Theodosia
2017/ 1 Quarterly ofthe Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute Ingenbohl CH-6440 Brunnen
132 Volume 2017/ 1 Editorial Team:
Sister Christiane Jungo Sister Edelgund Kuhn Sister Anna Affolter Sister Elsit J. Ampattu Sister Dorothee Halbach
English version:
Sr. Roseline Kujur, India Contents Theodosia 2017, 1
Picture 4 Vision 2020 – Convent 25 Hegne "a unique place" Editorial 5 Sr. Josefa M. Harter, Hegne, Sr. Christiane Jungo Province Baden-Württemberg
The Prayer of Brother 7 Klaus Fr. Josef Rosenast, SAC, Leading with a Vision in 29 pilgrimage chapel in Times of Great Transitions Sachseln, Switzerland Sr. Magdalena Walcher, Wels, Province Europa Mitte The Wheel of Brother 9 Klaus according to Josua Boesch Short News from our 33 Sr. Christiane Jungo, Ingenbohl, Motherprovince of Switzerland Provinces and Vicariates Popular Mission in Brazil Sr. Gabriella Di Mouro, Nova The "Book" of Brother 10 Iguaçu, Vicariate Brazil Klaus Fr. Josef Banz, former pilgrimage chaplain in Sachseln, +2011 Information from the 36 General Leadership “Don’t Block the River's 12 Flow, but Channel it” Fr. Theodosius Florentini (1808 – 1865) Sr. Zoe Maria Isenring, Entered into Eternal 37 Ingenbohl, Motherprovince Switzerland Life – Year 2016
3 Old Statue of Brother Klaus c. 1504 in Townhall, Stans CH (Photo) 4 Editorial
In Switzerland, the year 2017 is marked by celebrations of the 6th centenary of birth of the country's saint Niklaus of Flüe, affectionately called "Brother Klaus". He was born in 1417 and died in 1487. In the intervening time he lived life as a farmer, as husband and father of ten children, as a man who held public offices, as a hermit, as counsellor and peace-builder, and has always been a seeker for the "unified nature". He did not lead himself, but was led by God. From1467 he lived as a hermit and a mystic for 20 years in a simple cloister. Not in a foreign country, but near his place of residence, he led a life with an eye to the depths of faith and with a sense of concrete life. The world came to him in the same way. He was increasingly perceived as a man of God and as a guide. To this day, a fascination runs from him, his impulses are an aid to a life "connected with God and open to the people", expressed in the jubilee motto "Mehr Ranft". In connection with Brother Klaus, the Theodosia contributes: "The prayer of Brother Klaus", "The wheel of Brother Klaus according to Josua Boesch" and the "Book of Brother Klaus". On 15 August 2016, Sr. Zoe Maria Isenring presented the new Theodosius book "Don’t block the river flow but channel it”. In Theodosia the presented texts on pages 12 - 24 are available to all and encourage reading the book. All religious orders have been in the processes of transition for a number of years. Inside and out, their appearance has changed and continues to change. The life form itself is also changing. The changes have already begun a long time ago, but suddenly they are close and arrived. It is high time to consciously perceive and react to it. To call things by their name does not remove the uncertainty, but it takes a small step further. The Provincial Congress in 2016 has dealt with the subject (see Theodosia 2016.4). Each Province, each Vicariate, varies differently in different ways, depending on the fact that they also affect different levels.
5 The Province Baden-Württemberg has been involved in changing processes for a long time and shares its experiences with us: "Vision 2020 – Kloster Hegne ‘a unique place’ ".
The Province Europa Mitte has also taken initiatives, and takes us on its path so far under the title: "Leading with a vision in times of great transitions." Under "Short news from our Provinces and Vicariates", we come to know "The Popular Mission in Brazil" as a helpful form of evangelization. Through the "Informationfrom the General Leadership" we are informed of appointments and upcoming General Visitation. Attached is a small statistics of the year 2016. Traditionally, the number 1 of New Year lists all the deceased sisters of the past year: "Entered into Eternal Life." With Hilde Domin we can say for everyone: "It blossoms behind you."
Sr. Christiane Jungo
6 The Prayer of Brother Klaus Fr. Josef Rosenast, SAC, pilgrimage chapel in Sachseln, Switzerland
As a preparation for the Day of Consecrated Life in the Mother House, Fr. Josef Rosenastin gave two talks on the focal points of the life of St. Brother Klaus. In the brief excerpt we follow his thoughts on the prayer of Brother Klaus.
