On September 25th, 2016, our Sisters in Brazil celebrated «50 Years of Service to Life in the Country of the Cross». In the context of a solemn Eucharist in the Holy Family Church, they gave thanks for all that had been allowed to come into being. About 400 persons had come from the places where the sisters had worked in the course of these fifty years, and where they are working now. Their solidarity with the Brazilian people was visible and it could be felt in a wonderful way. Many religious people shared with their presence the joy and togetherness.
Auxiliary Bishop Gilson Andrade da Silva highlighted the courageous initiative of the first Sisters for something totally new and unfamiliar. He pointed out how much the Sisters had followed the maxim of Father Theodosius «The Need of the time is the Will of God» by constantly trying to find an answer to the given situations.
In the message of the General Leadership, which was communicated by Sister Verena Maria Oberhauser and Sister Anna Affolter, the work of the Sisters had been appreciated. It was pointed out that the mission of the first five Sisters started where the ground for the implementation of the reform efforts of the Second Vatican Council had been prepared already: The Sisters took over parishes in the slums and were allowed to live there as spiritual and genuine companions among the poor and work with them for the building up of better living conditions. In the course of these fifty years, they had also to let go again what was already built up to start something new. They had sown much; much of it has grown; much continues to grow through others. In particular, there is one hopeful fruit growing: the group of associates, called «Semente da Santa Cruz». In the welcoming note, the Sisters were encouraged on their way into the future: “Trust in what is still unknown, just as the first Sisters on their arrival did! Go to where nobody wants to go! Continue to sow the seed – sow with others – sow together – and the seed will sprout! May your presence here in Brazil continue to be a prophetic presence in the midst of the people, most of all the disadvantaged. Continue to be a leaven, light and hope, wherever you find people in this world who are suffering, oppressed and crucified.”
Sr. Lidia Boito, Superior of the Vicariate, thanked all the participants in the celebration for the welcome they had received in this country, for the benevolent accommodation the Sisters had always experienced and the help in opening up the way to the people. She placed this jubilee into the context of praise and thanksgiving to God, for His faithfulness and His accompanying presence through all the situations.
After the Holy Eucharist, all those present were invited to a common meal in the guest garden of the Diocesan Curia, since: Just as our spirit was strengthened by the Eucharist, so also should the body be strengthened now.
In between the enjoyment of the delicious food, there were many personal and friendly meetings, programs and dances by our young Sisters and various youth groups.
The whole Jubilee festivity was a celebration of life, of thanksgiving and of joyful encounters.
