September 3, 2022 was a day of celebration for all of us, for the anniversary of our first religious profession. For those who celebrated the 60th anniversary, the joy and gratitude to the Lord, our Good Shepherd was even more profound and heartfelt. We all prepared for this feast with a triduum of prayer that helped us to contemplate the heart of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd, light for the world.
The texts, taken from the Gospel, from the words of Pope Francis and Blessed Alberione, have traced for us a short but effective path that led us to Mary, available, faithful and courageous at the foot of the cross.
In the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Fr Domenico Soliman, new superior general of the SSP, thanksgiving to God rose to heaven from all our hearts and above all from the celebrations for 60 years of Profession, in the renewal of our yes. The presence of a good representation of the brothers and sisters of the Pauline Family of Castles was also very beautiful.
Our remembrance was vivid of the sisters who were not present, but who will celebrate the 60th Jubilee in Verona, on 7 October. We felt in communion with them and also with those who are already in the Father's House.
The party then continued with refreshments with everyone and lunch with the sisters of the communities of Albano Laziale. We have received greetings and best wishes from many sisters from Italy and other countries.
In our hearts we keep a lot of gratitude to the Lord for the years lived in the service of God's people and a profound desire to continue giving ourselves to the Good Shepherd, as and where He wants today.
Don Alberione told us: "Your parish is the world". Now for the majority of us the world has been restricted to the communities of Albano Laziale, Negrar and Verona, but our pastoral heart can reach all of humanity with prayer, the offering of our life and also of our frailties, those that only He can transform.
Give us your heart or Jesus the Good Shepherd so that we can continue to offer you our life for all humanity so in need of you.
sr. Federica Renzulli, sjbp