for a dignified life is diet. It’s easy to bear some of the burden of a at times only an illusion for them. You can help em- person who suffers from AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. power a young woman with practical life skills by All it takes is your financial assistance to assisting with school or boarding fees and materials: purchase proper medicines and food. Annual Cost: Advanced secretarial studies: €600,00 Hairdressing course: €150,00 Boarding fees: €240,00 Pharmaceutical cost: €13 / month Tailoring: €150,00 Food cost: €17 / month

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Semi-Annual Costs: €180 Annual Cost €360 , not far from the great Santos port, children are involved in drug trafficking. They live the greater part of their time on the street, looking for something curious , the last nation in the world to become constituted, and interesting, as children will do. In is putting forth a great effort to live independently and to give this search, they encounter someone to all the possibility of a better life. that takes them for a turn and exploits The VOICA Volunteers, together with the Canossian them for their own advantage. VOICA Sisters, are working in the field of education because promo- Volunteers, together with the Sisters, tion is the first step to any development. It is a great chal- have created a recreational centre lenge, though, for poor families to use the little economic where the youth are protected from resources they have to send their children to school. those that exploit them and can be at Your adoption will help peace, free to enjoy themselves and alleviate some of their hardship. to learn. The centre is seeking funds to support these children through meaningful activities, tutoring, a meal and a daily snack. School fees and materials: €30 / month You can support a child with just €20 / month ------Annual Cost (9 mos.): Semi-Annual costs: €120 €270 Annual Costs: €240

It’s good to first clearly decide the type of adoption that you intend to make. If you decide to support a particular project, but the costs are too high, you can collaborate with friends or relatives and support an adoption together. Then comes the completion of the form on the part of the donor that can be delivered to a VOICA Volunteer or sent to: VOICA ONLUS - Via Aurelia Antica, 180 - 00165 Rome ITALY Lastly, we transfer the money as indicated on the following page. Please be sure to specify the intention for the donation. 4 In return, the donor will receive a receipt of the donation and then, after some months, a card from the adoptee that will be updated another time during the year. This way, it is possible to follow - even if from afar - the person benefiting from your contribution. We guarantee that the money raised will be administrated by the VOICA Volunteers and Canossian Sisters serving in the mission benefiting from your donation. December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

VOICA invites volunteers, friends and supporters to be a part of its Association in order to meet the following objectives: • To support the humanitarian-Christian goals of the association; • To belong to the recognized voluntary service organization; • To take part in the consultation of VOICA volunteers.

Membership fees for 2006: Associate Volunteer € 20,00 / $24 / £14 Supporter € 40,00 / $24 / £14 Benefits: 1. Recognition as an associated volunteer belonging to a recognized non-profit association; 2. Subscription to Dare di Più, the quarterly publica- tion of VOICA; 3. VOICA T-shirt; 4. Discounted lodging for brief stays at the VOICA Centre in Rome, according to time and availability; 5. Free short-term lodging at foreign VOICA mis- sions, according to time and availability.

Volunteers interested in having an official sign of belonging to and supporting VOICA can obtain the 2006 Membership Card by contacting the VOICA Office in Rome ([email protected]); Tel: 06 39375103

BY WIRE TRANSFER... BY CHECK... Volontariato Internazionale Checks should be made payable to Canossiano Onlus VOICA and should specify the purpose Banca Intesa of the donation in the memo line. P.le Gregorio VII, 10 00165 Rome Send checks to: ITALY VOICA Onlus Via Aurelia Antica, 180 00165 Rome C/C 231256–33 CAB 05032–8 ITALY ABI 3069–2 CODICE CIN: R IBAN IT88 R030 6905 0320 E-mail: [email protected] 0002 3125 633 Tel: +39 06 39375103 5 BIC-SWFT BCITITMM700 To make a tax-deductible donation, Please specify the project or VOICA in please contact the VOICA Office for general as the purpose of the transfer. details before sending any money. December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

