Theodosia

2017/ 2 Quarterly of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Institute Ingenbohl CH-6440 Brunnen

132 Volume 2017 / 2 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 Theodosia 2017, 2 Contents

Picture 04 “Lord, When Were You in 29 Prison...?” Mt.25:39 Editorial 05 Sr. Linda Songy, Merill, Sr. Christiane Jungo USA Province

More Ranft – Power from 07 “Faith Comes from What 32 the Depth is Heard” Rom. 10:17 Sermon by Fr. Konrad Burri on the Sr. Anne-Roger Prétôt, Fribourg, pilgrim day, 16th February, 2017 Province West

Two Different Reformers 11 The Vicariate Uganda Lives 35 Dr. Anselm Kraus OFM Conv., Four Articles by Sr. Sheeja Kolacherril, Kloster Schwarzenberg D Anna Wolz, Dr. Benno Kreienbühl, Sandra Aschwanden So that the Word of God 17 Short Reports from Our 42 Becomes Alive Provinces und Vicariates From the yearly letter 2017 by Book-Release Function Sr. Marija Brizar, the Superior General Sr. Tresa Paul, Delhi, Spiritual Place 18 North-East Province, India Experiences in the World Information from the 45 Monastery in Radolfzell General Leadership Sr. Canisia Mack, Hegne, Province Baden-Würtemberg

Spiritual Place 25 “” in Berne Sr. Yves Germann, Ingenbohl, Motherprovince, Switzerland

3 Brother-Klaus-Wheel in the convent church Ingenbohl. Design: Ruedi Gut

4 Editorial

Anyone who presides over the liturgy on the pilgrim day tries to build a bridge to the life of mother M. Theresa from the given readings. Thus over the years, her portrait has gained many colors and aspects.

Fr. Burri took a different approach in February 2017. In the background, the simultaneous World Ski Championships held in St. Moritz and the jubilee year of our country , Brother Klaus, enticed the preacher to ask for the secret of the power for the highest achievements of two ecclesiastical people: Brother Klaus and Mother M. Theresa. Pastor Konrad Burri wishes us too "More Ranft - more strength from silence", "when the highest achievements are demanded of us, and also when it is easy to persevere in faithfulness, endurance and confidence, that is our task."

On 31st October, 1517, Martin Luther published 95 theses against the abuse of the indulgence. Luther's posting of his theses to the door of the Wittenberg castle church was the beginning of the Reformation, one of the central events of European history. It is of exceptional significance this year, its 500th anniversary; and to mark this special occasion, it is celebrated with a "Luther year". On this occasion, P. Dr. Anselm Kraus OFM Conv. makes a remarkable contribution in the Theodosia: "Two different reformers." The various highlights between and Martin Luther are astonishing, and the consequences of each one’s actions are stimulating food for thought.

In the yearly letter, 2017 of our Superior General, Sr. Marija Brizar, we are called upon to let our communities become spiritual places. We are particularly concerned with dealing with the Word of God: "So that the Word of God becomes alive."

The following is reported from two spiritual places outside of our community: Sr. Canisia Mack from Hegne was asked for her personal experiences, which she underwent during several years in the World Monastery in Radolfzell. She gratefully looks back at a piece of new territory in which she could live and work together with a fellow-sister: "Experiences in the world monastery in Radolfzell."

5 Since 2015, there has been a "House of religions" in Berne. The sisters of the Mother province were allowed to visit and admire what is possible under one roof when openness, dialogue and appreciation are practised. Sr. Yves Germann shares with us her impressions: "House of religions in Berne."

For more than ten years, Linda Songy from the United States has been a Catholic pastoral worker at the Louisiana Women’s Prison. This penitentiary, with 1200 women, was flooded in autumn 2016. We read about the lasting consequences in "Lord, when were you in prison?" (Mt. 25:39)

Sr. Anne-Roger Prétôt from West Switzerland province has been a dedicated teacher and pastoral worker for hearing impaired for decades. Together with a group, she is involved in translating the Bible into the French sign language and then transferred the work on to CDs. About her work, and a great award, she narrates in: "Faith comes from what is heard." (Rom 10:17)

Under the title "The Vicariate Uganda lives", we read about personal experiences and impressions that four different persons have had during visits or assignments: Sr. Sheeja Kolacherril, Anna Wolz, Dr. Benno Kreienbühl and Sandra Aschwanden.

Under "Short reports from our provinces and vicariates" is the subject of a noteworthy book publication by Sr. Tresa Paul from North-East Province, India: "Book-Release Function in Delhi."

The "Information of the General Leadership" concerns appointments, a forthcoming General Visitation in the Mid-India Province, and a conference of the representatives in the provinces and vicariates against human trafficking in September in the Motherhouse.

Sr. Christiane Jungo

6 "More Ranft" - Power from the Depth Sermon on the pilgrim day in the convent church, Ingenbohl, 16th February, 2017 Parish Konrad Burri, former parish priest of Ingenbohl

World championships – athletic open to the call of God who led records – athletes, who push him to ways which were so themselves to the limits and thus incomprehensible to him and to attract the many fans who turn his fellow men at first; who asked them into their highly praised idol. him to leave the dearest of all that For many young people, they are he possessed and to live entirely also an incentive and role model for God in the solitude of the for their own achievements. hermit's life, and thus to be there for the people in a new way: as Top athletic performances are not advisor, as admonisher, as cheap. Only hard training, peacemaker, as signpost on the sophisticated technique and right path. extreme perseverance lead to the goal. Athletes train their physical The Jubilee Year of St. Brother strength and their mental strength. Klaus is held under the motto So they wrestle themselves for the "More Ranft". I mean, this is a highest achievements. motto that is worth looking at and asking us where we have our Today, we are invited to meet two innermost sources of energy. The people who have achieved top pilgrim day with Mother Maria performances in a very different Theresa should be an inspiration field: Brother Klaus and Mother to us today. Maria Theresa Scherer. "More Ranft" - Probably you have From where did they draw the all been one or more times as strength: Mother Maria Theresa pilgrims, to where Brother Klaus for the way of her vocation, for the lived: on the Flüeli, where he was establishment and leadership of born, and where he built his own her sisters' community, for the house for his family. And then you whole hearted service of love for would have gone down into the the poor and the sick, for deep valley of Melchaa, down into perseverance even in the most the Ranft, where he lived for 20 difficult circumstances? years as a hermit.

And Brother Klaus: from where did This descent into the depth of the he draw the strength to be totally gorge is a sign, a strong symbol. It 7 prayers, sometimes individual, sometimes several– people, who offer their thanks and petitions, deliberately visit this place as pilgrims to the grave of the Blessed Mother Maria Theresa: they bring their everyday life with their joys and sorrows. They come with a great confidence that God is there in his goodness and Painting of Bruder Klaus, photo Reinhard, carries and guides them, just as Sachseln. he bore and led Mother Maria Theresa. They sit down and is connected with leaving behind remain silent and often experience everyday life with all its operation, how daily life lags behind, how its hectic pace, its noise and its questions get clarified and worries unrest, its demands, its pleasures become lighter, and how they are and its worries. strengthened with new courage in their lives, in their daily tasks and Descent into the deep valley, very responsibilities. consciously - and at the same time feel how that does good: Move down into personal Ranft – there is much to relativize life be calm – let go - be empty - and itself, to lose its heaviness, to simply be there. create space for a new vision and And then? new courage; many things become clear, what blocks our Then there is the chance to find way to ourselves, to our fellow one’s own new self: that, what being and to God. forms us and our life; the joys and sorrows, the demands and "My Lord and my God, take all of obligations, and also to see me, which hinders me from you.” difficult problems and to accept and affirm them with new courage. Doesn’t something similar There is the chance to see our happens, when we go down the fellow human beings anew, to find few steps to the crypt of Mother a new way to them and to M. Theresa, when we enter the approach them; to those to whom twilight, the dim light of this space, we are connected in love, and experience such a unique also to those with whom we have calmness, that it makes us quiet difficulties and problems. Then inwardly. There are almost always there also lies an opportunity to 8 encounter God anew in this stillness and emptiness: to experience his presence; to feel his encouraging power; to perceive light again from him in the darkness which paralyze us; to experience his closeness as help in order to live our life in new confidence.

