On December 26, 2020, the anniversary of the passing of our Foundress, St. Vicenta Maria, to eternal life, the Year of the Fraternity began in the Congregation.
We were excitedly awaiting the moment of the opening which, as the North American Province, we had planned to do by joining together in a Eucharist and, later, with a time of sharing, all in a virtual way. But the big surprise was that M. Daría Fernández, Superior General, surprised us by bringing the whole congregation together for the opening. This was a very special moment through which we were motivated to the experience of fraternity with some thoughts of St. Paul. Vicenta Maria and each of those who have been Superior Generals. It was wonderful to meet communities we never imagined we would meet: Africa, Asia, Europe, South America. Digital media brought us closer to all our homes and made us experience that we have only one soul and one heart.
After this meeting and in the afternoon, at 4:00 PM CDMX time, the Eucharist that would mark for our province the beginning of the Year of Fraternity began. Transmitted from the chapel of the house in Guadalajara-Brasilia, all the sisters of the community of Otranto were present and enhanced the celebration with songs. Cristian Mier OD, brother of our Sister Ada Mabel, presided at the Eucharist. In his homily he motivated us to to live the “Fifth Gospel”, that which St. Vicenta Maria lived and which is a legacy of fraternal charity. She left us the slogan “to love with an exquisite love”… Only this love saves and redeems; it builds the community and strengthens it.. In this fraternal atmosphere, from Mexico City, our sister Susana Rivera renewed her vows.