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September 8, 2008

Dear Sisters,

The month of September ushers in the renewal proper for the forty-two Sisters from different Provinces Districts and Regions who participate in the second batch of the Renewal Group in Rome from August 21 to September 29. During the 8-day retreat that preceded the Renewal, they were invited to discover the unfathomable treasures of Christ1, the Word of God, and to drink deeply from this living and endless spring.

At the start of this Pauline year, we gave ourselves the objective of listening to God’s Word, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will lead us towards new paths. We will have the opportunity to deepen our study of this Word in the coming Synod of Bishops on October 5-26 which has for theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” The Holy Father, Benedict XVI himself chose this theme to put emphasis on the figure of this great apostle Paul- in this year, the 2nd millennium of his birth.

1 Eph 3 :8

Who could better help us to reflect on the dynamism of God’s Word other than our Patron Saint Paul whose mission was a living testimony of such dynamism? In the light of his writings, the teachings of the Church and the documents of our Congregation, we can dwell and ponder deeply on this Word to imbibe it and be permeated by it.

The Second Vatican Council strongly exhorts all Christians and most especially the members of Religious Institutes to acquire the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ by frequent reading of the Divine Scriptures because “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ”:

“Let them go gladly to the sacred texts itself whether in the sacred liturgy which is full of the divine words, or in devout reading, or in such suitable exercises and other helps…Let them remember however that prayer should accompany the reading of the sacred Scripture so that a dialogue takes place between God and man. For we speak to him when we pray; we listen to him when we read the divine oracles.”2 2 Vatican II, “ Divine Revelation” No 25

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Let us imitate Saint Paul who was not afraid to face all

difficulties in order to bring the Good News of God’s Word to the ends of the earth. Let us meditate on the following passages of his letter to the Corinthians which give us an idea of how the proclamation of God’s Word in the mission of the Church is not an easy job for God’s messenger.

“Continually traveling, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from brigands… in danger at sea… I have worked many nights without sleep, I have been hungry and thirsty and often altogether without food. I have been cold and lacked clothing”3. He also said: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!”4 This Word is particularly addressed to us, consecrated persons who have been called and sent by the Church for this mission in the world. We need to read once again the following lines in our Book of Life and in the Capitular Acts:

“The apostolic life of the Sisters draws its inspiration from the life and teaching of St. Paul … the letters of St. Paul impel us to imitate his dynamism in apostolic life and in the formation of new communities…allow ourselves – in the light of our discernment – to be moved, disturbed and be converted like Saint Paul, so as to take new orientations.”5

“In hope, we already have salvation; God wants everyone to be

3 2 Co 11 : 26, 27 4 1 Co 9:16 5 BL N° 52 ; CA 2001 p.30 ; CA 2007 p.17

saved and reach full knowledge of the truth.” 6

The creative plan of the Father is communion without limits. In refusing it, humanity closed up and destroyed itself. Individuals and groups alike withdrew. It was Christ’s mission to gather the whole humanity, opening it to a new breath of boundless love. This is the universal love we refer to when we say that “the Sisters of St Paul are sent and brought together by providential circumstances communion among us grows under the impulse of the Holy Spirit…let us develop within ourselves and in our local communities, the sense of internationality and of the Universality of the Church and the Congregation.”7

Coming into the world, Christ

said: “Here I am, I come to do your will.” 8 It is by His will, through the offering of Christ’s body once and for all, that we are sanctified. Doing the Father’s will is primarily asking him to unite our will with his, for we could not do it by ourselves alone. Thus we are invited to offer our liberty in order to accomplish what is pleasing to the Father.

Saint Paul preaches the message of Christ as a gospel of freedom; he does not speak of man’s natural gift of freedom coming from his Creator, but of man’s freedom that comes through grace because God himself has redeemed him from the slavery of sin. He says that man must be freed from

6 Rom 8: 24 ; 1 Tm 2:4 7 BL N° 36; CA 2001 p.24; CA. 2007 p. 11 8 He 10: 5,7

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the slavery of sin by the grace of God’s call

expressed in the Gospel, “Christ sets us free so that we should remain free…after all, brothers, you were called to be free.”9 Jesus Christ, according to Paul, is the human being who is absolutely free by his obedience to the Father. At the same time, his gesture of total love for all men and women is the highest accomplishment of created freedom. The forgiveness granted to men was not done through a decree of divine favor that simply fell from the sky upon our human sin. It was obtained through an act that came forth from man in that same freedom to which sin is closely linked. To describe God’s love for sinners, Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians gave this extraordinary expression concerning salvation: “God being rich in faithful love, through the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our sins, brought us to life with Christ.”10 This love was concretely translated by Jesus’ death on the cross; in short, by the offering of His life for those who do not love Him. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more can we be sure that, being now reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”11 9 Gal 5 : 1, 12 10 Eph 2 : 4-5 11 Rom 5 :10

We may wonder at times how we could reconcile the Father’s will with our freedom. There is no clear and simple answer because the relationship between the divine will and mine is a mystery. We can only be certain of this, that God’s will is God Himself. The author of my own freedom is God who, far from curtailing it, is its living spring, its vigilant protector and the ever faithful Redeemer.

My freedom is not a wealth that I should strive to prevent God from taking from me. It is a gift which God wills for me and which He protects from all risks of being lost, alienated and wasted by sin. This is the history of salvation. God defends my freedom from all the vicious effects of my pride, my egoism and my covetousness. My weaknesses and defects tend to render me a slave of my own pride, but God wants me to be free at all costs.

Through the Virgin Mary, salvation came into the world. Her entire life became a mystery of self-surrender and she was called to be the Mother of the Word of God. Therefore, it is together with her that we can make the offering of our freedom to God, entrusting ourselves to His will.

