Two Events

On Sunday, August 13, 2017 the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer celebrated two events. On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of Death of Mother Alphonse Marie her bust was blessed and Sister Viannea celebrated her Silver Jubilee.
 
According the Gospel of Mark 3:13-19 Jesus appointed His disciples. Who did our Teacher choose? Peter, who denied Him, Judas who betrayed Him, later Paul, who was a keen persecutor of Christians… Today, for companies, top C.E.O’s are looking for those who are the most competent, the most reputable, the most dynamic and the most lucrative. Jesus chose Mother Alphonse Marie, the Foundress of the Sisters as the Instrument of God's mercy. Twenty-five years ago Jesus chose Sister Viannea, the one who is weak, incompetent, unstable, unbalanced, etc. And yet He called her to do great things.

Because He Who is Mighty has done great things for me, Mary praises God in her Magnificat, as well as Mother Alphonse Marie did and Sister Viannea does. Mary, the humble Servant of God, expresses praise to God for His treatment of her, but then extends her praise to how God has treated the righteous throughout the ages and how He will vindicate them fully in the future. God is worthy of praise for what He will do in taking care of His own. Sister Viannea understands that God's blessing moves the believer to joy and appreciation, since the Almighty cares personally for us and acts on our behalf.

How about you? Does your soul magnify the Lord? We all are called to be saints. Our good example, like our Blessed Mother’s, can help others in their spiritual growth as well as showing people Christ’s love and goodness in us. Let God work within us to accomplish His will. Let Mary help give us the graces we need to follow her Son.

MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD …
 

March 19, which is usually the Feast of St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary was, this year, 2017, the Third Sunday of Lent. This day was special for our Community and Region. One of our Sisters, Sister M. Viannea, celebrated her Silver Jubilee of Profession.

Many years ago Sister Viannea heard the call of the Lord, Who is the Lord of sea and sky, snow and rain, wind and flame; Who has heard His people cry; Who speaks His word to them; Who gave His life for them. She heard His questions: "Who will bear my light to people? Whom shall I send?" Twenty-fifth years ago Sister Viannea answered: “Here I am Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.”

Today, at 8:00 AM Holy Mass, Sister Viannea confirmed her faithful love for her Spouse, Jesus Christ, her Divine Redeemer by renewing her vows. She offered her heart, the heart of a servant, as Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord”, a sanctuary of God.

All the Sisters and those who attended the Holy Mass rejoiced with her as she celebrated her Silver Jubilee.

May God’s blessings be upon her. May her Silver Jubilee hold special happiness with God’s love always near. May He fill her heart with joy and peace today and throughout the year.