We celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, with three main motivations: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the 85th Anniversary of the Foundation of our Congregation and the Inauguration of the new Provincial Government of the Padre Alberione Province, based in São Paulo.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was very significant for our beloved Founder, Blessed Tiago Alberione. Reciting the rosary was certainly the prayer he enjoyed most during his life. During his agony, before returning to the Father, he did not stop moving his lips reciting the rosary, the beads of which were between his fingers. Therefore, it is very clear that the date of October 7th was chosen for the founding of our Congregation, of which we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the existence of the Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd – Little Shepherds, in the Church and in society.
Completing the joy of these motivations, the circumstance chose this very significant day, for the 13th Provincial Government Team, to assume its mission, certainly repeating Mary's expression: “Behold, the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me according to the your Word.” The Team is made up of: Sr. Sueli Berlanga, Provincial Superior and her counselors: Sr. Cristiane Ribeiro, Sr. Maria de Lourdes Lara, Sr. Marli Zavaski and Sr. Rosilene de Lima.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Father Claudiano Avelino dos Santos, provincial superior of the Pauline Fathers and Brothers, accompanied by Father Joaquim. With the presence of a good number of Sisters from the Father Alberione Province, the Mass was well solemnized, with the participation of some friendly people.
After reading the Act of Inauguration and signing it, Sr. Sueli expressed that she accepted this mission, in the certainty that she will be able to work together, not only as a Government Team, but with all the Sisters of the Province, a methodology she believes and always exercised in his pastoral work.
There were many expressions of affection from the people present and through messages received. The new team felt embraced, welcomed and in tune with all the Sisters of the Province and the Pauline Family. Sister Cristiane participated in the online celebration, as she is still at the General House, in Rome, where she has lived for many years, serving the General Government. She will return to Brazil next month.
May the lights of the Holy Spirit accompany them, granting them the necessary discernment so that the decisions to be made, in relation to the life and mission of each member of the Province, correspond faithfully to the Pastoral Charisma. May Maria Pastora be the great inspiration on this journey as a Team!
Sr. Bertila Picelli, sjbp