With its roots firmly planted in good our experiences of mission, we excitedly Is God calling you? soil since its conception over ten years realised that there was a genuine need ago in Italy, the VOICA tree has devel- for a missionary seed to be planted in the Do you want to make a oped the four pillars of Canossian ser- hearts of Catholics in the UK. God had vice: Education, Evangelisation, Develop- provided both of us with such beautiful real difference? ment and Health, taking nourishment experiences of mission. It was now our Maybe VOICA UK has your from the Holy Spirit through the Canos- turn to be His salt and light and to share sian charism. our experience with fellow Catholics, to answers... Six years ago, VOICA’s seed took invite them to experience God’s mission root in Poland and since then has borne in their lives, to build a strong bond of Contact us to find out how much fruit, with dozens of regular Polish fellowship and friendship and to make a you can get involved… volunteers participating: from long-term difference in their lives and in the lives of missionaries to those who support VOICA others around them. VOICA UK in prayer. VOICA now faces After discussing the “It was now our Canossian Sisters another opportunity in the idea with Sr. Patrizia 3 Longlands Close, United Kingdom, a land that turn to be His salt Livraga, the International Cheshunt Waltham Cross, until recently has remained and light…” Coordinator of VOICA, the fallow of the VOICA seed. notion to start VOICA UK HERTS, EN8 8BLW In the UK, as in many was approved. tel: +44 1992621168 wealthy Western countries, the pressures Since then, the effect of the Holy caused by a materialistic society on its Spirit has been very clear and supportive. inhabitants to think only of self- We have made some concrete steps to remarked, “Working in a corporate and advancement and self-actualisation often build contacts, gather information and to secular environment and living in Western drown out the call from God to serve Him publicize VOICA among various groups, Europe, I am more than aware that it is and His people. This leaves a spiritual several local parishes and the Canossian easy to forget 'the poor' as we find our- poverty for which humankind was not Sisters in Waltham Cross in Northeast selves surrounded by every luxury imag- made. The people of the UK are crying London. There has been a lot of interest, inable.” Monica reflected on the various out for the opportunity to know and love encouragement and close support from testimonies of VOICA volunteers, Canos- Jesus Christ and to offer themselves in nearby St. Dunstan’s Parish sian Sisters and the inspira- service to the missions. in Woking. With help from the tional words of St. Magda- The idea of VOICA UK started with parish priests, we received “There is a calling lene of Canossa: “When two former long-term VOICA volunteers. positive interest from VOICA for all of us!” listening to these words and Jolanta Bałazy, a VOICA volunteer from UK’s first introduction to the hearing about these acts of Poland who served in East Timor, visited local diocesan youth group at love, I was really touched as I me, a former volunteer in Togo, in Eng- a gathering at St. Joseph’s considered how serving as a land earlier this year. After chatting about Catholic School in Burgess Hill. We’ve missionary is so close to the true Chris- also made contact with the tian way of life. I felt that I, too, wanted to Catholic Vocation Office in be a part of VOICA and was particularly London and with the Jesuits interested to hear how those back in who, in collaboration with Europe could support those out in mis- other congregations, are in sion. There is a calling for all of us!” the process of developing a The activities of VOICA UK will voluntary Catholic mission- initially comprise prayer groups, sharing ary network. testimonies, and promoting and present- Having returned from ing VOICA to various interested groups 6 the recent International and parishes. We continue to build a VOICA Convention in Rome, network of contacts, supporters and Monica Enskat, one of the friends and invite each one of you to VOICA UK collaborators, VOICA makes itself known at a youth gathering (continued on next page…) December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

