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WOMEN OF THE WORD
Voices from the world
INTERVIEW CANOSSIAN WORLD
On the threshold of the
General Chapter
SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
N° 10 Words of Women:
JANUARY/APRIL 2020 art, poetry, photography
vita
più
D
ear readers Word through the woman who nurtures life
I present to you all, this first issue and the witness of two people coming from
of Vita Più in this new decade. The South America and the Far East, regarding
year 2020 opens with sentiments of grati- what it means to live one’s faith coherently
tude for the continual attitude of listening and with courage, today as a woman. In
and sharing that the Canossian Family has our interview with the Canossian world, we
offered over the last few months, reflecting asked ourselves how the Canossian family
and preparing to welcome the new path presents itself on the eve of the Chapter.
ahead in view of the XVII General Chapter How our communities are involved in the
of the Institute. This important appoint- intercultural challenge? Which new wine
ment – an event not only of the Institute and prophecy are beginning to spring forth
but also of the Church too – is upon us. We for the future? This future is the main pro-
know the theme well: “Women of the Word tagonist of this issue, together with the Ten
loving without measure. Reconfiguration Challenges for the 2020s and the coming
to a life of holiness in and for the mission phases of the Church’s journey, together
2
today.” So we have chosen for this first with Pope Francis. Finally, the usual col-
issue of Vita Più of 2020 to delve into the umns and the photographic page as a trib-
meaning of being “Women of the Word”. ute to every woman.
We have asked five people to help us deep-
en this expression. Five “voices from the Enjoy your reading!
world”, five precious contributions regard-
ing the figure of Mary Magdalen, “feminine
genius “ in the Church, the beauty of the Paolo Bovio
VITA PIÙ OWNERSHIP General House of the
Canossian Daughters of Charity
RESPONSIBLE DIRECTOR Paolo Bovio
N. 10 - JANUARY/APRIL 2020 CONCEPT AND GRAPHICS Studio Bertin
EDITING Paolo Bovio
Authorized by the Tribunal of Rome COMMUNICATION TEAM,
N. 52/87, 6 February 1987 CANOSSIAN INSTITUTE
Sandra Maggiolo (Assistant General)
Maria Grazia Bongarzone (Coordinator)
Paolo Bovio (Operations Manager)
www.canossian.org infocanossiane
infocanossiane youtube
May the Lord grant you that true
peace your heart desires
(St. Magdalene, 4th January 1826)
D
earest readers by consecrated and lay people present
we started the new year 2020 throughout the world and living an in-
celebrating 53rd World Day of ternational lifestyle, we have the chance
Peace on 1st January. We exchanged of offering our contribution to peace.
joyful wishes of abundant blessings and Peace is brought about by agreements
peace in a thousand different ways and but, above all, by witnesses, educators
languages. Sometimes, they may have and bearers of peace among young peo-
been formal or habitual, but it is also ple and those we meet each day. To be
true that the beginning of a new year bearers of peace, it is important to start
is something new and original that at- from ourselves and cultivate it within
tracts and arouses enthusiasm since it our hearts, our families and out minis-
offers new possibilities for hope. tries. Peace in the world starts from the
The events two days later surprised ev- heart of each man and woman.
eryone. They certainly did not speak of A serene attitude, patient and respect-
3
peace. On the contrary, they spoke of ful towards everyone, a word not said
aggression and death, adding to all the or said with kindness, all help to tone
events of the previous year. I am certain down tensions and help create peace in
it was a sad moment for everyone, caus- every situation. This is the way to live
ing worry, uncertainty and fear. Many the Gospel and be men and women of
of us asked ourselves, “What is happen- the “Word” as expressed in the theme of
ing to peace? Is it still possible? Is it an the XVII General Chapter
May prayer and active witness be our
utopia? What is the use of wishing each
strength, open our hearts, together with
other peace if it cannot be realized?
all our brothers and sisters, to “Peace,
We must be aware of one thing. Peace
a journey of hope”.
depends on each one of us because all
of us can be builders of peace. Let
May Mary, the Mother of God,
us ask ourselves, “In which way? What
intercede for us and grant us this gift.
can we do?” Perhaps we may not be able
to intervene at an international level,
but as the Canossian Family, formed
M. Annamaria Babbini
Congregational Leader
Index
PAGES OF LIFE P. 6
Magdalene, a Woman who listens
PAG E S O F L I F E
WOMEN OF THE WORD: VOICES FROM THE WORLD
«Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?» P. 10
Searching for feminine “genius” P. 12
The beauty of the Word in Women who nurture life P. 14
Working for the future of women P. 16
A glance towards the future P. 18
4
INTERVIEW P. 20
CANOSSIAN WORLD
Identity. Fraternity.
Prophecy.
BOOKS P. 30
Ideas online and offline
TOWARDS THE GENERAL CHAPTER
Ten challenges
for the 2020s
P. 28
vita
più
NEWS
Walking with Francis P. 32
SOCIAL FOTOGRAFICO SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY P. 34
Le parole delle donne: nelle arti,
nella, poesia, nella fotografia
Words of women:
Stupenda
immacolata fortuna
per te tutte le creature
del regno
si sono aperte Chi educa un bambino, educa un uomo.
e tu sei diventata la regina Chi educa una donna, educa un villaggio.
delle nostre ombre [Proverbio africano]
per te gli uomini
in art, poetry,
hanno preso
innumerevoli voli
creato l’alveare del Ogni volta che una donna lotta per se
pensiero stessa, lotta per tutte le donne.
per te donna è sorto [Maya Angelou]
il mormorio dell’acqua
unica grazia
e tremi per i tuoi
5
incantesimi
che sono nelle tue mani
photography
e tu hai un sogno
34 per ogni estate 35
un figlio per ogni pianto
un sospetto d’amore
per ogni capello
ora sei donna
tutto un perdono Donna, non sei
soltanto l’opera
e così come vi abita ma anche degli di Dio,
uomini, che sempre
il pensiero divino ti fanno bella con
i
fiorirà in segreto I poeti ti tessono loro cuori.
una rete
attorniato con fili di dorate
fantasie;
dalla tua grazia. i pittori danno
alla tua forma
[Alda Merini] sempre nuova
immortalità.
