Pastoral spirit that is alive...
The word of Blessed James Alberione is ever so relevant and encouraging for us today.
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In a meditation to the Pastorelle Sisters in 1957 he said: “Your love of Jesus is rendered concrete by your love towards souls: for this you give your strength, your capabilities, your whole life, just as you have professed to do….day by day, give your life.” (PrP VIII, 1957 p.185).
Different pastoral events in which our sisters have been involved in recent times are expressions of our love of Jesus rendered concrete by our love towards others.
Sr Ignacia Coching alongside Fr Anthony Girolami has been involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults journey that saw the welcoming of ten people, eight adults and two children, into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil at St Francis of Assisi parish, Mill Park. The Rite of Initiation (RCIA) is likened to a spiritual journey that takes place within the parish community and involves a series of sessions with members of the faithful, to pray together, to learn about the life of Jesus through the Gospels, and discuss what His message means for us in everyday life.
Sr Doreen Bentley led a reflection morning for Ladies on 3rd May at Loyola College, Watsonia. “The Cup of Life” was the theme that Doreen developed using a real cup as a symbol of different stages and experiences of life. Her gentle way of leading the reflection was an opening for the ladies to share at deep level significant aspects of their story seen through “the cup.”
In the weeks leading up to Easter, the Bundoora community held Lenten sessions for parishioners in our chapel and about twelve people gathered each Wednesday to prayerfully explore the Lenten themes using a program called “You have set us free”.
We also had the joy of celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday and the 51st World Day of Prayer for Vocations in St Damian’s Church, Bundoora, on 11th May 2014 together with the Daughters of St Paul, the Good Samaritan Sisters who live in our parish, and a good number of Pauline Cooperators and Friends of Jesus Good Shepherd. Sr Ignacia shared the story of her vocation in the course of the prayer.
One other very happy recent event was the graduation of Sr Nelia Llanto at St Patrick’s cathedral on 2nd May 2014. Nelia has attended Catholic Theological College (CTC) and received a Graduate Diploma of Theology from the University of Divinity. This University of Divinity, previously known as the Melbourne College of Divinity, is an ecumenical marvel, comprising ten Colleges from eight different denominations. Archbishop Hart led the gathering in prayer while Rev John Henderson, Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia, gave the graduation address. It was a memorable occasion!
…day by day, give your life (Bl. James Alberione).
-Sr Mary La Bruna sjbp