“From the beginning, the

Congregation was placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary. The Sisters seek to know her better through the Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Church; they find in Mary the model of deep faith and complete conformity to the plan of God, perfect participation

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in the mystery of salvation, thoughtful,

warmhearted service of others.” 12 “Listening to the Word of God

prepares for encounter with the Lord in prayer… each day Christ makes himself available for encounter: in the Scriptures particularly in the gospel and in the letters of St. Paul…helping the Sisters to grow in familiarity with the Word of God…allowing their life to be rooted in God’s Word…” as our Book of Life and the Capitular Acts remind us of the importance of God’s Word. 13

“Throughout all her existence, Mary lived in God’s Word; she dwelt in the Word and was someone who was permeated by the Word. Thus all her thoughts, her will and her actions were penetrated and fashioned by the Word. By dwelling on the Word herself, she became a new dwelling place of the Word in the world.”14

In her Magnificat, Mary reminds us that her jubilation finds its source in God. She expresses the design of her life thus: not to place oneself at the center but to make place for God whom we encounter at prayer and in the service of neighbor She looks at the hard realities of life with the eyes of God. She speaks and thinks in the light of God’s Word: in the poor, the hungry, the rich, the humble and the proud,

12 B.L. N° 5 13 BL N° 46 ; CA 2001 p.17; CA 2007 p. 19-20 14 Benedict XVI, Speech - 11.5.2006

Mary is capable of seeing the persons and the situations just as God sees them. God’s Word becomes hers and her own words find their origin from that of God in the same manner that her will consists in wanting that which God wants.

“Like Mary, let us allow

ourselves to be swept up by the transforming dynamism of the Spirit with humility and joy. Let us be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit inviting us to be sensitive and responsive to the challenges and needs of the world in its religious, ecclesial, social, economic and political dimensions.”15

I wish you a joyful celebration of

the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Let us ask her to keep us all united to her Son Jesus.

To each one of you, I sincerely

reiterate my profound fraternal affection.  

 

15 CA 2007, p 17

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CHARTRES Superiors Hold Assembly Mother Myriam Kitcharoen,

Superior General, convoked all the Provincial, District and Regional Superiors for an Assembly held in Chartres, France from October 15 to 28, 2008. On the agenda were several

topics concerning Religious Authority and the Role of Leaders in Religious Communities. The members of the General Council were among the participants in this gathering. .

ASIA:160th,130th, 120th, 110th Anniversaries in 2008

The year 2008 is an important anniversary year for several Foundations of the Congregation in the Asian Continent:

Thailand: 110 years 1898 - 2008 Japan: 130 years 1878 -2008 Korea: 120 years 1888 - 2008 Hong Kong: 160 years 1848 -2008

SYDNEY: SPC Sisters in World Youth DayThe Sisters of St. Paul in Australia had the joy of participating in the recently concluded World Youth Day held in Sydney. Our Sisters took part in welcoming, providing lodging, preparing food as well as joining in the intense moments of assemblies, celebrations,

cultural feasts and exchanges. Other Sisters present were: Sr. Therese from Chartres, who joined the group from her diocese. Sr. Helene le Mahieu from Ukraine and Sr. Seraphim from Cameroon who is currently studying in the Philippines.

CAMEROON Visit of Two General Assistants Sr Monique Gaudron and Sr Maria Goretti Lee visited the District of Cameroon from August 2-17 2008. This is the first visit in the continent for both General Assistants. Accompanied by the District Superior, Sr Therese Toba, they met with the Sisters in the three dioceses where Cameroonese Sisters

work together with SPC missionaries from France, the Philippines, Japan and Vietnam. The two Assistants had the occasion to visit the site of the proposed construction of the school in Mbandjock and had a first hand experience of the progress and the needs of the mission in this country.

AUSTRALIA In September 2008, Sister Teresa LAU was re-appointed by Mother Myriam

and her Council as Superior of the Region of Australia for a second term.

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IRELANDThe Queen of Peace

Centre in Dublin which is a nursing home for elderly persons has undergone renovations and repairs as well as updating of its records and

communications system. With its state of the art machines and appliances, the center now boasts of a computerized record system in compliance with the required health ministry standard

HAITI Scenes of Devastation after the Cyclones Havoc, destruction, despair and death was the scene in all of Haiti after the passing of the cyclone Ike, the fourth and the worst that had hit the country this year. The Sisters of St Paul in all the four communities shared the lot suffered by all the Haitians. With their houses submerged in water and muck, the Sisters braved the current to seek refuge in one of our schools,

communicating with other communities by cell phones. Some of them are still sheltered in the school building until now but they immediately faced the task of cleaning, rebuilding and saving whatever was left. They also encouraged the families and condoled with those who lost their loved ones.

KAZAKHSTAN Two Sisters Begin Mission Sr Anna Kim and Sr Gemma Kim, both from the Province of Daegu, have arrived in the Diocese of Karaganda in June 2008 where they have begun their mission work in the parish of Sharanne whose

population is 90% moslem. The two Sisters are shown here in front of their convent. Please turn to page 19 for more pictures of the Kazakhstan mission.

ANNO PAOLINO Bulletin In the afternoon of June 28, Pope Benedict XVI opened the Pauline Year at the celebration of the first Vespers of the solemnity of the apostles Peter and Paul. The celebration had a strong ecumenical impact with the participation of the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartolome I as well as representatives of the other Christian denominations:

archbishops, eparchs, archimandrites and pastors who were accompanied by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for the Unity of Christians. Mother Myriam Kitcharoen, her Council and the Sisters of the Spiritual Renewal Program participated in the Opening Liturgy held at the St Paul-Outside-the-Walls in Rome.

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2 Corinthians 1:1-2;2:12-3:6;4:1-7

Paul from Troas to Macedonia: the Mission and its Importance Paul, by the will of God an apostle of Christ Jesus and Timothy our brother,

to the church of God in Corinth and to all God’s holy people in the whole of Achaia. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ...When I came to Troas for the sake of the Gospel of Christ and a door was opened for me there in the Lord, I had no relief from anxiety, not finding my brother Titus there, and I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God who always gives us in Christ a part in his triumphal procession, and through us spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of himself. To God we are the fragrance of Christ, both among those who are being saved and among those who are on the way to destruction. Who is equal to such a task? It is in all purity, as envoys of God and in God’s presence, that we speak in Christ.