The prayer was no longer dead, but really lived. And Brother Klaus wanted My Lord and my God, to say here that Jesus had met take all of me, which prevents me from you. him as clearly and eternally as the My Lord and my God, Apostle Thomas had. give it to me, which draws me to you. Take all of me, which My Lord and my God, prevents me from you... take me Niklaus of Flüe has recognized and give me completely to you. what is really essential to our My Lord and my God ... existence and our relationship Even the salutation in this prayer with our Creator and Saviour. If is significant: "My Lord and my Jesus Christ is to be the most God". In this way, Niklaus of Flüe important thing in my life, then acknowledges that he surrenders everything that could disturb or to an authority to which he block this relationship must first be subordinates himself. As a former cleared: woman, children, family father, entrepreneur, household, career, food, warmth, politician, and judge, he is himself the good reputation..., everything a man who exercised authority, was given by him. but recognizes that there is an We also have to ask ourselves authority higher than him. As a again and again what things have man I am not my own boss, I have to disappear from our lives, so a master over me. And so, the that He can take full possession. apostle Thomas spoke to Jesus in Such as: distorted pictures and the encounter with Him after the false notions of God - suspicion resurrection (Jn 20:28), when he against God - sin - unhealthy realized with certainty that Jesus bonds (to persons, to the spirit of 7 time; habits, addictions ...) - of silence for encounter with God - multimedia distraction (TV, interest in the Bible and Internet, ...) –orientation to this understanding of its statements - world - reputation before the world fellowship with other Christians - - other's opinions about me - willingness to learn –willingness to egoism - materialism –lack of correct - willingness to suffer - time- worries and fears – comfort - willingness to serve etc. resignation ... All that and other Take me and give me obstacles should disappear with God's help. completely to you... When I let go of my ego and my Give it to me, which draws short-sighted desires, I gain my me (leads) to you... true self, my own identity, my If that is away, which hinders and vocation and my life-fulfilment in blocks my relationship with God, God. Then my deepest longings the next concern is that God gives are satisfied. Then God is really me everything that brings me God and I am really myself. In the nearer to Him. And here, too, relationship to God, we win most each and every one of us must when we let go of all things and examine what could be true to us, ourselves completely. Because and then show God, where God really wants our good and necessary, that these things are because he knows best what it is. more and more shaping our lives, Martin Luther knew of the prayer so that God can come and fully of Brother Klaus and mentioned it take possession. Such as – in one of his writings. Brother willingness for reconciliation - Klaus stood with him in high forgiveness - mercy - faith and honours. The prayer was first trust - guidance through the Holy popular with the Lutherans, then Spirit - orientation to the next with the Catholics. world -open heart for God - open heart for our fellow beings - times Sources: "Mystics - Mediators - Man" (Jubilee book 2017)
8 The Wheel of Brother Klaus according to Josua Boesch Sr. Christiane Jungo, Ingenbohl, Motherprovince of Switzerland
When Josua Boesch, in his 52nd year, separated himself from theoffice and the family as a committed pastor and became an art-creating hermit. The revelations to Francis at the cross of San Damiano were decisive for him. Before this cross, he was breathed upon by the Risen Lord, looking towards him with his outstretched arms. This encounter touched him very deeply. Francis Icon of Josua Boesch led him by coincidences to Italy, to Camaldoli in Tuscany. The New Year's letter 2017 of Sr. The icons and his Zurich German Marija Brizar, our Superior translations of the Bible were, for General is preceded by an icon Josua Boesch, forms of spiritual with the wheel symbol of Brother discussion with the mystery of the Klaus. It was designed by Josua resurrection. That is why the Boesch, 1922- 2012, who was an centre of the wheel designed by artist, a reformed pastor and a him forms the figure of the Risen hermit. His life was characterized Lord. by transformation processes. Over the years, he had become more The following remarks by Fr. Josef and more attracted to Banz can help us to approach the contemplation. Brother Klaus and symbolism of the meditation Francis of Assisi helped him to wheel, which Brother Klaus make a breakthrough. Brother himself called his "Book". Klaus especially, during the time
9 The "Book" of Brother Klaus From a sermon by Fr. Josef Banz, former pilgrimage chaplain in Sachseln, +2011
Brother Klaus was in search for 'mystical union with God' in his lifetime. He wanted to connect earth and heaven, world and God. In this search he always came upon the triune God: so he met three men; in the fountain of the vision flowed a threefold source; the mysterious pilgrim spoke ‘three perfect words’.
Brother Klaus found a sign in the The wheel according to Pilgartraktat Ranft, in which he saw the from the inner circle, are the overflowing life of the Triune God threepersons: they depart from represented: the wheel-symbol. It the one Godhead, and have opened to him the mystery of the encompassed the heaven and the Trinity: whole world, they are in their Brother Klaus presented his book power, and as they proceed from to the author of the “Pilgertraktat” the divine power, they lead in (1487): "If it does not deceive you, again, and are indivisible in them. I will also let you see my book in This figure signifies that." which I learn and seek the art of The small point in the middle this teaching. And he brought me signifies the mystery of God to a drawn figure, like a wheel with Brother Klaus. The small circle six spokes. - And he said to me: that surrounds it (the hub) is the Do you see this figure? So is the heaven where God and the saints divine being. The centre is the form a great community. The tire undivided Godhead, in which all is the created world and our the saints rejoice, the three peaks everyday reality. leading to the point 10 Three rays go out from the centre. persons - as the three-fold - and It let brother Klaus experience the yet again joins in unity - as the miracle that God does not want to three-in-one. remain in himself, but that he is The life process inside God also dynamic. He wants to emerge affects us human beings. For the from himself that you are looking one God is the pre-image of the for. God is love. - And three rays individual person, the triune God point to the centre. God would like is the pre- image of the human to receive an answer: the praise of community. creation, the adoration of his creatures, and the love of those In the symbol of the wheel, who are seized by his love. Brother Klaus sees as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, encompass Brother Klaus was overwhelmed heaven and earth, the entire by the ever-recurring life with a created world and all mankind, tremendous dynamism and revitalize them with their lives, and unimaginable vitality, from the return to the bosom of their love. outpouring and back flushing of love. He breaks out of his This is also the deepest call to our innermost secret and returns lives: God comes to us in a deep there. The Father speaks in the and seeking love. God wants our Word, in the Son of God. The Holy response, our loving devotion Spirit comes from the love towards the centre and our between father and son. The sincere response to his love. one,God folds apart into three
11 “Don’t Block the River's Flow, but Channel it” The Mission of Fr. Theodosius Florentini for Christian Institutions
Sr. Zoe Maria Isenring, Ingenbohl, Motherprovince Switzerland
This article is based on the words of Fr. Theodosius Florentini: "Don’t block the river’s flow, but channel it". This text was partly highlighted on 15th August, 2016, for the presentation of the new book on Fr. Theodosius. Sr. Zoe Maria Isenring read the explanatory interludes and Mrs. LeontinaLechmann, an actress, the quotations from Fr. Theodosius.Title of the book of Sr. Zoe Maria Isenring, "Don’t block the river’s flow, but channel it" - Fr. Theodosius Florentini (1808-1865). Academic Press Fribourg 2016
From his home in the Münstertal the inhabitants even up to the GR, Fr. Theodosius had the present time. Again and again it experience of what a river could flooded the valley and caused do if it wasn’t appropriately great damage. As always, when channelled. The Rombach River, Fr. Theodosius encountered a that flows through the Münstertal hardship, he took it as a call to and carries a lot of rubble with it repair it. The river had to be during its flow, caused concern for corrected.
