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Via Nazareth

Rome, September 2011 Nr 15

The First General Visitation in Belarus – Bl. Martyrs of Novogrodek Province,

May 6 - 24, 2011

M. Jana Zawieja

I left for Belarus with Sr. Halina Dołęga, general

councilor, who has some experience working in Eastern

Europe. The visitation took place at probably the best

possible time – in beautiful spring! We were amazed by

the display of so many flowers in the fields including

lilies of the valley, forget-me-nots, and lilac bushes in full

bloom with storks roaming almost everywhere.

Let us begin with some basic information about the Province:

The Province of Bl. Martyrs from Novogrodek was created in September, 2008 (prior to

that date Belarus was a part of the Warsaw Province). Today there are thirty-nine

perpetually professed sisters, seven junior sisters and two novices. There are also four

aspirants. There are nine communities: Grodno I (the Provincial House), Grodno II,

Budsław, Iwieniec, Lida, Mińsk, Mołodeczno, Smorgoń and Novogrodek. There is also a

holiday house in Druskienniki, Lithuania which is currently being renovated. There are

no Sisters living there at present.

The following Sisters form the Provincial Administration: Sr. Nereusza Podzielińska,

Provincial Superior; Sr. Stanisława Kuczyńska, Assistant; Sr. Redempcja Ruckaja,

Councilor; Sr. Tatiana Stasiukiewicz, Councilor and Treasurer; and Sr. Filotea

Tichonowicz ,Councilor and Secretary.

This visitation was the very first one in the Province. We visited all our local communities.

Sister Nereusza Podzielińska, the Provincial, accompanied us at all times, assisting us in all

possible ways. We also met Abp Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz in Mińsk, Bp Antoni Dziemianko in

Mińsk and Bp Aleksander Kaszkiewicz in Grodno, as

well as parish-priests and directors of the parishes and

institutions where our sisters work.

It is worth noting with great joy that our Congregation

is the most numerous in Belarus compared with other

congregations both male and female. The Sisters of

Nazareth are respected and well accepted. We continue

to receive invitations to minister in new places. We are

also blessed with local vocations (at this time only

three Sisters from Poland remain in Belarus, at their

request). Our long (over a hundred years) and difficult

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history ("underground Nazareth”) is bearing fruit today. A very special blessing comes from the

Martyrdom of our eleven Sisters from Novogrodek. The example of the simple, hidden life and

service to the Church of Sr. Małgorzata Banaś means a lot to our Sisters in Belarus.

A significant feature of the Church in Belarus is its

lack of the so called „ middle generation”. It is true

for priests, religious and lay Catholics. Years of

persecution of the Church resulted in the fact that

very often only grandparents brought the

grandchildren for baptism. This so called “lost

middle-aged generation” is only today slowly

returning to the faith and to the Church. However,

more and more young people and children attend

catechetical classes in parishes and participate

regularly in the sacraments.

M. Jana and the local Superiors

The situation described above has also affected our Congregation. We only have a few elderly

Sisters in Belarus. These Sisters remember the war years and the strong persecutions of the

post-war period, as well as the so called „Nazareth underground” experience. There are very few

middle aged Sisters, whose initial formation was different from the norm and depended on the

possibilities of those difficult times. The age of our young Sisters range between twenty and

forty. These Sisters assume the burden of

responsibility for the Province as superiors or

formators. In some cases they are afraid to do so and

are looking up to Sisters with more experience, but

there are not enough to assist them. The new

candidates are, in most cases, very young – under

twenty years of age. It this new younger generation,

whose parents are still searching for their way to God,

while they themselves have received the grace of a

vocation to religious life. Therefore, we look forward

with hope for the best possible future for our

Belarusian Province. Sisters of the Provincialate Convent in Grodno

Ministries

Almost all the communities are involved in catechesis. Sisters teach children, preparing them for

first communion. For example, this year in the parish in Smorgoń the Sisters prepared one

hundred and eighty children for the sacraments. They

also prepare young people and adults for the

sacraments. The Province needs Sisters well prepared

for this ministry. Therefore, many Sisters have

studied Catechetics in Colleges in Belarus or at the

University in Białystok, Poland. To catechize in

Belarus the Sisters need three languages: Polish,

Russian and Belorussian. At the current time Russian

and Belorussian are the most common languages

spoken while fewer children are speaking Polish.