Are we beginning to commend ourselves to you afresh- as though we needed, like some others, to have letters of commendation either to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written in our hearts, that everyone can read and understand; and it is plain that you are a letter from Christ, entrusted to our care, written not with ink but with the spirit of the living God; not on stone tablets but on the tablets of human hearts.

Such is the confidence we have through Christ in facing God; it is not that we are so competent that we can claim any credit for ourselves; all our competence comes from God. He has given us the competence to be ministers of a new covenant which is not of written letters, but of the Spirit; for the written letters kill, but the Spirit gives life.

Such by God’s mercy is our ministry, and therefore we do not waver. It is not ourselves that we are proclaiming, but Christ Jesus as the Lord and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. It is God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” that has shone into our hearts to enlighten them with the knowledge of God’s glory, the glory on the face of Christ. But we hold this treasure in pots of earthen ware, so that the immensity of the power is God’s and not our own.

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THE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

First journey From Cyprus to Anatolia, Paul and Barnabas preached zealously in the synagogues about the Good News of the Resurrection and salvation in Jesus Christ, founding new communities and healing the sick.

Second journey In 50 AD Paul decided to leave again, heading this time to Asia Minor. His apostolic journey, which lasted until 53 AD, took him to Greece and Macedonia where he converted Philip. The two men were beaten and thrown in prison but one night there was an earthquake and their jailer was converted, with the result that they were released the next morning. From there they went to Thessalonica, to Berea and to Athens before returning to Antioch where followers of Jesus were first known by the name ‘Christians.’

St Peter’s Church in AntiochPilgrims in the footsteps of St Paul

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Third journey In 53 or 54 AD Paul began his third great journey going first to Ephesus where he stayed for three years. His preaching led to a decline in worship of the goddess Artemis and the trade connected to her veneration also suffered a setback provoking a popular uprising, although Paul was unharmed by it. He then visited the Christian communities he had founded in Asia Minor and was very

touched by the encounter as he sensed he would not see them again. The last stage of his journey took him to Caesarea, where the prophet Agabo predicted his arrest and imprisonment, before arriving in Jerusalem towards the end of May 58 AD, bringing with him the offerings collected during this last voyage. 5. ANTIOCH: THE START OF HIS MISSIONARY ADVENTURE

At the beginning of the 40’s Barnabas was sent by the Church in Jerusalem to Antioch in Syria to take in hand the Church there founded by Greek missionaries who had been expelled from Jerusalem. He went to Tarsus to ask for Paul’s help, becoming a great evangelizer and one of the leaders of the community there. It was Paul’s first time away from the world of the synagogue since he also preached to the Greeks and a mixed community was established. The ‘invention’ of the title Christians, used for the first time in Antioch, is one of the finest fruits of Saul’s preaching ministry in the city. From then on the Church in Antioch became a centre for the spreading of the Gospel and existed independently from the Temple and the life in Judea. This community in Antioch enjoyed a solid foundation and organization. Thus, during a prayer assembly, the inspiration of the community confirmed a personal vocation and the voice of the Holy Spirit was heard saying ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do the work to which I have called them.’ The assembly prayed, fasted, placed their hands on the two men and sent them off on their mission. Barnabas and Paul sailed towards Cyprus. Again it was the Holy Spirit who sent them in this direction: there they preached the Gospel in the synagogues on the east of the island at Salamis, then in the west at Paphos. From this moment on, Luke calls Saul by his Roman name, Paul, thus underlining his full entitlement in the mission to go to ‘all nations.’

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6. FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IN ASIA MINOR

The two men travelled on into pagan territory, beyond the Taurus mountains to four strategic cities for the Romans on the road to Sebastopolis. Luke sets Paul’s first important missionary discourse in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia, a new Roman colony. Finding a hostile reception from most of the Jews, Paul addressed the pagans. The two Apostles then moved on to Iconium, Lystra and Derbe where they strengthened the young communities. On the one hand, they encouraged a common life among former Jewish believers and new converts from paganism, thus provoking hostility from the leaders of the synagogues where they preached. On the other hand, they nominated ‘elders’ according to the model of the Church in Jerusalem. Having completed this mission, they returned to the great city of Antioch in Syria. Source: www.annopaolino.org

At left, an ancient road

in Tarsus.

At right, Saint Paul’s

Well

Paulinian pilgrims from the Philippines visit St. Paul’s Well in Tarsus

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Letters from our Missionaries

NELSON’S VISIT

In Oriani, although the land is very rich, the people are really very poor and most of the time there’s nothing to eat. The children go to school without breakfast, going to bed at night without supper. They eat only one full meal a day.

One day, a young boy of 10 came to the clinic. I asked him, “Are you sick?” He said, “No.” I left him and continued my work. He remained seated on the bench doing nothing. When all the patients have gone home, I asked him “Kisa ou besoin?” (what do you need?) He said, “Rien.” (Nothing). I asked him again, “Poukisa ou te ici encore se deja tard? (Why are you still here, it’s getting late?) He gave me the same answer: “Rien.” Then finally I asked him, “Are you hungry?” “OUI!”

(YES!). I told him I have only medicines in the clinic and I don’t have food. He just stared at me and said nothing. I asked him again, “Kisa ou te mange yier soir?”(What did you eat yesterday evening?) He said, “Rien.” “Kisa ou te prend avant de dormir?”

(What did you take before sleeping?) He simply said “Dlo ak sel.” (Water with salt). After hearing this, I immediately asked the girl in the clinic to buy bread from the market. This young boy is Nelson, the son of one of our patients who died of AIDS two months ago. After her death, Nelson and his sister would come to the clinic to ask for food.

I almost cried in front of the boy because I was reminded that in

the community, when I can not eat the food at table, I can easily look for something else to satisfy my hunger.

..

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That little boy has given me much to realize that I ought

to nourish my life with more that just food. Instantly, I prayed and thanked Jesus for reminding me through Nelson’s visit.

