Dear Sisters,
On the occasion of the 182nd anniversary of our foundation, we send you warm greetings. The celebration of our foundation-day makes us grateful for the beautiful and important history of our congregation. At the same time, our foundation-day is also an occasion to reflect on how we re-found (re-create) our congregation in today's reality, - being attentive to the signs of the times in order to make our charism shine.
Today's situation shows us that life in different parts of the world is threatened. In the "cry" of the poor and of the earth, we perceive God's voice calling us as Sisters of Divine Providence to renew and strengthen our commitment to life. This call of God is also echoed in the theme of the General Chapter:
As pilgrims of hope, in the power of the resurrected Christ,
we care for life today!
We would like to thank Sister Marly Cardoso, from the Brazilian Province, for the powerful image on the theme of our General Chapter.
Dear Sisters, congratulations on the foundation-day! May we always be there for each other!
Description of the image
This image tells us about ‘pilgrimage’ in the different situations in which life unfolds. The combination of colors and movements shows light and shadow, a reality that makes us understand the dynamics of life and death, that challenges us and urges us to have, to be and to give hope.
The presence of Eduard Michelis would like to remind us that our Congregation was founded by the strength of common work in synodality. We believe that the spiritual inspiration we received from him is still alive within us.
The great light refers to the resurrection of Jesus. It is the power that permeates all realities. The women depicted here remind us on the women who go to the tomb and become messengers of the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus: "Do not be afraid, go and proclaim!" The gestures of openness and sensitivity to people in need are like of the testimony of the disciples: "In the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk."
In the Movement of Life and Mission, sitting at the table means being ready to share the bread and celebrating life, forgiveness and joy in communion. The table is also the place where we are nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharistic bread, which give us the strength to go out to meet our brothers and sisters and to commit ourselves to life.
The path gains meaning and significance when it is traveled in the presence of a God who reveals himself in his creation as a God who creates communion even in a relationship of pure love and mercy. He calls us and sends us out to be bearers of this great hope. On the way, life is created and recreated.
You can see a common thread that connects all the images. Sometimes this thread is invisible, but it is there. It has its origin in the source of the Trinity, which appears in the image in three circles: the Holy Spirit, the great light and creation. This takes on different tones, strengths and contours, because where the Gospel is proclaimed, life is renewed and transformed.
It is a fruitful image that can have different meanings. Each person will perceive the picture from their own perspective. We are invited to look at it, to bring it into my/our lives and to understand where I am or where God is sending me today as a pilgrim of hope to give life.