"My Lord and my God, give everything to me, that promotes me to you.”

In one of his visions, Brother Klaus in his adolescence saw where his life would lead him. His friend Erni in Halden reported:

“When he was sixteen years old, he saw a tall, beautiful tower, at the place where at present his little house and the chapel are. Then he Photo of young mother M. Theresa, had also a desire from a young age archive to look for the 'one being'." answer when people asked him about his inner strength. The picture did not go out of Niklaus’ mind. It showed him his Mother Theresa was also led to calling to seek a deep bond with unusual paths: the peasant’s God. This was the great longing of daughter, who simply wanted to his life. Brother Klaus met this live her life in the service of the longing in the painful decision he weak, the small and the made with his wife Dorothee: to disadvantaged. She was led into leave his family and live in tasks and took up the responsibilities which we hardly complete solitude for God. An can imagine, and which often unusual path - a path, that we can threatened to crush her. She also pursue and which challenges undertook these tasks with us with questions. But why dedication and love, with shouldn’t God also call in unusual commitment of all her strength ways? Brother Klaus followed this and in confidence that God guides her on these paths. It was in him call with deeper faith in union with that she found her inner strength, God. "God knows it", was his 9 with which she could endure even final and supreme goal that is God the most difficult situations and himself. kept her going. And may all of us today "My Lord and my God, take me experience anew that God is with and give me completely to you." us on our way, that He is our innermost strength, which As pilgrims, we have come encourages us to go our way and together today to Mother Maria makes us keep moving when the Theresa: as people who are on highest achievements are the way, and on this way we may demanded of us, and also when it experience much joy and have to is simply a matter of fidelity, bear all sorts of burdens. May we perseverance and confidence, all be strengthened today in the which is our task. certainty: our path has a goal, a

10 Two Different Reformers Dr. Anselm Kraus OFM Conv., Kloster Schwarzenberg D

Francis of Assisi and Martin Luther of Eisleben are two reformers who are quite different. They also have a number of similarities too. Francis died in 1226, Martin Luther in 1546.

They both come from the good Lord has revealed to me, we middle-class families. The parents should say: the Lord grant you of Francis were wholesale peace." Francis actually wanted to merchants of fine cloth; Martin realize this life of penance in the Luther's parents were footsteps of Jesus only for metallurgists (mining). The ways himself. But he unintentionally of the two young men would soon became the founder of a new diverge: Francis would initially go order and a reformer of the on to become a merchant like his Church. father; Martin Luther would begin a scientific career. Vows in mortal fear

In the life of the two young men, Martin Luther began to study law however, God intervenes in Erfurt. A terrible thunderstorm in massively and both react with July, 1505, caused mortal fear in obedience: Here I am, Lord, I will the young student. In his distress, gladly do your will. Francis has Luther promised the Lord his own some experiences and encounters life and took a vow “to become a behind which he clearly sees monk” if he were saved. In the God's guidance. Looking back at same month, he entered the his life, Francis writes: "The Lord Augustinian Hermits in Erfurt. He has given me to begin life in went on to become a priest, and penance ..." "The Lord gave me professor in Wittenberg. Despite such faith in the churches ..." - his being in a religious order, and "The Lord gave and gives me so his spiritual life, Luther remained great faith in the , who live inwardly restless. He believed that according to the holy Roman his sacrifices did not satisfy God; Church, because of their that in order to achieve salvation, consecration ..." - " After the Lord he would have to render new had given me brothers, no one pious services and works. He showed me what I should do, but used to confess long and the Most High Himself revealed to desperately, prayed eagerly, and me that I should live according to read the Bible. The deeply pious the Holy Gospel... and the monk, biblical theologian and permitted me.” - "As greeting, the university professor, in his search 11 for the "merciful God" got a liberating insight from the Bible (letter to the Roman): God is not the punishing judge but justifies us human beings by faith. Faith is a gift, is grace! We are thus justified not by many pious works, but by faith. This is possible for us because of Jesus Christ's work of salvation. Luther once put it in a dinner speech: "The righteousness of God is that we are justified and saved by Christ." The doctrine of justification has Francis of Assisi, Fresco of Cimabue now become the common good of around 1280, photo INFAG the two Churches. enemies and acts of destruction. Everyone is brother and sister: the Conversion with pope, the bishops, the noblemen, consequences the leper, the robber, the sultan, the prostitute. Francis, too, saw himself confronted with his sinful life at his Indulgence with excesses young age. He goes into the solitude (hermitage) of Poggio Martin Luther rightly takes on the Bustone and brings his guilt and scandalous awarding of his inner wounds before God. “indulgence” of his time. Men of "God, be merciful to me a sinner", the church pretended that one he prays for weeks in the rock could buy heaven with cave. God has given him a way of indulgences. The phase of the purification, forgiveness and inner purification after death could also healing. be shortened by donations. The money transaction (indulgence As a man of peace, as an trade) ran between Pope Leo X., instrument of peace, he can work the Archbishop of Mainz, Albrecht from this time onwards. Peace will of Brandenburg, and the banking be his heartfelt desire. So, his house Fugger in Augsburg. greeting: "The Lord give you Precisely because of his deep peace" Francis becomes a peace- knowledge about the grace of faith maker between the citizens, noble and justification, Luther had to families and cities. Unlike Martin strike an alarm. He also publicly Luther, Francis does not know opposed and the Pope. 12 When Rome was opposed, momentum. He felt God was on Luther's love turned into hatred. his side." (Dietrich Gronau, Thomas Kaufmann (church Revolutionary of faith, Luther) historian) speaks of "disappointed In his later years too, Luther had love". Francis, however, managed terrible, hateful words against – and he was the first - to get an Jews and Turks. indulgence from the Pope for the Portiuncula - little church without Reformatory demands losing money. Luther's main reformatory work Political alliances was founded in 1520. There are four individual writings. They Martin Luther, the "revolutionary of aroused genuine enthusiasm faith", within three years (1518 - among the population. The 1521) also assumed the role of a reformer was seen as a liberator champion of political and of Germany from the yoke of nationalist tendencies. In order to Roman papal power. Luther had save his reform he took some triggered a "wildfire." His work, princes and nationalists (Ulrich of "On the Christian Nobility of the Hutten and Franz of Sickingen) as German Nation" contains the help and led his new awakening, program, which has already been which was to lead to freedom. The largely implemented: abolition of excommunication and empire celibacy, appointment of bishops wide ban as well, which was long in their own country, abolition of since threatened but not imposed, ecclesiastical jurisdiction, abolition brought no respite. The opposite of spiritual possessions and situation occurred. "Humility, spiritual fiefs, all payments made happiness, and love, which had to Rome, free election and filled him since his knowledge of dismissal of the clergy by the true divine grace, turned into congregations, interpretation of pride, arrogance, and hatred the Bible by each individual during his breathless and Christian, the abolition of almost desperate externalization. The all the church festivals, the ban on good news lost out in the battle indulgences and pilgrimages, against the blazing sword that rejection of oaths in the name of knocked all down to the visionary the Pope. The Pope is, in faith perspective. Luther sensed principle, subordinate to the his power when the first emperor; the Pope is merely an messages were pointing to a arbitrator in cases of differences storm. Now the storm had its own between high churchmen.

