On July 27 and 28, according to the schedule of the Province of Padre Alberione, we held the Vocation Day at the Jardim das Pastorinhas in São Paulo. We expanded the initial proposal by inviting several young women with whom we had contact in recent months. Some who were excited to come were unable to participate, justifying their absence. Thus, the meeting was attended by three young women: Amanda, from Redenção/PA; Alice Aparecida, from Barra Linda – Adrianópolis/PR and Alice Maria, from Vila Califórnia, in São Paulo.
The theme of the event was “Connecting our Heart to that of Jesus the Good Shepherd.” Amanda and Alice Aparecida, who had already been receiving support through handouts and sharing, were with us at the Provincial House for a longer period of experience, sharing, and deeper knowledge of our charisma, which preceded the weekend meeting.
During the meeting, we had three specific moments to help the young women deepen their calling. The first moment was with the symbolism of the “Tent,” with the Jardim community serving as a tent of welcome and protection, a space to hear the voice of Jesus calling us. The second moment was the “Well,” which symbolizes thirst and the need to nourish life with the water of life, which is Jesus, and also to be the water of life for others. The third moment was the encounter with the image of the Good Shepherd Jesus, who is the center and reason for being a Pastorinha. We are called to be shepherdesses and also sheep of His flock.
These moments were experienced in a simple and profound way, helping the young women to deepen their own experience of the calling. The journey was enriched with a moment of Eucharistic adoration and Sunday Mass. We thank God for the presence of these three young women and for all who prayed and collaborated to make this moment possible. Praise God!
sr. Rosilene de Lima, sjbp
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