In this sense, Jesus’ presence in our lives as Canossian religious, is not about us existing or surviving, but about our living pulsating, thriving lives, that are rich, meaningful, and fulfilling, bearing fruit in abundance, fruit that will last!
As Women of the incarnated Word, embracing John 10:10, we strive to integrate into our lives and in our communities, interculturality, governance, formation, and mission, resulting in thriving Canossians in the Church and in the world!
Let us then, as thriving Canossians
Envisage Interculturality as our spiritual horizon
- Approach different cultures with humility, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Foster inclusive communities that welcome and celebrate diversity, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
- Engage in exchange of universal values in cultures, sharing experiences, traditions, and values to enrich our understanding of and living in the world.
Govern with Servant Leadership
- Empower others, particularly those on the margins, to take leadership roles and make decisions.
- Foster collaborative decision-making processes that value diverse perspectives and promote the common good.
- Be accountable, recognizing that our actions have consequences and impact the lives of others.
Pursue Ongoing Formation
- Prioritize spiritual growth, deepening our relationship with God and nourishing our souls with eternal truth.
- Pursue theological reflection, exploring the intersection of faith and culture, and discerning God’s will for our lives.
- Be committed to lifelong learning, recognizing that formation is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and commitment.
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Be contemplatives in Missionary Action
- Bear prophetic witness to the Gospel, speaking out against injustice and advocating for the marginalized.
- Be passionate about compassionate service, recognizing that our actions have the power to transform lives and communities.
- Seek to evangelize, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others and inviting them to experience the transformative power of God’s love
Thrive as vibrant Canossians
- Radiate joy filled hope, recognizing that our faith is a source of strength and inspiration in the face of challenges.
- Cultivate gratitude, recognizing the blessing and gifts in our lives and expressing thanks to God for His providence.
- Being in communion with each other, recognizing that we are bonded as a community that is called to thrive together as the Body of Christ.
As we strive to thrive as Canossians, we look to Mary, the Mother of God, as a model of what it means to be ‘Women of the Word’.
Mary, Woman of the WORD and Mother of us Canossians:
Mary’s fiat, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), is a clear testimony to her listening, obedience, and surrender to God’s will.
To live authentically, governance, formation, and mission, let us live like Mary our Beloved Mother, genuine Woman of the Word, recognizing that our own fiat, our own “yes“ to God’s will, can be an equally powerful catalyst for transformation and growth in our personal life and in the lives of others.
Let us dwell on the mystery of the TREE of LIFE grown within Mary, whilst being at the same time united with Mary, grafted onto the TREE of LIFE, as she beheld Jesus on the TREE!
Sr. Audrey D’ Souza, FDCC,
Provincial Leader, India- Centre