13 figure of the Christian, who alone without mediation of tradition and church, sought to hear God's word and will in the Holy Scripture and thereby - as the case may be - confidently rebelled against the established order.

National and international

The work of Martin Luther is mainly limited to Germany. He himself does not come beyond Germany. Francis, on the other hand, is universal in his missionary spirit: "Go to all Martin Luther, Painting by Luke Cranach people." He himself sets a good the Elder around 1528, photo Veste example. He sets out for France, Coburg Spain, Croatia, and Palestine, Egypt. After 1521, the Reformation took place in two different ways: one is Challenges for the Church characterized by power struggles, social uprisings and national Even if Francis did not want to movements. The other is the criticize the Church, the special pastoral work and the construction characteristics of his way of life of a new church. led him to contrast with the available ecclesial behaviour and The precious asset of the thought: Bible • His concrete life according to While for Francis, the life "In the the Gospel. Footsteps of Jesus" or "According • His radical poverty was in to the Gospel" was connected with contrast with the riches of the fidelity to tradition, Martin Luther Church and its dignitaries. accepts only the Holy Scriptures • His choice to be a Friar Minor as a guideline. But for both the and serve was a question to Holy Scripture is the precious the power and political rule. asset. Luther translated the New • His unarmed missionary work Testament into German and so was contrary to the policy of decisively helped everyone to the strength of the crusaders. read the Bible. He created the 14 • His courage to preach as a paved the way for a new religious simple, uneducated layman order (Poor Clares) for women gave the impression that he who were enthusiastic about his wanted a traditional task for way of renewal, and founded the the bishops and priests. Third Order for the laity. In 1525, • His way of community life in Luther married the former of the form of a fraternity, in the Cistercian Order, Catherine of which everyone is socially Bora. There remained a divided equal, was an explosive church and a divided country element in the hierarchical dependent on the princes. and feudal order of the time. Luther's Jubilee The successful worldwide development of the Franciscan The motto of the Jubilee Year is Order was a wordless challenge "Reconciliation instead of to the Roman Church. From the splitting". 500 years of the beginning, Francis sought the Reformation! Much has been "Yes" of Rome for his new way of changed. The two churches have life according to the Gospel. come closer together and «Yes» to Christ means "Yes" to continue to seek unity. The his Church. And indeed, he Second Vatican Council and many achieved a "Yes" from Rome. discussions and encounters have fostered unity. The Christians Pope - loyalty or one’s own agree on the following points: way? • in the appreciation of the Francis had certainly the danger Bible; of a church schism in mind. He • the Magisterium of the church also knew his limits and felt that is understood primarily as a he needed the help of the church service of the Word; for his work. That is why his • Jesus Christ is the only priest program: "Brother Francis and sole mediator; promises obedience and • the vernacular language in reverence to the Lord Pope the liturgy is possible; Honorius and his canonically • the Holy Communion can be elected successors and to the received in the form of bread Roman Church" (Rule of Francis). and wine; • the Church is communion of Martin Luther ultimately went in the Word and the the other direction. In 1524, he left Sacraments; the universal his religious order. Francis had 15 priesthood of all believers is It is to be hoped and to be wished affirmed; that in the jubilee year, the motto • one confesses: both sides "reconciliation instead of splitting" have a blame for the division will be implemented. According to and they have asked each Jesus' will and promise, all other for forgiveness; • the indulgence has been Christians can make their clarified in Catholic theology; contribution: through prayer for • there is the "Joint Declaration unity. on the Doctrine of Justification". Editorial note: The text first appeared in: emissary of St. There are also differences of Anthony, January 2017. Both the opinion regarding director of the German-language - the understanding of the edition, Br. Andreas Murk, as well Church; as the author, Dr. P. Anselm - the valid execution of the Kraus, gladly gave the permission Eucharistic celebration; to print the article in the - the question concerning the “Theodosia”. ecclesiastical office.

16 So that the Word of God Becomes Alive From the yearly letter 2017 by Sr. Marija Brizar, Superior General

"As a Congregation we want to personal life and the life of the view our communities in the spirit community. The more we get of the vision this year as spiritual involved in the words of the Holy places that focus on their centre, Scripture, and especially in the the Crucified Jesus, are centred word of the Gospel, the more it on it, are constantly strengthened will show us the "footprints" of and live by it, and can give Jesus in different life situations strength and orientation to other and form in us his spirit, his people because of it. attitudes. Gathered around the Word of God, we find ourselves as Our spiritual centre is the merciful a community of believers, united and crucified Jesus. We feel in the one who has made his called, personally and as a home among us. community, to walk in his footsteps and thus to grow in To deal with the Word of God and relation to him, to deepen this to grow and mature in it must not relationship more and more and to only remain our privilege within be shaped by it. the community. We can share this word of God with other people and Dear sisters, I invite you to grow together with them in faith emphasize two main points in ..." your communities that can always strengthen the spiritual centre and Suggestion: also open up space with other people on the way: the Word of The Word of God determined and God and the Eucharist. shaped Francis and his way of life. In every community, we are a What experiences do I have with community of faith. This becomes the Word of God personally and in visible and tangible by supporting community? one another in faith and creating What are the methods of space to share faith. A simple way engaging with the Word of God? to do this is to break the Word of God in the form of a faith sharing The “Theodosia” gladly accepts or a lectio divina. The Word of brief reports. God has the power to shape our

17 Spiritual Place Experience in the World Monastery in Radolfzell Sr. Canisia Mack, Hegne, Province Baden-Württbemberg

“The need of the time is the will of addition, a circle of friends was God.” Fr. Theodosius Florentini. formed, who sought to support the God's will often expresses itself in project. Until today, the place of surprising needs. Many people encounter still functions as a place are awake today and discover of voluntary commitment, without what is important and urgent at financial foundation but on the firm present. An example of this can trust and steps to contribute to the be seen in a decision of the understanding of man, religion municipal council of a city on Lake and nation. Constance. It recognized the need of many people for peace around Guided the turn of the millennium for meeting and understanding, for Again and again, I am surprised stillness and spirituality. It wanted by the question of why I would to set an example. The former have been engaged in the Capuchin monastery, which was unfamiliar task in the World in municipal possession, gave Monastery. My interest has concrete impetus and the question always been the "now" – exactly of how the currently vacant house what is currently being shown in could be put to good use. The the church, the world and the proposed idea of providing rooms contemporary world. In 2005, I of the building as a place for received information about the interreligious encounters was Radolfzell World Monastery. I saw positively taken up by many. in this flourishing institution a courageous venture to respond to Ideas need to be followed up by contemporary spiritual needs. meaningful actions. What was Was it a coincidence that a initially possible? Proposals were spontaneous remark had rapid discussed, volunteers organized consequences? While waiting for and looked for speakers, and fellow sisters at a car parking media work was activated. A place in Radolfzell, I discovered board of trustees of seven under many indications, a volunteers ventured to set up and signpost "Weltkloster". Something maintain the "Radolfzell World touched me and I said lightly, "I Monastery" as a place of dialogue, would go there too." A few days encounter and spirituality. In later, when I was invited by our