Il mare dona le
sue perle,
le miniere il loro
oro,
i giardini d’estate
i loro fiori
per adornarti,
per coprirti,
per renderti sempre
Il desiderio del più preziosa.
cuore
ha steso la sua
gloria
sulla tua giovinez
za.
Per metà sei donna,
e per metà sei
sogno.
[Rabindranath
Tagore]
EVENTS
EVENTS P. 36
CALENDAR
FOUNDATION VOICA P. 38
A “SUPER” WOMAN
A portrait of
M. Jolanda Vezzoli
PAGES OF LIFE
Magdalene, a woman who listens
J
et engines. Opposite to what must become familiar not only with self
we usually think, the most part but with Him, the Holy Spirit. In other
of our so-called “actions”, good words, prayer is the dwelling place of
or bad, are really more “reactions”. our inner self. This what Magdalene
Life precedes and overtakes us, reality of Canossa learned during those long
knocks inside and outside of us and years of her formation in listening.
inevitably our action is more precisely a
reaction to all that happens within and Examples of listening. The world
around us. That is to say, even before we live in is not made of “things” and
we awake, our inner voices anticipate inert happenings, but of swarming
our daily agenda as if turning the key meanings, relationships and
to start up the engine of our reactions. messages for which we have an innate
Without even getting out of bed, it predisposition since we are all natural
activates a semi-automatic system and talented listeners. It is through our
6 sense of listening that the Lord comes
of predispositions (good or bad), pre-
evaluations, moods and energies that to us and within us in three ways.
constitute the greater part of the fuel Psalm 19 recounts and sings, “The
with which we circumnavigate every heavens declare the glory of God … no
single day. Understanding something speech, no words, no voice is heard.”
of the workings of this “jet engine” that (v.1-4) Creation proclaims, voiceless,
roars within us, is a crucial, delicate the radiant face of the Creator and the
and fascinating part of our life’s sons of God hear with wonder of his
journey. The acquisition of wisdom to deeds. “The precepts of the Lord are
know how to handle our interior world, right … the commandments of the Lord
soothe its dysfunctions and increase are clear.” (v. 8, 9) God incarnates his
the workings of its virtual functioning, Fatherhood communicating with his
is what we mean by allowing oneself to children, to the point of communicating
encounter the Holy Spirit. The grace of himself in the Word that becomes flesh.
being able to dwell in the secret of one’s “The fear of the Lord is pure, it endures
interiority is certainly not material forever.” (v. 10) God has set up home,
for the “geology of intimacy” and nor a pitched his tent and built his Temple in
type of “introspective gymnastics”. The the depths of the sentiments and desire
profound mystery of each one’s identity of his children and there the Holy
is the dwelling of the Holy Spirit and Spirit dwells and prays. From above (or
to be able to dwell here fully, each one below) the Spirit speaks to each one’s
vita
più
heart, just as the Lord describes. “He murderers. (Mt 2:13) God reveals
will teach you all things and remind himself as the Father of life (not
you of all that I have told you.” (Jn death). Love that consigns self, takes
14:26) on the evil of the world and dies for our
salvation, since he loves us more than
Action, reaction, passion. The task himself, defeats the absurd spiral of
of the Spirit’s grace is to give life to death and opens the passage to eternal
the Scriptures and bring to life the life.
Word who continually gives of self, so
that the mystery of the Father’s face Magdalene hears and listens.
appears to the minds and hearts of his Concerning “hearing voices”,
children. The mystery of God’s loving Magdalene was second to none. In fact,
and acting, which, from all eternity Don Libera had to exercise patience
neither acts nor reacts, but suffers. He and wisdom over seven long years
gives of self without measure, consigns in educating his daughter to divert 7
self, weak and defenceless, trusts and her attention from hearing the rustle
entrusts self to his children, in the of interior murmurings and instead
Trinity. The Christmas stories reveal dedicate herself to “listening to her
this to us. They are a great teaching heart” where she found the Spirit
that foreshadows the meaning of waiting to speak to her. This encounter
Jesus’ Passion and Cross. For example, within herself with God was so intense
someone who thought he was the and satisfying that Magdalene moved
master of the world, the Emperor, from her heart to God’s in one-step.
decided to count those he believed Magdalene was a woman of ideas
he dominated and the Creator of the and actions, (just think of her Plan of
countless stars and grains of sand, Foundation conceived at the school
suffers and bows to a census. (Lk 2:1) of Don Libera), and by listening to
Another figure, Herod, even madder, God’s Heart she learned love for the
decided to eliminate the Messiah, Crucified One and God’s suffering. Her
the Son of God, but God, instead of numerous journeys and foundations
eliminating him suffers together the became a “rosary of passions”, or rather
innocent victims slaughtered each her passionate interior disposition to
day through the insane violence of embrace reality, events and people
PAGES OF LIFE
Magdalene, a woman who listens
consigning herself, fully and with as the only way of salvation and
trust, to each person as if she was in her evident assent to shape her life
God’s hands. This required the patient following the example of the Crucified
acceptance of the sufferings caused Lord. Magdalene’s sensibility for every
by the actions and reactions of others, Scripture text is very interesting and
learned at the school of her beloved touching, even those most unusual
Crucified Lord, comforted by the (think of the passage from Is 63:3 “He
presence at the foot of the cross of Our trod the winepress alone”) in which she
Lady of Sorrows. There is no need for a foresees the mystery of God’s suffering.
magnifying glass to see how Magdalene Even if she only had access to Scripture
carried out the first foundation of through the readings of the Mass and
Verona with conscious and unhindered books of meditation, Magdalene always
passion. The adventure of founding felt quite at home, since the Spirit
the Canossian Fathers was really a dwells there. The Spirit who waited for
8
pilgrimage from one disappointment to her in the secret of her heart and who
another. would teach her throughout her life to
remember the “what” and “why” used
Passion and compassion. by the Lord.
Magdalene’s tendency to listen to
her heart and that of God, refined
in her the capacity of sharing in the
many passions of the Lord for his
beloved children. The documents in
which Magdalene’s compassion for
God emerges in an evident way, are
her “Seven Commemorations of the
Precious Blood and the Sorrows of Our
Lady” together with the “Reflections”.
