Servants of Charity

The feast of the exaltation of the Cross this month once again reminds us of our identity and destiny as Christians. It is very odd and eccentric that the Cross, being the symbol of pain, suffering and disgrace, has been chosen as the symbol of Christianity. From our childhood, we tend to opt for ease, pleasure, fun and merry-making, and try to avoid or postpone anything unpleasant or cumbersome. Thus in our day-to-day lives as adults, we also strive to reduce pain and increase ease and pleasure. Our Lord Jesus Himself even prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me” (Lk 22,42). It means that we need extraordinary grace and complete surrender to God in order to lead a life capable of carrying a cross and bearing suffering. A cross could be anything physical, psychological, moral or spiritual. 
In this context what is the significance of this feast for me? The feast makes it simple to understand that the God who changed the Cross from a sign of death to a sign of hope and salvation, will surely transform my shame, difficulties and pain into my happiness and redemption. Like the people who were bitten by the fiery serpents in the wilderness regained their life by looking at the bronze serpent raised on a pole by Moses, I will regain my life and redemption when I look back at my sufferings, passion, disappointments, along with Jesus raised on the cross. (Num 21,9; Jn 3,14)
"This life of crosses was the daily bread and companion for our founder, St. Louis Guanella," (Fr. Guglielmo, SdC). Our founder expressed this in his own words, “You cannot do any good except by climbing the tiring way of Calvary”. Of course his cross was rather heavy – “It is true that a cross is the inheritance of every man, a pilgrim on earth but it is also true that a cross is heavier for others. Fr. Guanella’s cross was very heavy” (Bl. Andrew Card. Ferrari). The patience with which he endured his crosses invites us, his disciples, to look up to him – “He never complained of anything,” said Bishop Bacciarini. I wish all of you a blessed month of God’s grace and the protection of the Blessed Mother. 
Sincere Thanks to Very Rev. Fr. Umberto Brugnoni, the Superior General and Bro. Franco Lain for their Canonical Visit to India.
Hearty Wishes to the five newly ordained priests of the Divine Providence Province.
Congratulations and wishes to the silver Jubilarians of Religious life: Fr. Soosai Rathinam, Fr. Peter Sebastian, Fr. Maria Arockiadoss.
Heartfelt condolences to the DSMP sisters on the death of Sr. Maria Delphin.
Heartfelt condolences to Fr. Gustavo De Bonis on the death of his beloved father.
Heartfelt condolences to Frs. Gnanaraj and Amalor on the death of their beloved mother.
Heartfelt condolences to Fr. Antony Xaviour on the death of his beloved father.
Humble prayers for the Assembly of Confreres in the USA at the end of this month.

Fr. Ronald J, SdC

Provincial Superior