On Saturday 29th January, to celebrate Mary Ward Week, a Eucharistic celebration was organised in Via Nomentana 250 in Rome, attended by the two General Leadership Teams of CJ and IBVM, the Community of Rome, lay collaborators and religious and non-religious friends of our great Mary Ward family.
The Mass was presided over by Fr. Fratern Masawe SJ and concelebrated by Fr. John Dardis SJ. The atmosphere of deep union that was perceived during the celebration was wonderful; not two Congregations but one in prayer before the image of our common foundress, Venerable Mary Ward.
Next to her at the foot of the altar was an image of Teresa Ball, whose bicentenary it is, a clear sign of the very strong connection between the two branches of the same Institute.
Fr. Fratern recalled how important and fruitful the last eight years have been, during which the two Generalates have collaborated in an ever-deeper way, discovering in each other the stars of light of God’s love that never cease to shine.
It is precisely this love of God and the dream of our Mary Ward that helps us today to walk the path towards “Becoming One” with hope and strength and with the deep conviction that every barrier, every doubt, every uncertainty will be conquered through Freedom, Justice and Sincerity.
Carla Bellone