Rombach at Müstair 12 His countrymen refused to have an impact on people's well- consent. He did not understand, being. slammed his cap over the table, Revitalizing the Christian- and cried indignantly, "Vueschatasens"! Fr. Theodosius Catholic life did not give up, but with the help In my deepening in the life and of the monastery, rented the work of Fr. Theodosius, I was peasant’s land for the annual rent particularly impressed by what he of 390 francs, and corrected the contributed to the revival of the course of the river. Catholic Church in Switzerland. How Fr. Theodosius acted in a The Catholic Church underwent concrete situation is a picture of severe sufferings in the 19th how he was dealing with people century. The Sonderbund war of and situations. He experienced 1847 with the political and military the transition from the closed, defeat of the Catholic cantons and philosophically single-tracked the founding of the Federal State society into the modern and open in 1848 became traumatic for pluralistic society. He felt that Catholic Switzerland. The modern institutions will determine cantonal confederation the future and be able to influence disappeared in the state. The people's well-being. But he also Catholics represented the smaller recognized that they also bore in and weaker confessional group; themselves moments that would and they saw themselves in an do harm when they were extreme minority situation, felt detached from the basic flow of discriminated against in the state, the Christian faith. and became backbenchers and second-class confederates. There This basic current should act in all was a certain lethargy and areas, stimulate and modify it, stagnation. give direction and give depth. For them, he created the "river bed", After the death of Fr. Theodosius, whether it be pastoral, worship and referring to his work, a Swiss services, associations, religious deputy said to the German communities, schools and youth Catholic General Assembly of the centres, factories ... They should Pius Association:
13 How often the Blessed has obvious in his understanding of inspired and united you in your his mission. His vision is reflected great Catholic meetings in in a barely manageable variety of Germany and Switzerland, on activities. The central part of his either side of the Rhine, in our life, however, was his priesthood, humble Pius Association, to and the spirit of pastoral care. As achieve the great mission of pastor, he was a schoolmaster Christian renaissance of our time! and a pedagogue. As pastor, he approached the solutions to the If Fr. Theodosius wanted to revive social questions of the time. As a Catholic life in Switzerland, he pastor, he approached the also had to look to the unification industry and hurried to help the of Catholics in public life. He worker. always wanted to gather the strengths andto unite. At first, his To illustrate this fact, some interest was in the Pius references to "healing stream Association. His fellow brother, Fr. bed" actions that Fr. Theodosius Cajetan writes: undertook will be cited. He sought to arouse the feeling of Reform of the Sunday belonging to the Catholics and to school- and training schools teach them a better opinion of themselves. He wanted to Fr. Theodosius recognized the challenge the silly opinion that the need to register the dismissed Catholics did not have the Word of young people from the school up God, and must not or could not to 18 years of age and religiously proclaim it. influence them. He practically and frankly spoke about the Actions from the middle of establishment of the Sunday his vocation as pastor - school and training school in "Healing the stream bed" Chur. We can hear his comments from a contribution to the SGG in With the entry into the Capuchin Frauenfeld in 1861: Order, Fr. Theodosius expressed the desire to place God in the “I will tell you how it is with us in centre of his life. This Chur. We have an apprenticeship determination became especially school from 9-11 a.m. and from 1- 14 Mrs.LeontinaLechmann and Sr. Zoe Maria 3 p.m. Concerning these schools, and then the whole thing stopped. the following pattern has It is important to foster desire in appeared. The steps are orderly, people to come gladly. This is the handwritings clean. All done by using the singing and masters are involved in sending socializing conversations....” their apprentices in the same way. Popular missions ... But I have not brought any apprentice to church. ... If you had The tradition of the popular been in the Sunday school for four mission had been widespread hours, and then one does not like among the Capuchins in to go to church."As a means of Switzerland since the 17th improvement, Fr. Theodosius century. After the Jesuits had added:"I have tried to start 40 been banned in 1848, the Sunday schools. At first they Capuchins jumped into this gap. thought: this is beautiful; they Popular missions became their were enthusiastic about it, then traditional field of work. they became ordinary, therefore How much Fr. Theodosius was lessening of the visitors, convinced of the blessing and the eventually the last three or four 15 necessity of the popular missions cathedral of St. Gallen allowed Fr. is indicated in a message on the Theodosius and Fr. Verekundus Feast of St. Vincent de Paul on to conduct priests’ retreat. There 19th July. He writes: were 77 priests, with their Bishop at the forefront. In 1855 already, a They say: we have an intelligent retreat was held in Steinerberg and pious priest and enough SZ. In 1856 a course in Altdorf instruction, what need do we have followed, in 1857 a course for the of foreign priests? Granted that clergy in the castle Sonnenberg your priest is learned and is TG, and in 1860 another in eager, it is true that he is always Schwyz. On 24th August, 1864, the same; that the impression of Theodosius wrote a circular: his teaching gradually diminishes; That in his administration he In order to enable the high-spirited sometimes has to awe and, in clergy to make the healing retreat consequence, loses confidence in of this kind, a triduum is arranged many; that in spite of his tireless every two years in the Episcopal zeal, through the coincidence of seminary in Chur, as well as in the various circumstances, the collegiums Maria Hilf Schwyz, that religious sense grows cold, the within 2-3 years the entire clergy listening to the Word of God of the diocese can attend the diminishes, lukewarmness and sin spiritual exercises. increase alarmingly. Sisters’ retreat Spiritual Exercise Fr. Theodosius reached the Fr. Theodosius built the retreat climax of his spiritual exercises into an entire religious renewal work with the sisters. He often programme. held retreats for the sisters in Menzingen. In the tradition of Priests’ retreat Ingenbohl, the first retreats in the Nigg’sche Hof remained Already in October 1846, with unforgettable. On 5th March, Professor Bäder in Chur, he 1856, Mother Theresa, conducted two retreat courses for stillstationed in Chur, sent some priests, in which Bishop Kaspar of sisters to Ingenbohl to clean up. Carl was an honoured participant. Many rooms were arranged In 1854, Bishop Mirer, in the 16 Flute tio Sr. Johanna Rüegg, Sr. Anna Affolter, Sr. Mirjam Oeschger in great haste, for the building was Teachers’ retreat to be