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MISSIONARY PRAYER VIGIL IN ITALY
OCTOBER 2023
In October, during my stay in Italy with the Sisters of St. Joseph, I took part in a prayer which brought together several parishes in the diocese of Cuneo, on the occasion of the World Mission Week. In this region, Piemont, Mission Week is a significant event, due to the number of people (religious and laypeople) who have been missionaries in Africa or in Latin America, and who continue to share their interest for the mission in their parishes.
This year, at the invitation of the Pope, the prayer reminded "the burning hearts and the walking feet" of the missionaries who followed Christ on the roads of the world. At the same time and in line with the wishes of the Italian bishops, we offered to the Lord the thirst for peace, justice and reconciliation which dwells in the hearts of so many of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.
In thanksgiving for the wonders that God has accomplished through the missionaries, colored candles were lit with the Paschal candle and placed before the altar, to remind us that the Good News is for everyone.
"Feet on the move" with the joy of proclaiming the Risen Christ. At one time or another, we've all felt that faith in the Risen Christ calls for a personal response.
Some missionaries have had such an experience:
- A Sister of St Joseph who has been a missionary in Brazil for many years and is preparing to return after her holidays.
- A family who visited the Congo.
- A religious missionary in Mongolia who experienced the Pope's visit in that country.
"Burning hearts": God's word enlightens and transforms the heart. "The disciples of Emmaus" (Luke 24, 13-35). (brief explanation and silence).
The everlasting youth of a Church on the move: We have among us three Sisters who are a sign of a Church on the move, either because they are leaving or returning for missionary service, or because they are returning for a new service in their Congregation.
Missioning by the bishop :
Dear Sisters, you are about to leave as witnesses of the risen Christ you have encountered. Receive the Gospel so that, every day, in every situation, you may be guided by the Word of God. Receive these new sandals, so that your steps may adapt to the new roads and overcome the obstacles along the way (sandals are replaced by a donation to buy them...).
May Jesus, who made the Father known to us, empower you to be witnesses of his Love!
You, rise and go in Christ's name
Bring God's love to the world.
You, rise and go in Christ's name
Bring God's love to the world.
Sr Marie Louise Vulliez