Since then, I have expanded our services in the dispensary by giving breakfast and lunch to 6 undernourished and handicapped children. The meal

consists of rice, (from “Food for the Poor”) enriched with potatoes and black beans from our dispensary garden. Two months after the start of the feeding program I start giving them physical therapy. At the same time, I have found donors to “sponsor” the education of ten children – Nelson is one of them.

Life in the mission is truly a life of grace and full of God’s blessings. He gives me the graces I need most despite my weaknesses, my fears, my shadows… He holds my hand to guide me and lead me every second, every step of the way.

Mission is not just about the sick and the poor, but how I encounter Jesus in them and how I share Jesus’ love to them…. Mission is Jesus’ loving presence.

- Sr Mary Ann - HAITI

OUR MISSION OF PRESENCE IN CHINA When the movie “Mission” was in town long time ago, it moved me so much with its exquisite beauty and its pathos. The musical theme “Gabriel’s Oboe” made me feel the sorrow and pain of the missionaries who were so isolated in this strange land.

Today, when we talk about mission, what comes into our minds is Mission ad Gentes. This is true for me. I have always believed that to be in the mission means to integrate, to respect the culture of the people; and being one with the local people, a missionary’s life must be deeply rooted in silence. When the people are spiritually

motivated, we can give them spiritual guidance. But when they are not, then we can simply live among them without forcing our faith on them. In time, they will notice the spiritual source of our dedication.

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On December 9, 2002, I was sent as a missionary to China.

Two Sisters from Seoul Province have been there since 1997, so I was able to adjust easily. During these six years, my mission consists in giving spiritual guidance and being a silent apostle bringing the “scent” of Christ to the people.

In Bok-ri Won, a home for elderly women, I meet the families of our ‘grandmas’. They often ask me why I chose to be in China to live such an inconvenient life when Korea is a wealthy country. They tell us that they realize there is something different about the way we care for their elders. Rev. Abraham, the parish priest, our parishioners and the relatives of our grandmas are grateful when they see how we care for them with devotion, rising early to prepare their meals and attending to their personal hygiene.

Sometimes, I do feel very sad when I look at my heart, and have to admit that there are moments of insincerity inside me, yet in the eyes of everyone I appear to be very self-sacrificing.

Once, I was at the death bed of a grandma with whom I had a difficult time as a caregiver, I burst into tears saying, “Please forgive me grandma, I am so sorry”. The parish priest, Rev. Abraham, who is a witness to our hard work, asked me, “You have done her every good which her own children couldn’t have done for her, what is it you are sorry for?” I just told him that God knows about it as I thought of every ill deed I have done in irritation.

These grandmas made it possible for us to live in China. Every day is full of joy and grati-tude as we discover Christ who dwells in them. Sometimes it does happen that we tend to make them live like nuns! I understand that it is not suitable

for them and that we should accept them as they are and respect their way of life.

The situation here in China does not allow me to do missionary work openly and freely, nevertheless, I continue delivering the scent of Christ to the people as I have done until now and just as our patron St. Paul did. Sister Monica Jeong - CHINA

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ST. ANDREW KIM PARISH, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Anchorage, the largest city of Alaska, is located in the Southern part of the state. God has blessed this land with a most wonderful beauty of nature. This multi ethnic city is less than 100 years old. It is composed of a variety of nationalities of about 230,000 people among whom are the Korean immigrants. Most of the first-generation immigrants came here with dreams of better lives. They have tried their best to adjust to this foreign culture and society in spite of the obstacle of language. Our two SPC sisters came to this community in February 1994. Like a growing mustard seed, the Korean Catholic community was officially named after St. Andrew Kim Dae-Geon in the diocese of Anchorage. Now we have a Korean priest who is from Chung Ju diocese. We are really one family.

Our fondest dream is to have a Church building of our own. We share the church with the Americans. It is hard for a small number of Korean Catholics to build a church but in spite of the difficulties the church is now under construction, thanks to the spirit of Korean solidarity and fortitude. The Korean grandmothers donated money saved from selling vegetables; the children donated their pocket money instead of going

to Chat rooms. Some 250 Koreans helped to pay construction costs through personal sacrifice and prayers as well as through charity bazaars to raise funds. We are excited to think that this year, the Christmas Mass will be celebrated in our church. We Sisters of St. Paul are committed to our ministry doing Sunday school, catechism, Legion of Mary prayer meetings; basic Christian Community and visiting the sick .

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We teach catechism to all those who seek to

know God. The Mass for the youth is celebrated in English. We try to converse with the teenagers who are going through

an identity crisis but it can be frustrating because of the language barrier. However, we do our best to welcome them and make them feel accepted. The Korean immigrants still hold on to traditional Korean values, mentality and ways of living although they have lived for a long time in this land. It is not easy either for the younger Koreans immigrants to adjust anew to another culture and society. They carry wounds from the past and often suffer from loneliness and isolation. We listen to them and give them the space to open themselves up in all confidentiality. We journey with them through prayer and our friendship hoping that this will help in

their social integration. We also consider it important to visit and take care of the elderly who have no children and help them to live more beautiful and meaningful lives.

After spending long winter periods heavy

with snow and ice, people go out to enjoy the warmth and glow of sunlight. Some gather edible herbs in the open fields while others go fishing for shells and salmon. So during the summer months, there are some empty seats in the church. We have been warmly welcomed by the whole community. Some elderly couples have even sort of adopted us like their own children, sharing generously whatever they have with us. This strong community spirit has indeed supported us and continues to help us grow in our missionary vocation.

