For the companions of Mary Ward to be Pilgrims of Hope is more than a lifestyle.
Sr. Jane CJ spoke of “the grace that we see the Just Soul as our DNA, the prism through which we live, which constitutes the four distinctive graces: Felicity, Freedom, Justice and Sincerity”. We are pilgrims in the footsteps of Mary Ward, pilgrims of hope: hope for peace, justice, solidarity, sincerity and equality.
As companions of Mary Ward, we walk in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius and Mary Ward. Each one of us starts from a different place and walks on different paths, but our longing, our aim and our ever-deeper encounter with Jesus Christ is common to us all.
We share this hope with one another, and we bring it to the people we meet on our way. We are ready to spread this hope. We know that the Kingdom of God of Justice and Peace is here and is spread within people of goodwill.
Thus, the ever-expanding circle of Mary Ward’s companions since 1609, has become our home and at the same time it is the place where ‘we live and move and have our being.’ [Acts 17:28]
We have become pilgrims - 21st Century people are pilgrims.
We are journeying… where we are, into the world, into mystery.
Many roads… the road to Calvary, Emmaus, Home, Church, Damascus, Straight Street, Work.
Work has become important.
We journey together, alone, we meet up, we part,
sometimes we have to go different ways.
We are on the move.
We move in groups, we move in pairs, we move alone.
The 21st Century person is a pilgrim, pilgrims with a difference.
What we carry inside of us sets apart and unites us.
Macarena came to the south, on pilgrimage, journeying, stopping over, bringing good news about the future, fragrant news, what the world needs.
Herein lies our hope, that we have recognised our identity as pilgrims,
and that whatever we are entrusted with,
what we carry inside, has to be taken somewhere,
either deep into ourselves or far out into the world.
The world needs our fragrance, it needs our balm.
It is to be a courageous journey of pilgrimage.
Knowing when to walk, when to run, when to stop, when and what to eat,
when to sleep, when to reach out, when to do nothing.
Day by day, one step at a time, or stride, or jump, but moving.
Pope Francis has it right – Mary Ward always had it right,
Her companions lead on,
Lead us on Mary Ward, lead us!
Questions for reflection:
What resonates with you?
What happens inside you when you hear these words?
How does the Just Soul inspire your life and mission?
Delmence Prevost from South Africa and Esther Finis from Germany: both Companions of Mary Ward
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