Theodosia

2018 / 1 Quarterly of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute Ingenbohl CH-6440 Brunnen

133 Volume 2018 / 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

2 Contents Theodosia 2018, 1

Picture 4 My Stone as Spiritual 42 Thought-Provoking Editorial 5 Impulse Sr. Christiane Jungo Sr. Wiltrud List, Convent Graz, Province Europa Mitte Sr. M.Sigrid Voggel 7 1919-2001 Art as Proclamation 43 Facilitator of the Process "Ordeifer" - Outside of Transition in the Indian Space and Time Mission Sr. Gielia Degonda, Theresianum, Sr. Shashi Pakki, Hazaribag, Central Ingenbohl, Motherprovince Province, India and Sr. Elsit Ampattu, Switzerland General Leadership, Ingenbohl Meeting of the General 44 Education of Women and 12 Leaderships of Ingenbohl its Impact on Indian Society and Menzingen Sr. Tessy Churanadu, Hazaribag, Sr. Dorothee Halbach, General Central Province India Leadership, Ingenbohl

10 Years of Province 31 Europa Mitte Among Refugees in Sicily 47 Sr. Magdalena Walcher, Wels, Sr. Veera Bara from Vicariate Province Europa Mitte Uganda, in Caltanissetta, Sicily

Art as a Spiritual Place 35 Information from the General 51 Leadership Sr. Regina Lehmann, Hegne, Province Baden-Württemberg

My Image “Free Flight to God” 39 Entered into Eternal Life 52 Sr. Regina Lehmann, convent Hegne, in 2017 Province Baden Württemberg

3 Verena de Nève, passion and resurrection

4 Editorial

The past few years have been marked by profound changes at all levels. Whether in ecclesiastical or secular circles, the theme has been that, "Nothing is as constant as transition", as the philosopher Heraclitus had intuited in 500 BC. Today we are gradually learning to accept change as constant. We also learn to see an opportunity in every change. Every change makes us learn something new. In each province, in each vicariate, therefore, "Vision" and action plans are formulated and initiated. We will hear about the changes again and again.

The "Theodosia" commemorates Sr. M. Sigrid Voggel, who for more than 50 years initiated and accompanied changes in various fields in India. She was a true "Facilitator of the Process of Transition in the Indian Mission." Sr. Shashi Pakki and Sr. Elsit have written on her visionary work.

Basic thoughts on “Education of Women and its Impact on Indian Society”, was presented by Sr. Tessy Churanadu at the L.U.C.Y. - Foundation.

When Sr. Magdalena Walcher looks back on "10 Years of Province Europa Mitte", then, inevitably, there is talk of experiences with changes.

Our Vision 2020 is not just about changes, but also about "Spiritual Places". Three sisters, who are artists approach this topic in rather unexpected ways: first with personal reflections on "Art as Spiritual Place", then with a favorite image "Free Flight to God" by Sr. Regina Lehmann, "My Stone as Thought Provoking Impulse" by Sr. Wiltrud List and "Art as Proclamation” with the image "Ordeifer" (translated from Romansh into German: "Outside Space and Time ") by Sr. Gielia Degonda.

At regular intervals there occurs "Meetings of the General Leaderships of Ingenbohl and Menzingen" as a forum for the exchange of ideas. Sr. Dorothee Halbach felt that being together was a special spiritual place. 5 For the third time Sr. Veera Bara gives us an insight into her unusual task, "Among Refugees in Sicily", and she expresses her gratitude for support from our community.

Through the "Information from the General Leadership", we learn of appointments and of a forthcoming General Visitation. Attached are small statistics of the year 2017 and a suggestion from Theodosia editors.

Last year 102 sisters, "Entered into Eternal Life". May they be accompanied by our gratitude and be blessed by our God!

Outlook: The next "Theodosia" will publish the multi-faceted contributions on "Stand for Human Dignity" presented at the Conference of the representatives against Human Trafficking in September 2017 in Ingenbohl.

Sr. Christiane Jungo

6 Sr. M. Sigrid Voggel 1919-2001 Facilitator of the Process of Transition in Indian Mission Sr. Shashi Pakki, Hazaribag, Central Province, India and Sr. Elsit Ampattu, General Leadership, Ingenbohl

In the light of the Vision 2020 and confronted with many processes the theme of the Congress 2016, of change. Our provinces and Theodosia's Editorial Team vicariates are experiencing discussed various personalities transition in diverse ways - who made a difference in their change in structure and number, time. Hence here is a brief tribute style of leadership and to late Sr. M. Sigrid Voggel, who is functioning, growth and an unforgettable agent of change expansion. in our Indian mission. This situation urged the General Perceiving changes as Leadership to work out a common challenges vision for the whole congregation. Under the able guidance of Transition is an essential part of experts, they formulated Vision life. We see its traces everywhere, 2020 which was finalized during in the world, in societies in the congress 2016 with the theme communities. It is a call to a larger “Facilitating the Process of life. As a congregation, we too are Transition”.

Sr. M. Sigrid, a woman with a large heart 7 empowerment of women as she was convinced that women must take their rightful place in church and society.

Her opening address to the sisters in the Provincial Chapter 1973 expresses clearly her prophetic vision for a dynamic change in our mind set and a clarion call to move out courageously and to journey with people: “The adaptation and changes are so much faster in the present Sr. M. Angelica Wildhaber, Sr. M. Sigrid world. Every new year, even Voggel, Sr. Britto Madassery, Sr. Joseline E. Pauvath months bring challenges not foreseen. Religious life will never This vision like a compass directs be what it was. Let us not get tired us to sense the pulse of the of changes and renewal … We present time and to seek need to move constantly in the innovative ways to live our right direction. A deep committed life and to face the commitment to Christ, an process of transition. unwavering trust in the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the Her life and work willingness to service and sacrifice will keep us afloat on the sea of Indeed Fr. Theodosius Florentini this changing world”. our Founder can be proud of his valiant daughter Sr. Sigrid, who If we reflect on these profound imbibed his revolutionary and words she wrote at that time we indomitable spirit and dynamism. realize how deeply she was aware What Fr. Theodosius was to the of the change that was happening people of his time during the in and around. She was not just a industrial revolution, Sr. Sigrid woman of words but of action. Her was to the poor, the marginalized, profound and unwavering trust in especially women and children in God’s guidance, her commitment Indian mission. Undeniably, she to Christ, her readiness for service had a broad vision and a and sacrifice and her wide magnanimous heart open for thinking led her to take the right everyone. She was a pioneer in action at the right time. Her inner 8 disposition is well expressed in the words of Isaiah: “Enlarge the space of your tent, do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left” – Is 54:2f. And that is what happened. When she took up the responsibility as the first Provincial Superior of the newly erected Indian Province in 1970, there were only 219 sisters and 23 communities and when she handed over the responsibility to Sr. Julia Erni in 1979, the number had nearly doubled: 416 sisters from different ethnic groups and cultures, 46 communities spreading from east Sr. M. Sigrid, jubilee felicitations and west and north and south of Switzerland at the age of 16 and India. Clearly, during her joined the Indian mission in 1950 leadership the Province flourished and made India her home. and spread out to different directions. As a human being her greatness Born in Germany immediately was that she had tremendous faith after the First World War she grew in humanity, in her sisters and she up experiencing the aftermath of loved them. She encouraged the war – drastic political, cultural, initiatives of others and over economic and social change. At looked their shortcomings. She the age of 8 she lost her father stood by the strong and supported and later two of her brothers in the weak. Her wide vision she war. The big loss she suffered, translated into reality. She could gradually turn into great perceived the unemployment strength in her life. The upheaval problem of youth in India and and turmoil experienced as a girl established a Vocational Training prepared her to become an agent Institute at Hazaribag in 1980. It of change. She joined the was a novel mission at that time congregation of Sisters of Mercy as many religious congregations of the Holy Cross at Ingenbohl in stuck to normal educational