VOICA came to Poland in the Jubi- into a real and concrete service for the in recent years has pulled out of the lee year, enriching the Polish Church by missions. painful grip of Communism. Through our another significant means to realize the VOICA meetings in Poland now project, we would like to bring hope for a missionary vocation. occur every two months and usually better future to the children of Vinnitsa. involve up to forty members, who We hope to continue promoting contribute to the missions in many VOICA through exhibitions, testimonies ways. The members of VOICA Poland and visits to schools and to parishes, volunteer their time and combine sowing the Canossian Charism within the efforts to develop VOICA and to hearts of each of us and of others. More- ensure that it runs smoothly. With this over, we hope to meet with other associa- regular interaction and commitment, tions, groups and contacts in Poland, to the motivation of VOICA Poland enhance our connection with VOICA in members are reinforced, leading Italy and possibly with VOICA UK as they some to offer one or two years of develop into a branch of their own. their lives to work in poverty for the In order to fundraise for a project in poor. Since 2000, the Polish Church Gosławice, Poland, our group designed, has mandated sixteen lay “ad- printed and ‘marketed’ the VOICA 2006 gentes” missionaries with VOICA. calendar. The calendar, which was pro- During the VOICA Conven- duced in Italian, Polish and English, has tion this past summer in Rome, the been sold in Italy, Poland, the UK, Ire- Polish group numbered twenty strong. land, the US and East Timor. We hope It began with a short-term voluntary This time together gave us the strength, that this initiative will encourage other youth group in Sicily, led by Fr. Slawomir motivation and enthusiasm to continue VOICA groups to collaborate on future Glodzik and Sr. Amelia Scarpa. This our service to the poor. Furthermore, the projects, which - with the correct inspira- experience of service to the poor Convention focused our hearts and tion and vision - can develop into strong strengthened the conviction of Fr. Sla- minds, helping us remember that the partnerships of witness. womir, Sr. Amelia and the volunteers, most important aspect of service is first Everyday, each of us should learn while highlighting the need for a perma- recognizing God’s mission for each one of how to be ‘more’: more for the people nent Canossian voluntary group in Po- us. around us, more for God, more involved land. Beginning with monthly prayer Our plans for the following year and more in love with life. We encourage meetings, the Polish youth came. Gradu- include a project in Vinnista, Ukraine, a all of you to find your way to becoming ally, these gatherings were transformed very needy area in Eastern Europe, which more by helping in whatever way you can, whether it is through prayer, by offering your time and talents in service, or maybe (Continuation from p. 6) individuals. With the inspiration of the committing yourself as a long-term mis- contribute to VOICA in any way to “make Holy Spirit, God’s will, and trust in the sionary. Let us follow St. Magdalene of Jesus known and loved”. Lord, we can offer the mission and the Canossa’s path, making Jesus known Our hope for the future is to expand needy a powerful hand to improve their and loved through our service. this initiative into a formal branch of lives and to spread the love of Jesus. It is VOICA Poland VOICA, with its own organisational struc- in this service that we find true meaning in ture and legal entity, to recruit British our lives. We thank you for your prayers, volunteers to help in national and interna- cooperation and support. tional missionary work. With positive Daniel Remedios interest and growth, the future looks United Kingdom promising. Togo 2000 - 2001 VOICA is more than a voluntary program. It is an opportunity to develop oneself, and to live one’s faith whilst 7 sharing gifts, knowledge and experience with others. It is important for us keep in mind that VOICA is not just a group of December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

I came to Rome without clear Formation is a key aspect of life ideas of how the three-month forma- for everyone. How many times in our tion period for long-term service in lives have we all had to prepare for Togo would strengthen my spiritual- something - a new job, a new family ity. I grew up in a Catholic family who member, ...even a new mission site? modeled good morals, but it wasn’t VOICA Formation has been a time until college that Catholicism became to prepare ourselves, personally and as my own. I started to realize then that a community, for the spiritual growth, God had called me to the nursing lessons in humility, and challenges we profession and that His presence was will face in the mission. We have tried connected with my service activities. to fit so much into these past few As college graduation approached, I months. I’ve spent numerous hours on decided to pray more deeply about the learning new languages, and I’ve call to mission. After a lot of prayer and asked so many questions about my with full support of family and friends, I mission site. I have not only learned to applied to VOICA. accept myself, but also my com- This formation period in “We must learn munity members in their diver- Rome has changed me in unex- sity. to trust pected ways. At first, my main Most importantly, though, I concern was that I would be ourselves and understand why I’m here. I’m working as a nurse in a foreign reminded of it everyday during culture. Now my priority is to others… and to prayer as I’m filled with an inner identify myself as Catholic and trust in the joy and happiness to fulfill my to allow those values to guide call. I know that during this time my nursing care and other Lord.” of formation, though I can pre- interactions. I am finding that pare and study day and night, I prayer now happens more will still not understand every- spontaneously, and I can see the thing about mission. It’s impossible to beauty of God’s gifts working in my know everything about life or to recog- community. Though formation has its nize all of the consequences of the challenges, I am able to search for choices we make. This in itself is one deeper meanings in those situations. of life’s many lessons. My spirituality now means that I So how can we feel secure and need God in my life and seek His accept this fear of not knowing? We presence in daily events. I welcome must learn to trust ourselves and oth- the lessons in patience, humility, and ers, and most importantly, we must understanding. With self-analysis and trust in the Lord. “When I was being openness as to how God works made in secret, fashioned as in the through me, I will be able to witness depths of the earth, Your eyes foresaw Christ’s love during mission. I trust in my actions…my days were shaped, God’s call, and that comfort helps me before one came to be (Ps. 139.15-16). prepare to be a humble worker in His God already knows our thoughts and vineyard. actions. We must be able to accept Sandra Amshoff Him and His love for us, placing our Kentucky, USA trust in Him and believing that He is Togo always with us. Maria Burke New York, USA Egypt 8 December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

After a three-month preparation in Rome, Maria, San-

dra, Kasia, Enza, and Girlie (Malaysia) will leave for missions in Egypt, Togo, and Malawi at the beginning of December. We wish them the best and ask for your prayers as they begin their journeys...

