"I think I can start the homily with the words of Pope Francis a few weeks' ago and say: 'Dear Sisters you've gone to the end of the world to get a Bishop to preside this celebration'. Well, I know those were not exactly his words but... you get the idea". (Homily)
Blessed Maria Teresa Ledochowska is the founder of the Sisters of St Peter Claver. She was born on 29 April 1863 and the Sisters of St Peter Claver wanted to celebrate her "150 birthday" at the Basilic of "Santa Maria Maggiore" (Rome).
I somehow understood the reason of the invitation to preside the Eucharist: born in Argentina, bishop in South Africa and Swaziland... it was a sign of the missionary spirit of the Church. The Sisters, like we see in Pope Francis these days, look more for gestures, signs than words. Everything should be able to point to the missionary work of the Church all over the world.
Though personally grateful for their support to our projects in South Africa (Zulu translation of the Bible, building of a retreat and training centre...) and Swaziland (building of Good Shepherd Hospital, formation of the seminarians...) I felt I was representing the whole world and thanking them for their constant support. In one year (2010/2011) and thanks to their friends and benefactors they were able to support projects in 567 dioceses in 81 countries in every continent. As the Superior General said: "No one would have been able to do something like that alone."
Together we remembered and celebrated the gift of Blessed Maria Teresa and at the same time we renewed our commitment to be, like Jesus, Good News for all the peoples.
Click below for
(St Peter Claver webpage)
and watch a video on the Founder