9 Sr. M. Sigrid with students system. She dared where others fishery, goat rearing etc. Other hesitated. This innovative mission trend setting activities were food of her time expanded into various for work, mother and child, job oriented courses like Fashion housing projects etc. Women, Designing, Secretarial Practice, children, orphans and the poor in Commerce, Hotel Management, general always found a home in Sculpture, Carving, Painting, her heart. She was risk taking Drawing, Photography etc. So and ventured into to remote many people have already villages, to new ethnic groups and benefited from this programme. cultures according to the need of the hour. The development in She loved flora and fauna and Santal Pargana is an outstanding contributed her mite in the “Green example for this. Revolution”. In order to resolve the problem of the farmers she In all aspects of life, she was a introduced subjects like generous dispenser of love and agriculture, horticulture and so on. compassion making herself Gradually this project could be available to everyone. It is then no collaborated with the Government wonder that people fondly called and now it has become an her as “A person with a large Institution known as Krishi Vigyan heart”. Sr. Sigrid respected the Kendra (KVK – Centre for Indian tradition and culture and Agricultural Studies). It has a inherited the values of the country wider scope for farming, animal during her fifty long years of life husbandry, mushroom production, she spent there. This aspect of all 10 embracing love was visible at her Bring solace to the sick, burial on 23rd January 2001 when And justice to the crushed, people flocked from all walks of Bring companionship to the lonely life to pay their last homage to And faith in God’s mercy her. To those in despair. There is nothing like dream to Hold the dream, my daughters create the future. She not only Kindle the flame of compassion dreamt big but passed on her At the heart of the Lord. dream to us her daughter as a Be a channel of grace legacy to follow. In the desert of this world. Be loyal, courageous and strong Her Legacy He is with you. Hold the dream my daughters, Hold the dream, my daughters When you travel in darkness Let the rivers of mercy, See the ray of eternal life Never, never run dry Golden the seam of the cloud As long as there’s a child in tears Heaven is yours, but don’t come And a youngster in rags alone Denied a home and education, Hold the hands of all wrap him in the mantle of your Who lost the way and bring them care, home! Lift him up in your arms Hold the dream, my daughters And give him the kiss of your love. hold on! Hold the dream, my daughters,

11 Education of Women and its Impact on Indian Society Sr. Tessy Churanadu, Hazaribag Central Province India

L.U.C.Y. Foundation – A foundation for education of girls and the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, Ingenbohl in India have for many years maintained an intensive partnership. This foundation invited Sr. Tessy to present a talk in Germany on the topic “Importance of education of women and girls in India and its impact on the society”. Here is the presentation:

The importance of education of 80% of the population is women and girls in India and its committed to Hinduism impact on the socio–political, 14% are Muslims 2% are Christians economic and moral 4% belongs to other beliefs development of India Indian culture is one of the oldest, richest and most diverse cultures 1. Introduction on earth. The motto of the country is: “Truth India is the 7th largest country of alone prevails.” the world with a population of above 121 Core (1210 million/1.21 2. Status of women in India billions) according to the census of 2011. It is the second most 2.1 Status of Indian women in populous country on earth. In the family 1947, on August 15, India became Woman is the backbone of the independent of British colonial family. As a daughter, she is rule. Since 1950 India has been a faithful to her parents and tries to democracy. It is the largest put her parent’s faith on the top of democracy on earth. A total of 415 her priorities. Marriages are often languages are spoken in India. 21 arranged by the parents and languages are recognized as daughters have no say in it. Often national languages. Hindi is the the daughters’ in-laws are under first national language and strict control of the in-laws. She English, the second. adjusts and adapts to the customs of the new family and integrates In India four of the great religions into the joint family. As a sister, emerged: Hinduism, Buddhism, she feels obliged to take care of Jainism, and Sikhism. Christianity her brothers and sisters. Often and Islam came later. According she has even to sacrifice to Population census 2011, 12 schooling and other opportunities India is a multifaceted society in order help out in the family in where women’s status is heavily looking after the siblings and dependent on different variables earning some money. An Indian like geographical location woman is a true devotee of her (urban/rural), educational status, husband, loving and caring. The social status (caste and class), husband takes all the important and age. India is a patriarchal decision in the family and they do society, with strong preference for not even ask for their wife’s male children. Women at large opinion. As a mother, she loves, are considered as second class cares, corrects, motivates, citizens, although in the Hindu teaches and is ready to give up Scriptures woman’s name is even her life for the family. Most placed before the man’s name. women in India enjoy little Indian society gives its women the freedom to socialize. They are image of "Mother" or "Devi" liable often considered as workforce at to great reverence and worship. home and are still deprived of Women Goddesses are part of the their worth and recognition. Indian tradition. "Durga" one of the powerful deities in India, is a 2.2 Status of women in the woman. But the irony is that society

13 in India innumerable number of performing any sacrifices. A women is illiterate, abused widow is regarded as through Child-marriage, Female inauspicious. She cannot infanticide, Sexual harassment, participate in social-religious Dowry and so on. The status of ceremonies. Re-marriage was not women in India is paradoxical in permitted for high caste widows. nature. But the Hindu male is not subject Women form about half of the to such restrictions. In Islam a population of the country, but their woman cannot become a priest situation has been grim. For and lead prayers. She is expected centuries they have been denied to practice seclusion and wear a opportunities for growth in the veil, depriving her of right to name of religion and socio-cultural participate freely in community practices. Before independence, functions. In India, Christian women were prey to many women are treated on par with customs and traditional rigidities men in their community. due to which their status in the society came to its lowest point. In However, with the passage of Hinduism, she was prevented time, the status of women from studying the Vedas or improved. Various movements 14 and protests contributed to some expectancy in India for Male is improvement in the status of 67 and for female 70 years. women. Mahatma Gandhi who • Mortality rate for girls below spurred the movement for five years old is 75% higher women’s emancipation called on than for boys. women to shed their stereotyped • Women are paid only75% of roles. During the freedom the wages paid to men. struggle, women made their • 70 to 75 % of all agricultural presence felt in the freedom activities are carried out by struggle. The Constitution of India women in the rural India. has made several provisions for • A woman works 15 to 16 hours the protection and promotion of a day unpaid at home and the human rights of women, underpaid outside. gender equality, affirmative action, • As per record of the election freedom and security. The commission of India in 2014 Preamble to the Constitution out of the total 543 seats in the solemnly resolves to secure to all Lok Sabha (legislative its citizens justice - social, assembly) only 61 seats, which economic and political and is 11% were won by women. equality of status and of • Female participation in opportunity. elections has been 66% in the general elections in 2014 Despite the various efforts to which is more or less equal to improve the status of women male participation of 67%. through means of their own • Out of 45 Ministerial positions education, overt and covert in the central council of manifestations of gender ministers, only 7 are women. inequality and discrimination still • persist in India. There was only one woman judge out of 28 judges in the Some facts and figures Supreme Court judges and • Sex Ratio: As per Census of there were only 65 judges out 2011, there were 949 females of 546 judges in different high to 1000 males in rural India courts. • against 929 females in urban 30% females are in Indian India. Economic services and only • According to the latest WHO 12% in Indian Trade services. data published in 2015 life

15 3. Women’s education in India - an overview

Right from the early Vedic period (1500 BC to 500 BC) people have been celebrating the birth of a son, but in those days daughters born into a family were not neglected, although not educated properly. However, the scene was changed during the later Vedic Age where the daughters in 1992. Many programmes in the were considered as a social areas of education, health and burden. Only the girls from the employment have been initiated upper class families enjoyed the for development of women, rural right of education and got proper as well as urban. As a result, nourishment. In Medieval period literacy rate is going up and (8th to 18th Century) the fertility rate is coming down. conditions deteriorated for the Making primary education free females. In Muslim household and compulsory, elimination of they were taught at home while drop-out from schools, promotion Hindu girls enjoyed the privilege of of kindergarten and Crèches, Girls getting primary education with Hostels, Technical Institutions for boys in schools. Child marriage women etc. are a few of such was excessively prevalent. initiatives. However, in the nineteenth century many social reformers like The women of the present Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Annie generation are receiving higher Besant came forward for the education than the women of their emancipation of women in India. preceding generation. A number Women’s education got a boost of them are entering into certain after the country got new fields that were unknown to independence in 1947 and the the woman’s sphere of role-sets. government has been taking Some are actively participating in various measures to provide social, economic, and political education to all Indian women. activities, enrolling themselves as members of political parties. A National Commission of Women was set up to act as a watchdog Few of the modern women are on the matters concerning women inclined towards the social issues 16 and are trying hard to improve the needs of the family. To fulfil the social status of women at large. economic needs of the family and Few women today occupy high to achieve higher standard of ranking posts in administration living, the woman participates in and defence. Some women serve economic activities. Some women as governors and ministers. Few have also achieved high fame in such eminent women are: Late the areas of literature, music and Mrs. Indira Gandhi, (First woman acting. More and more women are prime minister) Mrs. Pratibha joining the field of science, Patil, (First woman President) communication and information Medha Patkhar, (Social activist) technology. Some of the women Kiran Bedi, (Inspector General of have started caring for their Police), Late Kalpana Chawla health, figure, cultural interests, (Astronaut). academic pursuits, sports and games, religious activities, The modern woman keenly recreational needs, etc. just like desires to enter into a work career their men counterpart. because of the pressing economic