Looking from the outside, life in I haven’t yet had the mission community may seem easy and experience, but I feel in my heart a exciting. It’s beautiful that people great desire to give my whole being from various continents can live to the people the Lord puts on my together in the same house, study- way. ing, cooking, praying, Even if I haven’t been in countries so far away, I al- joking together… But in “...despite our reality it’s not so easy. ready have under my belt Just another night serving at Caritas... Each one of us has most varied experiences of service to the a distinct character, differences, we sick and suffering, on the ...and we fold VOICA brochures, too! different habits and Unitalsi trains direct to the education, a series of can be united sanctuary of Lourdes with things that in the begin- around one focal children from the paediatric ning can seem pleasant oncology ward at Policlinico in discovering. When point - our love for Gemelli in Rome. [Unitalsi is you then begin to under- Jesus.” an Italian organization that stand that there are sponsors pilgrimages for the lifestyles opposite to sick through the help of volun- yours, the way of teers.] ‘discernment’ begins and we start to I have always desired to com- ‘work’ on ourselves. We try to ac- municate with those that suffer, with cept the others for who they are, to those that are alone, with those who, be accepted ourselves and to look like me, have an infinite thirst and at our community with eyes turned hunger for Jesus in the depth of their to the future. We must take the heart. perspective that for the good of the I know that this same disposition Welcoming Maria’s Fr. Bill from New York missions, we first need to accept of heart will accompany me wher- Welcoming Maria’s Fr. Bill from New York and to live the community in synthe- ever the Lord will send me, to lead sis, fraternity, and humility. me to a much deeper experience of Though we may be of different solidarity with Him and with my races, colours, and from diverse brothers and sisters. Solidarity finds continents, when we find ourselves meaning in service, in sharing one’s together again at community prayer life with others. in the evening, before God our Lord, This is only possible, though, if we discover that despite the most this solidarity is lived with a simple and poor heart... in a poverty that varied differences, we can be united Polenta dinner at Enza’s parish, St. Magdalene of Canossa! around one focal point - our love for witnesses the choice of a greater Jesus. love for which it is worth becoming “Let us use charity as Katarzyna Pażyra poor and leaving everything… the measure for everything, Enza Nesci Strzyżów n/W, Poland just as the Lord uses it in our Egypt Rome, Italy Togo respect, in any 9circumstance and whenever the need arises.”

St Magdalene of Canossa December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

