May the Lord’s Grace always be with us!
Dear AIC volunteer sisters and friends,
I am happy to be writing to you on 27th September 2021, the day we celebrate our holy founder.
All over the world, we continue to fight against an invisible enemy disrupting our lives. In this context, I like to remind myself of the words of Pope Francis who, already in March 2020, told us: “Like the disciples in the Gospel we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other” (Urbi et Orbi blessing, 27th March 2020).
The numerous crises generated by this pandemic call on us all to move forward together, to put solidarity, social friendship, fraternity and integral charity into practice. As Pope Francis reminds us, this path requires self-sacrifice, a sense of service, and a change in behavior to stop focusing on ourselves in order to give ourselves to others, especially to people living in poverty, and thus to become the modern Christ.
Dear volunteer sisters, allow me to express my admiration for the way in which, despite a particularly complex situation, you are still present to accompany our brothers and sisters living in poverty; still inventive, enthusiastic and motivated. Guided by the Holy Spirit, you follow the path laid out by our founder: practicing charity with simplicity and humility.
Despite circumstances that remain difficult, several associations have been able to hold their general assembly. I am thrilled about this. It is a sign that for us volunteers, the teachings of our founder are of utmost importance: we try to keep our commitments by all possible means and to organize charity well in order to serve as best we can our “lords and masters”.
Let us continue to move forward all together, guided by Saint Vincent and Saint Louise. Let Jesus give us the strength and courage to bear testimony to His truth, to His charity, among all those hurt by life, among people who are sick, excluded, in prison, refugees. Let our faith, our hope and our enthusiasm push us to serve them ever better. Let us pray to have humble and simple hearts that allow us to open ourselves to others, live in fraternity and build together the Family of God.
May the feast of Saint Vincent be an occasion for all of us to strengthen ourselves and revitalize our spirituality.
A happy and holy feast to you all!
With all my very best wishes,
Rose de Lima Ramanankavana
AIC International President
Attached: Letter from Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM
One thought on “Greetings from AIC International President on Feast of St. Vincent de Paul”
I am pleased to read the greetings from AIC president, Rose de Lima Ramanankavana, on the Feast of St Vincent de Paul. We embrace our international sisters, both lay and professed.