17 The above reality is true only of a Through dominating social handful of women of the upper structures, a patriarchal country and middle class and with higher like India, men own, control and education. As per 2011 census manage financial, intellectual and the literacy rate of India is 74%. ideological resources as well as Female literacy rate is 65% while the labour, fertility, sexuality of male literacy rate is 82%. 35% of women, and thus perpetuate males and 32% of females have gender discrimination. completed primary level of Consequently, women become education while 13% of males and victims and victimizers. As soon 10% of females have completed as a child is born, families and secondary level of education. The society begin the process of adult literacy rate for female is gendering. The birth of a son is 59% and for male is 79%. Just celebrated, the birth of a daughter half of the rural adult females are is filled with pain; sons are literate against 77% urban showered with love, respect, females. The rate of female drop better food and proper health out from classes 1- 8 is 39%. This care. Boys are encouraged to be statistics raises the question: tough and outgoing; and girls to What are the barriers to women’s be homebound and shy. Gender education in India? inequality is therefore a form of inequality which is distinct from 4. Barriers to girls’ education other forms of economic and social inequalities and stems from Indian women still constitute a pre-existing gendered social large body of under - privileged norms and social perceptions. citizens. The Backward Classes Gender inequality is perhaps the Commission set up by the biggest setback of India. It can Government of India in 1953 only be explained by the deadly classified women of India as a application of the strong backward group requiring special preference for sons over attention. The educational, daughters through the economic, political and social instrumentality of sex-selective backwardness of women makes abortion, or female foeticide. them the largest group hindering Attempts to tackle female foeticide the process of social change. The through bans on sex- first barrier is: determination tests imposed by legislations have remained largely 4.1 Gender stereotyping ineffective. Male dominance over women is manifested in various 18 ways. There is disparity in wages, are available, it is the boy who is income, education, politics, sent to school first. Parents also professional choices, sexual do not see the value of educating harassment and violence. a daughter because they consider the girl child as “Parayadhan” 4.2 Poverty which means somebody else’s Women and girls are socially and wealth and who would get married economically marginalized. and remain a housewife. According to a report of the Committee constituted by the 4.4 Child marriage government of India to estimate As per the definition given by nearly 38% of India’s population is UNICEF, child marriage is the poor. Nearly 45 % of rural people formal marriage or informal union are below poverty line. Most of entered into by an individual them are just surviving with day before reaching the age of to-day earnings. Under such eighteen. It is, internationally, circumstances, within the family, considered as a violation of the worst sufferers are needless human rights. Though it is to say women and girl children. observed for both the genders, the For this category of women, majority of the affected population neither credit nor skill training is is female due to the importance accessible. The disproportionate placed upon female virginity. impact of poverty on girls is not an Some major factors behind this accident but the result of menace are poverty, cultural systematic discrimination. traditions, bride-price, religious and regional customs, social 4.3 Domestic duty pressure, illiteracy etc. Although It is unfortunately true of the child marriage has been made Indian society that children are illegal in the Indian law, the sent to school not according to country is home to more than one- their intelligence or aptitude but third of the child brides in the according to their sex. The world. According to UNICEF, 47% reasons for not sending girls to of girls are married by 18 years of school are both economic and age, and 18% by 15 years of age. social. In rural areas, girls are These marriages are often required to help in household performed without the consent of work. The resources of the rural the girls. Child marriage also poor are so limited that they do makes girls more vulnerable to not have anything to spare for domestic violence, sexual abuse children’s education. If resources 19 and inability to complete primary restaurant boy against a nominal education. salary of Rs. 750-1800 per month, he/she does not get enough time 4.5 Child labor for primary and secondary Article 24 of the Constitution of education and is most likely to India states, “No child below the remain illiterate, unskilled, age of fourteen years shall be unemployed or be engaged as an employed to work in any factory or unskilled labor. mine or in any hazardous employment” Child labour is 4.6 Dowry system violation of human rights and is Dowry refers to the durable considered to be a ‘necessary evil’ goods, cash, and real or movable in any country in the whole world. property that the bride's family It hampers their normal and gives to the bridegroom, his natural physical, mental, spiritual, parents, or his relatives as a intellectual, emotional, moral and condition of the marriage. Due to social development. The 2011 this financial burden, parents do national census of India found the not want to invest money on total number of child laborers educating the girls; rather they aged 5-14 to be 4.35 million. They would save money for the dowry. are employed as workers in Many times brides are tortured homes, hotels, workshops, service and even murdered because the stations, shops, construction sites promised amount is not given. and pulling rickshaws etc. They More than 95,000 women are are even working in hazardous killed every year in India over and unhygienic forms of labour in dowry. Cases of torture of women manufacturing factories. Children over dowry are the highest of all are forced to enter into labour in crimes against women in the order to increase the income of a country, accounting for 32.4%. poor family and to reduce the labor cost in a production 4.7 Social evil of violence and organization. Female child is the crimes against women most deprived and under Women’s struggle for dignity and privileged of the whole class of rightful position begins in the such children. Girls are not only womb and continues throughout a withdrawn from schools and woman’s life. UN Declaration on forced to indulge in child labour, the Elimination of Violence against but are even dragged into women notes, “Violence against prostitution. If a child takes up a women is manifestation of small job as a domestic helper or historically unequal power 20 relations between men and Education is milestone of women women, which have led to empowerment because it enables domination over and them to responds to the discrimination against women and challenges, to confront their that violence against women is traditional role and change their one of the crucial social life. Education of women would be mechanism by which women are the most powerful tool of change forced into subordinate position of position in society. Education compared with men.” means an all round drawing out of the best in a person. National According to National Crimes Public Radio is calling education Records Bureau, Government of “the most important revolution of India in the recent past, there our time”. When we speak of were over 32,000 murders, 19,000 education of women and girls, we rapes and 36,500 molestation refer to education that aims at cases are the violent crimes improving the knowledge and skill against women. Rape is the of women and girls. It includes fastest growing crime in the general education at schools and country today and as many as 18 colleges, professional and women are assaulted in every technical education, health hour across India. In India human education, etc. trafficking includes the exploitation women and girls by pushing them Now many people have begun to into prostitution, forced labour, realize that girls’ education is child marriages, and trade in essential. The modern age is the human organs and many of them age of awakening of girls. “Save become victims of HIV/AIDS. girl and educate girl” is the slogan 4.8 Lack of facilities for girls that we often hear. There are still such as a separate urinals or many people who oppose girls’ washroom etc., lack of education. They say that the transport facilities and lack of proper sphere of girls is the home. qualified female teachers are So, they argue that the money the other barriers. spent on girl’s education is 5. Importance of Education of wasted. This view is wrong, women/girls and socio-political, because girl’s education can economic and moral impact on the development of the country:

21 bring about a silent revolution in trained and educated mothers. If the society. Men and Women are the women of my country are not just like the two wheels of a educated, about half of the people chariot. They are equal in will be ignorant”. If woman is importance and they should work educated, the three roles that a together in life. Mr. Jawaharlal woman plays in the family- the Nehru, the first Indian prime role as daughter, wife and mother, minister rightly said, “If you she would be able to fulfil better. educate a man you educate an There is a saying, “The hand that individual, however, if you educate rocks the cradle rules the world”. If a woman you educate a whole she is educated, she will make family. Women empowered such impression on the mind of means mother India empowered”. her children that will enable them to grow into great persons. Hence, Educated women are capable of it is very necessary that women bringing socio-economic changes. should be educated. An educated Primary education is now a girl is more important than an fundamental right in India. When a educated boy. woman or a girl is ensured of her rights, the society at large is 5.1.2 Education will reduces ensured of its sustainability. Gender Gap Realizing the importance of Education of women can be a women education, the double edged sword. Women who government and many non- gain education are working toward government organizations are minimizing the gap to further the taking a lot of projects to spread abilities of women around the women education. Education of world. Education creates greater the girls would definitely have awareness of the problem of positive impact on socio-political, gender discrimination, facilitates economic and moral development critical questioning of of the country. discriminatory forms of behavior and practices and enables women 5.1 Socio – political impact to stand up for their right and fight for just causes. Women can be 5.1.1 Education will enable empowered by decreasing the women to fulfill her role in the gender inequalities in all sectors family well of the society especially in Napoleon once stated, “Nation’s education sectors. Specially progress is impossible without designed educational

