With grateful joy and hopeful hearts, we share news that fills us with “Life”: at the International Juniorate in Granada, our sisters Gabriela, Madelyn and Isairis, from the Dominican Republic, renewed their vows, reaffirming their “yes” to the Lord in the consecrated life as Daughters of Jesus.
The celebration of the Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Javier Castillo, S.J., who usually celebrates at the juniorate, and was marked by an atmosphere of recollection, simplicity and deep fraternity. The infirmary community was also present, joining with affection to this significant moment.
A simple sign that speaks of life
As a sign of this renewed step, the sisters received a small plant, a simple but meaningful symbol. Together with it, these words were addressed to them, which today we also want to share with the whole Mother Candida Family:
Dear sisters: Gabriela, Madelyn and Isairis, today we would like to give you this plant little plantIt is small and simple, but full of life, as a sign of the constant care that every vocation demands.
Just as she needs light, water and daily attention to bloom, so too consecrated life is sustained in the hidden: in daily fidelity, in silent dedication, in trust in God. Its flowers remind us of the beauty that is born when it is lived authentically; its firm leaves, perseverance in the midst of difficulties.
May this sign accompany your renewal of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, so that by living from God you can may you grow each day as true Daughters of Jesus and, like St. Candida and that, in the style of St. Candida, you may know how to find God in everything, even in the small, the everyday and the simple.
And like this plant, may your life continue to flourish, today in your studies and tomorrow wherever you are sent, with the witness of your yes in the style of Mary, being witnesses of hope, joy, fraternity and generous dedication.
A life that continues to flourish
We thank God for the life of our sisters and for their generous dedication. May their path, like this plant, continue to grow and bear fruit at every step of their formation as Daughters of Jesus and wherever they are sent.
Each “Yes” that is given or renewed, helps and encourages all of us, the whole body, which is “growing in its good being”. We also give thanks for it…
We continue to walk together, trusting that the Lord is near and continues to make all things new.