She wrote these out of love for her
sons of the “Congregation of the Sons
of Charity”, to instil in them the “most
generous Spirit” and the “virtues” of
the Crucified Lord. These texts reveal
Magdalene’s clear understanding of
the mystery of Jesus’ action/suffering
fr. Angelo Bettelli
vita
più
WOMEN OF THE WORD:
VOICES FROM THE WORLD
9
WOMEN OF THE WORD: VOICES FROM THE WORLD
«Woman, why are you weeping? Who
are you looking for?»
Mary Magdalen – the origins of faith
“T
hey have taken the Lord out incarnated to the extreme gift of self
of the tomb and we do not on the cross. We do well to measure
know where they have laid ourselves with this height, remember-
him.” The words of Mary Magdalen, af- ing what is at stake, the profession of
ter having discovered the empty tomb, our faith in the resurrection. Magda-
express worry, fear, stronger than that len’s heart is like a tomb in which the
felt at Jesus’ death. The presence of a loved one is present but dead, absent
tomb and the knowledge that it con- but risen. Only when one is called by
tains the body of a dear person is, in name can he leave mourning and en-
some way, reassuring. There is still the ter into full life. Tears are the filter
suffering of a loss, but it is a sign that through which we see the risen Lord,
still binds us to the dead person. How- that is, true life! In John’s Gospel, Je-
ever, if the tomb has been desecrated, sus calls Lazarus by name and makes
if the body of the Lord has been taken him come out of the tomb. To hear
away, just as your name pronounced
Mary suspects by Jesus makes you leave
without even death for life. Then he calls
10 verifying the Philip by name, “Philip,
fact, then there do you not know that he
is nothing left. who sees me, sees the Fa-
I often ask my- ther?” Philip did not know
self if Mary’s Jesus: to come to true life
words express, means seeing the face of
perhaps the the Father and the Mother
greatest fear of in that of the Son, Jesus.
a believer who Then there is Peter who
looks at today’s world. The fear that the denies Jesus three times and will be
Lord, notwithstanding what he means called three times by name. He will
to someone who has entrusted self to leave sin and receive forgiveness and
him, (faith = selfgiving-trust), may reconciliation. Finally, this woman, a
have been taken away, eliminated from spouse, called simply by her name and
this world. Perhaps in a very subtle nothing else. While there was some-
way, no less devastating in respect to thing to be communicated to the others,
the one who two thousand years ago here no. Her name suffices because she
led him to the cross. Our Easter faith is is much more than her name.
endangered by this fear; the fear of for- As soon as the Sabbath had passed,
getting, of removal. The fear that Jesus why does Mary go to the tomb? Per-
has been definitely put aside, that one haps because she wants to remain near
no longer knows where to find him in a the body of Jesus. The one that Mary
world where values are so distant from loved is dead and his body is there in
those of the Gospel that he proclaimed. the tomb. Mary wants to remain near
The invitation is to live a life that he him. She is tormented by that “ardentvita
più
intimacy of absence”. (Rainer Maria
Rilke) The angels ask her, “Woman,
why are you crying?” Mary insists
in her obsessive way of looking for
Jesus and calls him “my Lord”.
Mary remains there following the
intuition that a grain of wheat will
sprout where it has been planted.
She cannot leave that place because
there she has placed her life, the
revelation of true love, that open
wound, that enclosure in the tomb,
that perfume. Yet, she stays there,
still, and cries. The ancients used a symbolic gesture, Mary re-reads the
to say that only a tearful eye could see whole of her life with Jesus. She re-
certain things. These tears certainly ex- members her loving relationship with
press the abyss of her love and the loss him and so continues to cry, for the
of her loved one. The Gospel wants to nostalgia of what cannot return. In her
lead us to desire the Lord. If we do not grief, she turns around, not looking
desire him, he is not present, because at the tomb nor the angels, but at the
God is love and self-giving, we receive figure of a man who asks, “Woman,
him according to the measure of our why are you crying?” At this point, face
desire. Those tears are like baptismal to face with Mary, Jesus says, “Mary”,
water from which this woman is being calling her by name. Immediately turn-
born to new life. ing towards him, she is able to recog-
11
There is something special in this per- nise him and exclaims, “Rabbuni, Mas-
sistent love that goes beyond death. ter!” How many times did she dialogue
Memories, words, the empty tomb with him, she, the lost sheep but found
are not enough for Mary. She needs by Jesus (cfr. Mt 18:12-14, Lk 15:4-7)
to remain with the body of Jesus. Her and called by name, recognising the
loving, faithful and persevering search voice of the shepherd (cfr. Jn 10:3-4).
is constant but so hard to accept the re- Recognition is truly a personal call and
ality of the end of a relationship, since the aim of this call is a mission. You
Jesus means so much to her. Mary live out your name by going towards
Magdalen desired to have the “person” others. In this encounter with the risen
of Jesus; only the presence of the loved Lord, Mary Magdalen immediately be-
one heals the wound of love. “They have comes an apostle, sent to the disciples,
taken away my Lord and I do not know to Jesus’ brothers, to bring them the
where they have put him. If you know, Easter message. And, in total obedi-
tell me!” She wants to know where her ence, she declares, “I have seen the
Lord is, because there she feels at ease. Lord”, and tells them all he said. Cer-
“Where” is an essential element, both tainly, Mary Magdalen is at the origin
in a first encounter with Jesus (Master, of faith in the resurrection, a woman
where do you live?”), and here. The who believed in the Lord Jesus and
important question I,s where is he at loved him.
home, so that I may be at home with
him.
In her turning round at Jesus’ voice,
fr. Gianfranco Lunardon, Camillian FatherWOMEN OF THE WORD: VOICES FROM THE WORLD
Searching for feminine “genius”
Women in the Church: a reflection
W
omen laboration. In this sense, the activities
have had of the Canossian Sisters and the Canos-
a funda- sian Foundation are emblematic and
mental role in they accompany young women, young-
the history of the sters and children living in difficult
Church, building conditions all over the world helping
it up through their them to become positive protagonists in
activities carried society.
out with dignity, But what do we mean by “feminine
by grace, perseverance genius”? Let us think of the indispens-
Alina Trabattoni, and humility. In his able contribution that the Church rec-
Journalist
letter of gratitude ognises in women in various sectors of
to women in 1995, life, especially their natural sensibility
St. John Paul II coined the term “femi- and intuition. For example, the special
nine genius”, praising women for their attention women have for others, ex-
many initiatives of extraordinary social pressed above all in maternity. These
significance, especially at the service qualities strengthen the Church and
12
of the poor. They remind us of those play a decisive role in transmitting the
women martyrs, saints and mystics, faith.