22 interventions are required to will be enkindled. They will be facilitate change in mindset, able to know the history of the behavior and practices which will country, its constitutions, policies contribute to eliminating unjust and the political problems. With gender relations. Educated the increase sense of confidence, women are able to make better the women will be able to decisions for themselves, choose participate in politics, on local, their carrier, plan their families, state and national level. They can find their status in the family and assume leadership in various in the society. Her identity as an departments, voice their opinion, individual would never get lost. and represent the concerns of She will be able to read and learn women and stand up for their about her rights. Education will rights. They will be able hold high certainly decrease gender gap. positions and govern the country with dignity. Educated women can take 5.1.3 Education will facilitate active part in national and international organizations. active participation in political arena 5.2 Economic impact As education enlightens the minds of women, their sense of 5.2.1 Education will bring about patriotism and love for the country development and prosperity 23 Education provides an essential Most of the women work in qualification to fulfill certain unorganized sector. If they were economic, political and cultural educated they would know the functions and improves women’s rules and regulations and can socio-economic status. Educated work in an organized sector and women are now looked upon with get the benefits of public dignity and honor. They become a schemes. If women are educated source of inspiration for millions of they can get training for setting up young girls who make them their small scale industries, can know role-models. They will be able to the procedure of getting loan, get serve the society as writers, the knowledge of market educators, teachers, lawyers, availability of raw material and doctors, administrators, labour, new policies of the politicians, scientists, government government, procedure to register officers and much more. new product and knowledge about import and export of goods. If their 5.2.2 Education will provide standard of living is improved, it economic Growth and alleviate will indirectly uplift the level of poverty society. If they can be financially Education also increases a strong, they could take proper person’s chance of obtaining a care of their children and provide steady job. So long as women them good education. After remain backward and marriage, educated girls can add economically dependent on men, to the income of their family. the helpless condition of them Education of women is a pre- cannot be changed. Economic requisite to alleviate poverty. empowerment and independence There cannot be much social and will only come through proper economic change unless girls and education and employment of women are given their rights for women. In order to bring about education. steady economic growth in a country, education must be a 5.2.3 Education will promote priority. For every year of Health education, a person’s average Educated girls and women are earnings increase by 10%. This aware of the importance of health means that the GDP (Gross and hygiene. Through health Domestic Product) could increase education, they are empowered to by 1% every year if all citizens lead a healthy life-style. An receive a quality education. educated mother can take better care of both herself and her baby. 24 Maternal health benefits hugely crop production. Studies show from education. A child who is that if women farmers had the born to an educated mother is same education as men farmers, 50% more likely to survive. In the crop production could rise by up to same way, every additional year 20%. Food habits of educated of education of a mother lowers mothers can bring about a the child mortality rate by 2%. decrease of malnutrition of Educated mothers are twice as children and enhance life likely to immunize their children, expectancy. and are more likely to seek prenatal care and assisted 5.3 Influence on morality childbirth. For example in the state of Kerala which has the highest 5.3.1 Education will decrease of literacy in India, the infant violence against women and mortality rate is 6% where as in promotion of justice India the current infant mortality Educated women are more rate is 41%. This is self informed of their rights for justice. explanatory. Another area in It would eventually liberate women which health could improve with from the evils of dowry, forced- education is decreasing the cases prostitution, child-marriage, of HIV/AIDS. If every child in the female foeticide, violence, women world receives a primary trafficking, and child labour etc. education, seven million cases of They will be able to voice for their HIV could be avoided in the next right and demand justice. This will 10 years. Secondary education create awareness, respect and lowers people’s risk of HIV by fear in the society which in turn 75%. Such a strong correlation will elevate the moral standard of has been seen that education is the society. considered a “social vaccine” for girls in avoiding HIV. 6. Contribution of Holy Cross Malnutrition is a severe problem sisters in the education of that India is facing today. women and girls Education has the potential to From the moment Holy Cross decrease malnutrition. According sisters set foot in the Indian soil in to USAID, educating girls is one of 1894, they have been actively the best ways to fight hunger and involved in the cause of the increase country’s food supply. empowerment of women and girls Education can provide people with who are poor and marginalized new and more effective farming belonging to the schedule cast techniques which would increase 25 and scheduled tribes. Today we • Boarding schools and hostels are rendering valuable service in for girls and women of various 21 states in diverse ministries, age groups particularly in the field of education of girls and women. 7. Hand in Hand with LUCY foundation Education vision and mission statement of the Holy Cross I am fortunate to have come to Sisters is: “Our Mission, as know LUCY foundation. On this compassionate leaders, is to form occasion, I like to applaud and young women and men of acknowledge the great character, who will distinguish contribution of LUCY foundation, themselves by their academic and its founder and president Mr. professional excellence, sound Norbert Scheiwe, the governing Spiritual and moral values , with body members and all the a holistic growth in their generous donors who have joined intellectual , emotional, physical hands with the Holy Cross Sisters and artistic abilities , a spirit of and offer financial support for selfless service and leadership providing education to the girls of qualities.” poor strata. I admire the vision and mission of LUCY foundation, Area of operation: commitment, initiative, daring • Formal education- from spirit, loyalty, generosity and preprimary to higher secondary benevolence of its members. 3 to 16 years Without your valuable contribution • Higher/ University education Holy Cross sisters would not have (colleges) been able to actualize many of the • Vocational training and activities in the field of education, Professional education especially in north India. It is my • Medical education and health pleasure to mention with gratitude promotion some of the major institutions with • Education for differently able - which LUCY foundation deaf and dumb and mentally collaborates. retarded children • • Non formal education and Holy Cross School, Bartua, Hazaribag women empowerment • programs, especially through St. Robert’s School Hazaribag • Grihini schools/schools for St. Michael’s School for the dropout girls hearing impaired, Hazaribag

26 • Holy Cross Community only one wing.” — Swami Hospital Tarwa Vivekananda • Holy Cross School Chandil • Holy Cross children’s Home, 8.1 What is women Delhi empowerment? Empowerment is a multi-faceted, • AIDS awareness program, multi-dimensional and multi- Patna layered concept which is • Hostel children in West Bengal described as the feeling that • Rainbow – Education of the activates the psychological energy street children Bangalore to accomplish one’s goals. To • Disabled children’s education “empower women” means to South Province, Bangalore. authorize power or increase the • Periyavilai, -Tusnami affected overall position, status and village school, Tamilnadu condition of women in every spheres of life. Women 8. Way forward - Empowerment Empowerment refers to of women and girls through strengthening the social, education economic, political and Our vision of empowerment of educational powers of women. It women should be based on refers to an environment where Christian anthropology, founded there is no gender bias and on the message from the women have equal rights in Scriptures, Gen. 1.27. “Man and community, society and woman, are both created in the workplaces. According to the image and likeness of God.” The Government of India report, equality and differentiation of empowerment means moving women and men is based on their from a position of enforced God given, natural, biological and powerlessness to one of power. specific personal constitution. Decision making in the field of finance, child related and social “It is impossible to think about the issues, access to resources and welfare of the world unless the freedom of movement are the condition of women is improved. It most vital indicators of women is impossible for a bird to fly on empowerment. 27 In this perspective, John Show 6. Participation on non- family International researchers (JSI) groups (Identified as a person have provided six domains of outside of the family, forum for empowerment: creating sense of solidarity with other women, self- 1. Sense of self and vision of expression and participating in future (Assertiveness, future- groups) oriented plans and actions, freedom from threat of physical 8.2 How can we empower violence) women in India? 2. Mobility and visibility (Activities Girl’s education is like sowing the outside of the home, freedom seed which gives rise to green, from harassment in public cheerful and full grown family spaces and interaction with plant. No doubt, that women’s men) status can be improved through 3. Economic Security (Property empowerment. There are various ownership, new skills and awakening programs launched by knowledge, increased income, the government for encouraging engagement in new/non- the girl’s education. Introduction of traditional types of work) Televisions in rural areas, 33% 4. Status and decision-making reservation given to females in power within the household: Panchayats (local government), Self-confidence, control in 30% reservation to women spending money, enhanced candidates in services, enhanced status in the family, subsidy to girl entrepreneurs, participation in making various self employment decisions schemes, like Women 5. Ability to interact effectively in Entrepreneur Development the public sphere (Awareness Program, Self Help Groups of of legal status and services women have resulted in mobilizing available, ability to get access and directing the parents to get to social services, political their daughters educated. Many awareness, participation in NGO’s have launched various credit program, providing programs for empowering women service in community) and join hand with governments 28 projects aimed at empowering and women are able to access women. information and provide Indeed, Holy Cross sisters in India information are pioneers in education and • Educating women and men on empowerment of women and girls the constitutional rights and in the past 124 years. In a vast their legal status of women so country like ours our contribution that they can voice against is like a drop in an ocean. gender discrimination, violence and crimes. A few areas that we could focus • Teaching self-defensive more in the future could be: techniques, like Karate • Allotting more seats in our • Providing opportunities for educational institutions to girls participating in sports, physical from poor families and also to exercises, class on hygiene, those from Scheduled caste wellness, mental health etc. and tribe and other backward which will make the women communities. aware of their physical well • Providing financial assistance being and motivate them to to support girls’ basic and keep themselves and their professional education. family members healthy. • Offering job oriented programs • Imparting skill based training – vocational training for girls skills for cooking, food whereby they can get a job preservation, housekeeping, after the training and become agricultural technology etc. financially self supportive. • Organizing self help groups, • Motivating able girls to choose income generating programs subjects according to their for women which would aptitudes and go for higher promote sustainable livelihood. education at college and • Making available programs for university level. self-awareness, value • Facilitating education in mass education, personality media and social development, capacity communication, information building, leadership training, technology etc. so that girls management etc. 29 9. Conclusion hands with their counterparts and lead the country to zenith of socio- Affirming the importance of political, economic and moral empowering women for the socio development. Given good and political economic and moral higher education to women and development of the country, girls, India will rise up as one of Former Prime Minister Pandit the most civilized and progressive Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “You nations of the world. We can can tell the state of a nation by dream of better days when all looking at the condition of the women of India will be educated, women there”. Educate women enlightened and can hold their and their community will prosper, heads high. deny them education and the world will suffer. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “Due to her References: nature, women possess the best No more silence-Countering sexual harassment and violence against women ability to teach the child. Thus, let by Tresa Paul SCSC us start educating the female Article: Women in India, Role and Status of children to change the face of the Women in India on October 27, 2015, by society.” Kiran Article: Status of Women Education in Yes, if the Indian women are India by Dr. Jitendra Kumar & Ms. Sangeeta educated, they will certainly join

