ZIELONY GAJ
Rosary Walk with Mary
The spiritual jubilee gift of the Community of St. John Paul II House in Zielony Gaj is a unique initiative – the Rosary Walk with Mary. In the evenings, the Sisters set out with a rosary in hand, embracing the inhabitants of the entire village in prayer, traversing the streets and alleys of Zielony Gaj and nearby Novogrychanovka. Closer to spring, they also plan to reach the other three villages belonging to the parish to ask graces for all the inhabitants with their prayers. Winter, cold weather and strong winds make it difficult to pray the rosary together. Therefore, each Sister travels “her” route in silence, praying the rosary. Often they return tired and snow-soaked, but they believe that their efforts become a special gift to those who most need spiritual support.
Another anniversary initiative is the resumption of the peregrination of the Icon of the Holy Family in the homes of parishioners. The Sisters are preparing prayer materials, listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Such a pilgrimage already took place in 2021 and 2022, and this year has become an opportunity to reach out even more deeply to families.
KELLEROVKA
Holy Family Celebration
On the Feast of our Mother Foundress, the Community was visited by Archbishop Thomas Peta, who blessed the icon of the Holy Family. The Sisters set out with it to families, carrying images with prayers, rosaries and copies of the Gospel according to St. Luke. Since the First Sunday of Advent, they have already visited about 20 families, celebrating together, talking about the Holy Family and encouraging the reading of Scripture. These meetings often become a bridge to people who have not participated in the life of the Church for a long time.
On December 29, the Feast of the Holy Family, during the morning Eucharist, the Sisters renewed their vows. It was also an opportunity to tell those gathered about the spirituality of the Congregation. The faithful had the opportunity to worship the relics of Mother Foundress. After the Eucharist, the Ajslu family was invited to lunch together, and in the evening, in the chapel, the community participated in Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Roman. About 20 people gathered at the liturgy. After Mass there was time for conversation and warm tea – a moment of closeness and community that will remain in the hearts of all the participants.
SZCZUCINSK
At the Queen of Families’
On the first Sunday of Advent, Sr. Kazimiera led a retreat for women in Astana. They were also an opportunity to talk about the charism of the Congregation. At the end of the meeting, the participants received pictures with the Holy Family and a prayer.
On Holy Family Sunday, the Sisters renewed their vows, and the spouses present at the Eucharist also renewed their marriage vows. In the evening, parishioners had the opportunity to attend a Christmas concert of classical music performed by artists of the Astana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Together with Father David, the parish priest, the Sisters go “on a caroling tour” to the families of the parish. This is an opportunity to pray together, asking for holiness for families. Each month there will also be a Eucharist for the intentions of families – with special participation of children.
On January 5, 2025, during the Eucharist, the image of Blessed Frances Siedliska was solemnly consecrated and placed on the wall. The faithful also received pictures with the thoughts of Mother Foundress. After Mass, a meeting was held in the Parish Center, where the Sisters prepared a presentation about the Congregation and the 150th anniversary of the Congregation. There was plenty of common singing, humor and sweet refreshments.
These are small initiatives, but at least this is how we try to bear witness to the faith, uniting people around God and mutual love. Nazareth is here – in Zielony Gaj, Kellerovka, Szczucinsk, wherever we minister and support those who seek hope and spiritual strengthening.
With the gift of prayer on behalf of the Kazakh Nazareth
Sr. Kazimiera Wanat
