The Congregation will celebrate its 175th anniversary

Dear Sisters,

Next year our beloved Congregation will celebrate its 175th anniversary. An important mark and a new launching pad for the years to come. The above letter, signed by Fr Ezio Riccardi, Chaplain of the Mother House from 1935 to 1946, concludes the booklet entitled “ORA ET LABORA… a journey of 100 years… 1849 – 1949”, prepared on the occasion of the Congregation’s First Centenary.

Today, after another 75 years on the journey, we too are called to re-read our life as a Congregation, with a gaze full of gratitude for the past and hope for the future. Divine Providence, who never abandons us and always accompanies us, is waiting for our precious contribution today to work in the Lord’s vineyard, continuing and always updating the charism of trusting abandonment, simplicity and humility of life, assisting, welcoming and educating. A charism does not die if there are those who continue to nourish it with new energy, prayer and fidelity to Christ, the Church and humanity.

In his writing, Monsignor Riccardi emphasised the PRESENT and the FUTURE, entrusting it to the Sisters who were celebrating that important anniversary. Yes, without a doubt, “they prepared so much good material, with energy and tenacity”. It is thanks to the fidelity, commitment, prayer and dedicated work of these Sisters of ours that we can continue our mission today in 15 countries around the world.

Courage, Sisters! May it also be said of us tomorrow that as “good and faithful servants” we did not let die the Charism of Maria and Giustina Schiapparoli that our Sisters passed on to us and gave to us so that it might bear fruit.

Mother Lina Maria Girotto

Superior General