who have left an indelible sign on This vision is strongly supported by
history. Among these, St Catherine of Pope Francis. On many occasions, he
Siena and St Teresa of Avila continue has repeated how the Church needs
to inspire the world of Catholic women this feminine genius, expressed in
today. But we can also remember St. those roles of guidance and support in
Magdalene of Canossa and St. Jose- their communities, whether the fami-
phine Bakhita, their holiness, works ly or the parish, as well as social and
and witness which continue to keep professional roles. In the Apostolic Ex-
alive the journey of the Canossian In- hortation “Evangelii Gaudium”, Pope
stitute and inspire trust in thousands Francis recognises “with pleasure how
of people throughout the world. many women share pastoral respon-
Over the last ten years, more than ever, sibility together with priests, offering
women have continued to strengthen their contribution in accompanying
faith communities with determination people, families or groups and propos-
and perseverance, through institution- ing their theological reflection.” The
al or lay positions in the Church, as discussion on the ministries of women
well as through pastoral ministries, and their role within the Church has
associations and other groups. The continued to be in the limelight in
contribution of women – motivated by many Christian communities over the
their courage, creativity, energy and in- last few decades. The Catholic Church
telligence – invigorates the Church and itself still does not permit women dea-
produces compassion, empathy and col- cons. Although Vatican II restored thevita
più
role of married deacons, the Catholic Church in our thought. It means think-
Church still excludes the introduction ing of the Church using the categories
of women deacons. The Catholic world, of the woman.”
that from the outside may seem to be Contemporary history is full of female
strongly traditional and even conserva- figures who have made great theolog-
tive, has fertile terrain for the matura- ical contributions to the reflection on
tion of the woman’s role and the devel- the Church, the human person and
opment of a positive Catholic feminism God, but there is much more to do in
of which there are still few official and recognising the role of women in the
institutional traces. Church. The history of the Church is
From the day of his election, Pope marked by women who have shown
Francis immediately pointed out the great gifts of government as well as the
importance and relevance of the wom- necessary frankness to focus attention
an’s role within the Catholic sphere, on fidelity to the Gospel. Even if a cer-
underlining the urgent need to reap- tain mentality shared by all cannot be
praise the gerarchical and unitary overcome straight away, personally I
nature of the Church. He has repeated hope that the theology of women and
these considerations on many occasions about women may be valued so as “to
over the years, especially when he recognize more fully what this entails
pointed out the necessity of “increasing with regard to the possible role of wom-
space for a en in deci-
more incisive sion-making
feminine in different
presence in areas of the 13
the Church.” Church’s life.”
He also af- (EG 104).
firmed, “The A solution
Church can- could be the
not be itself recognition of
without the equal dignity
woman and while still
her role” and respecting
asked that the diversity
a female of roles and
role may be maintaining
introduced in the sphere “where the equality and diversity of the male and
Church exercises authority in it vari- female vocation, but valuing the “femi-
ous ambits.” He proclaimed too “for the nine genius”. As St. John Paul II wrote
Church, the woman is essential.” Even in his letter to women, the “Church in
if the recent Synod on the Amazon end- the Third Millennium will certainly not
ed without a unanimous conclusion on be lacking in new and surprising mani-
the question of the women’s role, the festations of “the feminine genius”.
Pope stated that he would re-convoke
the commission on women deacons,
indicating that “it is a question of in-
tegrating the woman as a figure of theWOMEN OF THE WORD: VOICES FROM THE WORLD
The beauty of the Word in the Women
who nurture life
Time, listening, relationship: accompanying life
M
y name is and people. We learn to communicate
Maria Cris- with a tweet, a SMS and we click on
tina, I am ‘like’ to say, ‘what a wonderful idea,
a wife, a mother, a how much I miss you or how would you
daughter, a sister, like to be with me.’
a friend and I work What sort of words do we generate and
as a counsellor. I what kind of relationships do we live?
cannot do without To generate good relationships, words
words in my life! need attention, care and sufficient
by For this reason, I time. This is what people feel who come
Maria Cristina like to choose them, to me for counselling. They re-discover
Falaschi, try them out, weigh their capacity to be generative, firstly
Counsellor, them and often of themselves and then of their wellbe-
President of the change them trying ing. During the session, I am with the
Association of to find the right one. person in a situation of presence and
Professional Then I combine the listening, through words and silence.
Counsellors tone, the rhythm This time is necessary so that the per-
REICO
14 and the volume to son may understand whether he may
pronounce them trust and entrust self.
according to the situation. Finally, I For me, the person is important be-
present them to the person. It is almost cause he exists. He carries within him-
like a work of art. The spoken word is self his problems and difficulties trying
a delicate and precious instrument and to recount them, often with mistrust
merits some reflection. because of his failures. I am there with
First, can a word exist by itself? What him. I have neither magic solutions
is the use of a word without someone nor answers. I listen attentively to his
to pronounce it and someone to listen words without judging. I do not have
to it? The word requires at least two to decide whether he is right or wrong;
people who have the intention and de- I am there to accept him as he is. This
sire to establish a relationship with one permits the beginning of that wonder-
another. Thus, an exchange of words ful miracle; a transformation process,
is the beginning of a relationship. We a change. When the person feels he is
can say that the word is generative, accepted for what he is, he begins to
in a positive and a negative way. Our sense the chance of making a small
everyday relationships are affected by change and feels better. This can only
the words we use and can promote or take place within a solid relationship
destroy them. of trust that depends on a presence,
In our daily exchanges, often we go so on words, silence and gratuitous time.
fast that we do not take time to gen- Time dedicated to words becomes “new
erate good words that nourish. Every- time” in which the person sees there is
thing has to be quick and consumed a new sense to what he is experiencing.