18 Provincial Superior to take part in possible to get involved in the new a discussion with those task. So we were responsible for responsible for the World everything a guest house needs, Monastery, I was more than be it planning and organizing, surprised. I did not know that our working on the computer, on Provincial Leadership had beamer, on telephone, shopping, repeatedly received inquiries with working in household and kitchen. the request for a sister from those Everything was up to date. Offers responsible for this project. I of meditation, guided tours and spontaneously agreed. At first, conversations were part of however, I did not realize what I everyday life. Groups of pupils agreed with. But the motto of the and senior citizens, educational founder of our congregation: "The institutions, authorities and parties need of the time is the will of God" and often those interested left me with no surprise. After a spontaneously wanted to get the brief reflection, an Indian fellow information. It was just "to be sister and I as "Christians" were there" around the clock. What I faced with various tasks in a had learned sometime and house called the World somehow up to my 80th year, I Monastery. Worlds meet in this could use here. Looking back, I place. would like to say that we were not just challenged. Encounters Required frequently gave us insights and positive experiences. The concept of "" can be viewed differently depending Never before had I sat down with a on whether it is approached in a Hindu at the table, had spoken to a cultural, political, religious, Jew about the Holy Scriptures, intellectual or other context. In my discussed about meditation with a Buddhist. How close we came as opinion, the understanding of human beings. We really saw God, man, and the world is ourselves as brothers and sisters at a particularly called upon in time when people were hungry for everyday life. This was a daily transcendence. routine in the World Monastery. Held Sr. Anandi Parunthemplackel and I, as Christians, formed the An irreplaceable principle in the "permanent inhabitants" of the World Monastery is that we World Monastery. Working with respect each other and take them “volunteers” was encouraging and seriously. Every day there were benevolent. And we tried what is opportunities to respect the world 19 connections from the "tangible to the incomprehensible", from the "visible to the invisible" and from the "audible to the unheard". As quantum physicist, his insights had a special weight and were perceived by many people with astonishment.

Meditation is a daily offer in the In the foreground: World Monastery World Monastery. My Indian fellow Radolfzell sister was very much in demand as a yoga and meditation teacher. and faith of fellow human beings, The schedule included regular to meet others face to face. The times for peace prayer. But it World Monastery offered an included more. It clearly struck me environment to people searching that many people today do not for spiritual answers to faith need so much theological challenged by modern explanations, rather the understanding of reality and experiences move a person to information about them. give his life for what he believes. Numerous speakers give talks The people who came to the and dialogue discussions are World Monastery wanted to offered. Religions and science practically experience the value of make steps towards religions in their lives, which leads understanding the essence of to faith. Counselling is needed. So human being. Carl-Friedrich of we were challenged to be what we Weizsäcker said several years understood and lived by our faith. ago: "Is it not impressive that Not only through words, but even many wisdom teachings and more through our being, we two traditions from all over the world, sisters, as Christians witnessed at such as , are confirmed meetings with Hindus, Muslims, by modern physics? A strict Jews, Sikhs, Baha'is, non- separation of philosophy and new believers or atheists. Very often, I physics is no longer possible." heard from visitors: "I have Especially quantum physics nothing to do with the church, but surprises with insights that were spirituality interests me." It was unthinkable years ago. Once again the Nobel Peace Prize winner Hans our task to be there as believers Peter Dürr was a charming guest among people of today, to answer with us in the World Monastery. In their questions, whether on the simple talks, he showed telephone, on unexpected visits, 20 at meetings, etc. It was not about all around. However, I was juggling with theological terms. particularly encouraged by the fact We handed that to experts. It was that our fellow sisters in Hegne important to take the fellow human and Motherhouse in Ingenbohl being seriously and at the same showed great interest, came to time to respect him for what he visit and supported our task with believed. Through my encounters their prayers. in the World Monastery, this conviction became more and However, it also occurred that for more solidified in me. We can do example, a tourist rang the door a lot of things together. We should bell just as we wanted to prepare not emphasize division. We can a meal. She had read information stand side by side. We cannot about the World Monastery in the have disconnect and expect an front of the house and wanted to active coexistence. look at it. After a short while, she noticed that it was probably wrong The Holy Scriptures, the books of that Christian lived in such a today's theological and spiritual "heathen" environment. Then authors provided great help in followed a tirade against abuse discussions. The Holy Father's and grievances in the church! I monthly intentions also led to a tried to listen carefully to the mutual exchange and woman and not to interrupt her. In understanding. many cases she was right. But then I tried to show her the What I had vowed as a Catholic positive things that germinate and religious nun in the profession blossom in many places. Shortly was not only accepted by the after, she stood up without a voluntary staff and guests, but greeting and went. Eight days was rather expected. Thus the later, she rang the door bell again. daily prayer times were ensured, How astonished I was when she the time for the Eucharistic gave me a bouquet of flowers in celebration in the cathedral of the the hand with the remark: "You city was kept free. This also gave have inspired me to think. Can I the opportunity to talk with the pay you a visit next year during Catholics of the parish about the my holiday? " goal of the World Monastery. We found ourselves accepted and It was not a single incident which incorporated in the parish encouraged me that God wanted community and pastoral care unit to have me in this house.

21 Born And Paul is constantly shaping new forms of words to make it The whole of creation shows clear that we all share in the life of clearly that God loves diversity. I God "in Christ". Something often ask myself what God is therefore became very clear and doing with his people. Ultimately, important to me: "We are not only we are all created as creatures by the children of God, it’s us." Is the divine Original-You, desired there something more pleasant? and loved. The experience that we We should and would desire to as Christians "live, move, and continue to be so. What is have our being in God" (Acts 17, required is thus the being-one of 28), and that God's life ultimately faith and life. Nothing new, isn’t it? flows through the whole of being, This being-one and a positive brings us close to all living beings. presence is the prerequisite that Loving thoughts, deeds, words we can contribute to the change of make us wonder how transparent the world. We are all lifelong the creation is. Francis of Assisi learners and people who are has shown us this convincingly in guided. his Canticle of the Sun. Boundaries and walls are created The Buddhists in particular place in the minds. All eternity we have special emphasis on to get along together, why not "mindfulness" and "compassion". start today? Doesn’t diversity They try to get closer to secrets of show the practical possibilities in life through daily meditation. A unity? It is pleasing that today Buddhist told me that as an much good will is reflected in our atheist he set out on his way to and not only for India in 1984 from Europe. There, itself. As the Israeli head of state, in an ashram, he had met men said recently: "We do not have who actually lived what they different heavens but only believed. That convinced him, and different prayer books." he stayed with them. Recently, the press reported: Jesus speaks to us Christians of "Representatives of ten religious this being-one with the divine. He communities in Schaffhausen, wants to make this consciousness Switzerland give a joint statement accessible to all. In John's Gospel on interreligious dialogue. In this, it is put down in writing: "To all Christians, Muslims, Jews, who received him, who believed in Hindus, Buddhists and the Bahai his name, he gave power to undertook in particular the become children of God." (1:12). recognition of the state 22 The “Golden Rule”

in the World Religions  

     Chinese Christia- Jainism Buddhism Religion nity   This is the A person Do not do to A state that is not Do not do In No one of sum of should treat others what pleasant or to others everythin- you is a duty: do all you do not delightful to me what you g, do to believer nothing to creatures want them must be so for him would not others as until he others as he to do to you. also; and a state want them you would desires for which himself which is not to do to have his brother would would be pleasant or you. them do that which cause pain treated. delightful for me, to you. he desires if done to how could I inflict for you. that on another. himself.