30 10 Years of Province Europa Mitte Sr. Magdalena Walcher, Wels, Province Europa Mitte

The Europa Mitte Province took shape in 2007 when seven provinces and a vicariate coalesced into a new territorial unit. Review was held on three different occasions.

Meeting of the Provincial Team with the managers

The Province Europa Mitte merged existence with the Managing Directors, the persons "I will give you a future and a responsible for our convents, and hope" (Jer. 29:11). With this the surviving former Provincial promise of God, on 4th October, Superiors. 2007, the feast of our patron saint St. Francis, the founding of the Managing Directors’ Meeting in "Province Europa Mitte" took the Provincial House Wels on place. The former provinces of 5th October, 2017 Upper Austria-Salzburg, Styria- Carinthia, Tyrol-Vorarlberg, On the occasion of the 10th Vienna-Lower Austria, Bavaria, anniversary, we invited our 22 Hungary and the Vicariate Managing Directors to a day of Slovenia were merged into a new meeting. A short film at the province. With gratitude, in beginning reminded the assembly October 2017, we reflected on the of the story of the Holy Cross guidance of God. We celebrated Sisters. Based on the historical the 10th anniversary of our roots is the “wake-up call” which we prepared in the Provincial

31 Leadership (guidelines with trend- the newly planned “wake-up call", setting attitudes in our works and and its mission. The festive lunch appropriate steps of action). With underscored character of the the motto, "taking new paths", we celebration. attempted to spell out the th apostolic mission to "serve people Superiors’ Meeting from 9 to th and make the Gospel tangible" for 11 October in St. Klara, our co-workers today. It was an Vöcklabruck effort to strengthen the managing directors as essential supporters The Superiors met for the regular of the Holy Cross Sisters’ values meeting in Vöcklabruck on the and creators of a Christian theme: "How to take up new corporate culture. In group work, paths". The evening of the 2nd in the plenum, and talks during the day was scheduled for the interval, there were lively anniversary celebration. As part of exchanges of experiences and the vespers, we gratefully looked challenges. The climax of the back at the time we had spent, meeting was a solemn noon reminding us of the beginnings prayer in the provincial house and milestones of our 10-year chapel with the handing over of history.

Superiors’ meeting 32 Afterwards during the happy hour, was filled with an amusing look we flagged off the jubilee back at the terms of office based celebrations with a glass of wine. on original photos and stories about challenges and lived th th "Rose Jubilee" on 11 /12 experiences. It was astonishing October that in almost all provinces there were the same great themes at The former Provincial Superiors the same time: search for a from the former provinces and the spiritual awakening in the 70s and vicariate were delighted to 80s, consultations and decisions celebrate their own jubilee event. for a good future for sisters and In the Provincial House, we for actions, pursing the process of thematically, liturgically and merging of provinces. socially organized a get-together. Of the 20 surviving Provincial On the second half day, we had a Superiors at least 13 sisters could look at the 10-year history of the be present at this unique meeting. province of PEM (Province The joy of the meeting with one Europa Mitte): What has grown another was great. The evening during this period what has

Former Provincial Superiors: Sr. M. Andrea, Sr. Friedhilde, Sr. Pauline, Sr. Illuminata, Sr. Hildburg, Sr. M. Salesia, Sr. Francesca, Sr. Gabriele, Sr. Josefa Maria, Sr. Maria Bosco, Sr. Mechtild, Sr. Terezija, Sr. Maria Magdalena 33 changed in the communities, the • Our apostolate: At the activities. As an illustration, a beginning there were about puzzle from seven parts was 4200 co-workers, today in the created, showing "Our province on 41 areas of apostolate, there the way." The following challenges are about 7200 co-workers. made us aware of the abundance With them we have created of events and we were grateful guidelines and mission for: statements. In order to keep alive, despite the decline of the • The process of merging of Holy Cross Sisters in the the province: In the beginning apostolate, the spiritual-social there were struggles to and ecological orientation in strengthen the link between our institutions under the motto different cultures and to "walking new paths". develop something new • Impulses on the spiritual together. Creative path were the annual thematic opportunities were offered to organized community days sisters to get to know each before the retreat for other. This resulted in many deepening our spirituality and sisterly contacts and cordial our charism. relationships. • Farewell and new beginning • Our common path: Focal of communities: In 10 years points from the General and over 30 fields of activity were Provincial Chapters, from the closed and two new Provincial Congresses, communities established. Superiors’ Meetings, jubilees • Future vision: Based on the and working groups shaped promise of God, we always our way and promoted our want to venture into new ways, growing together into a new attentive to the needs of our province. time. • Our sisters: At the founding of the province, we were 809 During the solemn Mass, we sisters, today we are 503 offered our thanks to God with sisters. The passing from this symbolic gifts: cross, charism world, departures, new script and incense. The entrants, and those returning connecting, lived spirituality, made from the mission shaped our an impact on our common path. province community. The jubilee ended with a festive meal.

34 Art as a Spiritual Place Sr. Regina Lehmann, Hegne, Province Baden-Württemberg

If the term "spiritual place" is understood broadly, then it reaches into different areas of life, especially those of creativity. Sr. Regina is an artist and runs a creative workshop in Hegne. Her reflections inspire us to enter into another dimension of life.

All life is movement, point of reference, a place of development, growth power that gives him support and feeds him, a core from which he With our Vision 2020 "To develop lives. More than ever it is our communities as spiritual important to live holistically, to places and to walk with the open up and strengthen our inner people", we sisters too are, sources. personally and as a whole community in the middle of a life What can help, support us in process. "You must become the this process? change you wish to see in the world," says Mahatma Gandhi Movement, development, growth (1869-1948). ... is an interaction of people and places. They can influence and To be and to remain in this enrich each other. development - according to our One way to do this can be art, Founder's Word: "The need of the creativity - where creativity is not time is the will of God" - is the just about painting and creating. I place where we work, however it refer to this area in my thoughts applies in a special way to the and explanations because it is a individual, and to us as a path that is clear for me and for community. many people I work with.