The meeting with the youth in Smorgoo

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Sisters are active in other pastoral activities, such as with various prayer groups, music and

singing groups, etc. Holiday time is busy in a very particular way. Sisters organize so called

“holiday with God” sessions for children and youth. These include retreats and pilgrimages to

various shrines in Belarus.

Some of our Sisters take care of churches by working in the sacristy, arranging flowers and

preparing decorations. For example, the national Sanctuary of our Lady in Budsław is entrusted

into our Sisters’ care.

Sisters also serve the elderly and the sick visiting them in their homes and in hospitals. In many

cases they help them to return to God after many years of being away from God and the Church.

Sisters take care of homeless people, such as in Grodno, where in collaboration with the Caritas

Sisters, they provide meals for the homeless at lunch time.

In Novogrodek Sisters conduct various retreats and offer accommodations to pilgrims (including

groups from Poland). Here they also prepare altar breads and Christmas “opłatki”.

Two homes are of a different nature where the Sisters are directly involved in local Church

institutions. In Grodno they work for the Church Tribunal and the secretariat of the bishop. In

Mińsk Sisters work in the Episcopal Center (a secretariat, receiving guests, and provide direct

assistance to the bishop).

Sisters are more and more involved in direct family

service by organizing meetings and retreats for

families. There is no official Association of the

Holy Family but meetings are held in that same

spirit. The number of participants is constantly

growing.

The elderly Sisters hold a unique place in the local

communities where they participate in ministries

through their suffering and prayer.

Sisters are aware of the responsibility for vocation

ministry. God is constantly calling young

Belarusian girls to join our Congregation. We assist them to discern their vocation. Among the

present candidates only a few speak Polish. More sisters communicate in Russian or Belarusian.

As a result it is becoming necessary for the formators to speak all three languages and for the

Province to consider translating some formation materials into these languages. However,

because of our roots and the spiritual heritage of Mother Foundress it seems to be necessary to

teach the Polish language to the Sisters during their early stages of formation.

Financial situation

The Province owns six houses: Grodno I - the Provincialate, Novogródek, Ivieniec, Budsław,

Mołodeczno and an apartment in a block of flats in Lida,. In Smorgoń the Sisters live in an

apartment in a block of flats that belongs to the parish. In Grodno II and Mińsk Sisters live in a

part of the building prepared for them.

The Sisters’ stipends are very modest. Only some Sisters receive a state pension. Catechists

receive some payment for their work. However it is never a large amount. In American dollars

it would amount to between forty to seventy dollars per month. Nevertheless, one needs to take

into account that the financial situation in the majority of parishes is rather poor. Sisters working

in the Curia and the Episcopal Center also receive a stipend. The stipends received, though

modest, enable the local communities to function. Only some communities are in a position to

send a stipend to the Province.

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Fortunately, the Church in Eastern Europe receives some

financial assistance from Charitable organizations in the West

such as Renovabis. These donations help the sisters to continue

their ministry in Belarus.

Finally, in evaluating the development of the Belorussian

Province, and recognizing the talents and enthusiasm of our

Sisters, we look forward to a greater involvement of Belarus in

our Eastern European Mission. Sisters with a good knowledge of

the Russian language could help in Russia, Kazakhstan and the

Ukraine. There are already examples of cooperation between the

provinces.

I invite you all, Sisters, to pray for our Sisters in the Blessed

Martyrs of Novogrodek Province and the Church in Eastern

Europe.

The journey to the Philippines

Sr. Daniela Tupaj

It was good that Sister Helen accompanied me on this journey to the Philippines since she has

had a lot of experience travelling long distances. Prior to the trip I spent a lot of time gazing at

the world globe and the small islands where our Sisters work. I tried to find out as much as I

could about the country, history and the young province in the Philippines. On my return I

could confirm the truth of the saying that “travel is a great teacher” because it is true, that one

can only actually know the reality of a situation through personal experience.

I would like to share with you, Sisters, several events that occurred during our trip.