“So where are you going on holiday “Vado“I’m goingin Uganda… to this year?” perUganda… fare volontari- for voluntaryato.” service!” “Uganda?? re un dormitorio….maoffice clerks, students, una volta teachers, preso il future in children’s You’reSei pazzo…” crazy…” ritmo,mechanics, armati di badile, factory cariola, workers e cazzuola by abbiamoprofession messo - being tutto able il tonostro reconstruct impegno a eyes; to perdormitory poter madeportare us a smile termine a bit. un We progetto even- see atten- Quando When arriva summer il momentobreak arrived, delle friends, ferie neltually quale found credevamo our rhythm, pienamente though. Armede non tive moltocolleagues, spesso and ci familysi chiede often tra asked amici us colle- how solowith noi.shovels, E’ stata wheelbarrows, una gioia immensa and trowels, dopo children ghiwe ecould familiari decide come to si workha deciso three di or impie- four trewe settimaneput all our vedere effort il into“nostro” being dormitorio able to in absolute silence gareweeks le duringtre o quattroour summer settimane break estive of de- di sistemato,complete aripulito project e prontoin which ….. we. vedere fully while they listened to the Word of meritatoserved rest riposo after dopo a long un yearlungo of anno work. di che chi viveva nella miseria e nella pover- God. lavoroConfronted … ewith di thefronte choice ad ofuna dedicating scelta di tà era più felice di noi, vedere le persone Now that I have returned to my dedicaretime and energytempo energiefor those per less chi fortunate è meno che si fermavo a chiacchierare con te ‘normal’ life, where time passes by fortunatothan us, wedi noi often molto heard spesso negative si sentono and anche se non ti avevano mai visto prima, quickly without even realizing, where it’s rispostecontrasting negative reactions e contrastanti….che from others. This non vedere il sorriso stampato sulle facce di difficult to find eyes that manage a smile, fannoonly fuelled altro che our alimentaredesire and ildetermination desiderio e la chi soffriva, vedere la speranza di un where it’s always more difficult to find vogliato serve. di essere al servizio degli altri. Per futuro migliore negli occhi dei bambini, people that understand what you’ve lived, fortuna By dithe “pazzi” ‘crazy neperson’s ho trovati luck’, altri I found 13… vedere in Chiesa bambini attenti e in seen and experienced in twenty days… I che,13 more come like me, me who alsovolevano wanted tovivere live assoluto silenzio mentre ascoltavano la often find myself ‘pulling the plug’ on my un’avventuraan adventure chethat va stretched ben oltre far gli beyond schemi Parola di Dio…. reality. I isolate myself from this world to impostatithe structures dalla imposednostra società… on our society…hotel a 4 Orabelieved. che Wesono weren’t tornata alone. alla mia vita di ceaselessly travel my mind, remembering ofour 5 stelleor five mare, star spiaggehotels onstracolme the sea, di sempre, It was dove an immenseil tempo joyscorre after veloce three the fantastic 14, remembering the Canos- gente….beaches overcrowdeddiscoteche, musica with people, a gran disco- volu- senzaweeks nemmenoto see ‘our’ rendermene dormitory conto, in place, dove sian Sisters that welcomed us, the land- me….theques, Ect loud ect…. music, In etc.pochi In amesi few l’ideamonths, di mipolished è difficile up andtrovare ready; occhi to chesee riescanothat those a scapes, the countless hands I held, the “vestirsithe idea da of muratori, dressing manovali, as a bricklayers, imbianchi- sorridere,there who dovelived èin sempremisery andpiù povertydifficile faces, the colours,... and only in that ni”labourers per venti and giorni painters è diventata for twenty realtà days che incontrarewere happier persone than us;che to capiscano see the peoplefino in moment do I realize how fortunate I am. rimarràbecame nei a reality cuori thatdei famosiwould remain14 pazzi in perthe fondothat stopped quello toche chat hai withvissuti you visto even e thoughprova- So now I’m left asking myself, ‘But tuttahearts la of vita…. the famous All’inizio 14 cicrazy faceva people un po’for tothey’d in venti never giorni….mi seen you capita before; molto to spessosee a what was that something we felt inside sorridereall of their illives. pensiero che noi, impiegati, dismile staccare planted la onspina, the facesdi isolarmi of those dal thatmio that brought us to Uganda?’ studenti, In the insegnanti, beginning, meccanici,operai the thought of us per - mondosuffered; per to far see viaggiare the hope la menteof a senzabetter Chiara Zilioli tutto l’anno, potessimo davvero ristruttura- freni ricordando i fantastici 14, ricordando Brescia, Italy

est, but those who come to this experi- I learned so much. I learned that ence shout Here I am, as Mary pro- The exact destination wasn’t impor- sometimes reality is just this dailyness, claimed to the Lord with all her heart. tant. It was Africa (Uganda), and this was and that’s all. There are no questions and It was just three weeks of my life, what mattered - not for the longing to look no answers; people go on living without only 21 days, looking at one part of the poverty in the face with cynicism but with even questioning or seeking answers. world that I didn’t know then and don’t the desire to give ourselves to those who I’ve understood the value of grati- even know now. In reality, I couldn’t I believed were in need. I’m certainly not tude; I’ve seen how full the lives of the escape my Italian mentality and way of one to decide who is or is not the needi- missionary sisters are. And I’ve felt the being, even though my gaze sought to intensity of goodbye. catch all that it could and my heart tried to Naturally, I’d like to return to see the The aim of the summer understand so much... too much. future of the places where I’ve walked I gazed at the moon every night. it and of the people I’ve met. At the same VOICA project in Lweza, was so different. I listened to all the time, one must be open to welcome her Uganda, was to prepare noises in the dark, and I was afraid, but journey wherever it may lead. when I embraced the smiles of the peo- So the moon wasn’t that different adequate lodging and ple, I felt at home. So even when I was after all; only the eyes that were fixed on hygienic10 facilities for 50 tired and dirty, I smiled. I drove my gaze it were changing day by day… into the soil we shovelled, the mortar we Carla Gonzini girls that were boarding mixed, the bricks we moved, and into the Brescia, Italy on the school grounds. beds we repainted. December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

Guided by Sr. Amelia Marchesini and in collaboration with the nearby parish, the volunteers helped establish formative and recreational activities for children in the area. ‘Inaugurating’ a newly constructed VOICA building for the various activities, the volunteers organized a three- week children’s summer camp. As the first VOICA Volunteers in Praia Grande, they also assessed the needs of the local community in order to plan for future projects..