Experiencing spiritual places / Living holistically - communities is particularly Discover creativity as spiritual important for modern man, who is vitality distracted and consumed by so many tasks, expectations and Creativity is the central expression challenges. He needs an inner of life and a power. It deeply 35 resonates with the human mind Creative Spark, 2009) The flow of and gains special significance in doing, of shaping is more our materialistic and technological important than the result. world. Man is designed for wholeness, and is most likely to Creativity comes from "creare" find happiness and fulfilment if he and means "create". can live holistically, that is, if logic To whom could we ascribe this and intuition, reason and power better than our Creator, the imagination, body and soul are in "spiritus creator", the Creator harmony and stimulate each Spirit, as it is named in a other. All areas are created in us Pentecostal hymn? Creativity and and can, if allowed, be awakened spirituality converge. In creative and unfolded. In Genesis 17: 1 we action, we are in communion read, "Walk before me, and be with our Creator and are in blameless." contact with the divine core in us. God has the gift of being The creative drive lives in every creative in us. Everyone can be human being. So I do not need to creative in his own way; be it go to school to re-learn creativity, cooking, writing, dancing, playing it is grounded in me. All I have to music, and solving problems ... do is look into myself and dare to Our life gives us the opportunity to express what touched me. And do so. learning to express is only a God is a God of the living. He has matter of checking out, created the world with so many experimenting and attempting. colours and shapes, enticing Letting myself into the flow of scents and possibilities of possibilities is the surest way to enjoyment and design. The make something happen. creation is given to us to enjoy. We may experience it with our "All life is energy and energy whole being. wants to flow and express. It's not so important what is expressed Our reality, that’s now, the nature, and created, but rather that the seeing things, hearing, smelling, creative flow begins to flow at tasting, touching, understanding ... all."(Alexander Jeanmaire, the it means to be creative, to be 36 alive. What I gently touch in the creativity of the Creator in us astonishment touches me, and in our life. Creativity is God's communicates something of itself, gift to us. The use of our creativity of its essence. I am allowed to is the gift we give back to God. experience the beauty of things "(Julia Cameron) and sense their message to us - Let us trust our vitality and use it. give and take. That's the essence. Effect of art on the viewer This sense of being touched expresses itself, wants to take A place, a space has an effect on shape, be it in the word, in the us. It can be breath-taking and movement, in the dance, in the make us go “wow”! It can make us music, in the picture, in the happy or moody. Likewise, works cooking... In doing so, I can trust of art affect us human beings. It my intuition. In my work I search can shape a space and increase and find constantly. There is no the order and effect of a room and wrong and right, because it is its effect on the human beings. my inner experience, something We feel it especially in churches. of mine that wanted to come to Through space, through art, I can light. come into contact with a reality which points beyond me to To live with all senses, to touch something greater, to God the life with the whole being ultimately Creator of all life. means, to encounter oneself and the author of life. It is prayer with Art is a language of the artist, spirit and body, and as we do it which demands an answer, a we are before God. We are in reaction. Through his work, I touch with our centre, in touch come into contact with him without with God Himself. words, and also with myself. Art is an offer for (inner) conversation Irenaeus of Lyon puts it this way: for dealing with myself and with "The glory of God is the living the statement of the image, of the being." work of art. "When we open up to this creativity, we open ourselves to

37 The Benedictine monk and artist, while painting, they find inner Meinrad Duffner says: "Every day peace. Their inner strength gains a window opens to something space. They forget everything beautiful. These are simple forms around them; they are totally with of soul’s expressions when I open themselves and their creative this window. Beauty is spiritual process. greatness that can only be grasped with the mind". (Meinrad The product is not the most Duffner, Creation, 2007). important thing, but the inner experience while doing it. Such a window is the encounter The painter, Alexander Jeanmaire with art - as we try it here in the writes in his book, “the Creative convent Hegne, in the Hotel St. Spark”: Elisabeth, in the education "Draw a picture, and as the picture department - be it in the form of grows, something will grow in you. exhibitions, painting and design When the picture gets done courses, with music, concerts, slowly, when you apply the last singing, movement, dance, brushstrokes, you will not be the writing, etc. same person anymore. You apply the last brushstrokes to something Experience in creative offers that is completely new to you. God has given you the chance to be When the participants begin to creative. Life is an opportunity for paint and get involved in the that. If you are creative, you will process that begins involuntarily be happy."

38 My Image "Free Flight to God" 2016, acrylic / canvas, 120x120 cm Sr. Regina Lehmann, Hegne convent, Province Baden Württemberg

My experiences of painting the changes, and misfortunes that picture wanted to be involved, repainting some spots, developing new Various saying of Sr. Ulrika have forms and colors, movements, inspired me to paint this picture. I enthusiasm, surprises... felt in all her messages her strong longing for God, to be more and The picture evolved, changed. It more connected to Him, to be grew in me and on the screen in secure in Him, to rest completely constant confrontation with in Him. myself, with the matter and the message of Sr. Ulrika. I found all her yearning bundled in her words: "We have no lasting Thoughts about the picture place here on earth. And therefore, we have to walk and What was meaningful for Sr. free ourselves of everything that is Ulrika is also important for me, in the world and anything that still and for all of us. keeps our heart from taking free I live in the present with flight to God." everything that includes beauty and difficulty, brightness and These words acted as an impulse darkness (lower, dark area of the for me. I started to paint without picture). any other concrete idea. The only guiding impulse being that it But God is there - in me - around should be a movement towards me. He always comes to me, into light, nothing more, nothing my life with everything that concrete. belongs to me. And I always move towards him, the light, as I am During the painting, a process (light, brightness from the top left took place: ideas, difficulties, coming directly into the dark spiral

39 and the movement from the spiral Staying in this relationship and up into the light). trying to live out her power day after day is a great asset. This Sr. Ulrika’s yearning was to wealth, this treasure radiates, experience this connection ever works into the world - in my deeper, to experience it in all its concrete place where I live fullness. It is also my/our deep (movement to the right edge of the longing. picture). 40 Some of my thoughts and before, something has happened experiences, inspired by Sr. to me, within me, beyond that I Ulrika's words, have been set in can’t define it exactly. motion throughout my painting. At the end of the painting, I realized: Because everything we My relationship with Sr. Ulrika has encounter, everything we do, changed, and certainly myself too. especially when we are guided by Would this have happened without our inner strength, has an effect painting? on us. We are in touch with the “Spirit Creator”, and experience Final thought and develop the spiritual place in us. Thus change, movement and It's really true! After painting, I vitality continue. realize I'm not quite the same as

41 My Stone as Spiritual Thought-Provoking Impulse Sr. Wiltrud List, Convent Graz, Province Europa Mitte

Sr. Wiltrud works in the convent, Graz,as a versatile artist who also introduces other people into the arts with her offers.

Because I am a down-to-earth human being, many things in nature are for me mental, spiritual, and divine impulses. God's creation is always in a relationship with the Creator. This also finds expression in my artistic work. The process of designing itself gives me a lot of time to delve into the background of the theme.

A prototype of created thing for me is the stone. It is the solid part of the ground, but can turn into fertile land, when it weathers into soil. It is the foundation on which many things are built: the house built on rock. Peter the rock, on which the church is built.

I read in the Bible "God also lifts been used for worship. me up onto the rock". In my life, The stone of my portrayal, which God himself is the rock on which I stands on the firm ground, is a rest, who gives me support, who mark that juts out into the sky. It is firm in the ebb and flow. He is shows traces of the work of man the fixed point, the landmark on who gave it form which points which I orient myself. beyond itself. But the opening in its centre also gives the view into From an early age man knew how the infinite space that lies above to interpret the rock as a special me and dwells within me. It opens place. I know many stones that a window of God who is around have preserved traces of having me and dwells in me. 42 Art as Proclamation "Ordeifer" - Outside Space and Time Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 75 cm, 1985 Sr. Gielia Degonda, Theresianum, Ingenbohl, Mother Province Switzerland

Sr. Gielia is a graphic artist by profession, has taught drawing and designing in Theresianum for many years, has always been active publicly and had her work exhibited in galleries.

Paul Klee says: "Art does not scenes, how they could find reflect the visible, but makes themselves and God by "a look to visible." What we mean here is the discover". nature of our perception only through knowledge: we do not yet Have we lost this "ability to see" today see when we see. Real seeing - are we lacking the necessary silence means to behold and discover today - are images only used to attune us to the word? one's own inner self. Language helps us to understand an image, but an image also has its own Great murals of the Romanesque language. period are preserved to this day: profound evidence of how people The Vision 2020 "spiritual places" at that time saw the biblical could motivate us to rethink imagery and encourage us to rediscover real and contemporary art - even as proclamation.

