MARCH 25, FEAST OF THE HANDMAID As we celebrate the 25th of March, the Annunciation of Our Lord to the Virgin Mary – the “Feast of the Handmaid” as we Handmaids call it – we want to listen to the echo of the word “Handmaid” in our hearts, that word that we have heard, embraced, loved, prayed over, interiorized, renewed, shared, reaffirmed, been grateful for…
March 1, 2010, the anniversary of the birth of Saint Raphaela Mary, marked the beginning of the Third Probation. The sisters participating in tertianship are from the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Japan, the Congo, Peru, Colombia, Spain and Portugal. At 9:30 am the Superior General met with the group, warmly welcoming them with an inspiring speech. This was followed by a period of dialogue and in-depth sharing, in which the Assistant Generals and the Instructress who will accompany them during this stage of formation also participated. At noon, all attended the Opening Liturgy of the Eucharist celebrated by Rev. Jose Adolfo González SJ.
Third Probation Opening Liturgy
The End of our Pilgrimage
Our first sisters' trusting love of Jesus has brought us to these places: Calle de la Bola, Cuatro Caminos, and Martinez Campos, which we have contemplated in the depths of our hearts. From Andujar to Madrid we have experienced the spirit of generosity, struggle, drive, endurance, stamina,and fidelity of our sisters, as well as their desire to make Christ in the Eucharist available for the adoration of the people, to evangelize and to open the doors of their house to all those who wished to pray. We thank God for this pilgrimage which has been such a wonderful preparation to go more deeply into our history and spirituality. Just as we began at the well drinking in the spirit of mission, here in this same place we end our pilgrimage with a Mass of Thanksgiving. This gift of the Lord leads us and helps us to look at ourselves, to know ourselves and to open our hearts to His grace. We wish to thank the Institute for this experience and all the Sisters who have accompanied us with their prayer and affection.