rapidly, sometimes even relationships This is the beauty of my work: helpingvita
più
the voices of
his mind. I
am there, a
silent witness
to something
that is hap-
pening for the
first time. The
person can
now choose
the words to
express him-
self and give
form to what
he has con-
tacted. From
that moment,
others to live relationships better, find he senses new
the meaning of what one experiences, meanings to his problem or new per-
choose how to feel better. I chose to be spectives to resolve his problem. This is
a counsellor because this is my place in the beauty of my work, accompanying
a world in which everything races and people in regaining the generating pow-
is consumed quickly and real Life risks er of words and nurture more meaning-
being wasted. ful relationships. Words render present
There is a time for words and a time for a relationship with the other person. 15
silence. Counselling sessions are not But how can I write about words that
made up only of words. At the begin- generate, relationships, without refer-
ning, the person talks and talks, and ring to the Word par excellence? My
I do not interrupt, but simply listen. experience with people I meet in my
Then, at a certain point, I ask a simple work, recalls the inevitable experience
question, “Are you breathing?” The per- of faith when the Word, in the silence of
son looks at me searching for the an- mystery and a precise moment in time,
swer. Then he realises he is not breath- chose to become flesh in the relation-
ing. I ask myself how all those words ship between a man and a woman, and
that came out like a flood were generat- enrich it. God makes himself present
ed. Were they simply thrown out? What in the relationship with man, starting
does the person really need? Perhaps from his Word. For me, this makes
to recover his breath, the breath of sense and acquires meaning. The
Life that generated him. From that meaning of our existence comes from a
moment, the person no longer needs to generative relationship, a relationship
pour out so many words. Time seems with God who takes care of each of us.
to be suspended, silence reigns and I He never betrays his promise of Love
simply remain there with him. This and fidelity to his Word.
is a moment of intimacy, where the
noise within deposits and stops. Si-
lence embraces the mystery of what is
happening within. The person begins
to be aware of breathing; he begins to
establish contact with a reality beyondWOMEN OF THE WORD: VOICES FROM THE WORLD
Working for the future of women
Alongside the guaranì girls
A story from Encarnación
M
y name what their parents could not attain, or,
is Sandra in some cases, be the first in the family
Jara, I am to finish secondary school and perhaps
26 and married to obtain a university degree. I have met
Gustavo and have many young girls with clear objectives
a son, Gioacchino. and the determination to reach them.
Since 2016, I have Others are trying to understand what
been working in Ho- they want from life. All of them need
gar Kuñatai-Roga, a to feel someone is there at their side,
by
Sandra Jara, Home for young girls they are not alone and they can achieve
operator of the named after “St. their ideals. They all need love, compa-
Encarnación Magdalene of Canos- ny and understanding.
Youth House, sa” in Encarnación, Every year the same happens. Each
Paraguay Paraguay. For me, girl has to adjust to living in the city,
Hogar is a family in with new companions and learning to
which I arrived hav- live together. Here, they learn to share
16 ing just finished my university studies “their” things and take part in “our
in social services. things”. Gradually, the appreciation of
My work consists of accompanying the family grows and the meaning of com-
young girls who arrive here. They come munity life. What is their greatest diffi-
from all around Itapúa, mostly from culty? Being far away from their family.
poor families and they are forced to Yes, these girls make a big sacrifice;
leave home to complete their studies. they study to help their family.
Every year we take in girls who are Each one arrives with her own story,
driven by the desire to achieve, to reach character, joys and sufferings. For all
of them, there is
joy and love, the
distinguishing
characteristic of
the Canossian
Sisters. The first
gift they receive
is trust. Trust
in their talents
that they have
received from
God. We try to
help them accept
themselves asvita
più
they are: young women loved by God here, I have experienced moments that
and by us too. We sustain them offering have left their mark on my life. I have
the little we have, driven by the Love of seen the joy of parents present at the
the Father and St. Magdalene’s desire degree presentation ceremony of their
to promote the development of these daughters, dressed in the traditional
women. My contribution consists in “toga”. I have understood the greatness
taking part in their formation, helping of the mission Jesus has consigned to
them study, listening to them, encour- us, that of being bridges for women
aging them and speaking with them in to have the chance to reach their goal
our guaranì language. We consider it and recognise that God is good since he
important to use their mother tongue, has transformed dreams into reality.
learned from their parents and grand- As a laywoman and a professional, I
parents. It seems to be the only way ask myself how I live the experience of
they can express what they feel. This transmitting God’s Word? Through my
lessens nostalgia for home and shows gestures of love in the concreteness of
them it is possible to dream and attain daily life.
their aims. We give great attention to This experience with the Canossian
educating them in a correct conception Sisters is a gift from God. I found a job
of work. We do not allow the younger straight after university in my town
ones to work outside Hogar. We adopt a where it is hard to find one. And what a
project called “Vy apope” in which funds job it is! Especially because I am helped
are raised from the sale of culinary spe- to grow personally and live in harmo-
cialities and handicrafts produced by ny with my joys and failures. I have
17
them and sold to companies and other met many Sisters and girls who have
institutions. Through this activity, we taught me so much, each one giving
have discovered their many gifts and something singular to my life. I would
talents. like to thank the Canossian community,
We are concerned with the spiritual as- especially this mission in Paraguay. I
pect offering them a holistic formation, wish to say a heartfelt “Gracias” (thank
not only for the girls but for all those you) and I ask he Lord that we may
who collaborate in Hogar. I take part in continue to recount many more stories
daily and periodical formation sessions from Kuñatai-Roga. May many more
together with my family, since we all youngsters feel part of this adventure
feel part of Kuñatai-Roga. The Word and, as the Sisters always say, may
of God is alive, efficacious and demon- they leave Hogar enriched, more resil-
strates that it creates a new heart in us ient, autonomous and strong, convinced
and builds up fraternity. This experi- of the beauty of whom they are. May
ence has greatly enriched me even from they take St. Magdalene as their mod-
a professional viewpoint. The home has el, inspired by her humility, charity and
its own rhythm and shows me that it generosity. Thanks to you who have
is possible to help others without in- read these words. May I ask you all to
vading their vital space. I like to look remember this Home in your prayers.
back and see my growth reflected in
the girls. It really warms my heart.
The home Hogar never stops growing.
In the little time I have been workingWOMEN OF THE WORD: VOICES FROM THE WORLD
A glance at the future:
being women in the 2020s
A testimony from the Far East
I
was born and children of the State schools. I had to
brought up in walk more than 3 km to reach them.
Laguna, Philip- I received my university formation
pines. After various at the College of St. John Lateran in
work experiences in Calamba. I was active in various reli-
the financial sector gious associations and other activities
in the Philippines on and off campus. I was part of the
and in Japan, today athletics team, but my favourite dis-
I am vice-president cipline was trekking up mountains to
by
Amina of a company in Ja- bring food to the old and needy. I com-
De Ramos pan and I also teach pleted my studies at the University of
Papera English part-time. the City of Manila.
One of the greatest During those years, I felt a strong de-
blessings of my life has been my en- sire to become a religious Sister, but
counter with the Catholic faith as a the necessities of life made me choose
youngster. I owe everything to an aunt another path. After the death of my
18 who took care of me and my brothers father in 1989, I had to put my family
and sisters while my mother was at first. In 1997, once my brothers and
work. My aunt took me with her while sisters had finished their studies, I got
she carried out certain responsibilities married at the age of 31. With my hus-
in the parish. I remember especially band, we joined the “Couples of Christ”,
her devotion and fervent prayers. a group of married couples involved in
Therefore, as a child, I understood that evangelization, education and care for
God wanted me to be at his service. I the poor. Our three splendid daughters
attended “Canossa Academy” in Calum- – Josemiah Faith, Jonaziah Hope and
ba where I was formed as a woman and Jepheziah Love – all grew up in the
a Christian and there I started to teach faith.
Catechism, announcing God’s Word to I can say that I had a happy marriage
until 2015, the year in which
I was diagnosed with cancer.
At the height of my physical
weakness, my husband suf-
fered an emotive crisis and
sought consolation elsewhere.
I was tried physically and psy-
chologically, but I discovered
I was spiritually strong. My
faith was the only thing that
sustained me. From 2015, myvita
più
husband ceased to support the family Being a teacher allows me to serve the
financially. I thank God I found a job Lord through meeting students and
teaching English and because of this, spreading the Good News. Gradually,
I was contacted by the company I now they asked me to form new formators,
work for. My friends were worried to offer spiritual accompaniment, en-
about how I would face this difficult sit- courage other members of the group
uation. However, I never doubted that and guide prayer meetings. I also ac-
the Lord would always be near. When I companied couples in their formation.
had reached the depths of my suffering, The Lord showed me he is able to do
I was conscious of how much the Lord wonders with our limits and sufferings.
All this is God’s work!
I often think of the
words of a song that
says, “We cannot be- 19
come what we need to
was taking care of me. I felt his loving become if we remain as we are. So give
embrace and support through my fam- yourself completely, give of your best
ily and friends. My therapy never pre- and leave the rest to God.”
vented me from praying and carrying Yes, I am faithful to this word, to the
out my service. I joined other groups of Word of the Lord, and I will continue to
Christian life and took part in prayer share it with others. I will continue to
meetings and groups that share the look to the future as we begin this new
Word of God. decade.INQUIRY
THE CANOSSIAN WORLD
20vita
più
INTRODUCTION TO THE INQUIRY
THE FACE PROPHECY
What is the face of the Canossian fam- What new wine is emerging for the
ily preparing to cross the great thresh- future? How do we approach the next
old of its XVII General Chapter from ten years of the 2020s? (And let us not
which will emerge the Congregational forget: new wine cannot be poured into
Leader and her Council to guide us in old wineskins...)
the years ahead? With what eyes, what
breath, what smile, what style of listen- These are the questions we have deep-
ing? ened during the Inquiry on the Canos-
sian world of this edi-tion of VitaPiù,
gathering points and reflections that
FRATERNITY emerged during the listening of these
How does the intercultural dimension past months and so continue to walk,
challenge our living together? How can together. 21
we be open to en-gage with different
peoples and cultures as an opportu-
nity for personal and communitarian
growth? How to be part of an ever more
“intricate” world that calls us to renew
the missionary thrust and the vocation
ad gentes in every place and in every
ministry? Paolo Bovio
THE FACE P 22 FRATERNITY P 24
PROPHECY P 26INQUIRY
THE CANOSSIAN WORLD
THE FACE
Women of the Word who love without measure
O
n the eve of the XVII General of the other, to their expression. The
Chapter, what is the face incar- choice to approach the General Chapter
nated by the Daughters of Char- by asking the sisters of all the commu-
ity? To ask ourselves today, after more nities, provinces and delega-tions to
than a year of listening involving the offer their experiences and reflections
whole Canossian family, is to be pro- to trace together the way, is the sign of
voked by the very rich reflections and an Institute that wants to journey in a
proposal that have emerged in this ex- style that is ever more connected and
citing journey. Thousands of voices, like co-responsible; where even leader-ship
thou- is a min-
sands of istry more
small, than a role,
unique a taking-
strokes care-of, and
of the not only a
paint- responsibil-
brush, ity.
22 allow
them- Hence, we
selves are not sur-
to be prised that
worked the sec-
by the ond detail
wise drawing
Artist, our atten-
by Him who daily enjoins brush and tion is... the nose. A nose capa-ble of
paints to create a unique por-trait, breathing deeply, as deeply as the
overflowing with beauty and light. breath of prayer. It is a prayer that the
sisters throughout the world recognize
Let us try to observe it. to be the true oxygen that gives life, a
personal and communitarian life. It is
The first detail that strikes us are... the an oxygen that fills the lungs of spiri-
ears. Yes, in this intense year of prepa- tuality and exhales as love and service
ration the Canossian family has, above to our neighbour. But for this breath
all else, exercised the art of listening. to impart a rhythm to life, it is neces-
To choose an attitude of listening is sary that it doesn’t become suffocated
always and mostly an act of freedom. by daily events, that prayer is given
The one who listens is the one who adequate time and space to grow and
chooses to risk, the one choos-ing to be be strengthened. In this way, even the
challenged by giving space to the words surrounding air has a perfume that isvita
più
23
always more Canossian. make Jesus known. Certainly, not only
with words but with the whole of life.
What kind of eyes has this face? They And also with silence, when the mouth
are eyes fully open, turned towards the is ready to be silent in receiving some
other, looking at the world with purity intimate sharing and allowing the oth-
of heart, capable to absorb its beauty, er to be who they are, always ready to
even what is hidden in what is small open to smile, to joy.
and humble. They are not afraid to
turn towards those places lacking light, Looking at this face we are struck by
situations of pain, loneliness, injustice. the beauty of its skin without colour,
That is why these eyes are sometimes because it is of all col-ours. The face of
veiled by tears because they don’t avoid the Canossian family is the face of the
the one who suffers. They are ready to sisters and the communities, of the stu-
meet, to turn towards those who are dents and collaborators, of the families
alone and left behind. and of friends. It is an ever more com-
plete intercultural face.
They are sisters and brothers to whom
the mouth will proclaim the good news,
will bring words of consolation, willINQUIRY
THE CANOSSIAN WORLD
FRATERNITY
The fraternal encounter in the dimension of interculture
T
he dimension of fraternity has inevitably woven with interculturality.
always been at the centre of life, If the face of the Daughters of Charity
of spirituality and of the charism in 2020 is an ever more coloured face,
of the Canossian family. These are sis- so will be also our communities. They
ters who seek the Lord in the encounter are already.
with the poor, young people, families. It is not a question that concerns only
Along the world’s highways, among the the Canossian family. The whole world,
classrooms or in the courtyard of the always more frenetic, always more “in-
ora-tory, at the door of a parish or in tricate”, is crossed by a true and real
the corridors of a hospital. These are intercultural yeast. As in all dinamic
sisters grounded in prayer, cultivat- moments, there are also tensions and
ing spirituality and thought, breaking questions. We can ask ourselves, “Is
bread. These are sisters who share there a specific Canossian style with
daily life, its lights and its difficulties, which we can best live interculturali-
who live in community as the place ty?”
where the talents of each shine forth A fact appears certain, that the Canos-
24 the hopes of the entire group, where sian sisters consider interculturality as
dreams become projects, mission, wo- a value that is peculiar to the Gospel.
ven hands, distant steps. And where For this reason, interculturality per-
differences become gifts. At the begin- fectly aligns with the deep identity of
ning of the next ten years, the fraternal the Institute, being international and
and com-munitarian dimension become open to the world. Not only. Lived as a
personal and
communitar-
ian source of
richness and
growth, in-
terculturality
can be read
as an inte-
gral part of
the charism,
of the Ca-
nos-sian
DNA. And, it
can become a
decisive pushvita
più
25
to re-launch our missionarity. moments that are part of daily living
This thrust of fraternal intercultur- and moments of relaxation, of real and
ality leads us towards two directions. proper immersion.
Internally, we are called to welcome And then, there is the external perspec-
with joy the growth of ever more Ca- tive, the opening to the world. It is a
nossian intercultural communities that world, as was previous-ly said, always
grow in a cli-mate of welcome, freedom more intercultural and animated by the
and exchange of values, ways and cus- continuous meeting of peoples and cul-
toms brought by every sister. It is a tures. Herein, the vocation ad gentes is
family environment! All of this can be called to re-awaken. It is a strong recall
attainable, but only in overcoming pre- to live this dimension in every one of
conceived attitudes and closures, and our ministries, allowing ourselves to be
expressing appreciation and respect met so as to meet everyone with a heart
of differences. The keys are dialogue, that is welcoming, generous and capa-
a more inclusive communication, and ble to make space for the other so as to
formation. Yes, it is necessary to form walk together.
oneself towards a permanent horizon
of interculturality, applying - person-
ally and as a community - adequate
skills, times of sharing and knowledge,INQUIRY
THE CANOSSIAN WORLD
PROPHECY
The new wine emerging for the future
H
ow are we facing the future to live interculturality as an encounter
that is opening before us in and not a conflict, fraternity as a possi-
these next ten years of the ble way, openness to the other, taking
twenty-first century? care of those who are fragile. This real-
ly represents a way forward and a lan-
It consists of openess and trust. We guage that can speak to the world, the
look to the future not as a threat, not Canossian language!
as something to be feared, although we
are certainly realistic. We know we live That “there is more”, a formidable
in uncertain times, full of questions. intuition of an international, Vene-
Let us not stop being challenged by the tian woman crossing the eight-eenth
teaching of Pope
Francis who has
taught us that we
are not living a
phase of change,
26 but in a changing
phase. Deep down
there is solic rock,
a great trust.
It is trust in hu-
manity. It is trust
in the possibility
of being faithful
to the Canossian charism in a creative and nineteenth centuries in a time
way, perfectly contemporary; sisters of of change, a very true change of the
a world crossed by contradictions and times. She is calling us forward. She is
difficulties, but also rich in talents, con- encouraging us to dare.
nections, hopes.
Listening has encouraged us to dare
It is the great trust in the intercultural along a journey of reciprocal sharing, of
dimension, the one that most of all calls encounter towards the General Chapter
us to a reconfigura-tion, a personal and never experienced before. The journey
communitarian work of conversion, has shown how much the sisters, the
that may be in itself prophetic. In a communities, the provinces and delega-
scenar-io like that of today, too often tions, the regions, the entire Institute
characterized by fears, closures, frag- is ready to be chal-lenged, to risk, to
mentations and divisions, it is possible dare. This attitude of listening is cer-vita
più
tainly an experience that can still bring many Canossian testimonies that have
much fruit and grow along the path of marked the story of the Institute. It is
community discernment for the future. a turning back to the source that will
flow always more also from deepening,
It is a generous ministeriality, not with adequate times and spaces, the
afraid to dirty one’s hands and walk personal and communitarian relation-
within this story: also a con-tradictory ship with the Word of God and prayer.
story, convulsed, painful, but always
reached by the mercy of God, always It is a life of community more and more
reached by the good news of the Gospel a home, of dialogue, reconciliation,
and by the call of justice. openness to the world, closeness to the
27
young generations and to the poor. Let
It is a life that, in a time of “everything us look to the future with the Gospel in
and immediately”, of impatience, of our hearts, ready to speak the Canos-
hurry, is asking that we return always sian language with our life.
more frequently to the source of the Ca-
nossian charism: the life of Magdalene,
her writings, her charismatic experi-
ence, the story of the first communities
and of the first missionary pioneers, theTOWARDS THE GENERAL CHAPTER
Ten challenges
for the next ten years
What words will highlight these next ten years?
FORMATION
CLIMATE We live in a world ever more
These next ten years will be complex to interpret. At the
decisive in containing the same time, we have access
excessive increase of the to an amout of knowledge
global temperature within without precedents. Men
1.5 degrees Centigrade, the and women in the next ten
objective fixed by the Paris years are called to become
Agreement of 2015. A funda- always more knowledgeable,
mental objective if the fragile informed, ready to learn new
equilibrium of our planet is not things. The challenge is that
to be altered, if the rising of the sea of continuous for-mation to
level is to be avoided including the accomplish at every age, free
risks of ever more violent metere- and responsible choices.
ological events. In 2019, the battle
for “climatic justice” has imposed
itself on the attention of public opin- COMMUNITY
ions. Are we capable to listen to the In a life always more fragment-
28 ed, peoples’ movements and
cry of young generations?
the demands of an individual-
istic socie-ty, the risk for many
WATER is to be alone. In these next ten
The blue gold is an indis- years we are called to rediscov-
pensable and precious re- er the sense of community and
source. Up to now, too often to build new, courageous forms
wasted. In the next ten of common life for sharing
years we ought to learn how joys and sorrows, for
to use it wisely, efficiently living together for-
and above all equitably, be- giveness and cele-
cause the source of life may bration.
never become a source of
conflict.
DIGITAL
The information revolution has already changed our lives
by breaking down barriers and giving us access to an
enormous web of information and services. The advent of
Artificial Intelligence can be an extraordinaty opportuni-
ty for growth that will bring us to confront ourselves with
fundamental questions about our very nature. Technology
must always be at the service of humanity.vita
EQUITY
più
Within the next ten years,
equity will be our great-
est challenge - equal
access to resources, equal
distribution of work op-
portunities. The value of
wealth cannot be driven by
the accumulation of goods without SPIRITUALITY
scruples that leave behind territories Our world is being
and people. It must be driven by the transformed, is
develop-ment of society, a society in in motion. As Pope
which everyone can enjoy the fruits of Francis warns us,
the earth and of intelligence. we are at the threshold
of “changing times”. This is why we
can’t risk to lose that breath that gives
rhythm to our life, the heart. Research
MIGRATIONS makes sense since from time immemo-
Our world is moving like nev- rial it has moved the individual. In the
er before. Millions of people next ten years our societies, more or
are on the move, seeking a less secularized, are called to rediscov-
better way of life. In the first er the intimate, irriducible opening of
ten years of this millennium humanity to the Other as the way of a
we have seen too many walls real, authentic and full humanity.
being built that have caused
divisions and sufferings. In
29
the next ten years we will
commit ourselves to
learning the art
of intercultural
encounter, CITY
to open our- It is only a short time
selves to the before the previous ten
dimension of years that the percent-
welcome and age of urban population
discover that we has sur-passed that of
are sisters and broth- those living in rural areas.
ers in our differences. Projections are saying that
within 2020, over five billion
people will live in the city.
SCIENCE
Our metropolis are the place
Progress in research has al-
where all the contradictions
lowed humanity to be always
of our time are being man-
more healthy, informed and
ifested: opportunity and
free. In the following years the
exclusion, encounter and
challenge will be to utilize with
segregation. Will they also be
responsibility and equilib-
laborato-ries of new solutions
rium its extraordinary
and answers to the challeng-
potentials. May science
es of the next ten years?
be always at the service
of life while respecting
nature’s limitations.BOOKS, PAPERS, SOCIALS
ONLINE AND OFFLINE NEWS
Alexander Masters, Alex Honnold
“A discarded life” “How I scaled a vertical wall of 1,000 metres
in free ascent”
Cambridge, England, a day
like any other in 2001. 148 On 3 June 2017, Alex Honnold, a professional
diaries are rediscovered climber from the USA, at age 34 succeeded where
no one else could. With bare hands, in less than
in a rubbish drum and are four hours, he climbed over 900 metres on the
entrusted to Alexander rocky face of El Capitan, a mountain in the Yosem-
Masters to save them from ite Park, in California.
destruction. There are thou- And, he did it in free
sands of yel-lowed pages climbing. Such a climb
covered in mould and writ- had never been seen
ten more than half a centu- before due to its diffi-
ry ago, from 1952 to a few culty, length, exposure
weeks before being discov- and mental stress.
ered. Who is the anonomous How did Honnold do
it? The young mounta-
author of this autobiogra- neer related the climb
phy? Piece after piece, Mas- at a TED Conference,
30
ters assembles the puzzle of where he traced the
a mysterious and authentic long preparation, key of
existence. A discarded life his success. There were
is a work without prece- intense daily training
dents, in perfect equilibrium routines, study, but
among different genres. It is above all, the capacity
a true story that becomes an to concentrate and discipline. Driving him was the
absorbing thriller, a moving decision to fol-low through his desire by reconcil-
ing with his own limits in order to overcome them
love novel in society that un- - a provoking experience. Are we prepared to culti-
ravels itself along the thread vate our courage to follow our desires?
of a deep re-flection regard-
ing the sense of life arriving Link:
to an unexpected epilogue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iM6M_7wBMc
that is simply breathtaking.vita
più
NURTURING REFLECTION
The Final Document
of the Synod for the
Amazon Region
“New pathways for the
Church and for an inte-
gral ecology”
Five chapters, besides an
Hans Rosling introduction and a brief con-
“Factfullness. Ten reasons for why we don’t clusion. This is how the final
understand the world. And why things are Document of the Special
go-ing better than what we think.” Assembly for the PanAma-
zon Region, circulated on 26
What tools can we leave our children with which October, by the expressed
to interpret the world we live in in constant mu- will of the Pope at the
ta-tion? How can we face the daily avalanche of conclusion of the Synod of
oppressive news arriving through the media, so- Bishops. Among the themes
ciety and politics? Why do we pay more attention examined were: mission, in-
to negative news, those that give us the impres- culturation, integral ecology,
sion that everything defense of the indigenous
is slowly but surely peoples, Amazonian Rite, 31 31
going to the doldrums? role of women and new min-
Of what un- reasonable istries, particularly in areas
prejudices is our thought where it is difficult to have
a victim? Through an access to the Eucharist.
attentive study of the These are words and themes
facts, Huns Rosling that need attentive reading
shows us that things and reflection for re-launch-
are not so bad, rather, ing the courageous journey
we are faced by a radical of the Church in a world
improve- ment. To that is changing.
understand it, we must, Link:
however, learn to look http://www.sinodoama-
at the facts with curi- zonico.va/content/sino-
osity, place them in doamazonico/it/documenti/
context and know how to documento-finale-del-sino-
be amazed. Rosling do-per-l-amazzonia.html
encourages us to be curious, but does not stop at
asking questions. He replies by availing himself
of the truth of the facts.You can also read
