All types of beginnings need openness, conviction, courage, humility, love, determination, patient persistence and above all, trust in God and constant communication with God in prayer. Mary Ward had all of these, and her charism was rooted in the ‘Just Soul’ – Freedom, Justice and Sincerity. She was fully convinced that her call to ‘some other thing’ came only from God. Therefore, she waited patiently for His time and did not walk ahead of Him.
In Mozambique we are going through a similar experience in a small way, being in a new mission – new country, new language, new culture and new types of food etc. It is like a seed planted in hard soil, from which it has to push itself to come out to receive sunlight and fresh air like any other plant. Mary Ward too made every effort to realize and remain faithful to her call. We in Mozambique are doing all that we can to make our new venture fruitful and viable despite all the challenges. We trust that the Lord will let Mary Ward’s dream, that ‘Women in time to come will do much’, become a reality through faith formation, education and health ministry reaching out to the poor and the needy. We desire to live the inscription on her tombstone, ‘to love the poor… live [and] die and rise with them’. (Maria Kalonga - Zimbabwe) I was born into a family of nine - seven sisters and one brother - and grew up in strong faith with love and freedom in a small village called Quelicai in Baucau district in Timor-Leste. The passing of years from my childhood instilled in me a quiet passion for values such as love, faith and freedom. I entered the pre-candidacy at the age of twenty-four with my parents’ consent. Ever since I have been inspired by one of Mary Ward’s sayings: “Serve God with great love and liberty of mind.” I deeply sensed that this is a precious gift of God, and that the amazing treasure of Mary Ward can and does come alive in the world today in what women can do in this time.
I drew this picture of Mary Ward with a Timorese hat which reminds me of her vision. It points out to me her energy, freedom, pathway, fidelity, and commitment that lead to generative energy and wholeness.
From the beginning of my journey as a religious, I was deeply inspired by the core value of freedom. Mary Ward’s profound understanding of freedom drew her to a closer relationship with God and enabled her to trust her companions now and then. My new journey signifies a commitment to continue her legacy and to make a difference in the world, just as Mary Ward did. I am very proud that this spirit of freedom was brought into my home country through our Mary Ward sisters. We/I share with others generously the blessing we/I have received on our pilgrim journey. (Rosalina Belo: pioneer, Timor Leste IBVM)
Let us pray with Mary Ward for the grace of interior freedom to refer all to God. Amen!
Questions for reflection:
How open am I to venture and explore new missions or journeys in order to respond to God’s call and to fulfill His will?
Am I truly free to build God’s Kingdom of love, peace, freedom and justice with conviction and generosity?
Sr. Maria Kalonga CJ from Zimbabwe, missioned to Mozambique and Sr. Rosalina Belo IBVM from Timor Leste, missioned to the Philippines
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