LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross

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new leaves: Formation Novitiate community a holy ground, continued from page 23 include favorite foods, music and dance from different countries. There were activities that we enjoyed, such as crocheting, knitting, playing guitar, dancing, drawing pictures, making decorative cards and grocery shopping. Also on Saturdays, we would shop with volunteers who would drive us to the grocery store and help us choose economical and healthy foods. It was a nice opportunity to meet and to get to know different volunteers. I am very grateful for all who helped us in so many ways. My novitiate was a wonderful experience. The fact that it is international is very wise. God bless all of you who have worked for it, and those who direct it and help the novices to continue learning about themselves. Though there were challenges, mistakes and misunderstandings, we realize this is part of life. Life never goes smoothly. There are hard times and good times, and knowing both helps us to know, appreciate and value our companions, their personalities and our diverse cultures. Thank you for helping me to grow in maturity, love and being loved. God bless you all.¡ reflections LifeSigns ¡ july / august 2012 24 A jubilarian reflection God’s unwavering love is sustenance through the seasons by Sister Violet Rodrigues The following reflection was shared by Sister Violet Rodrigues on the eve of her silver jubilee celebration in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 1. I begin my reflection with the words from John 15:9–11 from today’s Gospel reading. Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in Sister Violet Rodrigues you and your joy may be complete.” With the life that God has given me there has been this tremendous love which sustained me from the time I was born. From creation in my mother’s womb till the end of my life, God promises to love me. God’s love is steadfast. Season of waiting and new life In the beginning, God created me and chose to place me in this special family of mine, who share their love, faith and generous care with me. God has chosen Bernible Rodrigues and Rose Bernard D’Costa as my parents. They waited nine months for me to come into this beautiful world. We were thus seven brothers and sisters. I grew up in this peaceful, loving and beautiful place called Sonapur, Noakhali. Life was very disciplined.
eflections Season of memory I then began my education at Brother André High School in Noakhali. I loved to study and go to school every day. I was very attentive to my daily duties and thus passed my SSC (Secondary School Certification) exam in 1980. I still remember the loving memory of my school life. I completed my studies up to HSC (Higher Secondary Certification) in 1982. Season of hope and peace I was an active member of the society and Church as well as in my family, taking a lot of responsibility for my younger brothers and sisters. I came in close contact with the Canadian Holy Cross sisters and priests who were then missionaries in Noakhali. Their companionship had a tremendous effect in my life, which later helped me in my discernment to become a Holy Cross religious. Season of questions and seeking I thought of becoming a nun and then had thousands of questions in my mind whether to do it or not. I was in a dilemma choosing between too many life choices. Every option seemed best for me. It was a time to pray deeply to God to show me the right way as to which one would be the best. Season of finding It was then that I met a wonderful and committed religious, Canadian Sister Amelia Terrain, CSC, who walked with me very gently and compassionately. She served many years in Noakhali Parish and I was encouraged by her loving touch in my life. I decided to follow Jesus Christ and never looked back. Season of passion and fire Through Sister Amelia I came to know Holy Cross sisters. After a period of discernment, I was welcomed into the congregation as a postulant in June 1984 and was under the guidance of Sister M. Bruno (Beiro). I entered the novitiate in September 1985 and Sister M. Perpetua (Meyer) accompanied me. I made my initial profession of vows on December 8, 1987, and my final profession on October 22, 1993. This year, 2012, is the year of my silver jubilee. Season of spirit and zeal It was now time to put into practice all that I learned in the novitiate. Every place I served, I was energetic, self-motivated and strove to be a faithful steward. My call to serve the people of God was always the first priority in my life. For two years, beginning in 1988, I taught in Corpus Christi High School in Jalchatra. I then earned my bachelor’s degree and was assistant director of Holy Cross College in Dhaka for two and a half years. For seven years I taught and was headmistress in Lokhipur, Kulaura. Next, I began my studies in Bangalore, South India, for a master’s degree and training in counseling. I then returned to Deepaneeta, Savar, and for more than five years was candidate and novice director. Finally, in 2010, I became area coordinator for the Area of Asia, and today I continue to serve in that role and to teach at Holy Cross College. Season of gratitude and integrity I feel that God was, and always is, in every decision, every step, every action, and each and every part of my life. God’s faithful love surrounds me from every side. God holds my hand in my troubles and uplifts me when I am disheartened. As I celebrate my silver jubilee with our sisters present in this moment, and present in spirit from all over the world, I am grateful to all of you, for your love, prayerful support, encouragement and continuous acceptance of who I am. I am grateful for your faithfulness and trust in me, for standing with me in good days and bad. I am grateful for the treasure of loved ones. I am grateful for all those people who came into my life from my childhood, my parents, brothers and sisters, Holy Cross sisters, for the events, the words people shared with me. I am grateful for the ongoing process of becoming who I am, the seasons within me, for the struggles, challenges, anxieties, comforts and blessings. “That my joy may be completed. That I may always remain in God’s love.”¡ july / august 2012 ¡ LifeSigns 25
Page 1 and 2: july/august 2012 volume 24 issue 4
Page 3 and 4: Branches: Holy Cross Around the Wor
Page 17 and 18: leaves: Sisters in Ministry These w
Page 19 and 20: leaves: Sisters in Ministry I arriv
Page 21 and 22: new leaves: Formation Hearts rejoic
Page 23: new leaves: Formation Novitiate com
Page 27 and 28: advancing the mission A “hands-on

LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross

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