40 Hadith (Sayings of Mahabharata Sutrakritanga Confucius, Samyutta Nikaya V. Rabbi Hillel Matthew 7:12 Muhammad) XII.114.8 I.11.33 Analects 15.23 353.35 / 354.2 Sabbath 31a Luke 6:13 of an Nawai 13

The "Golden Rule" according to World Ethos, Tübingen constitution and the democratic foster dialogue. She gives regular legal order." courses in Buddhist meditation. Through her presence in the Dialogue is today a much used word that would lead to a World Monastery, she can also rethinking in society, so that the make spirituality visible through religious communities will be hospitality, through contemplative perceived as "partners" in the life and spiritual exchange. future. Sometimes this means changing the perspective. A In one of the long corridors of the dialogue between religions can be World Monastery large tablets successful if one meets at the with "key sentences of the writings level of inner experience. of different religions" are installed. They give visitors an overview of Before our departure in August the most important statements of 2015, it so happened that a the individual religions. Attentive Buddhist nun entered the World viewers noticed every time that it Monastery. She also sees herself was about the basic facts, and this as a bridge builder who wants to was expressed in nearly the same 23 words. Christianity says: "Do to occasional visits, I support the others what you would like them place that is dear to my heart. do to you." The golden rule taken seriously by every person could We may be amazed and confident change the earth within the that God directs his world and shortest time. leads to the promised goal, a goal that is more than we can imagine It would be more than desirable and hope for. Small and for convinced Christians to take persevering steps, but above all this project seriously. If I were God's daily providence leads to years younger, I would have the new world promised by him. In continued working there with joy. I my opinion, the overriding need of am still deeply attached to the our days is, the daily request: ideals of the World Monastery. "Your kingdom come" and the Through my prayer and corresponding commitment.

24 Spiritual Place "House of Religions" Berne Sr. Yves Germann, Ingenbohl, Motherprovince Switzerland

Within the educational offer of the cultural building for various Motherprovince, a visit to the religions, e.g. for weddings, death "House of Religions" in Berne was rituals, annual festivals. The planned at the end of March. 24 purpose was: to build confidence sisters were inspired to join the in the people of different cultures visit. living in a peaceful community. This is how the "House of Even the ornamentation of the Religions", the centre for a frontage - it is based on a Dialogue of Cultures was built at pentagonal structure - promised Europaplatz. The initiators were something special, made it clear firmly convinced that the project that it is a religious house. And we they dared to construct would be experienced this very closely this symbolic of their intent. Thus the afternoon. association "The House of Religions" was founded in the Already in the forecourt we were year 2002 and the house was impressed by the hospitable, inaugurated in December 2014. mainly Tamil atmosphere and we Since then the great religions of felt good being there. We were the world have a home in Berne. looked after by the Hindu chief These are the Christians, Alevites, priest, who is also a cook and a Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. waiter, and is therefore concerned The Jews, Baha'i and Sikhs are about both spiritual and physical also the members of the well-being. association, but they do not have their own sacred space in the Then followed a good two hours of House of Religions. The whole intensive discourse, which we enterprise can, and is sustained listened to with great interest, and today by tremendous voluntary which impressed us all very much. work. It is still a great learning process, needs a lot of At first, the manager gave us a consultation, for e.g. what is noise brief general introduction to the and what is music, even sacred history of development. Already in music, or where to wear shoes 1998, it was considered that in and where not etc. Berne there should be a worthy

25 Facade "House of Religions", Photos Internet After this introduction, Mrs. eastern facade is adorned by a Ecclesia (she is really called so!) large iconostasis of the Ethiopian led us into the Church, which is Orthodox Church, a available for Christian representation of the Trinity, which denominations, such as the is somewhat strange to us, as well Roman Catholic, the Reformed, as the birth and the crucifixion of the Lutheran, the Methodist, the Jesus, and . Christian, the Ethiopian-Orthodox, and the Moravian Church, with the In this church, besides the usual latter two being instrumental in worship services, baptism, shaping the Church. For example, confirmation, wedding, birthday, the simplicity of the Church synods etc. take place. In corresponds to the Moravian Christian area, in interreligious Church, to the Evangelical Unity surroundings, it is possible to work of Brethren (naturally also with very well with other religions. Thus women!) who call themselves much of the fear of the stranger is societies and go back to Count reduced. What is important is Nicholas Ludwig of Zinzendorf equivalence and not (middle of the 18th century). The egalitarianism, for e.g. the 26 question can be asked: Why do we do so and not like the others?

Subsequently, a Zen Buddhist led us into the intercultural Buddhist centre. He explained to us that there are different types of Buddhism, and want to show this diversity to the public, and to enter into a dialogue with the different directions. Thus one comes to Space of the Christian religions know Eastern and Western Buddhism, and that is also have made the individual figures celebrated together. The according to ancient traditions. Buddhists do not have a superior Hinduism knows no founders of uniform structure. As to the religion. Between 1500 and 500 different meditation forms, the B.C., the religious knowledge (the Buddhists are strongly interested sacred knowledge, primarily in the in learning from each other. The so-called Vedas) was written leader told us that the Buddhist down in script. Mahatma Gandhi monasteries were actually was one of the most important teaching institutes, a sort of representatives of Hinduism. The training camp for 2-3 years of Hindus are acquainted with many monastic life before people rituals. In the temple puja takes became active in society. place every evening at 6 p.m. In 2015, five women priests were The next stop was the Hindu consecrated, three of whom are in temple. Here we were told to take the "House of Religions" (for the off the shoes before we could first time women in 700 years). enter the sacred room. The Shiva God is an infinite energy for the temple (they call themselves Hindu, who guided us. peaceful vegetarian Shaivists) is a typical Tamil , the After that a young dynamic largest in Switzerland. All six main Muslim received us and led us to denominations of Hinduism are the meeting hall of Alevi. The represented by a large colorful Alevis are a Shiite Islamic altar with the corresponding gods schismatic sect. Their attitude to and goddesses. Thus, the temple faith is based on the texts of 12 is a meeting place and home to philosophers and poets. The 12 Hindus of all colourings. Eleven Wall niches in the hall symbolize temple builders from South India this origin. A stylized reclining 27 figure on the ceiling in the meeting Bosnian, Albanian, German and room would like to remind you of Arabic. Krishna monk has eternity. The five pillars of Islam expressed the following about the (public creed, daily ritual prayer, prayer practice of the Muslims: social donation, fasting in the "That Muslims here pray 5 times a month of Ramadan, and day, gives me discipline for my pilgrimage to Mecca) are not of own religion." Could this also not great importance to the Alevis. But apply to us? it is very important for the Alevis that the rituals can only be I was struck by what the celebrated when all are reconciled representatives of different with each other. They also attach religions so frankly and confidently great importance to equality reported on their religious between men and women. practice. It is certainly one of the reasons why the so different Then we were allowed to take a religions here can coexist look at the . This is open peacefully together and work to all Muslims, for men and together. Because they are firm in women, Shiites and Sunnis. It is a their religion, they need not be place to practice the faith as well afraid of each other, they do not as a social meeting place and a have to justify themselves and centre for education and fight with each other. exchange, also with the other religions in the "House of I was very much impressed by a Religions". The prayer takes place saying on the wall of the Hindu here 5 times a day, but it can also temple. It is translated as: be done at home. Only the Friday "All men are born equal in rights prayer is obligatory for the men in and dignity, the mosque (women have to take we are all equal even in the sight care of the family). Up to 400 of God. people take part in the Friday The whole world is one family, prayer. Iman holds the sermon in every person is welcome."

