On Christmas night, the Pope inaugurated the Jubilee of Hope 2025: “Let us open ourselves with boldness to share the richness of our Charism, made up of closeness, compassion, tenderness for the poor, in Europe and the World, with the light of hope that faith gives us.” In this way Mother Maria Rosa opens her Circular No. 47 of the Superior General. After the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica and Rebibbia Penitentiary were opened by Pope Francis, it was time for Rome’s basilica, St. John Lateran, with the participation of some of Rome’s Sisters of Charity and novices: “the words of Msgr. Reina, the Cardinal Vicar, descended in our hearts: The open arms of the Father are the holy door. It is the embrace without reticence, that of the Father, founded on tenderness, compassion and unwavering hope, capable of restoring dignity”.
From Koumra, Chad, we heard news of St. Thérèse’s parish gatherings. Here, too, Christmas carols are a much-loved part of the Christmas season because they contribute to the celebration of awe at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, amplifying the deep atmosphere of recollection and gratitude. At this very special time of year, 17 young people from Malta, Romania, Albania and Italy chose to spend New Year’s Eve in an alternative way, alongside the indigent guests of the Caritas Soup kitchen at Termini Station in Rome. With them sister Melania, sister Rosaria, sister Ramona, sister Caterina, sister Andreaa. And while every home, community, school, prison, parish, reception center… has prepared and illuminated beautiful nativity scenes, a former Mandello student, Adriana L., has created, a new nativity character: sister Camilla, as a testimony of the deep faith and importance of prayer of that nun instilled in her childhood.
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