prepared for the first retreat Fr. Theodosius had conducted with profession. The sisters came retreat for teachers in September for the retreat from the poor 1859 in Schwyz. Newspapers houses and orphanages. Eight were unfriendly. Like the popular novices took their first vows at the missions, the retreats also end of the retreat; the professed aroused the displeasure of the sisters renewed the holy vows. liberals, especially when they took A sister reports: "When Fr. place outside a monastery. When Theodosius, at the end of the Fr. Theodosius appeared at spiritual exercises addressed the Solothurn in 1859 at a meeting of sisters leaving, from the depths of the SGG, he was invited by the the heart the last farewell Rector of the Cantonal Canton of message, when he once again Zurich to speak a word on the stretched out his hand to bless, no spiritual exercises. After some eye remained dry, neither was his hesitation, Theodosius began his own." explanations: Just as the officers, 17 soldiers, and recruits gather from the parents, the schoolauthorities, time to time incamps to practice the community, and the education and to train for the difficulties of authorities. Then he told them to the combat, those who have stay as far as possible from special duties to fulfil in a spiritual political parties, to treat all ministry, have to from time to time children equally; because they special spiritual exercises. And were appointed teachers for the this includes the teachers. In his children of all parties. lectures, he said, he had first of all With these words, Fr. Theodosius pointed out to them the made the best impression. importance of the teacher's Individuals were silent, others profession. As the present gave him applause, the Rector generation is formed, the future from Zurich concluded with a society is formed. He spoke to cheer for the retreat master. them of the duties to the children,
Sister Zoe Maria with Sister Marie-Marthe Schönenberger, the Provincial Superior and Sister Marija Brizar, the Superior General
18 In the course of the year 1855, Fr. We have already sent a message Theodosius submitted a proposal to all ordinariates. to the General of the Jesuits in On 30th November, 1860, he Rome to found a house in wrote to the Episcopal Ordinariate Switzerland, which could serve of Chur and asked for a general both as a training centre for the recommendation of the project, popular missionaries and as a adding: retreat house. The General Procurator of the Order Nothing can stop us from doing communicated to the Provincial of so. The need, especially with the Capuchins the request of Fr. regard to mixtures and mixed Theodosius and asked for his schools, is present; a confessional opinion. There are no statements discussion can in no case be in the Provincial Archives of the disadvantage. Unification and firm Capuchins which report such an working can only bring blessings. attempt. It was not until many He also wrote to Bishop Marilley years later that Fr. Theodosius's that the planned conference was wish was fulfilled. The Jesuit of great importance. And to the Order took over the former Bishop of Sion: Kurhaus in 1929 and established the first retreat house in I hope with confidence the Switzerland, the "Education conference will strengthen the Centre Bad Schönbrunn". Catholic faith and life among the clergy and faithful of our Holy Mission for the unification of Church. Catholic Switzerland in the Bishop Marilley had already Swiss Bishops' Conference proposed certain practical Etienne Marilley, the Bishop of questions concerning the Lausanne-Geneva (1846-1879), treatment of the bishops, to whom made verbal suggestion about Fr. Theodosius added the unification to the Bishop's following points: the distribution of Conference on a visit to the good books and newspapers, the ordinariate of St. Gallen. Fr. care of future priests, synodal Theodosius went with pleasure to meetings and retreats, powers, the plan and said: dispensations and dispensation taxes, common principles for the 19 burial of Catholics, educational agglomerations led above all to a issues, neutral school, holidays migration from rural-Catholic and fasting days, unified areas into the urban-industrial catechism, an annual joint centres of the originally reformed address of the Bishops to the cantons. The emigration from rural clergy and the people, constant areas led to a confusion of the interaction among the Bishops. denominations and resulted in strong Catholic Diaspora colonies On 3rd and 4th December, 1861, in the reformed places. There was the General Vicars met for the a danger of alienation from the preparatory General Assembly to Catholic Church in reformed cities. plan for a long felt need. In 1863, the Swiss Bishops' Conference On the feast of St. Felix of Valois, was recognized as the world's first he wrote a lesson on the situation meeting of the Bishops of a of Catholics Diaspora: country that meets regularly, is The children grow up without legally structured and deals with adequate Catholic instruction, the ecclesiastical leadership adults lack the Catholic worship, functions. they lack the reception of the Construction of sacred sacraments, their ecclesiastical life in the reception is at least often Diaspora associated with great difficulties, they lack all the stimuli to a pious, The emergence of the Diaspora: virtuous change which the whole Fr. Theodosius came at a time External use of the worship of the when the confusion of the Catholic Church, is so abundant in denominations became itself, and it is lacking in joy and prominent. The freedoms suffering, in life, and especially in guaranteed in the 1848 dying, the faithful and consoling Constitution created a completely pastoral care of a Catholic pastor. new situation. The possibility of choosing the place of residence Fr. Theodosius did not hesitate to freely beyond the cantonal learn from the Protestants. In borders brought the people into 1859, when in Schwyz, at the motion. The increasing job assembly of the Pius-Association, availability in the cities and their he encouraged the domestic mission established for the 20 Catholics in the Diaspora suggestion of Domdekan Greith modelled on the Gustav-Adolf- from St. Gallen, the plan was to Association of German build four mission stations in the Protestants. They formed their Canton of Zurich: Winterthur, own association for the support of Stäfa / Hombrechtikon, Rüti / the Protestant interests in their Bubikon and Wald / Fischental. Diaspora. He said: The Catholic inhabitants of Let us take an example of our Winterthur took the initiative Protestant brethren. It is known themselves. In 1862 they reached where their 20-30-year-olds are the state recognition of a church settled in Catholic places, they community. On 10th August 1862, also demand a church, a school Fr. Theodosius celebrated the first for their confession, and they are Catholic Holy Mass in Winterthur right. For where one wants to after almost 350 years. His spread its culture, one must also sermon was a masterpiece of choose the means to do so. But wisdom. Winterthur Landbote we have equal rights and equal wrote: "Fr. Theodosius avoided need. What to do? everything that could cause hurt or be misinterpreted in any way, It was impossible to establish without any compulsion, with all its Catholic