28 “Lord, When Were You in Prison….?” (Mt.25:39) Sr. Linda Songy, Merill, USA

The flooded terrain In his description of “the last Jesus’ answer to that question in judgment,” (Mt. 25:31-46), many different ways. Matthew tells us that in our desire to be among “the just,” one of the In August of last year, however, questions that we will ask of Jesus Louisiana experienced a major is: “Lord, when were you in flood, and we were among prison?” I have been serving as thousands of people who had to the Catholic Chaplain at the be evacuated to higher ground. Louisiana Correctional Institute for Our inmates were scattered Women for almost 10 years. As around the state in 6 different the only state-wide penitentiary for places, some quite distant from women in Louisiana, we have each other. Ever since then, the sometimes had as many as 1200 challenges and heartaches which women assigned to our care, face them are even greater than including 2 who were waiting to be those of ordinary prison life. I executed. So over these many would like to share with you some years, I have seen and heard of those challenges and 29 heartaches by suggesting that we imagine Jesus answering our opening question: “Lord, when were you in prison?” Please join me in seeing and hearing Jesus saying, “I was in prison when…...”

• “… all 1200 inmates were given 10 minutes to put what they needed (for 2 or 3 days, they were told!) in 2 laundry bags and walk through rapidly rising flood waters into the buses that would take them to dry ground, but they didn’t Sr. Linda with her shoe collection know where that would be;” and unwelcome, just like a • “… some of them were taken piece of garbage!” to a nearby prison for men, • “… as the inmates were where they were put in 4 large packing to be evacuated, they dormitories, with 80 of them in thought it best to leave some each one, sleeping in double of the few precious items that bunk beds side by side, with they still had (family pictures, no privacy at all, not even for a legal papers, the shoes and shower or the use of a toilet;” clothes that they did not expect • “… 700 of them were taken on to need and did not want to a four-hour bus ride to an risk damaging) on the upper empty prison building where bunks in their bedrooms, they slept on thin mats, laid thinking that they would be side-by-side on the floor, with safer there--- no privacy at all, in Louisiana’s • only to be told later that all of August heat;” their personal belongings had • “…some of the inmates were been destroyed;” removed from their state prison • “… the inmates realized that it system, sent to a privately would likely be 2 or 3 years owned prison, 3½ hours (not days) that they would be away, with very similar living living under these conditions, conditions, feeling abandoned and that they had taken very little clothes and shoes with them (nothing for the winter

30 months), and a very small (soap, shampoo, tooth brush, supply of personal hygiene tooth paste, deodorant). Once I items.” was given that permission, we shared the needs of our women As chaplains, we asked ourselves with our Holy Cross community (and God!): “What can we do to (both sisters and associates) as ease the pain of our incarcerated well as our other generous sisters and to help them meet donors. The financial assistance some of their needs?” One of the that we needed began to come in most important services that we abundance, and it is still coming! tried to offer them is the ministry of compassionate presence--- The result is that approximately simply being there with them, to 400 of our women now have a pray with them, to hug them, to good pair of tennis shoes and listen to them express their fears warm socks. And countless and heartaches, and to grieve with numbers of our indigent sisters no them. longer have to go without (or beg from another inmate) the basic But as time went on, and the items of personal hygiene. With winter months drew near, we deep gratitude and great knew that we must do more! As admiration, I pray that every one the physical needs of our women of our donors will experience the became more and more obvious, I joy of hearing Jesus say to them: offered our prison wardens to “I assure you, as often as you did seek the assistance of people that it for one of these (so often I knew would want to help us considered ‘the least’ in our provide them with warmer clothes, society), you did it for me.” (Mt. warmer shoes, and some of the 25:40) “Well done, good and basic personal hygiene items faithful servant.” (Mt.25:23) which they so badly needed

31 "Faith Comes from What is Heard" Rom. 10:17 Sr. Anne-Roger Prétôt, Friborg, Western Switzerland And how is it when you hear wealth of everyone which nothing? strengthens it in pastoral work. Everyone is convinced that the “Faith comes from what is heard, deaf person has something says Paul. What happens when special to say to our churches, you do not hear anything? How which the churches cannot can I fill this gap? In which way understand: a world outside of can I come to understand Bible hearing, a world in which one texts? hears differently. When God speaks, the deaf people hear. The deaf man "hears" with his Another conviction: We will not eyes! For him, it is difficult to translate, think, seek, and pray for understand the symbolisms of the the hearing impaired people, no! Bible. To look for and find the With them we start working. Two spirit of the message of the Holy groups of theologians educated Scriptures is not without concern themselves and are engaged in for him. His grasping of the world pastoral care, professional is the wordless communication. interpreters of the sign language His culture moves in gestures. and young deaf people. Every 14 days we meet between 6:00 p.m. The people who are involved in and 10 p.m. At the beginning of pastoral work are constantly our work, we contacted an confronted with this problem. The international group of French ecumenical group of pastors of language experts, who had the deaf and hearing impaired of already worked on a part of the Western Switzerland have faced Gospel according to Luke. In the somewhat daring challenge of order to maintain this contact, translating the Bible into the some deaf and hearing persons French sign language. regularly went to Paris. Lack of motivation, insufficient endurance This big adventure started in and other problems that 2007. Priests, parish priests and accumulated led to the disbanding pastoral assistants were of this group. appointed by their church. They had, and have a single Creed: Thus, we continued our work all alone later with the support of the They live together a solid and Bible Society of Switzerland and fraternal ecumenism, open to the

32 Sister Anne Roger at the ceremony the rules of translating the Everything can be found on a international Bible alliance. There DVD and on the Internet: is much joy, sometimes www.bible-Isf.org. An ecumenical discouragement, intellectual effort liturgy lexicon of the reading years to understand the words and ABC is currently in preparation. sentences that allow our young deaf friends to go deeper into 2007 - 2017: According to the biblical thoughts. Inflexibility, if the example of the chosen people on texts block us, if Hebrew and the way to Canaan, we were on Greek require great effort for the way for a long time and are those who do not know the still today: attentive to the hands language, the concern to always that speak, to the eyes that glow, approach the true meaning and to the hearts that open and finally the humility to approach the understand, to the faith to which Word of God which can never we belong, to the friendship that leave us alone. connects us, and to the different cultures that we discover, to the To this day, we have translated word that is revealed to us. the whole Gospel according to Luke, the first 11 chapters of On 1st April, 2017, the wage, Genesis, and a lexicon. which crowned our work and endurance, beckoned us: we were