Even though the purpose of our visit to the Philippines was to accomplish several specific tasks,

we also had the good fortune to spend time with Sisters and come to know something of their

daily life, their concerns and their joys.

We spent many days in the Greenhills

provincialate, where building renovations were

completed not so long ago. We admired the

beautifully completed chapel with its stained glass

window of the Holy Family which was not only a

source of inspiration for the Sisters praying in the

chapel, but also, during the night when the lights

were turned on for the people in the neighborhood.

What really gave me a lot of joy was being with

the Sisters in this local community, and not only

because the Sisters were so hospitable. One could

truly say that the Holy Family was not only present on the stained glass window in the chapel,

but also their spirit was very much alive in the community. I know that no matter how hard I

tried, I would not be able to express my gratitude enough for this experience of community

living.

It was also a great joy for us to participate in the welcoming ceremony of four new affiliates.

Together with the Sisters we rejoiced in the fact that young girls want to learn more about our

Congregation and discern their vocation to Nazareth. We assured them of our support and

prayers.

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Another occasion of great joy for us was the

opportunity to be present at the Ceremony of Final

Profession of Sisters Lenilyn and Emelyn which

took place in the parish church in Greenhills. At

this time we were able to meet many Sisters who

had travelled great distances to be present for the

ceremony. Just as in many other situations, we

witnessed the richness of the Filipino culture.

Looking at the faces of all present reminded me of

the verse “how good it is when brothers and sisters

dwell as one”. It was a real pleasure to witness the

mutual happiness of the Sisters as they spent this

precious time together. Joy is so much greater when it is shared with others.

One of the most important and positive experiences was our meeting with all the local superiors.

Sister Helen chaired this meeting in such a way that we would come to better know and

understand the local situations of the Sisters. I am very grateful to the Sisters for their openness

and sincerity in sharing their reality with us. This meeting in particular was most important for

me since it helped me understand the ministries in which the Sisters are engaged in this

province.

Our convent in Antipolo was one of the few

homes which we visited. The local community,

increased recently by the new affiliates, took

great care to show us true Nazareth hospitality.

In spite of the fact that our time there was

limited, we did get to know the Sisters and

something of their living situation. It was clear

that the Sisters were very pleased that the newly

built pre-school building was completed.

Our journey to Bohol reminded me of the fact that the country is made up of many islands. It

was here that I witnessed the very poor circumstances in which the local people lived. Even

though I did witness similar scenes in Antipolo, perhaps the impression was greater because we

spent more time here and so could see the reality of daily life for many people. As in our other

two homes we were happy to see how our Sisters lived and worked in our school which is

attended by about four hundred students annually. Sister Maria Guirley arranged for us to meet

with the students and staff in the school gymnasium. While speaking to the assembly, Sister

Helen encouraged the students to make the most of the new school year and in particular to

make every effort to study the English language. I am convinced that the children loved Sr

Helen, which was evident every time they met.

Several months have passed since returning from the

Philippines. However my memories of the wonderful

time I spent there fill me with gratitude, and are still

very much alive.

We are very grateful to Sr. Maria Fe and all the sisters in

the province for our wonderful experience of Nazareth.

We also thank Sr. Lucyna Frączek, the Treasurer from

our Australian Province, who also spent this time with

us. Thank you for your time, sincerity and sharing your

experiences.

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125th Anniversary Celebration in Holy Family Province

Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior….The

Almighty has done great things for me, holy is His name.” As the Holy Family Province in the

United States celebrated the closing of their Jubilee year, we all could proclaim these words with

Mary. Indeed, He has done great things for us.

We, as the General Administration, all were present for this celebration marking 125 years of

ministry in the United States. The gathering was held in Chicago, the roots of the American

mission begun in 1885. On July 1st, the day began with Sisters arriving from all the different

areas throughout the United States, as well as some of our Sisters from each of the other

provinces, and a number of associates, making it truly a celebration of Nazareth in all its

fullness. This coming together was a joyous opportunity for everyone. Certainly, it was a special

gift to me to be back in the United States, to be once again with the Sisters from my home

province and share this time with them.

The first night began with us meeting around the table for dinner. Afterwards, we joined

together for evening prayer and a welcome by Sister Sally Marie. At that time, she presented

Mother Jana and the General Administration with a beautifully painted icon of Mother

Foundress, a precious gift and remembrance of this moment which so much celebrated Mother

Foundress’ vision and courage. The evening later concluded with a Taize prayer experience.

On July 2nd

, we were blessed to have Sr. Marie Kielanowicz give a presentation entitled,

“Journey with Our Blessed Foundress, Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd.” Through her words,

Sr. Marie touched our hearts as she shared what was a courageous, joyous and difficult journey

for our Mother Foundress. I personally was most touched by Mother Foundress’ struggles

during this time and how she continued to dedicate herself to the fulfillment of God’s will

despite the darkness she was facing internally. This realization along with the humanity of the

first Sisters sent to minister in the US brought about a new light for me. Sr. Marie also shared

the following words, “Mother still gazes at us from her high place in heaven with happiness and

pride, reiterating the words she penned so many years ago on her return to Rome: “The Sisters

here say that the Sisters in America have captured my heart and they are not far from the

truth.” “The bright star in my life is every remembrance of my dearest Sisters in America.”

These were powerful words of encouragement for me, for many of us I imagine. How touching

it was to hear how much this mission in America meant to Mother Foundress. How much we

want to continue to live out of her spirit and give her cause for greater joy.

Later this same day, we again journeyed with Mother Foundress, as portrayed by Sr. Teresa

Mary Lukaszewski, with narration by a number of our Sisters representing the diversity of our

Congregation. It was a wonderful presentation, after which many Sisters anxiously waited to

have their picture taken with “Mother Foundress”.

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That evening we celebrated the 25, 50 and 75 year Jubilees for our Sisters celebrating in 2011

and 2012 -- 35 Sisters in all. The liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Gerald Kincanas from

Tucson, Arizona who knew our Sisters from his time in Chicago. The dinner that followed was

very festive, and included a wonderful trio of violin players who added to the evening through

their music and even had many of the Sisters joining in song and dance.

On Sunday, July 3rd

, we had some very interesting presentations. A number of associates and

colleagues who work with our Sisters spoke on their experience and the impact of the witness of

our Sisters on them. It was humbling to hear what they shared and, I believe, made us want to be

even better witnesses to God’s love in our world. The next presentation was from those in initial

formation. These women spoke beautifully and passionately about what drew them to Nazareth,

and the circumstances and people who were a part of their journey to this point. Their words,

their hopes and dreams, and their encouragement to the rest of us were a cause for much joy and

hope. Bishop John Manz from Chicago, who was taught by our Sisters, then celebrated liturgy

with us. Later in the day, the Sisters had an opportunity to go on a tour of parts of Chicago.

Monday, July 4th

was the culmination of the celebration. Many more

associates, friends and benefactors of the Congregation joined us for

the Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Vann from Fort Worth, Texas and

the luncheon that followed.

During the luncheon there were a number of people who spoke to us,

including M. Jana. Her words very much captured the essence of the

weekend celebration and the spirit of Mother Foundress demonstrated

all those years ago, the same spirit that we are challenged to live

today.

M. Jana presents the Papal Blessing to Sr. Sally Marie - a gift from the General Administration to Holy Family Province.

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Our celebration then concluded, and the Sisters and guests started to return home. However, I

don’t think our “celebrating” is over. I think these days brought a gratefulness for all those who

have gone before us and a renewed hope, spurring us on towards the future. “This is a time of

faith in practice, a time of boundless trust in our Lord, a time of love in action.” Through these

words which she wrote back in July 1885, Mother Foundress speaks to us just as much today of

what we must be about.

International Planning Meeting, Chicago

Sr. Halina Dołęga

Just after the festivities of the 125 Jubilee of our Congregation’s ministry in the United States

the General Administration met with the Provincial Leaders for the International Planning

Meeting from July 5-10, 2011. I am sure you will read about the issues discussed in the Minutes

of the Meeting, Circulars and the reports from the Provincials so I will not refer to them here.

Instead, I would like to present my reflections on the factors that contributed to the openness and

trusting ambiance which prevailed. For me, this atmosphere did not end with the meetings.

The venue for our gathering was the Provincialate in Chicago, which, given the history of the

Sisters in the United States was somewhere between ten to twenty years old. As one enters the

main foyer of the building one is greeted by a large welcoming statue of our Mother Foundress.

Close by is a Nazareth Heritage Room filled with memorabilia including photos and various

mementos of Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd as well as mementos depicting our

history.

From the left: Standing: S. Benedetta, S. Teresita, S. Nereusza, S. Maria Fe, S. Daniela, S. Elena, S. Halina,

S. Beata, M. Jana, S. Sally Marie, S. Helen, S. Marie (Meeting Secretary), S. Amata.

From the left: Kneeling:S. Karolina (Translator), S. Grażyna and S. Angela Marie.

As one enters the chapel the large holy water font is a reminder of water being the source of all

life. The symbolism speaks of the chapel as a place creating new life within us. It also speaks

of our hope that Nazareth, our congregation, will continue to live and develop and not be just

remembered by symbols of our past.

Our history is a continuous circle. Chicago was the first foundation on the American continent,

and Chicago was the place where the historic decision to extend the Nazareth charism and

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mission on the African continent in Ghana was confirmed. Other countries where foundations

have been made in recent years were not neglected in our discussions. The charism, rooted in

places such as Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Philippines and Israel continues to flower

and grow. During the days of our stay we experienced the best of what permeates our Nazareth

communities including hospitality, open heartedness, sincerity, goodness and caring.

We experienced the distinctiveness of the several small communities that comprise the

provincialate through the various treats and generous gestures which came our way. The Sisters

at Nazarethville supported us all by assuring us of their prayers. We enjoyed home made

pastries and lively conversation during a visit to the Novitiate. The presence of the novices gave

us hope for Nazareth’s future. The beautiful grounds around the home gave us ample

opportunity for walks, reflections as well as a chance to build and strengthen relationships

especially with the provincial leaders.

Our daily Faith Sharing enabled us to experience yet again that the word of God is living and

active. It presented us with an invitation to reflect on the truth of God’s Kingdom and to receive

the words of Jesus “As you go proclaim that the Kingdom of God is close at hand.” (Mt. 10:7)

Dear Sister Sally Marie, as the host of our meetings we all express a very sincere “Thank You”

once again. May God ensure that these days bear most beautiful fruit for the whole of Nazareth.

August Joys

M. Jana Zawieja

Due to various commitments I spent most of the month of August in the Polish Provinces. With

great joy I traveled the kilometers from Warsaw to Krakow, to Czestochowa, back to Warsaw,

to Żdżary to Ostrzeszów etc. in order to participate in various “Nazareth’ celebrations. This year

has been, for all of us, one of special listening to the Word, may this Word of God also be my

guide in sharing with you my August joys.

6 August, Krakow - Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

Nine Sisters presented themselves today to vow their lives to Jesus. They remained on Mt

Tabor….(Mt 17, 1-9). Why nine, and why these particular Sisters? There were more girls in

various corners of Poland, but they stayed somewhere else. A vocation is a choice, and always a

mystery.

The Sisters pronounced their total YES during this

Year of renewal, when the entire Congregation is

trying to listen to the voice of the Lord more

intently. With this in mind, the words of God

Himself: “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to Him,”

are so much more deeply meaningful.

Certainly they were afraid. What will this mean?

Will we persevere? What will the future bring?

Jesus Himself has the answer to all these human

fears. He tells us “Do not be afraid”. In this

Sanctuary, consecrated by Blessed John Paul II,

these words DO NOT BE AFRAID! DO NOT BE

AFRAID seem to endlessly echo.

Dear Sisters, raise your eyes. You need only to see this same Jesus. Courage!

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7 August, Czestochowa

A Sunday in Ordinary Time and yet, it is not so ordinary.

(1Kings 19, 9a 11-13; Mt 14, 22-33) Four Novices are

waiting for their meeting with their Beloved. Together with

Elijah on Horeb, God’s Mountain, they await His coming.

God was not present in the storm, the earth quake, or in the

wind. When God enters into their lives anew today He neither

takes nor destroys anything. The Lord comes in the gentle

breeze… Each of us has our own Mount Horeb.

