OUR MARTYRS PRESENT YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOREVER

On November 25th, as we celebrate the 61st anniversary of the passing of our beloved Sisters Martyrs: Maria Justa, Maria del Buen Consejo, Maria Cándida, and Maria Olympia, I am moved to renew my fidelity to God and to the Congregation, to “be faithful forever without wavering.” They are and always will be our guiding lights, illuminating the horizon we all follow. They are and always will be our heroines, for their bravery, determination, and courage in giving their lives to the very end, showing us that following Christ is not done with pretty words or good intentions, but with life itself and the practice of small sacrifices, demonstrating that it is possible to shed blood, if necessary, just as they did. They allowed themselves to be sacrificed, giving what was most precious to them: their lives, lives savored by all with whom they shared the mission.

Martyrdom, for us human beings, is understood as madness, but for God it is also the most precious thing they gave of themselves: fidelity, trust, heart, commitment; they did not want to disappoint in what they themselves assumed on the day of their religious profession: to be faithful to the end, even if that fidelity cost them blood. What a powerful and moving example of life! Which, to this day, deserves our admiration… To you, dear sisters, all my admiration and respect. Every time I read your story, I feel renewed. Faith in God made you so strong and courageous that everything was achieved through you by placing yourselves in God’s hands. That is why fear, insecurity, and anguish did not affect us or make us waver at any moment when you decided to stand with the people you loved so much. Your love for your neighbor was so great, pure, and profound that you forgot yourselves. And this has led them to give themselves without limits, without borders, without race or color. All of this was the fruit of a very profound experience of God, an intimate connection with God that led them to value their neighbor as the priority of God’s plan and the primary reason for their harvest. This God is present in the poor, the disadvantaged, and those who lack everything.

Thank you so much, sisters, for your unconditional dedication and for the example you have left us: to be exemplary and a united community living in communion with one another. Help us to follow in your footsteps today and always.

Here is a quote from our Sister Maria of Good Counsel: “More than anyone, a missionary must be holy, and I, far from it, am afraid of harming others instead of doing good.”

A big hug,

Sister Rita da Purificação João

Viana, Angola