(United States and Canada). On 13 March 2021, the Animators of the Communities of St. Joseph Province of the United States and Canada (SEC) participated online in the encounter with the Provincial, Sr. Joanne Holloman, and the Visiting Councilor, Sr. Phyllis Neves.
The theme of the meeting, “Seeds of Hope” gave the Animators the opportunity to reflect on the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic as a place of formation for every FMA.
Speaking of Hope, Sr. Phyllis Neves highlighted “being called to account for the hope that dwells in us; the hope which is the ability to manifest authentic faith and love that alone can transform hearts and history. Hope is concrete, it is daily, because it is an encounter. Every time we meet Jesus in the Eucharist, in prayer, in the Gospel, in the young, in the poor, in community life, we take one more step towards this definitive encounter. Mother Mazzarello also left an example of a life permeated by hope lived in the concrete things of every day. The words of encouragement to the sisters, ‘never get discouraged because of any adversity. Take everything from the most holy hands of Jesus, put all your trust in him and hope for everything from him’ (L 65,1) and the gestures that invite us to look at the crucifix, are the source of hope which for Mother Mazzarello is the certainty of not walking alone. Hope moves in her the will to desire heavenly goods and to live abandoned to God’s Providence. Hope therefore means living in expectation, in the joyful certainty of having been created for Heaven”.
The Animators reflected on the “seeds of hope” that this pandemic has brought into their lives: a greater dependence on God, a life of deeper prayer centered on God, a renewed love for the Community and for the Salesian vision of the animator’s mission, greater openness to parents, families, and young people.
The SEC Province, together with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians throughout the world, continues with gratitude in the mission entrusted to them, in the joyful certainty of God’s unconditional love.