Sr Martha and Sr Acella , ANCHORAGE

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THE BLESSINGS OF THE PAULINE YEAR

As early as January 25, 2008, we, your Sisters in the Holy Land, have never ceased to marvel at how the Lord often fills us with blessings in this Pauline Year. The Holy Eucharist held at the chapel of Bethlehem University gathered together our friends, priests, religious men and women from various Congregations, Palestinian families and migrants as we launched the year of St. Paul on the Feast of his Conversion. It was followed by a meal prepared by the staff and students of the University’s Hotel Management Institute. On June 29, 2008 we went to the city of Akko also known as Antiochia Ptolemais where St Paul once came as mentioned in Acts 21:7. The parish priest offered his school chapel where we celebrated mass after which we were given a surprise lunch by our Filipino friends. Another blessing came when we were visited by Mother Myriam, Sr. Zeta, Sr Leon Paul and Sr. Remedios. Their stay with our community brought blessings of joy as we prayed together, shared meals and

intense spiritual experiences while treading on the ground where our Lord once walked We had the unforgettable blessing of hearing Mother Myriam share on the essence of the four doors of the Capitular Acts 2007. Last September, we received a once-in-a-lifetime blessing to visit Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul in Turkey. These “spiritual encounters”, inspire us with zeal for the charity of Christ in our mission among the

Palestinian youth at the University of Bethlehem where we work with the De la Salle Brothers not forgetting our two Sisters who are engaged in Pastoral Ministry among the Filipino migrants in Jerusalem, living a hidden life of sacrifice and great generosity to keep the faith alive. - Sr Ruby - Bethlehem

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COME AND SHARE OUR DREAMS FOR THE CHILDREN

OF MONGOLIA

I thank the Lord for allowing me to give Him glory through His grace; for He is the God who chose the hearts of children as the Trinity’s palace.

I am happy to share my experiences with you. I am Sr. Clara Lee from Daegu Province in South Korea. I am doing my ministry at the elementary school of St. Paul in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The mission I do here is the same as that of our first Sisters at the beginning of our Congregation.

Mongolia is located between northern Siberia and southern China. It is the sixth largest country in Asia but in terms of population, it is the smallest with only 3,500,000 people.

Eighty percent of Mongolia is composed of grassy hills and Mongolians are a nomadic people. Due to socio-political and economic changes in the country in the recent years, people have moved massively to the cities where many ended up finding themselves in worse situations and, driven by frustration, turn to alcoholism, violence, etc.

The children are the most vulnerable victims of family violence and there are numerous homeless children in the cities of Mongolia . We have been working so hard for 12 years now since we came here on July 22, 1996.

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Two Saint Paul's schools and one Montessori kinder-

garten were established. Seven sisters are working to help children regain their human dignity through education and service given with love and sacrifice .

Three sisters are working in ZUUN MOD, 40 kilometers away from the capital and I am working with three sisters in a kindergarten, a primary school and in parishes in Ulaanbaatar. Our supper time is longer than the usual meal because we have so many things to talk about and share with each other: stories of our encounters, our joys, worries, dreams :

- A three year old girl said "Sister, I will be back tomorrow please be here to wait for me."

- A four year old girl helps her 3 year old little brother to eat;

- An eight year old girl who was sexually abused by men in her family said that her grandmother told her not to tell: "Sister, I am not telling a lie." - A young person who had his finger cut but could not afford proper treatment went home with a small package of noodles for supper, his hand buried deep in his pocket.

- A sixteen year old girl, fearing a

similar fate as her alcoholic mother, rubbed off the soot under the the kettle to dispel the evil spirits.

Our days are filled with so many events and experiences - sad, funny, joyful – we come back to our community to find support and

encouragement from each other. Bible prayer and sharing are our main sources of strength, though personally, we are weak. Our community life and prayer are indeed the foundations of our spiritual force, that makes us eager to start every day anew. Dear SPC Sisters,

Please pray for vocations for the priesthood and religious life. We dream that someday there will be Mongolian priests to celebrate mass and Mongolian Sisters to teach catechism to Mongolian children. Come, join us and share our dreams!

Sr Clara Lee, MONGOLIA

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SStt NNiicchhoollaassPPaarriisshh,, SShhaarraannnnee

JJuunnee 22000088 SSrr AAnnnnaa aanndd SSrr GGeemmmmaa

View of the countryside

Visiting the Carmelites with Msgr Schneider

Kazakhs village

GGrreeeettiinnggss ffrroomm oouurr SSiisstteerrss iinn KKaazzaakkhhssttaann

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Chincha,Peru: Silver Jubilee and a Long Way to Go

In the middle of a sandy desert several kilometers from the town of Chincha, stands the Colegio Fe y Alegría, a dream come true as envisioned by Fr. Maria Jose Velaz, Jesuit, founder of the Fe y Alegría school system in Peru and Latin America. Twenty-five years ago, Colegio Fe Y Alegría No. 30 in San Isidro, Pueblo Nuevo, Chincha, Peru started with two classrooms whose walls were pieces of woven bamboo, and the school desks were wooden planks propped up by bricks. The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, first teachers of the school, courageously began this school with insufficient educational materials but with hearts

full of love for these underprivileged children. Countless persons, benefactors and institutions, have participated in our mission of bringing integrated Christian education and of elevating the quality of life of the poorest. Twenty five years after, we who are dedicated to this institution, continue to embody and strive to bring to a realization the vision of its founder. Innumerable events have marked the pages of our history since its early dawn in 1983. The imposing red-brick structure that had painstakingly risen through the years was devastated during the great earthquake of August 15, 2007.

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The compassion and solidarity of generous people, the members of the Fe y Alegria family of Peru and the support of our community, helped our children and their families to pick up from the ruins, rebuild, reconstruct and recapture hope, beauty , and healing. God’s loving care and that of Mother Mary were felt in the many gestures of love we received. Thus the grand family of Fe y Alegria No. 30 continues to grow in the midst of vicissitudes: these struggles bring us closer to the vision of our school: to educate our students to be protagonists and constructors of their own life, capable of committing themselves in favor of social transformation.

Sisters preparing food for the children

The Jubilee activities involved all the Sisters, teachers, personnel and students as well as the people of Chincha, promoting better and deeper relationships to give the best of ourselves in loving service in order to make our school one of the best in Chincha.