When the been purchased. The children weren’t other Canossian there because they would come in the children Sisters following days when we volunteers began were opened the the recreational activities with them. They added to door for the didn’t have a suitable structure where they the mission in could play, so the children - armed with caravan. Praia good intentions - made use of the small What a Grande, dump next to the house and transformed wonder San Paolo, it into a beautiful field. The children ap- - the Brazil, we peared from everywhere! project couldn’t The first day there were four children, had resist. and each day the number increased until worked! So we played, sang, We were 10 we found ourselves surrounded by so danced, and worked every day, all day! in all, from many children that we didn’t know where The children were full of energy, and different to put them! So we went to play in the even we felt a little bit stronger being with cities in streets, in the soccer fields, wherever! them. northern The children’s songs filled the air, and Our days weren’t only fun and Italy. The games, though. We also had to think Sisters in about the house, cleaning, washing, Santos gave us a great welcome upon ironing, cooking, and shopping. We were our arrival, and then we were off to our breathing in air that was so full of joy and new abode. love, though, that the work seemed so The house we stayed in, christened much lighter. It was too beautiful to stop! ‘Sr Josephine Bakhita’, was situated in a We always sang with the children that our beautiful town on the sea, the poorest party wouldn’t end. suburb of the city. Sisters Amelia, Suelì The project goes on... We would like and Marlì welcomed us to their mission. to return to expand and improve the Their place consisted of a small house, recreation spaces because they are too yard, room, and church. It was all set in small for the children and for the recrea- a rural frame: an unpaved and unlit road, tional activities we did with them. We did rundown houses, a nearby swamp over- our best this year, but having seen the run by Brazilian mosquitoes, stray dogs potential for improvement, we would like galore, horses and handcarts, and some to be able to do even more next year. cows here and there. Thanks for giving us the possibility to As for the children… there were participate in and to11 realize this project! none to be found! It was the first time that Ilaria Calegari someone had undertaken a missionary Milan, Italy work in this place, as the house had just December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

Reconstructing the hostel kitchen at an all-girls’ school

Nutrition program, assistance to the poor, informal education for women

Children’s recreational camp, alternative medicine activities, school camp for kids

To be announced...

Preparing classrooms for the promotion of youth

Summer school for youth, animation in the villages If you are... at least 20 years old able to live in poverty, simplicity and self-sacrifice in a developing country willing to actively participate in Christian community living able to work together to fundraise for and to realize a project ready12 to make a journey of formation before, during and after service serious about living the Gospel Contact us to apply: [email protected] December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

In a few days, I’ll leave for mission in On a morning like so many others, The over- East Timor. I don’t know what awaits me, only a bit more peaceful, I was sitting at whelming but it doesn’t matter. I know who sends my computer doing an internet search. I thought of me: God. And He gives me confidence to came to the VOICA site, and here ‘I was the call take this great and important step in my found’. It took only one saying to paralyze frightened life. me, touch my heart, and completely stun me. I felt it Many of you think about the time it me: was greater takes to make a decision like this and to It wasn’t only one beautiful saying; it was than me, have the strength to leave everything yet it always kept coming back. I couldn’t behind in order to ‘go to mission’. In I slept and dreamt that control it, and so I confronted it; I tried to reality, it all happened to me when I least open the door of my heart a little more to life was joy; expected it. God, and the rest was all His work! I had never thought about the idea of I awoke and saw that Every day I ask ‘why me?’ Why did going to mission and, to be honest, I life was service. He really choose me and not someone never even liked to travel much. But you I acted and behold, braver, stronger, more courageous or can’t command your life in one direction if service was joy.” more humble? Such is the mystery of His Someone from above wants you going in - Tagore great love… another. Sometimes the happiness that we So it was never my project or dream a personal message for me - Silvia! seek is not so far away; it’s just hidden in to go to mission, not because I didn’t want So I really started to think about the dailyness of our lives. God calling me to do good (I had always looked to serve things. I was happy with work, family, and to mission has made me bloom in the in other ways), but because I hadn’t ever many friends, but I wasn’t complete. I felt desert of my soul! had the strength to leave something that I that I was missing a big part of my life. At Silvia Zampatti (Italy) really knew and loved - for a stranger. first, I tried to suppress this new feeling. Comoro, East Timor

