Called to Celebrate All That God has Done
In and Through Us
“It is my desire that consecrated persons together with other faithful sing with the Virgin Mary the marvels which the Lord accomplishes in us. … being a ‘people consecrated to himself’ (Deut. 28:9) is the condition of all those who are redeemed by Christ.”
- Pope John Paul II at the first World Day for Consecrated Life, February 2, 1997
Dear Companions on our Journey,
When one celebrates a special occasion, such as a birthday, we invite our family and friends – those who hold an important place in their hearts.
As women religious, we will be celebrating this next year! Pope Francis has proclaimed 2015 a Year of Consecrated Life, starting on the First Sunday of Advent, the weekend of November 29, 2014, and ending on February 2, 2016, the World Day of Consecrated life.
It would be inconceivable for us as School Sisters of Notre Dame to even think of celebrating this special year without you, our partners in mission. Your mutual service, love and support have been central to our carrying forth Jesus’ mission in the spirit of our foundress Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger for more than 180 years.
Join us in celebrating this year and accept with us the challenge of Pope Francis:
“Evangelical radicalness is not only for religious; it is demanded of all. But religious follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way. It is this witness I expect of you. Religious should be men and women able to wake the world up. … God asks us to fly the nest and to be sent to the frontiers of the world.”
(“Wake up the World:” Conversation with Pope Francis about the Religious Life, in La Civilta Cattolica, 165 2014/1)
Imagine the transformation that would happen if each of us left our comfort zone, and responded together to the needs not being met by others. The joy of a lived Gospel would wake the world up to a new day.
During Advent, we will be posting on this website a weekly message inviting all to reflect on the Sunday Advent theme. Additional resources about the Year of Consecrated Life will be available soon. Please check our website and Facebook page throughout Advent.
What nests do I need to fly in order to join hands with others and wake up the world to the values of the Kingdom?