33 authorities, sat the parents and friends, Frédérik and Gilles, two deaf young men who received the valuable document from the hands of the President, Dagmar Heller, of the Commission "Oecumenica". A great moment for our feelings accompanied by Happy laureates some discreet tears of emotion for awarded the "oecumenica-label". our group! Great pride, too, The Conference of European because 10 years ago the project Churches honors ecumenical still seemed like a dream, a projects sponsored and supported utopia. by individuals, parishes, religious communities and church For me that was a moment of organizations. The project was silent prayer and thankfulness to named "exemplary". the Lord. Before us, all the two In the amphitheatre of the Geneva deaf boys, the missionaries of the Town Hall, this honour was given "Good News”, witnesses of a to us in a public ceremony, in the world that is different from ours, presence of the civil and express gratitude and happiness ecclesiastical authorities. In a long with their hands. ceremony in which addresses alternated the introduction of our project and its realization with Here is the word of the "good music, singing and prayer, we news" to the full weight of the were honoured with the promise: "I thank thee, Father, "oecumenica label", seal of Lord of heaven and earth, that excellence for exemplary thou hast hidden these things ecumenical work. from the wise and understanding In front of the podium, populated and revealed them to babes." by the state and church Lk 10:21-22.

34 The Vicariate Uganda Lives

Short Overview financial assistance by individuals, churches and organizations and Sr. Sheeja Kolacherril, Ingenbohl sponsorship programmes are the major reasons for the sustenance, In a year, the sisters in Uganda growth and spread of the mission. look forward to celebrating 25 The children in the schools and years of mission in the upliftment hostels, the sick who are less work of the society in Uganda. At privileged, the villagers who are the outset, during the General mostly farmers and the youth visitation from the Motherhouse, profit from the service rendered by Ingenbohl, the official opening of the sisters. the Jubilee year is planned, for 15 February 2018, the death At present, there are 54 sisters, anniversary of our Founder Fr. 18 Novices, 12 Postulants, 6 Theodosius Florentini. It is candidates and 12 pre-candidates therefore opportune to turn the in 6 communities in Uganda and pages of the history of the Uganda Kenya. Their life, culture and mission. spirituality vibrate to the fibres of this mission and look forward to At the request of the General expanding the realization of the administration the Indian call of God to assist n the needs provinces were ready to respond of the time against the backdrop to the invitation to the Uganda of threatening political situations mission and sisters were sent and deteriorating social and forth. They launched out in faith, religious values. Sr. Amala determination and sacrificing Kunnath and Sr. Lisa Mudoor as spirit. With the passing of time the Vicariate Superiors took the history got expanded with the mission ahead with great loyalty, intervention of so many people of firm faith and profound trust in the good will in different parts of the providence of God. From 2017 Sr. world. Over the years the General as Vicariate Superior, administration and provincial Sr. Margaret Nnassunna, Sr. administrations in India, Europe Claris Thekumpurath and Sr. and USA were keenly interested Rose Nakitende as councillors and immensely supportive of the continue the mission with mission with personnel and inordinate fervour and sense of finance. Besides this major urgency. contribution, the voluntary service,

35 School girls at the Welcome Dance With this background, I am steadily, and so the work of the pleased to bring to your attention sisters there bears abundant fruits the experiences of people from in every respect. different walks of life and take you to different areas of the vicariate Life in Uganda is not easy for mission. what is needed for life, the sisters cannot simply get in supermarkets Uganda - "The Black Pearl of and shops but they grow most of Africa" them in their gardens, just as all the families there have to do. Anna Wolz, teacher from Germany Around the convent in Kiziba, there is a large garden with all The Central African spot land at sorts of important food: peanuts, the equator, that’s how Winston cassava, potatoes, coffee, Churchill called it. Uganda has bananas, mangoes, avocados, remained one of the world's etc. The Holy Cross Sisters are poorest countries till today despite very good farmers. positive developments in the last 25 years. The sisters focus on the education of children and youth and on the And for almost 25 years, Indian medical care of the local Holy Cross Sisters have been population. With the construction living and working in Uganda and of several schools (in Osia, since then a small network of Kikjusa, Kiziba), the sisters offer schools and health centres have the children and young people a been established. The community good basic education. Teachers of the Ugandan sisters is growing cannot access any teaching

36 Community of Kiziba and three teachers from Germany materials or media, but they independently which is still a rarity produce their own teaching for Ugandan conditions. The materials: there are no books, but women are clearly disadvantaged hand-made posters and posters in society and often depend on with the learning material. How quite unreliable fathers or much effort and intensive work husbands. It is not unusual for behind it, it’s admirable. It is clear them to experience violence. from the performance of the children that the pedagogical work The health centres are a blessing is gratefully accepted. for the people: the sisters show young mothers how they can keep In the Vocational Training Centre, their babies healthy. Minor young women can learn to sew accidents and infections are treated, and deal with computer programs, and HIV-positive people can find or even undergo the hairdresser's help and purposive education. training. With such professional Since there is no state health training, a woman in Uganda can system, the medical start-up station for the local people is a great help, live self-determined and indeed a blessing. 37 "Ora et labora!" is also a direct Experience as a Doctor with motto in the communities of the the Ingenbohl Sisters in Ugandan sisters. All day long, Uganda work is being done everywhere Dr. Benno Kreienbühl, Switzerland without complaining or grumbling For almost 25 years now, the Holy about scarcity. The fact that Cross Sisters, Ingenbohl have people focus on prayer and work been active in several is natural and it ultimately leads to communities in Uganda and now also in Kenya in social, pastoral success, for the people and educational areas. In the themselves can shape, develop or health centre in Kiziba and change their lives. For Uganda, Kikyusa, they are also active in this is the only opportunity for basic medical care. In Kikyusa, I development. The Holy Cross have been involved for 6 to 8 weeks mission annually since Sisters put it into practice through 2012. their work and attitude toward the people. So, one could allude to I work in the office and at the the sentence from Churchill and hospital, supported by a nurse or say: Holy Cross Sisters - the white sister as translator. Diagnosis and treatment are in some cases, a pearls in Uganda. challenge.