parishes with churches in ease. In this way, he has resolved all places where Catholics were in on his task, and has shown his Protestant areas. We had to take successors the way in this pulpit". refuge in an organized connection with neighbouring Catholic Mission for different groups communities: the integration of the of poor and needy border Catholics, the connection to the existing ones. Christian charity is directed above all towards the disadvantaged. At The constant growth of the the 5th General Assembly of the numbers of Catholic inhabitants in Pius Association, Fr. Theodosius, the Zurich municipalities made Fr. on the 19th / 20th August, 1862, in Theodosius reject the intermittent Solothurn, spoke of the patronage idea of the "travelling with particular reference to the missionaries". The canton and poor, journeyman, servant, and cross-border emergency solutions promoter. In a practical sense, he could be overcome. At the 21 addressed the life conditions of the name Marienverein. This these groups in order to association has acquired its own demonstrate the necessity of building. Anyone who wants to do protecting them from moral work calls at the house and from dangers and from physical misery. there the person is instructed to this or that service. His commitment to the children and adolescents, to the poor and Fr. Theodosius then points to the the sick is well-known. I want to beginning of such an association pick up a group of poor people in the city of Lucerne. During his who are seldom mentioned, which lifetime, the Institute of the we very much turned to as a Merciful Sisters could not yet community in the early days. found such houses. Later, however, the community alone led Fr. Theodosius took up the in Switzerland several such situation of the servants in the houses of the Virgin Mary: in patron's speech and also thought Lucerne the ministry of servants of female servants. 1874-1905; In Basel the What to do? Answer: One should Marienhaus 1880-1993 and the try to form good servants. This is service Botenasyl Lindenberg a difficult task. Good servants 1894-1908; In Solothurn the grow only in good families or good "maids-asylum-house" in the institutions. forest 1897-1978; Olten 1898- Fr. Theodosius then speaks of the 1963, the Marienheim in Berne dangers to which servants are 1920-1948. The provinces of exposed. How can the servants Upper Austria, Styria-Carinthia, be protected from these dangers? Baden-Württemberg, and Tyrol- Vorarlberg also called early Where to go with these? Here is homes for servants. the most difficult problem to solve. Seek out the servants in danger. Among the "healing river beds", Can you give them other places? we should, of course, also Well, but this is not always the mention the two religious case. Cannot they be assigned for communities of Menzingen and an extended period of time? Here Ingenbohl, founded by Fr. I will tell you that an association Theodosius, with whom he had was established in Munich under the most success. Their history of 22 development exploded. They are detailed in the Theodosius- book. At the same time, I have attempted to present the so-called separation history with an understanding of both sides. An appreciation of his work I will conclude with an appreciation of Fr. Cajetan Krauthahn. He was vicar with Fr. Bust of Theodosius in front of Theodosius in Chur, so he knew Theodosianum in Zurich him from close proximity. He son of the Church and an ardent writes in his biography about him, supporter of its rights, a fiery which he had already written in patriot and conscientious citizen of 1865: the state, no less a friend of the people and political freedom. He Who has not known this venerable moved with the same security and and imposing figure with his clear mental presence on the smooth eyes and winning manners? And salon floor of the upper and who could have known him and highest aristocracy, as in his monastery or hospice, the poor not love or admire him? Who did house, or the hospital. The same not like to talk to him and wonder spirit, that recognized the about his deep, all-round infirmities of time, also found knowledge? Who asked him for means of meeting them. "Not advice and did not get his help or times are bad, but people make left him empty-handed? them; let us improve the people, he would say, and the times will The Theology of Fr. Theodosius be better." He went to school with was not limited to a single subject a smoothed forehead, away from but a universal one. His creative worries and intricate affairs which spirit did not move in abandoned would have occupied the minds of tracks or on the road of everyday every human being, and life, but he rose above the instructed the youngsters with standard of the ordinary, and calmness, clarity, and forgiveness, strove to pursue sublime goals... as if he had no other occupation in Theodosius was an equally faithful the world than teaching in the Catechism. 23 He did not pay constant attention toils and strains of the work. Mind to the factory like the school, but and body enabled him in the same devoted to it a part of his life and way, while one being his activity, which had no success. inexhaustible, the other not tiring. He regarded the factories as a At any moment he was ready to necessary evil of the time, and climb the pulpit, and half an hour having once been started by the of preparation was enough to same needs, he was not in a speak intelligibly about any position to fight against windmills, subject. Walking up and down the but to get through them with the narrow space of the cell or the spirit of religion. It is necessary, refectory, rubbing his hands, or he said, don’t block the river's stroking his beard, he drew out a flow, but channel it. text from the rich treasures of his memory, or from the Gospel It was the factory companies, in sections of the day, transformed particular, which caused him the him into an analyst, with logical greatest bitterness, increased the ingenuity dissecting the text into number of his adversaries and divisions and subdivisions, and made his friends anxious and formed a sermon, which assumed frankly we were always of the flesh and blood on the pulpit. opinion, and said without a secret that the zeal of the man who was At the end, I add a brief note from glowing with charity had strayed Sr. Cornelia Fürer. She followed into a field, which he would better Fr. Theodosius from Menzingen to have not entered. But great men Chur, where she experienced him must be measured with a different in close proximity. In an almost yardstick than everyday people. It poetical way, she talks about his would be bad for a pygmy, the imposing appearance: critic and school master to play Who has seen him, the venerable against a giant... man, who had been adorned with And how did he stand in the silver-hair, from the multitude, pulpit? Now threatening like John majestic and easy steps, and the the Baptist; now softening, like the most affable, who has an open disciple of love! He healed many heart to all the needy- who has wounds with the sword of the seen him and can forget him! And word, he healed them again with his peaceful, always cheerful the oils of mercy ... The preaching incomparable facial features - who ... was for him a recovery from the has seen it and does not keep it deep in the heart!
