(Vimercate) – From 24 July to 2 August, the Europe Delegation “Mater Ecclesiae” experienced a special time of grace: the Canonical Visit of the General Council.
For the “Sacra Famiglia” community in Vimercate, the Sisters were accompanied on this journey by Mother Mariana Litmanovich, General Councillor, who stayed with the community from 24 to 27 July, bringing her attentive and maternal presence to every moment shared.
An opportunity to grow together
From the very first meeting, Mother Mariana recalled the true meaning of this experience: the Canonical Visit is not a mere formal obligation, but an opportunity for “growing together”, a precious time to strengthen the bonds that unite the Sisters within the Institute and to reflect together, as a community, on the mission entrusted to them. As she herself pointed out, it was also a precious occasion to “look within”, to pause and seek truth in personal and community life.
Days that followed were full and intense, marked by personal listening to each individual Sister — a time of authentic dialogue, made of attentiveness and mutual listening. Alongside the more formal moments, there was no shortage of simple fraternal sharing: meals eaten together, informal conversations and, on Sunday, a joyful recreation that further strengthened the family atmosphere that distinguishes the community.
Words to accompany the journey
On 27 July, after the closing prayer, the community received a first precious piece of feedback on its journey. Among the most significant points raised concerning the community’s mission, Mother Mariana stated:
“Before, it was mainly about going out; today it is about remaining, being, interceding, bearing witness.”
“You are called to be women of communion, of prayer and of hope.”
Words that will accompany the community in the months ahead, as a compass for its communal journey.
A feast within the feast: jubilees and the song of interculturality
The Canonical Visit officially concluded on Sunday 2 August. The Councillors departed in the afternoon, after the community lunch; the Mother General, Mother Sandra Maggiolo, chose instead to remain with the community a little longer, to take part in the jubilees of the Mothers, who this year celebrate 70, 60, 50 and 25 years of religious life respectively.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was followed by a moment of festivity — a reception that turned into a genuine triumph of the interculturality that characterises the Delegation. With the joyful and spontaneous participation of all, and with Mother Sandra in the front row singing along with the Sisters, the community managed to sing in nine different languages: a living and concrete sign of that universal communion which the Canossian charism calls us to bear witness to every day.
