On February 2, the Sisters Councilors who were in Rome, along with some members of the local community, participated in a solemn Mass celebrated for the intention of consecrated persons in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome under the presidency of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, praying for all the Sisters of the Congregation and for new vocations. In his homily, the Holy Father emphasized that, like Simeon and Anna, we must allow ourselves to be animated by the Holy Spirit, to look ahead and take Jesus in our arms. Their awaiting, not passive, but full of dynamism, should be an inspiration also for all believers, but especially for contemporary people professing to live the evangelical counsels
Sometimes we are in danger of getting lost in a thousand things, focusing on secondary aspects or immersing ourselves in things that need to be done, but the center of everything is Christ, who must be welcomed as Lord of our lives, Pope Francis said. When Simeon takes Jesus in his arms, his lips utter words of blessing, praise and awe. If consecrated persons lack words of blessing to God and others, the heart closes in bitterness, in harshness, in an attitude of superiority. If we welcome Christ with open arms, we will also welcome others with confidence and humility.