In the image titled "Ordeifer", (Romanesque, translated into German: outside space and time), a human figure is indicated. It seems to be almost invisibly distant - but stands out on rocky ground, stands between worlds.... This image is neither concrete nor abstract, but wants to make visible to the viewer a basic idea in order to let her find her own interpretations and contents.

43 Meeting of the General Leaderships of Ingenbohl and Menzingen Sr. Dorothee Halbach, General Leadership, Ingenbohl

Meetings of the General Leaderships of Ingenbohl and Menzingen have a tradition. Our common origin brings with it similar issues to connect. The focus of our Vision 2020 comes into play. A special spiritual place!

It was a "white Christmas", more Already in the morning around or less, this year. We experienced 10.00 o’clock, the meeting began on 18 December a "white" pre- with "coffee”, and an intensive exchange. There was a lively Christmas, the day of our meeting conversation on current issues, with the sisters of the General issues that move us in our mission Leadership, Menzingen. and affect our

At the reception 44 In the studio of Sr. Gielia (middle) provinces / vicariates. We were processes, changes and the amazed at how quickly an experienced cultural diversity in atmosphere of trust and our provinces and vicariates are openness developed. both a challenge and an opportunity. What issues / processes are leading us at present? After lunch together, Sr. Gielia Where and how are we moving in Degonda took us to her painting our two big international studio and gave impressive and communities? very personal explanations about On the way we come up with some of her paintings. questions that cannot be answered immediately and with The common day was marked by our current understandings, which hope that became tangible in our allows us to look forward and mutual sharing and participation. It move on. Restructuring was rounded off with a common 45 Exchange during meal prayer time and subsequent missions, such as within the areas meeting with the whole of formation in Western Europe Generalate community. and in India. That gives courage!

"Immanuel" - God is with us in our It was a good sign that, at the end twin communities that have now of our meeting, we expressed a some joint ventures in specific desire to keep in touch.

46 Among Refugees in Sicily Sr. Veera Bara from Vicariate Uganda, in Caltanissetta, Sicily

Sr. Veera reports at intervals from her service to refugees in Sicily. She represents our global community in the migrant project of the UISG, which emerged as a symbolic gesture in response to the appeal of Pope Francis.

As I am in the third year in this lives while crossing the project of UISG in Sicily, I want to Mediterranean Sea, thousands enrich you once again with the have been rescued and news and experiences. By now thousands others are still waiting the migrants have never stopped in Libya to enter into Europe. entering in Italy particularly in More than 180,000 people arrived Sicily. The international news in Italy via this route in the year continues updating us with the 2017. Those who have crossed latest news of migrants who are the sea have been sheltered in arriving through seas, facing different welcoming and refugee terrible storms and winds. centers. They have many life Hundreds of them have lost their stories to narrate with tears and

On the left: Sr. Vera 47 fellow human beings being killed like animals by saying, you aren't humans.”

Hundreds of young sub-Saharan African men have been caught up in the so-called slave markets. A Senegalese migrant said that he had been sold at one such market in the southern Libyan city of Sabha, before being taken to a makeshift prison where more than 100 migrants were being held hostage. He said that migrants held at the facility were told to call their families, who would be asked for money to pay for their release, and some were beaten while on His shelter the phone to allow relatives to gratefulness for the life that is hear them being tortured. These saved. More than 15,000 migrants testimonies paint a horrifying stranded in Libya by now, are picture of the lives of refugees and desperately trying to escape war, other migrants in Libya. persecution and poverty in African countries, are mostly trafficked for The “Church's concern for the sad the cheap labour, sex exploitation situation of so many migrants and and for slave trade. Yes it is not refugees fleeing wars, that one chooses to risk into the persecution, natural disasters and rough sea, but the migrants are poverty” this is what has pushed forced into it. They are crying for Pope Francis to express his liberation and freedom from such attention to this “signs of the bondage like the Israelites who times” in a variety of ways since were crying in Egypt 2000 years his visits to Lampedusa in one of ago. One of the migrants said: Islands in Italy in 2013 . He gives “You stay there and you see your a very powerful message for the 48 World day of Migrants on 14th of of money, documents, jobs, January 2018, “Welcoming, houses and family members. Protecting, Promoting and Integrating Migrants and Some of them literally run away Refugees”. I can imagine if our from one country to another, from founder Fr. Theodosius Florentini one city to another, when they are would be alive, surely he would not given documents as asylum have been one of the first one, seekers or refugees. There are who would have implemented this many refugees who manage to message of Pope Francis without bring their family members to be hesitation and delay by saying together and struggle to sustain “The need of time is the will of them with the basic needs, though God”

So following his motto here we visit them in the refugee centers, on the streets, under the bridge living in very small tents, in rented houses if they afford to hire, in the hospitals, in the churches, in the school, in the markets, etc. We are to witness, to see, to listen, to understand, to counsel, to support and to let them know that we are with them. Our mission is not so much giving but being with them in their brokenness.

To extend the healing and soothing touch to their open wounds, to seek justice and affirm that they are purely humans like any of us. We encounter many who are physically and mentally Child refugees sick, many frustrated due to lack 49 government gives free education poor and for the poor, motivates and treatments. the rich to share with the poor.

The Italian class which we give for I feel extremely fortunate and men and women assist them in blessed to share the charism of daily situation like in the hospitals, our congregation in this island, though sometimes the fact of markets, schools, offices etc. We being away from my own institute also assist them to integrate with and loved ones torture me badly. I the local people by imparting thank Sr. Marija, our Superior knowledge on culture and General and all of you my dear traditions. The regular mass in sisters who accompany me English on every Sunday is a through your prayers and great achievement for the encouragement. The challenges of community life in the inter- migrants, who gather in our parish congregational, is as usual as in one hour before the mass, to any normal community, but the praise and worship, and to listen Words of our Foundress “With and understand the Sunday God and for God everything is readings. Time to time ecumenical possible” leads me every day. I prayers with Muslim brothers and extend my sincere thanks to the sisters enable us to have union in well wishers and lovers of migrants and refugees - the one God. This reminds me the Superior Generals from Western words of our founder, “Under the Europe, our friends and sisters sun everyone is my brother and from USA province, and sisters sister.” and benefactors from Europa Mitte who assisted us in our Our main objective of the project mission with financial support. is to be a bridge between the two Let us remember what the present nationalities, two cultures, Pontiff says, “The Holy Mother of between authorities and migrants, God herself experienced the we fulfil it by speaking for the hardship of exile (Mathew 2:13- migrants in the offices for justice, 15) lovingly accompanied her translate where the migrant is not Son's journey to Calvary.” May we able to express what he needs, all learn to love the other, the our prophetic presence among the stranger as ourselves!

50 Information from the General Leadership Appointments

On 7th December, 2017, the visitation, all those involved in the General Leadership reappointed meetings as well as in the USA Provincial Leadership for dialogues and deliberations! three years: From our Statistics Provincial Superior: Sr. Pat Cormack Assistant: Sr. Carol Crosby Date 31 December, 2017 Councilors: Sr. Kathy Wiesneski Pre-candidates 73 Sr. Linda Songy Candidates 120 Official start: 8th June, 2018 Postulants 33 Novices 44 We sincerely thank our four Entered novitiate 31 sisters for their readiness to First profession 33 accept this demanding mission in Final profession 19 the manifold challenges and Total sisters 3059 change processes of the province. Total communities 338 We wish them courage, strength and confidence for their work for On one’s own account the good of the sisters and the province. God bless them in their Often in the communities, cheerful planning and action. stories are told that make you smile: stories from life that just General Visitation happened. And at all times there In the province of the Czech have been originals among us Republic, the General Visitation is whose stories are told, even if the scheduled from 1 to 26 May, sisters have already died. In 2018. Sr. Marija Brizar, Sr. Lucila Theodosia, short stories, Zovak and Sr. Sheeja Kolacheril experiences and memories will will conduct the visitation and meet the sisters in the places soon be published on a separate where, day by day, as individuals page. Let's tell each other about and as a community they try to put events that add a cheerful note to into practice the charism of our everyday life! The editors are Congregation. May God's good happy to accept such Spirit accompany all during contributions. 51 Entered into Eternal Life From January 1-31 December 2017

