Holiness: A Path Travelled Together

“Growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others.” – Gaudete et Exsultate 141.

Pope Francis, in this affirmation from his Apostolic Exhortation on the call to holiness in today’s world, touches on a central aspect of our lives as members of the UAC. As a member of the UAC and in the community journey shared with the other members, I am struck by how St Vincent embodied the great Christian value of Hope.

From July 15 to August 10, the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate CSAC (Roman Pallottines) had their XXVI General Chapter under the theme: From the Cenacle to the world: Transformed by Jesus, “new wine”, we respond to the call of the Church by creating “new wineskins”, growing in fraternal relations and in prophetic witness.

One of the most important events of the Chapter was the election of a new General Administration, which consists:

Sr. Ivete Garlet - Superior General (Brazil)

Sr. Venicia Meurer - Vicar (Brazil)

Sr. Stella Marotta (Italy)

Sr. Liga Thottakath (India)

Sr. Helena Marquez Pimenta (Brazil)

From August 17 to 20, 2019 the "Bridge of Unity" Commission met for the second time. The members of the Commission are the two Superiors General of the Roman Pallottine Sisters (CSAC) and of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters (SAC), as well as three other Sisters from each Congregation. The meeting took place at the Generalate of the Pallottine Sisters CSAC in Rome.

"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch"

The proclamation made by Peter and the Apostles does not merely consist of words: fidelity to Christ affects their whole lives, which are changed, given a new direction, and it is through their lives that they bear witness to the faith and to the proclamation of Christ... This applies to everyone: we all have to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel. We should all ask ourselves: “How do I bear witness to Christ through my faith? Do I have the courage of Peter and the other Apostles, to think, to choose and to live as a Christian, obedient to God?”

Colossians 1:1-8
Psalm 52:10, 11
Luke 4:38-44

I am a procrastinator. There, I said it. It’s been proven by my actions, but I don’t often admit it. I am sure it comes as no surprise to those around me as I offer excuses, turn things in late or push deadlines to their limits. Today’s gospel turned my mind to procrastination and doing what needs to be done. Jesus tells the crowds who come looking for him and want him to stay longer that he has to go to other towns: “I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent.” 

1Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Luke 4:31-37

Readings like these always give me a jolt.  On the one hand, they contain promises of deliverance and beatitude for the children of the light.  On the other hand, they warn of a coming wrath in which God will surprise the wicked like a thief in the night and from which no one will escape.  Although Paul assures us that we are all “children of light and of day,” and will, therefore, escape this wrath, there remains the lingering question, how do we know?  I imagine that question was not lost upon Paul’s audience.  I sometimes use this technique on my kids:  “your mother and I know, honey, that you would never be involved in that sort of thing, but just in case you are, here is what might happen to you.”  You parents know the drill.  For most things, these threats are simply designed to pique a moral conscience that is, hopefully, already fairly well formed.  However, the events that might follow the Lord’s coming like a thief in the night seem to be quite a bit more serious and carry more dire consequences should we be caught in the dark.

Lk 4:16-30

“Who is this guy?”
“Isn’t he so-and-so’s kid?”
“Get outta here!”
“Where do you get off coming in here and lecturing us like this?”
“Take a hike!”
“Who do you think you are, anyway?”

Luke tells us: “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.”

Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Hbr 12:18-19, 22-24a; Lk 14:1,7-14

The spirit of today’s readings flows from the continuation of Luke’s Gospel and how Jesus continues offering reversals. Our First Reading from Sirach echoes traditional Jewish teachings concerning right conduct. Basically these verses say, “Remember who you are and who you are not.” Remember you are gifted by a Divine Giver and when you remain peacefully grateful you will experience being loved by God and others.