The joy of genuine togetherness as “Sisters in Grace and as “Women of Loving Relationships” was witnessed during the meaningful 2-day gathering of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, Servants of the Poor in Canossa House of Spirituality, Tagaytay City last July 18-20, 2024. Their 2-day formation was focused on their Charismatic Animation and the Launching of their Provincial Project that serves as one of their guides in faithfully living their lives as Consecrated Canossians.
They gathered as one in the Spirit of their Mo. Foundress, St. Magdalene of Canossa to once again be animated and renewed as they listened to different talks and participated in interactive activities that lead them to see the beauty of the gift of their “womanhood”. Each sisters gave their warmest welcome to each other as they began their 2-day gathering with a simple sharing about their joys and challenges as a woman. It was indeed a different feeling of awe to listen to each other’s experiences coming from different generations on how they grew into the woman as they are now.
Sr. Maria Elena Adre, FdCC, shared to the assembly the concept of being a woman and pointed out the beauty of a “FEMININE GENUIS” who exudes the characteristics of receptivity, sensitivity, generosity and maternity leading all the sisters to see the great inspiration of the Blessed Mother Mary as a woman especially the courage that was shown in her loving Fiat to the Lord. The sisters’ reflective journey took into action during their time to visit the prayer stations that helped them more to be in touched with what they feel as they go through silence and prayer. The spirit of their charism came more alive when Sr. Luzviminda Mojica, FdCC led the sisters in St. Magdalene’s journey as a woman and a mother. The joy of having a big and maternal heart led St. Magdalene to be more rooted and dedicated in promoting life and deepened relationships where she was able to always exercise charity. Sr. Luz’ sharing had once again awakened the sisters’ heart to have the desire to be more intimate and fervent in prayer, be more genuine in loving, and zealous in serving — simply to be the “MORE” of St. Magdalene of Canossa. Thus, the sisters were able to express the more of their being a feminine genius through their joyful and active participation in the areas dancing, gardening, doing arts and crafts, flower arrangement, baking and through their contagious smiles and laughter during their time of recreation.
The celebration of joy continued with the launching of the Provincial Project headed by Sr. Estrella Vasquez, FdCC and Sr. Maria Louella Olarte, FdCC. The thrust that bound these Women of Loving Relationships: Widening their tents in fulfilling the dream of St. Magdalene of Canossa will continue as they will be guided by the thrust for this apostolic year 2024-2025 as “Women of Loving Relationships: Interweaving Lives, Praying, Hoping… This will now challenge every sister to deepen their interconnectedness with God, with one another, with the society, with the Church and most especially their “interpathy” with the beloved of St. Magdalene of Canossa, their poor brethren. They are now set to begin a wonderful journey in creating a beautiful tapestry together through God’s abundant graces.