This Jubilee year we lift our hearts to God in thanksgiving for the miracle of Fe y Alegria No. 30. We know that the road before us is still long, but we move on with the conviction that God will always be present in our work and in our own lives. By Sr.Editha Irene Cariaso

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Sisters Celebrate 130 Years in Japan

The 28th of May is the day on which the first three missionary Sisters of St. Paul arrived in Hakodate, a city in the north of Japan, 130 years ago. At the request of Msgr. Osouf in 1878, Mother Benjamin, then Principal Superior for Indochina, sent Sr. Marie Auguste, Sr. Marie Onésime and Sr. Caroline to the city of Hakodate which was the only Japanese port open to foreigners in the island of Hokkaïdoh. The inhabitants at that time were poor as a consequence of the civil war: there were orphans and abandoned children. The three Sisters wasted no time in helping all the needy - making themselves the objects of curiosity among the local people- and learning the Japanese language at the same time. In the different communities this year, on May 28, we commemorated the 130 years of life of the Congregation in Japan.

Celebrations were integrated in the Liturgy either at the Holy Eucharist or in the Liturgy of the Word. During the

Holy Hour in the evening, we renewed our apostolic zeal and commitment, our love for God and the Church as well as our ardent desire to follow St. Paul just like our first three missionary sisters who never gave in to despair and discouragement. In Morioka, our Sisters organized an evening lantern procession to the grotto of our School.

This was participated in by the people living nearby which included some Christians, the parish priest, a religious priest and some professors . There were about 58 persons who prayed and followed the procession to express their gratitude to God and to the Virgin Mary.

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It is indeed a great grace to celebrate the 130th anniversary of our foundation on the Pauline year. We bless the Lord for the wonderful works of his merciful love, we want to continue to evangelize and tread on new apostolic horizons. Province of Japan

RCA: The Sisters’ School in Yaloke Reopens Thanks be to God !

With the blessing of Mother Général and her Council and the leadership of Sr. Catharina LEE, District superior of Central Africa, the Community of Yaloke reopened its doors on May 31, 2008, the Feast of the Visitation. The school and the Community have been closed for the last five years due to problems of security arising from the armed conflict between the army and the rebels

Just as Mary went in haste to visit her cousin Elisabeth to share this

moment of joy with her, our Sisters of Fatima, the Novitiate, Boda and

Bossembélé, all came to Yaloke filled with this same spirit of joy. Some of the aspirants were also with us. Together with the other christians of St Joseph of Yaloke parish, we prepared the different dishes for the feast as well as the cakes on the eve of the special day. The following day, we held a thanksgiving mass for this reopening.

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The Rev .Pascal TONGAMBA, Vicar Forane of the Archdiocese of Bangui presided at the Eucharistic Celebration and Rev. Father Freddy MBOULA, parish priest concelebrated with him .

During the mass, the members of the community were presented to the parish: Sister Marie Thérèse MALO, Sr Marie Yolande KOUASSEMBOU and Sr Evelyne OKPALAYENKOA.

In her joy, Sister Marie Thérèse expressed her gratitude to Msgr Paulin POMODIMO, to his Vicar, to the Parish Priest, to the Sisters and to all the Christians of Yaloké. She ended her address with a song of thanksgiving which moved the assembly to dance including the Sisters. The blessing of the Sisters’ house followed the mass with the Christians going out in procession towards the house as they sang. It was there that the Celebrants gave

the final blessing.

We all took part in the festive meal prepared for the occasion and we thank all those who have contributed in one way or another to the reopening of this Community. May the Lord be their recompense and we assure them of our prayers.

-District of the Republic of Central Africa

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EEaasstt TTiimmoorr:: AA MMuullttii--NNaattiioonnaall KKiinnggddoomm OOff GGoodd

During the Regional Assembly for the Implementation of the Capitular Acts 2007, the 12 Sisters (4 East Timorese, 1 Indonesian, 7 Filipinos), after prayer,

reflection, sharing and presentation of each local community’s plan of action discerned the Region’s Mission Statement thus: “We, the Community of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, disciples of Christ, guided by the Spirit, are committed to further the growth of the Kingdom of God in East Timor, through healing and teaching.”

In Suai, Covalima, where 3 Filipino missionaries and 1 East Timorese Sister live in community, the poor and the sick come to the clinic. Sr. Annette Nadala, Administrator, and Sr. Maria Cardoso, a nurse, attend to them. At the out-reach health services and the Feeding Program

for undernourished children (and adults, too!) Sr. Bibianne Prado, with a Filipino lady doctor, and an East Timorese nurse serve at 5 health posts under the acacia trees. Sr. Constancia Agui guides and counsels the youth at the Parochial Senior High School while also serving as the school librarian. The Sisters even opened their doors to some members of the New Zealand Police Force and to one Indian policewoman, allowing them to lodge in a cottage within the premises of the Clinic. Through their financial contributions, these UN peacekeepers and other Filipino police, help to provide medicines and food for the sick and poor while keeping law andorder in the land. “Blessed are those who work for peace, they shall be called children of God”

(Mt. 5:9).

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At our Formation House in Railaco, Sr. Cecilia Perez, filipina and Sr. Natalia Marun, Indonesian, accompany our East Timorese novices and postulants towards becoming mature Sisters of St. Paul as they go about introducing God to children, prepare prisoners for the Sacraments; animate a group called the Youths of St. Paul. Together with our Sisters and a volunteer, Ms. Lucy Yoong, a Malaysian teacher, gives sewing and cooking lessons to women from the villages to help the women become better mothers and homemakers and enable them to augment the family income.

“Blessed are they who have the spirit of the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:3).

In Dili, all the Filipino Sisters, are actively involved in the Diocese: Sr. Anna Domingo is secretary to the Bishop, Sr. Alma Marie Cantorna is consultant to the Diocesan Commission on Education and Sr. Clare Garcillano is part-time auditor of the Commission for Justice and Peace. Our Sisters net-work with and are partners with other Non-Government Organizations, with UN personnel and with the Government of East Timor.

The Ambassador of the Philippines in East Timor and his staff involve our Filipino Sisters in the Embassy’s cultural, social and spiritual activities. They give spiritual and moral guidance to the overseas Filipino workers who are choir members and volunteers for the preparation of Sunday Eucharistic celebration in English. Peoples of different nationalities, cultures and races

participate in these joyful celebrations with enthusiasm and faith.