VOICA’s mission is to help laypersons More than just a volunteer program... serve those in need through education, Canossian International Voluntary Service (VOICA) is an opportunity to grow and to evangelization, development, and health live one’s faith, using one’s gifts in the service of others. services. VOICA aims to have volunteers formed as Founded and supported by the Canossian apostles in the global Daughters of Charity, VOICA emphasizes four society. pillars: Spirituality, Formation, Community, and Service (see p. 8-9), that enable the volunteer to grow while witnessing Christ’s love and serving others in Canossian missions throughout the world. VOICA Volunteers come from all over the world and serve in short-term (4-5 weeks) and long-term (1-3 years) missions. In the mission, they live in solidarity with their communities and with the people whom they serve. They strive to 13 lead a simple, humble life that reflects the standard of living and the customs of the local community. If you are interested in becoming a VOICA Volunteer, please visit our Website, www.voica.org, to submit a preliminary application. December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

Water glasses, juice glasses, wine injustices, unsanitary conditions, and goblets, coffee cups, coffee mugs, and encounter lives that I couldn’t relate to, I a tea cup that my grandma used when told myself, “I’m not here to condemn or she came over for a visit… these are a to forcibly change anyone. I’m here to live few of the first things I noticed upon by example.” This became my mantra returning after a year in Bukoba: how once again in the US. many glasses my parents had. At our So I shared my story with friends house in Bukoba, Dana and I had three over a period of weeks, not hours, so they Jennifer mugs (whose handles eventually broke) could begin to understand my experi- and two glasses. I had been in the US ences and me once again. I gave a talk to Sartori for less than 24 hours, and I realized a local Rotary Club (who in turn donated After her short-term service in that my perspective on life had already dictionaries to the Bakhita School in Imperatriz, Brazil, during the sum- changed. How many glasses did a Bukoba) and to a junior school about mer of 1999, Jennifer Sartori (from family of five need? We had an entire Tanzania, its people, and their way of Verona, Italy) opted for one more cupboard filled with them. I just stared living. This helped me validate my time at the wine glasses as I took them off there, rather than just let it remain as if it year in mission from October 2000 – the second shelf and placed them on were dream a million miles away. 2001. Once she returned from ser- the table for dinner. I returned to Bukoba in January vice in her beloved Brazil, Jenny Over the next few months, I en- 2004. It had been three years since I’d left sought with recommitment the best countered many personal challenges as Tanzania. My cousin, who was eager to answer to give to God, who was I tried to assimilate back to a culture visit Africa, accompanied me as I relived calling her with that ‘question of that was nothing like Bukoba. I was all the memories and recounted to her my plagued by two questions: How do I life in Bukoba. The sites and sounds were something more’, one that St. Mag- explain to people what I’d been through the same. I couldn’t wait to meet one of dalene pointed out for her compan- in Africa? How will anyone ever under- my former students with whom I’d kept in ions. stand me? touch. And when I opened the door to So in June 2002, she began her I found that people would easily Nyumba Ya Bakhita - the Sisters’ house - journey of first formation to be- ask, “How was Africa?” as if I’d just Sr. Vestina met me with a shout of de- come a Canossian Sister. The jour- been on a trip to the Caribbean. They light, tightly grabbing my hand to pull me would look for one-word answers like into a hug. Even the wonderful people ney has now reached its first impor- Great! Good! Wonderful! Then they’d were the same. tant milestone: on 7 January 2006, say, “I heard you ate grasshop- The entire VOICA experience has in the chapel of the Canossians’ pers?!?” (a story that they’d probably been a journey, and it started only with General House in Rome, Jenny will heard from my parents). “Yup, they’re living in Bukoba. It lives on through my pronounce her religious vows of considered a delicacy there.” After a other volunteer experiences, my life in poverty, chastity and obedience. final expression of disbelief, they’d be another third-world country, and in meet- satisfied with the formality and move ing Canossian Sisters around the world. I From then on, we could call her... the conversation to the latest movie or realize now that it’s less important to get social event. I stayed silent. others to understand me as it is that I It was easier to play along than to understand how the experiences influ- Sister tell them what I really wanted to say: “It ence me to make the right choices and to Jenny!!!!! was life-changing. I met the most amaz- shape my journey in life. ing people …You have no idea how different life is and what adversity the Laura Cirello joined the Canossian people face….Tanzania changed me Side-by-Side Volunteers in the United ….” States in 1999 and taught at As I got reacquainted14 with friends the Bakhita Vocational Training Center and family, I remembered something in Bukoba, Tanzania, in 2000. P.S. that kept me sane amid the vast differ- She lived and served with Whoever would like to congratulate ences I encountered upon first moving fellow VOICA volunteer, Dana Arnold. Jenny can call her on +3477994696 to Tanzania. When I would witness the Laura now lives in Mumbai,India December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