Primary school children of Kiziba

38 Kikyusa Community I cannot rely on many laboratory lack of dressing material, etc., or tests, X-rays or a wide range of carelessly guided patient records medicines as I am used to in made my work much more Switzerland. Only laboratory tests difficult. But the ever-relaxed, (test kits) and the possibility for cheerful atmosphere and microscopic examinations are helpfulness in the health centre - available to the laboratory staff. In spread by sisters and lay staff - many cases, these methods are made me forget personal sufficient for clarification, in some difficulties. I am constantly cases not; and there is always impressed with the tremendous some uncertainty. I had to learn work done by the sisters on a how to use a few simple means to daily basis, despite difficult be efficient. conditions and their religious obligations. The experiences of the first two years in the health centre were The increase of pregnant mothers, not easy, sometimes annoying. A the insufficient or poor facility in lack of clean water, power the maternity unit and other interruptions, defective reasons urge the sisters to build a examination equipment, maternity clinic. This is a major unsuitable surgical instruments, 39 challenge for them, mainly as their areas. Particularly impressive was own cash reserve is limited and the open and friendly nature of the no support from the state of local people, which is practised both among themselves and Uganda is to be expected. I feel towards foreigners. The dealing inspired to search for donors and with each other was always very professionals and contribute for cordial and was based on the establishment of this clinic. mutual interest of the other Activities in this direction have person. From a simple greeting already been going on for some developed not infrequently an time. extensive, intensive conversation. I was also impressed by the great From the very beginning, the willingness to help in the villages. sisters have involved me in their The people were trying to support daily routine and their spiritual life, each other and help each other and they are lovingly taking care out. The hospitality was great and of my well-being. They have taken the local people were happy when me into their community as a somebody paid a visit to them and "second family". That makes me they told a lot about their own extremely happy. I always culture. In general, I experienced experience this benevolent the community as great, being reception and cordiality when together that fostered their culture, visiting the Holy Cross Sisters in and involved all, big, large or other communities in Uganda and small. I especially remember the Kenya. The contacts and festivities in the villages, which experiences in their community were celebrated on special always enrich me to a great occasions. I was mostly extent. I thank them very much for fascinated by the music, this. drumming, dancing and colored clothing of the local people. Life in My Experience as a Student general was in a completely different rhythm unlike ours in in Uganda Switzerland. Since the majority of Sandra Aschwanden, Switzerland the people are self-employed, the course of the day depends on the During my stay in Uganda, I had work in the fields and the weather many new and positive conditions. Almost everything was experiences in the most diverse

40 Community in Bulimbo, Kenya, with Sr. Sheeja (centre) and an intern from Switzerland planted and harvested in the responsibility, the local people fields, which for me was a very showed themselves always calm impressive experience. In spite of and relaxed. Hectic rush came simple means and not always very rarely, which I always admired. I simple conditions, the people experienced Uganda as a very succeed in ensuring self- diverse country, which has a lot to sufficiency for the most part and offer both culturally as well as getting the most out of the from the landscape. situation. In the face of the great

41 Short Reports from Provinces and Vicariates

Book – Release Function in Delhi Sr. Tresa Paul, Delhi, North-East Province, India

The book “NO MORE SILENCE: COUNTERING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN” written by Tresa Paul SCSC was formally released by Hon’ble Justice Kurian , Supreme Court of India in a grand function organized by Indian Social Institute on 17th October, 2016. His Grace Anil J T Couto, Archbishop of Delhi was the Guest of Honor. Advocates Vrinda Grover and Dr. M. P Raju, Supreme Court of India also graced the occasion and were the main speakers at the function. In the presence of a galaxy of scholars, advocates and other dignitaries, the programme started at 4.30 p. m. with the welcome The Archbishop of Delhi, Anil J. T. Couto with Sr. Tresa. address by Dr. Denzil Fernandes S. J., Executive Director, Indian Social Institute. Thereafter, the author explained contents of the book in brief, besides what inspired her to write the book. All the dignitaries on the dais expressed their happiness over The most cordial moment: Sr. Tresa with the book and congratulated the Kurian Joseph, Judge at the Supreme Court. Photos: Ruben Minj author for her timely contribution

42 Your presence was very important to Sister Tresa: Sr. Dhanam Mary (left), Sr. Lucy Kakkarakunnel on such a burning issue in the only to Hindi, but also to other society. Hon’ble Justice Kurian Indian languages. She Joseph, who began his address appreciated this unique work by saying that he was deeply the author and called her the interested by the title of the book ‘inspiration and the woman of the itself said that one reason for day.’ According to her the author violence against women is that we has already breached the culture do not speak out. We should not of silence by writing this book. only break our silence but also She stressed that the issues of must speak out against violence sexual harassment which actually against women. Archbishop Anil J affects the dignity of women tend T Couto emphasized the need of to be ignored. Various forms of translating this book into various violence against women are linked languages especially to Hindi so from one to the other. Dr. M. P. that people from all walks of life Raju who called for addressing could benefit from this book. Adv. the issue of sexual harassment Vrinda Grover, who moderated and other forms of violence the session, reiterated what against women from its root, Archbishop said and stressed the hailed that this book may be one need for translating this book not of the rare attempts in this field to 43 Strong presence of friends and guests incorporate story telling with by Adv. Fr. Joy Karayampuram S. analytical methodology. We need J., HoD, Training Unit of Indian to expand our value system to Social Institute. The book release clean the society of its various programme was well appreciated evils especially violence against by one and all. It was more like a women. Sr. Smita and Sr. Lucy spiritual event. I am grateful to representing the Congregation each of you for blessing me with placed on record their deep your love and prayers. appreciation for the author for her work and hailed it as in line with The 354-page book jointly the motto of their Congregation published by Media House and “the need of the time is the will of Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, God.” The programme ended with is available also available in a formal vote of thanks rendered www.amazon.in

44 Information from the General Leadership

Appointments

Vicariate Uganda We would like to take this opportunity to thank the new and On March 17, 2017 the General re-appointed sisters of the Team appointed a new Vicariate leadership of the Uganda Leadership for the next three Vicariate and of the Provincial years: Administration of the Motherprovince, Switzerland for Vicariate Superior: Sr. Genevieve their readiness to accept their D'Silva Assistant: Sr. Margret demanding and challenging Nnassuuna mission. We wish them courage Councilors: Sr. Claris and confidence for the mission Thekumpurath assumed. May God's blessing Sr. Rose accompany them in their planning Nakitende and action! Official Start: May 8, 2017 We thank the outgoing Vicariate Motherprovince Switzerland Superior, Sr. Lisa Mudoor and the Provincial Superior, Sr. Marie- On April 3, 2017 the General Marthe Schönenberger as well as Team appointed a new Provincial the Vicariate and Provincial Leadership for the next three Councilors, Sr. Gertrud Nampeera years: and Sr. Luzia Abegg for their dedicated and selfless service. Provincial Superior: Sr. Tobia May God reward them all for their Rüttimann Assistant: Sr. Matthia generous endeavours and for Honold taking care of their fellow sisters! Provincial Councilors: Sr. Reto May God’s blessing accompany Lechmann them in their future tasks! Sr. Maria Hollenstein Conference of the Sr. Eva T. Representatives in the Zanier Provinces and Vicariates Sr. Dorothea against Human Trafficking Jaros Official Start: October 31, 2017 Since the General Chapter of 2008, the sad reality of human

45 trafficking and especially Mrs. Magda Emerich-Scholliers trafficking women has become an from Constance will moderate the important concern of our conference. We already have congregation. The struggle good experiences with her. against this modern slavery is We especially recommend this more necessary than ever. The conference to your prayer. Working Group against Human Trafficking is planning a General Visitation conference of the representatives of all provinces and vicariates. The General Visitation will be held from 17 October to 24 November, This conference will take place 2017 in the Mid-India Province. from 18 to 26 September, 2017 in Sr. Marija Brizar, the Superior Ingenbohl. It is being organized General, Sr. Verena Maria under the motto, "Stand up for human dignity". In these days it is Oberhauser, the General mainly focused on getting to know Assistant, Sr. Elsit Ampattu and each other personally, listening to Sr. Sheeja Kolacherril, the each other and learning, General Councilors will conduct encouraging and strengthening the visitations. May God's good one another; networking and spirit accompany all the sisters cooperation; expanding who participate in the meetings, knowledge and experience; to reflect upon joint activities and the encounters and in deepening projects undertaken so far; to of the charism and our vision 2020 think about steps beyond the as well as in the discussions and session. consultations!

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

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