Sr Clare and Sr. Anna, former missionaries to Brazil, continue to collaborate with Brazilian priests and Sisters missionaries in East Timor: they give English lessons, catechize the children, and celebrate the Eucharist with the Brazilian community, .

In this multi-national Kingdom of God in East Timor, we speak only one and the same language: the language of the Beatitudes!

How aptly does Sr. Antonietta Rauti express in her Preface to the UISG Bulletin on Mission and Solidarity (No. 136) what I am trying to describe here. She says: “Communion is not exhausted within community but must also open itself to ‘those outside’, exactly because the Church, as sacrament and extension of Christ in history, is an instrument of the intimate union with God and the unity of the entire human family.

This solidarity becomes a determining principle in giving form to a new world. It is a moral expression of interdependence, a way of reminding us that we are a single family, whatever may be the differences of race, nationality, and economic power. People from the farthest away countries are not enemies nor intruders, the poor are not burdens, they are our sisters and brothers, gifted with life and dignity, and we are called to welcome them.”

Sr Marie Carmen, EAST TIMOR

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Note: Sr. Jeanne Helene Sineau, our competent and experienced archivist in the Mother House traces the history of our Constitutions in a series of articles.

PPaarrtt IIII:: OOuurr CCoonnssttiittuuttiioonnss aafftteerr tthhee SSeeccoonndd VVaattiiccaann CCoouunncciill The 1950 text, on the other hand, was completely different. It was made up of short articles in legalistic form probably due to the publication of the Canon Law in 1917. The revision of our constitutions was started in 1931. . Pope Pius XII gave the final approval of this new text during an audience on June 13, 1949. This final approval did not even last twenty years. On January 25, 1959 Pope Jean XXIII, inspired by the Holy Spirit, opened the way for the Second Vatican Council. The documents of the 1965 and 1968 General Chapters show how the Congregation went along with the changes. In the General Chapter of 1959, the decision was taken to transfer the Generalate to Rome. The transfer took place in 1962. Thus the General Council members closely followed the activities of the Vatican Council especially since the Bishop of Chartres came to the Generalate for each Renewal Group. This carried a strong influence on the reflections of the Capitulants in the 1965 General Chapter as well as on the election results and the chapter conclusions. Below is the chronological order of events as recorded in our documents: - November 21, 1964 – Mother Marie Paul BORD sent a circular with an attached working documents divided into 11 headings on the Religious Life 1. Aim and Spirit of the Congregation 2. Our Spirituality 3. Religious Profession 4. Consecrated Chastity 5. Community Life

6. Spirit of Poverty 7. Work 8. Obedience 9. Prayer Life 10. Apostolate 11. Entering Eternal Life.

The Circular Letter specified “It is my wish that the preparation be done in the spirit of the Council with a deep awareness of our belonging to the Church and our role in the world today”. A long circular letter was addressed to the Provincial Superiors on the same date giving them instructions concerning the Provincial chapter and the Orientation Session before the General Chapter.

The letter reminded of the two-fold purpose of the Provincial Chapter: a) the election of the delegates to the General Chapter and b) A study of the problems of the Province. This was followed by the points for Reflection: 1. Formation to Religious Life

2. Religious Studies And Professional Formation

3. The Local Council 4. Rapport between the Provincial Council and the Local Superior

5 The Office 6 The Suffrages for the Dead 7 The Customs 8 The Religious Habit

9 The Special Apostolic Role Another page specified directions for the

election of the General Chapter Delegates. (To be continued next issue)

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“Magnificat”: The Thankful Praise of A Silver Jubilarian

My soul glorifies the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!

With a joyful heart, I would like to join in the thanksgiving and praise of all the 2008 silver, golden and diamond jubilarians.

He looks on his servant in her lowliness, Henceforth all ages will call me blessed

How blessed I am to be a Sister of St. Paul of Chartres for the past 25 years! It is my blessing to be called and live out the charism and spirituality of the Congregation and to participate in the Mission that many generations of SPC’s have carried out in the Church for more than 300 years.

The Almighty works marvels for me,Holy is His Name !

Today, as I celebrate this milestone in my religious , life, I acknowledge that I have been deeply touched by the experience of God’s holiness in the

hidden and simple life of my sisters who strive to live their commitment in daily life. I thank God for his “FAITHFULNESS,” so great compared to the small “faithfulness” of every sister by which he manifests his holy power and presence.

His mercy is from age to age, On those who fear Him

To my “God– fearing” parents whose humble prayer and dream it was that some of their children would be called to work in God’s vineyard, I want to say: The blessings which I have received in my consecrated life came from your prayers, your examples and your sacrifices.

He puts forth His arm in strength and scatters the

proud-hearted. He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly

In the providential plan of God, the joy of my 25th anniversary is specially marked by the year of St Paul, our patron. I believe that God wants me to continue my journey in the steps of St. Paul with greater authenticity. He fills the starving with good things,sends the rich away empty, He protects Israel his servant, Remembering his mercy Once more, I would like to look back to the past to better appreciate God’s love today. For me, the political upheaval that my country experienced can be compared to the situation of St Paul when he was in the Arabian desert. I was one of the juvenists at that time who persevered through long years of waiting to be called to the Novitiate.

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The mercy promised to our fathers; To Abraham and his sons forever.

Today, I reminisce with gratitude, the events of 25 years ago: How happy I was when the 12 of us were accepted for the Clothing Ceremony. How thankful I am now for the

time I have shared community life with the Sisters in the Region of Australia as we strive to realize our mission to be truly “All to all”. And so I invite you, my dear groupmates, the “12 Apostles of 1983” from Da Nang: With the Magnificat, let us sing our thanks, our praise and

our joy with all our hearts! May Christ’s love be upon all those who have accompanied us and continue to support us in many ways . Sr. Anne Tran Thi Bich Nguyet

25th of January 2008 Brisbane,Australia

Spiritual Renewal: Sisters Rekindle Fervor

We are very happy to tell you how much this renewal period had been a time of grace for us, just like a rebirth in Jesus Christ . We have been set apart for a time to renew our outlook, our way of thinking. First of all, the retreat was a timely reminder that we are to constantly face in truth the kind of life we live or risk to be among those whom

Jesus himself call hypocrites. The essence of our life is not limited to our cultures, traditions and theological or liturgical knowledge, but should open up to the deep knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ so that our words are consistent with our acts. Thus God’s love can truly reign in our hearts.