Sister Native place Born Prof. Died

Motherprovince Switzerland

Angela Maria Oechslin Einsiedeln SZ 1920 1949 24.05.2017 Armida Schegg Oberriet SG 1937 1963 21.03.2017 Bernardina Figus itzo Italien 1926 1961 20.04.2017 Delia Kunz Dornach SO 1935 1964 31.01.2017 Elred Peng Vals GR 1933 1958 03.02.2017 Franziska Künzi Würenlingen AG 1929 1955 14.10.2017 Giulia Maria Ferracini Russo TI 1922 1946 26.09.2017 Marie Christine Scheib Widnau SG 1942 1974 13.08.2017 M. Xaveria Kessler Düdingen FR 1919 1947 27.06.2017 Marziana Germann Muolen SG 1937 1960 17.10.2017 Matelda Deppeler Tegerfelden AG 1924 1950 22.12.2017

52 Meta Bruggisser Wohlen AG 1933 1958 01.04.2017 Monica Teresa Solcà Coldrerio TI 1949 1980 19.10.2017 Pierina Maria Togni Brione-Verzasca TI 1925 1948 17.04.2017 Ruth Maria Fitz Oberuzwil SG 1923 1953 05.10.2017 Virginia Häfliger Römerswil LU 1923 1960 27.04.2017

Province Croatia

Agneta Pilaj Dragoslavec 1928 1960 13.05.2017 Danica Hans Kljuć 1937 1958 03.07.2017 Eulogija Pavin Podr.Moslavina 1928 1951 08.11.2017 Izabela Janjić Vidovice BiH 1931 1953 18.10.2017 Jelka Ileš Pod. Moslavina 1932 1953 10.04.2017 Kapistrana Kuzman Donje Krasno BiH 1937 1961 03.07.2017 Marta Lovreković Brodski Varoš 1924 1950 17.07.2017 Melanka Jemrić Šiškovci 1923 1945 16.11.2017 Tješislava Bucovac Široko Kula 1924 1951 25.12.2017

Czech Province

Deodata Poznerovà Spytihnĕv 1917 1938 07.01.2017 Hedvika Duřperková Valašské Meziříčí 1921 1978 10.08.2017 Vilibalda Vašíčková Javorovec 1921 1944 07.03.2017

Province Baden-Württemberg

Anna Rosa Vogt Oedsbach 1929 1957 09.12.2017 Friedburga Tritschler Schwärzenbach 1924 1955 27.03.2017 M. Augusta Klumpp Mösbach 1929 1959 11.04.2017 M. Bilhildis Leicher Heimbach 1927 1959 04.04.2017 M. Tarzisia Leitner Basel CH 1933 1957 10.11.2017 Mathilde Kopp Markdorf 1933 1961 25.03.2017 Ursulina Säger Villingen 1922 1948 09.11.2017

Province Slovakia

Alfonza Mikušová Ratkovce 1924 1946 15.10.2017 Flávia Sabolová Bukovec 1931 1954 23.11.2017 Lea Kupčovà H. Kľačany 1932 1953 25.03.2017 Martina Krupová Trstená 1960 1984 28.07.2017 Tamaris Valekovà Považská Bystrica 1926 1954 23.03.2017

53 Province Italy

Claudia Lupi Vaprio d’Adda 1943 1970 15.02.2017 Fiorenza Lampe Visne, Slovenia 1928 1951 16.06.2017 Gilberta Foglia Cairate 1926 1951 15.01.2017 Natalia Galetti Solaro 1929 1952 07.04.2017 Teresa Maria Terrana Montedoro 1936 1957 14.07.2017

Province West Switzerland

Ida Cattin Le Noirmont JU 1933 1958 13.03.2017 Jeanne d’Arc Murith Gruyères FR 1917 1942 29.04.2017 Judith Berther Disla GR 1940 1964 04.12.2017 Marie-Claire Thorimbert Grangette FR 1919 1944 03.04.2017

Province USA

Adele Wehri Hebron, North Dakota 1925 1950 19.06.2017 Ann Wittman Merrill, Wisconsin 1927 1949 08.12.2017 Mary Anthony Menting Phlox, Wisconsin 1931 1953 09.02.2017

Central Province India

Bernadette Xaxa Mahuadanr Jharkh. 1935 1960 29.06.2017 Damian Minj Gholeng, Chhattisg. 1939 1965 17.12.2017

Mid India Province

Silbina Ekka Chainpur, Jharkh. 1947 1984 29.07.2017

Province Europa Mitte

Acella Tomasek Csütörtök HU 1925 1947 26.05.2017 Agnes Maria Bischof Sonntag, Vbg. 1929 1959 12.05.2017 Alberta Senft Dürnberg, Bayern 1925 1953 07.03.2017 Alma Hemetsberger Vöcklamarkt OÖ 1919 1948 29.01.2017 Armella Linzmeier Hammern, Böhmen 1931 1957 11.03.2017 Angela Heilek Budapest HU 1915 1939 05.11.2017 Christiana Ganser St. Veit/Mkr. OÖ 1926 1958 29.10.2017 Christiana Ruider Götzendorf, Bayern 1934 1960 06.06.2017 Elia Lekse Groblje, Slowenien 1931 1962 07.04.2017

54 Eucharista Hauser St. Georgen/Gusen OÖ 1922 1952 10.01.2017 Eugenia Zieher Vöcklamarkt OÖ 1919 1948 25.01.2017 Eva Maria Allinger Brand, NÖ 1938 1961 25.11.2017 Ferdinanda Kühne Meinigen, Vbg. 1916 1943 08.03.2017 Ferdinanda Sattler Groβprethal/Obdach Stm. 1938 1960 19.10.2017 Fridburga Stefan Griffen Ktn. 1923 1952 21.11.2017 Friedburga Hiesmair Hargelsberg OÖ 1921 1948 22.08.2017 Gemma Neumann Bernhardstal, NÖ 1937 1960 31.12.2017 Germana Bertsch Raggal, Vbg. 1930 1956 31.03.2017 Hadwig Dunin-Rzuchowski Lodz, Polen 1930 1962 28.11.2017 Hemma Reiterer Schiefing i. L. Ktn. 1935 1963 24.05.2017 Hermann Josefa Bredschneider Zuckmantel, Böhmen 1919 1941 09.06.2017 Imeldis Pietschmann Tetschen, Böhmen 1921 1950 05.10.2017 Irmgard Steyrl Rohrbach, OÖ 1936 1961 21.07.2017 Irmina Kunstädter Hall, Tirol 1935 1956 27.11.2017 Isabella Truppe Maria Feicht, Ktn. 1936 1959 28.04.2017 Jakobe Stummer Kleinzell OÖ 1943 1965 10.10.2017 Jerneja Kranjec Velika Polana SLO 1929 1950 23.01.2017 Julia Obernberger Schlierbach OÖ 1927 1948 04.04.2017 Kandida Gamper Partschins, Bozen I 1928 1954 21.03.2017 Klarissza Kakuszi Szedeg HU 1926 1959 16.02.2017 Luzia Dallasera Oberlienz Ti 1929 1952 13.02.2017 M. Beatrix Pollak Voitsberg, Stmk. 1928 1949 12.06.2017 Maria Imelda Schwärzler Lingenau Vbg. 1925 1946 23.11.2017 Marina Holzmüller Prambachkirchen OÖ 1928 1956 06.06.2017 Martha Posch Kleinfelgitschberg Stmk. 1936 1963 26.11.2017 Melanie Lasser Laakirchen OÖ 1918 1939 25.01.2017 Maura Diendorfer Peilstein OÖ 1927 1956 12.04.2017 Nežka Biščanić Brežice SLO 1940 1964 24.01.2017 Notburga Säckl Schwanhof, Bayern 1930 1955 10.03.2017 Regina Lins Oberbibrach, Bayern1943 1967 21.08.2017 Reinlindis Graf Eckendorf, Bayern 1931 1955 08.11.2017 Silveria Bischof Sonntag, Vbg. 1922 1949 17.05.2017 Tarcisia Metzler Bizau, Vbg. 1926 1951 11.03.2017 Thekla Steffan Semriach / Graz Stmk. 1926 1950 10.12.2017 Theresia Martin Nieder-Absdorf NÖ 1931 1953 29.06.2017 Ubalda Fölser Puchenau OÖ 1930 1960 06.10.2017 Veronika Wilhelm Mitteraich, Bayern 1936 1957 01.01.2017

55 Quarterly of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute Ingenbohl CH-6440 Brunnen

133 Volume 2018 / 1