24 Vision 2020 – Convent Hegne "a unique place" Organizational Development in the Convent Hegne Sr. Josefa M. Harter, Hegne, Province Baden-Württemberg
Draw strength from your roots, hold on the way in which we Find hold in the ground, that carries, prepare and shape the future in Look back at your origin, our time and at present - this is But the path goes forward. the case for many projects and In this song’s verse, which we are decisions that we have always keen to sing on various implemented as convent with our occasions, we find a great deal of employees in the works and expression and interpretation of services of the convent. It applies what is currently underway and in particular to the organizational inspiring, and what we have development process, which we tackled in a new way. Drawing opened in January 2015. strength from the roots; finding
Values-Compass for the school 25 For us sisters, it is a great Theresa Scherer have essentially challenge to abandon what is less characterised and lived: and older than usual and to bring Togetherness - Responsibility - about positive changes. But we Openness -Trust. We are also see it as an opportunity to convinced that these attitudes, grow as a community trusting in when they are lived more and God, standing together and more by us and in our houses and deepening our vocation. With our works, are directional like a administration and management compass - not just for the future of staff and about 300 employees on our convent but also for a the way in an organizational humanitarian future in the church development process and the world. In the following accompanied by specialists, in our months there were offers for all case briefly called OE-process sisters and employees to get to (Organisationsentwicklungsprozes know and experience the Values s). In this process it is about Compass with aids of preserving the convent Hegne as implementation for everyday life. a unique place and as centre of Four project groups, each spiritual attraction, to further composed of sisters and develop and lead into a good employees work on themes and future. Even with less, and elderly solutions that are important for the sisters, we should continue to live two guiding principles of the with what we see as mission in Hegne - Values Compass to view of the needs of the time: become concrete: education, care, accommodation and accompaniment. Strengthen community through joy and clear communication. A first step in this process was the Mould a spiritually sound, creation of the so-called Hegne professionally competent and Values Compass for leadership economically secure future. and teamwork. It was developed We see that this cooperation is by sisters of the Provincial very helpful for mutual Leadership and the management, understanding and extends and includes four values which horizons on both sides. our Founders, Father Theodosius Florentini and Mother Maria Another focus in the OE process was a professionally conducted 26 Work in steering committee written survey of the employees canvas. On the occasion of a and the sisters. The evaluation small exhibition of these eleven provided a helpful "overview” and pictures resulted in a lively showed in which areas and in exchange with all the sisters in which direction we want to learn whom much confidence and future further and grow. hope is placed. At the beginning of February In the course of the process, the 2016, eleven fellow sisters "under insight became more and more 60", i.e. our "younger ones", came apparent that structural changes together for a workshop. Creative were also to be taken into and experience-oriented, they account. Thus we decided to start reflected on the motto of the a foundation as a new legal form meeting "Looking forward - and structure for our works in facilitate the future together". order to preserve the "Convent of Among other things, each Hegne as a unique place" and to participant expressed her inner continue to fulfill our mission in the image of the future "Convent future. With this venture we are Hegne as a unique place" on a now in the second stage of 27 Group sisters below the age of 60 in the same boat our process. Clarification of the is the will of God," has always roles and competences and of the encouraged us in new ways. Our management and communication OE process is the answer to a structures is the challenge we need of our time and province, a face in the ongoing process. not only necessary, but also a Likewise, the founding of a very challenging and labour- spiritual foundation culture is intensive way for all concerned. important to us. A newly formed We are very glad that the Vision of project group was entrusted with the Congregation, developed in this task. the 2016 Congress, supports and The motto of our founder, Fr. strengthens the path of the future Theodosius, "The need of the time we are working on.
28 Leading with a Vision in Times of Great Transitions Sr. Magdalena Walcher, Wels, Province Europa Mitte
Are we withdrawing more and General of Linz diocese a few more because we are no longer years ago. Will we soon be a able to connect to the rapid decommissioned power plant? changes in our society or because Our situation we need our energy for our sisters? How do we shape the Almost all of the Holy Cross future of our province and our Sisters have now withdrawn from institutions in a world that is the operative level of our works for rapidly changing? We asked reasons of age. In the past, they ourselves in the provincial have implicitly incorporated the leadership. "Orders are religious charism of our congregation power plants," said the Vicar through their work. Today,
Group work of the Superiors 29 more than 6000 employees need the values "self-determination" a specific and explicit and "self-efficacy" in our communication of our values and education, health and social our mission in our 44 services with measures and establishments. Leaders have projects with the wonderful goal of asked us about our goals and our "becoming as I am". We have spirit. This has prompted us in the reflected and recognized our provincial leadership to write down images of God and man: Love the mandate of the Holy Cross empowers us to respect the Sisters in a manifesto, the dignity and freedom of every "wakening call." Experts have human being as the supreme accompanied us in the good. And the cross that we wear development of our vision. recommends us to make a plus from a minus. Our goal and our vision Pope Francis wrote in his With three directional attitudes Apostolic Letter to the Order: "I "attentiveness, togetherness, expect you to wake the world!" gratitude", we want to contribute The wake - up call "exploring to the "culture of love" in our new paths again", according to works as well as in our our Constitutions (Article 61) is congregation. The values that we also a mission of the Holy Cross formulated in the guidelines a few Sisters. Our charism founded on years ago were supplemented by the merciful love of God, and nine timely action steps in the drawing from this we will "wakening call". For example: We contribute to a "culture of love". will ... explore new paths. ... give The "culture of love" corresponds space and time to the "culture of to the vision of the Gospel, on love". ... start from solutions and which we orient ourselves. As not from problems. ... start Franciscan and apostolic order we projects that promote self- want to enrich our world with the determination and self-efficacy. ... divine lifeblood "love". In the face strengthen the personal of the many-sided control by responsibility of our employees. today's consumerism, information And we'll be ever happy. overloading and over-regulation at Communicate Vision the workplace, we want to foster 30 Group photo with Provincial Team and Management Team With the "wakening call", we our spirituality into a contemporary wanted to initiate awareness and comprehensible language. processes in order to strengthen Our leaders have reported back to our Holy Cross Sisters-identity us: The mission is powerful, and to give dynamism to our development-oriented and a mission. At first, we strong motivation thrust. It opens communicated our "wakening call" up many creative opportunities. to the managers of our This is the result of the establishments in workshops. contemporary formulation of the Afterwards, we presented it to the charism and the appreciative leaders in the respective inclusion in active participation... institutions and to our Superiors of So that our "wakening call" can be the convents. We have created a enrichment for all who go with us new website and a magazine of Holy Cross Sisters part of the the Holy Cross Sisters, in order way, we have designed a to familiarize many employees curriculum with five modules. In with our values. It was important this, we inspire other people with for us to translate the content of 31 our values, enable them, among projects that are a response to the other things to gain new "needs of the time" and which perspectives for their lives and to could be a guide for the future. get to know a new quality of Keep going relationship. With an audacious decision, we A Mission have decided for a new Thanks to many committed and dynamism. We want to pass on competent employees, much has our spirituality and the works of been achieved from our normative our congregation as a heritage to requirements in our future generations. In a common establishments. Now the search process with our management of our activities is employees, we have ambitious called upon to ensure plans. It is now necessary to implementation and promote the remain dialogical and vigilant in "culture of love". We have also our vision and to develop it commissioned them to develop together with our employees.
32 Short News from our Provinces and Vicariates Popular Mission in Brazil
Sr. Gabriella Di Mouro, Nova Iguaçu, Vicariate Brazil
The sisters in Brazil are experiencing popular missions as helpful form of Evangelization. These include various activities for the renewal and deepening of faith for all age and professional groups.
In our vicariate, popular missions Often we are also asked to help are not new. For the Lent and the with a popular mission in Holy Week, we sisters and preparation for patronage festivals novices are always invited to or anniversaries. We also take organize and celebrate the liturgy part in vocation missions together with the people in the with the Franciscans in Minas communities that do not have a Gerais, and recently a sister is priest. having a mission experience with the Redemptorists in Bahia.
Cathedral in Camaçari, sending out of the missionaries 33 Mission in Tinguá, Sr. Beatriz Krstacic, Sr. Gabriella, associate Olinda, three volunteers, on the right Fr. Felix, the parish priest What happens during the time of community members who make the Popular Mission? First, we themselves available, we visit the become familiar with the place, sick in the morning, and the get in touch with the priest elderly and families in difficult concerned and the responsible situations. Most of the time we are and committed lay people of the warmly welcomed - even if the church. In general, a popular cooking pot on the stove has to mission takes a week. It begins wait. First and foremost we try to with the sending out of listen. When we leave, we give a missionaries and laity and ends rosary, a medal or a novena book with a farewell dinner. During the of our Blessed sisters. We also week, we are accommodated in a use the opportunity to distribute family where we can sleep and the program of the mission days take meals. Accompanying the and to invite them to the events communion helpers or other with the children, 34 women and the elderly and to state of Bahia. Together with the motivate the work of various group of the vocational ministry, pastoral groups. some sisters, who had formerly worked in these parishes, also If the situation of the place made themselves available. Great permits, we invite them to prayer was the joy of the people to see and Eucharistic celebration in the well-known sisters again. We evening. were warmly welcomed in all the Normally the Sunday afternoon is families, and they shared with us reserved for a meeting with the what they had. On the streets we young people, also to arouse were warmly welcomed, and we interest in vocations. were asked about the absent On the occasion of the 50th sisters. People remember their anniversary of our vicariate, the actions in love. group of the vocational ministry We were delighted to see how has decided to propose the many of the pastoral activities that implementation of a popular the sisters had begun, are mission in the parishes where our continued until today by sisters had worked as a sign of community members and have gratitude. These parishes are a developed. This was especially part of our history. The faithful noticeable in Itanhomi. In Tinguá, have helped us in our Fr. Felix accompanied us during enculturation, and together we the popular Mission to get to know have grown in faith in the land of the flock entrusted to him better. the Holy Cross. In Camaçari we saw with In the Jubilee year, we were able astonishment and joy that the to hold a popular mission in the church of Saint Thomas of parishes of Itanhomi, Minas Canterbury had in the meantime Gerais, Tinguá, in the state of Rio become the Headquarter of a de Janeiro, and Camaçari in the great diocese.
35 Information from the General Leadership
Appointments General Treasurer province. We wish them much th strength, confidence and the On 13 October, 2016, the General blessings of God. Leadership appointed Sr. Jaroslava Kotulakova as General Treasurer General Visitation for another six-year term. The office th th From 24 April to 20 May, 2017, was assumed on 1st January, 2017. Sr. Marija Brizar, the Superior We sincerely thank Sr. Jaroslava General, Sr. Elsit Ampattu, Sr. for her renewed readiness and for Lucila Zovak, and Sr. Dorothee the reliable performance of her Halbach will conduct the General duties in these difficult economic Visitation in the province Slovakia. times. We wish her much joy and strength. May God’s blessing In the Vicariate Brazil, Sr. Marija continue to accompany her! Brizar and Sr. Anna Affolter will conduct the General Visitation from Province Slovakia th th 13 June to 17 July, 2017. On 15th December, 2016, the May God's good spirit lead all the General Leadership has re- participants in the encounters, in appointed the Provincial Team for the meetings and deliberations! the next three years: From our Statistics Provincial Superior: Sr. Šebastiána st Tuptová, 2ndterm of office Date 31 December, 2016 Assistant: Sr. Mária Laššáková Sisters with final vows 3138 Councilors: Sr. Maria Terézia Dobrovič Junior Sisters 184 Sr. Anežká Šimová Pre-candidates 72 Sr. Terézia Benedikta Majer Candidates 95 Official Start: 15th February, 2017 Postulants 37 Novices 46 We sincerely thank the sisters of the Provincial Team for their Average age of sisters willingness to continue to take up worldwide 64.2 years the responsible service, to work for Communities of the the well-being of the fellow sisters Congregation 348 and for the upcoming tasks in the 36 Entered into Eternal Life From 1st January to 31st December 2016