Sisters of the Renewal group visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

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The regular Holy Hour gave us the opportunity let Jesus take the first place and to deepen our personal relationship with him.

Father Romeo Ballan helped us discover in St Paul that dynamic inner force which pushed him to new lands to proclaim Jesus Christ. We too are called to allow ourselves be moved by the Spirit to be docile and daring in responding to the spirit’s inspirations which necessary pass through the Cross. Likewise his presentation of the different aspects of the

Cenacle stirred the missionary fire within us. Don Angelo Colacrai gave us a new taste for the Word of God, appreciating it in an objective manner which brings us right to the heart of the Pauline message : “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel !”

Moreover, it is indeed true, as Father Angelo says, that our participation in the Eucharist makes us not only mere disciples but also obliges us to become another Christ to be given as food for our brothers and sisters – thus

becoming apostles who are “sent” The pilgrimages were intense moments of discovery and wonder, of prayer and adoration What wealth of graces ! We thank you sincerely from our hearts, dear Mother Myriam and our Sister Assistants. We owe you these weeks which were rich in all aspects. This Renewal allowed us to have a beautiful international experience of sharing that same Love among us: the Love of Jesus Christ . - Sisters Renewalists Aug.- Oct 2008

Pilgrimage along the Via Appia Antica

Renewalists with Mother Myriam, members of the Council and Father Colacrai

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FFIIRRSSTT PPRROOFFEESSSSIIOONN Mother General, with the consent of her Council,

admits to First Profession

Madagascar: August 28, 2008

Sr Vero Paula RAJOMAHERINIAIANA Sr Josephine RASOAMANANDRAY Sr Isabelle RAHARINIVO

France: September 6, 2008 Sr Marie Stéphanie THI Thi Diem Huyen Sr Anne Thérese NGUYEN Thi Hanh Sr Marie Viviane NGUYEN Thi Ngoc Vy Sr Marthe Françoise PHAN Thi Phuong Sr Cécile NGUYEN Phuong Khanh Sr Marie Françoise NGUYEN Thi Hong Phuong Sr Thérèse HUYNH Thi Than Chi Sr Marie Sophie CAO Kim Ngan

PPEERRPPEETTUUAALL PPRROOFFEESSSSIIOONN Mother General, with the consent of her Council,

admits to Perpetual Profession

Antilles-Guyane: August 28, 2008

Sr Théresa de Marie JOSEPH-SYLVESTRE

Haiti: August 28, 2008

Sr Marie Pierre BRESIL

Madagascar : August 28,2008

Sr Therese Ratsiangoty RASOLONANTENAIANA Sr Felicia TIANERA Sr Marie Regine RAZAFINDRAKETAKA Sr Aimee Rosalie RASOAMALALA Sr Justine Maria RASAHOLINDRADONA Sr Madeleine Cecile RAHERINIRINA Sr Marie Elisabeth VOAHANGINIRINA Sr Claudia-Jacqueline RAZANAMALALA

Sr Isabelle Marie Voahangy Tiana RAZAFINDRAIBE

France September 6, 2008

Sr Marie Hoa TRAN

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Going Home to the Father A new season in eternity

Antilles-Guyane

June 12 Sr Anselme du Sacré-Cœur FREMONT, 89 57 years Rel. Prof. Aug. 10 Sr Marie-Anne BIRBA, 76 52 years Rel. Prof.

Canada July 07 Sr Aldégonde JOHNSON, 91 68 years Rel. Prof Sept. 23 Sr Germaine BELANGER, 92 70 years Rel.Prof.

France May 20 Sr Augustin de Marie TUFFET, 87 58 years Rel. Prof. Sept.03 Sr Marie-Paul du Sacré-Cœur GUILLET,88 63 years Rel. Prof.

Hong kong April 20 Sr Jeanne d’Arc KONG, 89 67 years Rel. Prof.

Japan Aug. 25 Sr Marie Pierre YAMAGUCHI, 95 66 years Rel. Prof.

Korea Seoul Aug. 12 Sr Johanna de la Croix KIM, 73 50 years Rel. Prof.

Korea Daegu July 18 Sr Marie Julienne Young jo CHU, 83 60 years Rel. Prof.

Philippines May 06 Sr Mary Merced ARANETA, 68 44 years Rel. Prof. July 20 Sr Maria Corazon ADRIATICO, 92 70 years Rel. Prof. Aug.12 Sr Rosalind VALDEZ,82 54 years Rel. Prof.

Vietnam Danang May 11 Sr Marie Rosine TRAN Thi Thong,88 70 years Rel. Prof. Aug.25 Sr Cécilia de Marie NGUYEN Thi Nhi, 90 65 years Rel. Prof.

Vietnam Mytho June 07 Sr Theresa Françoise NGUYEN Thi Nhuong,94 69 years Rel. Prof.

Vietnam Saigon June 25 Sr Pauline Marie NGUYEN Thi Nhieu, 67 46 years Rel. Prof. July 09 Sr Marie Dominique HO Thi Thu,68 48 years Rel. Prof. July 19 Sr Marie du Calvaire TRAN Thi Huong,88 65 years Rel. Prof. Aug.10 Sr Marie du Bon Pasteur PHAM Thi The, 86 60 years Rel. Prof. Aug 25 Sr Marie de la Trinité LE Thi Mung, 87 65 years Rel. Prof. Sept.01 Sr Marie Florentine NGUYEN Thi Gia,82 58 years Rel. Prof. Sept.10 Sr Marie Léocadie NGUYEN Thi Thuong,82 61 years Rel. Prof.