In my preparations for the mission in ‘extraordinary’ becomes ordinary. And Malawi, Africa, I really did not know what that is exactly how the lives of all the to expect. All I had were ideas given to people suffering and dying in those maga- me by news reports, documentaries, and zines are... ordinary. Scary, isn’t it? pictures from magazines. While these As terrible as it sounds for these were useful in presenting that there was situations to be ordinary for those who in fact a problem that needed attention endure them and those living among and assistance, they were lacking in any them, it is no less true. This is the real sense of what it was actually like to reality I am currently facing: the longer I live there. am here, the less extraordinary life here My expectations were somewhat seems, and the more accustomed to as I can to the people I am here guided during my formation in Rome, everything I become. I am ashamed to to serve; unifying my life with the lives of spending time with the Sisters and meet- say that it is now easier, or perhaps a those I am here to help so that I can not ing former volunteers. Their stories and greater risk, for me to see suffering and to only better serve them, but keep myself witnesses filled in some of the gaps left disconnect myself from the pain of others. from forgetting to serve them. by the pictures in the magazines, giving a While that is not a problem in itself, as a The theory is great, but how do you bit more insight into the day-to-day life. As doctor might find his job easier if he is practice it? I don’t have any clear an- helpful as this was, the stories still used to the sight of blood, it presents a swers. Solidarity often seems impractical seemed far-removed danger for me in and many times impossible. For example, from the any reality of fulfilling my pur- I can adjust my diet, but can I really be in what my life would pose in the mis- solidarity with undernourished people soon be like. sion. It becomes when I have always been assured that I Upon arriving to easier for me to would have food on the table? What the mission, I discov- overlook prob- purpose does it serve to try to achieve ered how inadequate lems as I become such a solidarity? my expectations had more familiar with I look at everything that I have and been and how unpre- them. Believe me need for the mission and feel even more pared I really was. - problems here separated from the people here, wonder- The pictures from magazines were useful are everywhere and easy to overlook. ing if I could even get close to living in in capturing a moment and in conveying The more I allow myself to overlook, solidarity with them. Then I realize that the desperation of that moment, but the though, the more opportunities to help I nothing I have is actually mine. The depictions were misrepresentations of will miss. Since helping find solutions is clothes that I wear, the food that I eat, the reality; at least in my mind, they were the whole point of coming to Africa, over- house that I live in, and all of the skills unfathomable. I think this disconnection is looking the many forms of poverty is and knowledge I possess have been a fault made by many of us who don’t live something that I would like to avoid as given to me by someone else. I have daily lives of poverty, starvation, and much as possible. done nothing to earn or even deserve any death. But after enough time passes living So herein lies the importance of of them. They are gifts. As such, my in these situations, the unfathomable solidarity with the poor: forming my atti- responsibility is to appreciate them, use tude and habits as best them as best I can, and share them with others. Fully appreciating each person we Dearest Jennifer, meet, by recognizing that nothing we We wish you all the best and ask you to be always on the side of those who have is truly ours, will allow us to more want to live, with immeasurable generosity, the attempt to reach out to completely share what we have with one another. We would both benefit… and others. May Jesus always be before your eyes. perhaps be a little 15bit closer to living in Your call is a privilege of Love. solidarity. Thank you for your response. Andy Niemerg Yours, VOICA Missouri, USA Malawi 2004-2006

December 2005 Volume 3 · Number 3

This is a great step on the journey we have undertaken in order to offer a service of health- care to those who have no means of it... to those who have the right to be cured but have no voice to make their rights respected.

It is the ‘fantasy of charity’ (NMI 50), in the words of John Paul II, that has urged us to un- dertake such a long, strenuous, and compelling adventure in order to fulfil this work. We pray that it be an adequate response to the needs of the poor and a clear sign of God’s love for the least. It’s only this Great Love that gives worth to living, suffering, and self-sacrifice.

Thanks to all the benefactors who have supported us with their sensitivity. Thank you to all who have encouraged us, helping us see that this project was possible. To all those who have dreamt, fatigued, and hoped together with us - we express our gratitude. For all the ‘workers’ of Togo - it is because of your hours of genius, fatigue, and sweat that the clinic is now a reality. Thank you.

16 With this construction, a sign of the love of so many, we want to wish everyone a most beautiful Christmas. May your holiday be filled with the true joy that comes from spirited generosity. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL