The Congrégation de Notre-Dame General Chapter began last summer with a retreat with Father Simon-Pierre Arnold setting the tone and helping us arrive at a New Moment – a New Day! In his third session, Father Simon-Pierre invited us to look at the mystery of mission before ‘church’ – to understand what Jesus intended mission to be and what the call is for us today.
Jesus' message is that God’s love and compassion be lived out in the ordinariness of our daily lives. We are called to constantly find new ways to break open the Gospel daily and mirror for each other and for God’s world this Love that is the Reality that defines who we are and directs our lives.
Dear Sisters,
An Associate suggested that the theme for Advent this year should be “Face our fears and vulnerabilities.” In our Congrégation de Notre-Dame orientation, that sentence follows “Live interculturality” and certainly pertains also to “Go to the peripheries.”
Another suggestion from an associate was to reach out and form “Circles of Hospitality” in true Visitation spirit. Individually or as a group, we might want to invite people we know who are immigrants or of different ethnicities, religions, political persuasions than ours to share coffee and a conversation or join groups who are doing this, e.g. Interfaith services, immigrant rights, etc.
The hope of Advent is that the Incarnation is both present and coming. This hope calls us to “Face our fears and vulnerabilities.” We believe the variety of readings in this prayer service for Advent invite us to face our fears and uncertainties with hope. If you are doing in a group, you may wish to choose only certain readings.
Peace and Hope,
Regina Smith and Joan Mahoney, CND, Co-Coordinators of the Associate Relationship, Blessed Sacrament Province
Enjoy a video commentary about works of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures of Advent. Use these videos to take a new look at this season of preparation through the lens of sacred art. There are also further reflections which can be used as a means of praying with your imagination. Take a look at: www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent