Message of Bicentenary - Sr. Anthony Mary

Dear Sisters, JMJ Collaborators and Friends

On this memorable occasion, my joy knows no bounds, and my heart is filled with deepsentiments of joy,singing the melody of gratitude to God, as we enter the Bicentenaryyear, which marks the birth of the Society of JMJ, in The Netherlands on this day in 1822.

It is with great bliss and delight, on behalf JMJ Bangalore Province, I extend our affectionate greetings and hearty congratulations to every JMJ sister, well-wisher and friend. Indeed, it’s a historic milestone to rejoice in the Lord and be grateful for the past 200 years of commitment, faithfulness and perseverance. Our blessed founder Fr. Mathias Wolff has given us a vibrant charism of “Ever adoptable apostolic availability”, which is alive and flourishing in our apostolic ministries over two centuries.

Let us celebrate this significant moment with the theme- Journeying with Fr. Mathias Wolff- Rekindling JMJ legacy.Our pioneer sisters were the true gems in the crown of JMJ, whose example of holiness and incredible dedication; their efficacious spirituality and priceless self-sacrifices, captivated the lives of many young women, to respond to the call of God, year after year.Over two centuries, being true to its Charism, our Congregation has responded to the call of Church to be at the service of world, being sensitive to the emerging needs of the people. If we have reached this milestone, it is becauseof all our forerunners, who worked so hard like giants after the example of our holy Founder, and passed awayto eternity like humble saints.

This landmark in the annals of our Congregation, invites us to renew and relive our commitment and charism, amidst these challenging times. Our lives as consecrated religious, have to be deeply rooted in the founding spirituality of finding God in our broken world of today, and be ever ready to be sent on mission, filled with the apostolic zeal of the Founder with passion for Christ and humanity. In this process, we need to challenge ourselves, and rediscover our identity as sisters of JMJ,and become, the voice of voiceless promoting justice, peace and integrity of creation.

My dear sisters and friends, jubilee is a clarion call to repair our own house.The occasion of bicentennial (bicentenary) celebration is not only a time of joy, but also a time to reflect, renew and empower ourselves in the Holy Spirit, to face the challengesof our mission with courage and hope.

I quote from the pious maxims the words of our founder Fr. Mathias Wolff,“My deepest desire for you is that you become a dedicated religious, validating the vocation to which you have been called”.Let these words resonate in our hearts to value religious life and live our vocation with gratitude.

I wish everyone a fruitful and spirit filled jubilee year. Hearty Congratulations to the Leadership teams of the Cong. of JMJ and the Cong. of Sisters of JMJ andall the members of JMJ family.

“May the Lord bless us and keep us, and make His face shine upon us, and be gracious to us now and forever.

Thank you JMJ! God Bless JMJ!