A part of the sisters’ cemetery in Ingenbohl
Sister Native place Born Prof. Died
Motherprovince Switzerland
Aloisia Vonarburg Hochdorf LU 1930 1955 10.11.2016 Anacleta Tönz Vals GR 1934 1962 01.04.2016 Anna Laetitia Koller Alt St. Johann SG 1920 1951 31.03.2016 Benedikta Herbstritt Ingenbohl SZ 1924 1952 30.09.2016 Clarella Schäfler Muolen SG 1936 1959 17.08.2016 Clarens Helfer Freiburg FR 1940 1962 16.10.2016 Crispina Pelican Vrin GR 1932 1958 15.11.2016 Eda Maria Krauer Schmerikon SG 1929 1954 11.08.2016 Erika Wirth Kirchberg SG 1923 1949 06.09.2016 Fortunata Knecht Leuggern AG 1928 1956 23.01.2016 Hadwig Isenschmid Willisau LU 1928 1957 05.01.2016 Hadwina Sigrist Meggen LU 1926 1952 25.05.2016 37 Hedwigis Stäuble Kirchberg SG 1925 1953 28.04.2016 Leonia Fent Hemberg SG 1929 1952 02.03.2016 M. Augusta Regenscheit Frauenfeld TG 1917 1939 07.09.2016 M. Bertina Schmid Appenzell AI 1926 1953 23.09.2016 M. Cyrina Bechtiger Mosnang SG 1924 1945 27.11.2016 M. Damiana Stössel Weesen SG 1932 1956 25.03.2016 M. Elisabeth Wohlgensinger Mosnang SG 1927 1950 16.09.2016 M. Herta Dittli Gurtnellen UR 1924 1948 23.05.2016 M. Tobia Frey Dussnang TG 1928 1952 23.08.2016 Mariangela Zenone Auressio TI 1916 1942 29.04.2016 Mariella Scheiwiller Waldkirch SG 1929 1962 18.03.2016 Ruthild Breitenmoser Appenzell AI 1945 1969 02.08.2016 Theogardis Graber Luzern 1926 1951 12.04.2016 Vinzenz M. Schwizer Niederhelfenschwil SG 1925 1955 06.12.2016 Waltraud Maissen Sumvitg GR 1941 1970 18.01.2016 Zeno Bitschnau Kirchberg SG 1930 1957 01.01.2016
Province Croatia
Antonela Cvitić D. Novo Selo 1932 1959 15.01.2016 Berislava Čunko Čunkova Draga 1923 1945 30.07.2016 Emilijana Pršec Omamno 1924 1949 20.11.2016 Florencija Veršić Vinjarac 1910 1931 14.09.2016 Ilinka Živković Donja Mahala BiH 1930 1956 13.01.2016 Ivanica Marušić Široko Polje 1927 1958 13.03.2016 Jolanta Sigeti Gornji Sređani 1941 1964 02.03.2016 Mirta Andreković Svetozar Miletić SR 1926 1945 10.06.2016 Pavica Hans Ključ 1926 1950 21.07.2016
Czech Province
Hildegarda Šablaturovà Frenštàt p. Rad 1924 1945 09.11.2016 Jiljí Šuláková Halenkov 1922 1946 29.03.2016 Pavla Křivánková Modrá 1929 1951 27.01.2016 Raimunda Kolínkovà Nedašov 1926 1950 06.12.2016
Province Baden-Württemberg
Alfreda Ruf Döggingen 1929 1954 06.07.2016
38 Amalie Fix Mühlenbach 1926 1955 21.05.2016 Cäcilia Maria Stüdle Freiburg i. Br. 1925 1954 30.12.2016 Carola Muffler Schwackenreute 1935 1962 20.01.2016 Christiana Lauber Büsslingen 1922 1949 19.08.2016 M. Erasma Willin Ballrechten 1925 1958 11.02.2016 M. Henrica Hall Donaueschingen 1926 1951 09.01.2016 M. Holda Kaltenbach Gutach, Brsg. 1927 1953 10.06.2016 M. Konrada Brecht Konstanz 1927 1953 14.05.2016 M. Natalia Busam Lautenbach 1937 1962 10.08.2016 M. Stefana Halasz St. Peter, Ungarn 1939 1961 22.12.2016 Pirmina Wesle Gottmadingen 1936 1958 16.04.2016 Wibranda Fröhle Lörrach 1929 1952 21.09.2016
Province Slovakia
Angelia Šimončičová Hrnčiarovce 1924 1945 07.06.2016 Daniela Šoltisovà Rokycany 1925 1950 16.11.2016 Elena Hrabkovà Chynorany 1921 1945 21.11.2016 Frančeska Lapková Komarany 1927 1971 20.08.2016 Odorika Chovancová Novà Bystrica 1924 1948 15.01.2016 Olivia Slotkovà Liskovà 1921 1944 13.11.2016 Terézie Rapavà Vieska n/Žit 1929 1954 13.03.2016
Province Italy
Sandra Clerici Fenegro 1932 1961 21.04.2016
Province West Switzerland
AdèleThierrin Cheiry FR 1925 1948 06.04.2016 Claire-Françoise Schaffner St-Ursanne JU 1931 1957 23.07.2016 M. Ursule Emery Lens VS 1930 1952 25.02.2016
Central Province - India
Benita Bilung Kochedega Jharkh. 1952 1975 01.07.2016 Josy Vadakel Muzhur, Kerala 1954 1979 16.08.2016 Martha Soreng Jampani, Jharkh. 1934 1967 15.10.2016 39 Mary Stella Ekka Chichwani, Jharkh. 1928 1957 08.11.2016 Norbert Kerketta Rupsera Chhattisg. 1943 1970 28.09.2016 Placida Xess Noadih, Jharkhand 1940 1970 24.01.2016
North East Province - India
Melanie Kaniyaracherry Palai, Kerala 1946 1969 18.01.2016
Mid India Province - India
Stanislaus Kujur Jamtoli, Chhattis. 1945 1970 31.08.2016 Supriya Kujur Patratoli, Chhattis. 1955 1983 24.05.2016
Province Europa Mitte
Alojzia Varga Ėrd, Ungarn 1916 1943 12.12.2016 Bernadette M. Zobernig Gundersheim Ktn. 1953 1980 28.03.2016 Birgitta Schneider Pirkenhammer, Böhmen 1919 1950 18.05.2016 Christiana Lipburger Lingenau Vbg. 1920 1952 10.01.2016 Consolata Puhl Aussig, Böhmen 1926 1954 18.07.2016 Erna Gigl Gutendorf Stmk. 1948 1969 15.07.2016 Hildegunde Max Höflitz, Böhmen 1927 1958 18.08.2016 Imelda Fritz Oberhof Ktn. 1943 1966 09.05.2016 Inviolata Gajdics Bukin, Jugosl. 1935 1956 11.06.2016 Justina Bachlechner Ausservillgraten Ti 1926 1958 31.05.2016 M. Johanna Mayer Eger, Böhmen 1925 1954 04.08.2016 Margita Steiner St. Thomas/Blasenst.OÖ 1925 1953 23.07.2016 Mary Jacob Meleth Trichur, Kerala 1949 1973 30.04.2016 Ottilia Eder Wildendürnbach NÖ 1919 1942 17.07.2016 Pauline Gernaβnig Spittal Drau, Ktn. 1930 1953 16.11.2016 Sebalda Tappeiner Innsbruck Ti 1936 1958 27.09.2016 Seraphika Kunz Duppau, Böhmen 1919 1940 07.10.2016 Tarzicia Kovács Mezökövesd HU 1930 1959 29.03.2016
40 Quarterly of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute Ingenbohl CH-6440 Brunnen
132 Volume 2017 / 1