Introduction: As Associates renew their Associate commitment and Sisters their vows on this Feast of the Visitation; we unite in prayer for the August General Chapter. And we rejoice in the gift of thirty-five years of the CND Associate Relationship. Our reflection today calls attention to how Elizabeth can deepen our understanding of Visitation.
Opening Suggested Song: Prayer of the Congrégation, (Ave or Songs of Visitation © KP Deignan, CND)
Refrain: O dearest Mother and Foundress, we seek not comfort or wealth
We only ask that in your name, God may be greatly loved and oh, so faithfully served.
My name is Wirsiy Juliet Bongkisheri. I school at G.B.H.S. Kumbo Form Four. I want to tell you about our book club. We are seven in number with two of our members now in Ndop. This club was started by Sister Mary Ann Rossi. Our dear Sister Cathy Molloy helps us to get the books for our club. Sister Mary Ann has also been a great help. We have read many books together but the book I really enjoyed reading with my friends is titled I Am Malala, a true story of a brave outspoken girl, the youngest winner of the Nobel prize. I like her story because it is a testament to the power of education to change the world. Her story has made me to realize that instead of using bombs and guns, words can be used to change the world. Other books the book club members have read together include A Girl Named Disaster, Chanda’s Wars, Chanda’s Secrets just to name a few. I really enjoy being in the book club.
Books are Friends!
50th anniversary of World Communications Day, May 8, 2016
World Communications Day was established by Pope Paul VI after the Second Vatican Council to draw attention to the “the vast and complex phenomenon of the modem means of social communication”. It is celebrated each year on the Sunday before Pentecost. This year’s theme for the special day is Communication and Mercy: a fruitful encounter. The full text of Pope Francis’ message is available here.
Communication has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and thus to enrich society. Words can build bridges between individuals and within families, social groups and peoples. Communicating means sharing, and sharing demands listening and acceptance. Listening is much more than simply hearing. Listening allows us to get things right. Listening also means being able to share questions and doubts, to journey side by side, to banish all claims to absolute power and to put our abilities and gifts at the service of the common good.
Eleanor McCloskey, CND