The Lake of Galilee, can be sometimes peaceful and calm like

today, and sometimes turbulent and raging. Our boat, battered

by the waves of weakness and hopelessness can easily drift

away from Jesus. Dear Sisters, JESUS IS NEAR! He will

come to us, even on the water. Have courage, do not be

afraid. We must hold His hand tightly, then what seems

impossible becomes possible, just like walking on water.

9 August, Żdżary

Twenty four Sisters (two groups in the Warsaw Province) gathered on the home grounds of our

Blessed Mother Foundress for days of renewal. It was soon realized that this had become an

international gathering due either to the

nationality of the Sisters, or the places of their

ministry. There were Sisters from Poland,

Belarus, the Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and

Israel. Why did they gather here? In case

anyone still had any doubts, hearing the Word

of God (Oz2, 16b, 17b, 21-22) would resolve

them. God took them to the desert in order to

speak again to their hearts. Here in this

“Zdzary desert” He wanted to speak and have

them listen “ANEW” to the words of love

which they heard during the days of their first

fervor.

“Listen daughter, Look and incline your ear …the King desires your beauty! (Ps 45) I saw so

much beauty in the eyes of my Sisters!! For each one of them, may God be praised!

13 August, Warsaw

In the early hours of the morning, three Sisters stood before their

Superiors, Sisters and parents in order to receive their blessing, prior to

making their final profession.

The Gospel Reading set by the Church for today was about children

who were brought to Jesus so that He would bless them. (Mt. 19:13-

15) Dear Sisters, this same Jesus places His Hands upon your head and

signs you with sign of the cross, a sign of love. Strengthened by this

blessing, you will joyfully pronounce your final vows. Be as faithful

and trusting as children. Your strength does not come from you but

from your Beloved. My Beloved is Mine and I am His!

From the left:: S. Urszula, S. Sylwia and S. Faustyna

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15 August, Ostrzeszów

A woman clothed with the sun, totally beautiful would be smiling today as she looked down on

the five Novices who, clothed in nuptial garments were ready for their King. (Ap 11; Ps 45)

Mary of Nazareth went with haste to a town in the

hillside….. She ran to take Jesus to those who

were waiting for Him. (Luke 1; 39-56) In a short

while, you Sisters “Neoprofessed” will run with

haste from your “White Nazareth”. Joyfully, take

Jesus to the towns and villages, to the world. This

world is so occupied with its own issues and

appears no longer to be waiting for Him…..Take

Mary, our Mother with you, and also our Lord.

She was the first “Nazaretanka”.

24 August, Częstochowa.

In the company of St Bartholomew the Apostle, two Sisters began their

novitiate today in Czestochowa. (John 1:45-51) Dear Sisters, today in a

special way I direct to you the words, “Come and See”. This invitation

comes at this next step in your formation, the next step in deepening your

relationship with Jesus. This may cause you to wonder, “Lord how you

know me? Why are you inviting me into your home in Nazareth?. Lord,

you know everything…. During each day in Nazareth may you joyfully

say “Rabbi, you are the Son of God!

26 August, Krakow

The Wedding in Galilee was an important family celebration to which Mary, Jesus and His

disciples were invited. (John 2: 1-11) We know well how things developed and how Mary and

Jesus showed their concern for matters related to this young family. Without words, Mary

recognized the problem and Jesus solved it. It is

good to have such guests.

Today, Sisters Elena, Estera, Martyna, Paula,

Elżbieta and Gracjana take on the responsibility for

the Krakow Province as the new Provincial

Administration. And so, in this Nazareth religious

family, important matters are taking place. Dear

Sisters, invite Mary and Jesus into your home, with

everything that this home signifies. Then ordinary

water will taste like wine, and all good works will

be multiplied. Seven stone jars of wine may seem a bit much for one wedding. Our Lord is

generous. Be alert!

Today in Ostrzeszow a sister began her novitiate. Since I was not

able to be present, my prayers were with her all the more. Dear

Sister, grow in grace before God and people, just as Jesus did in

Nazareth. We will persevere in prayer for the gift of new

vocations to our Congregation. The harvest is great, but the

laborers……..the Lord of the harvest will send workers to His

harvest. We wait in faith and hope!