By Sr. Margaret Washington, ASC
Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying
As Adorers, Sojourners and Associates, we are invited to respond to the call of Pope Francis, by journeying together as “Pilgrims of Hope.” Focusing on three key dimensions: the importance of journeying, journeying together, and journeying in hope. In his message, he asks: How are we being called out of our comfort zone or held back by fear and helplessness?
Remembering our beginnings and living the charism of St. Maria De Mattias, we call upon Maria to intercede for us as we strive to become like her, surrendering our hearts to all that God is calling us to become. Deepening our prayer life, calling upon the power of the Blood of Jesus to renew our hearts and open them to receive the graces we need to live truly holy lives. In a letter to Fr. John Merlini, her Spiritual Director, recently recognized by the Church as “Blessed.” Maria describes her prayerful love when she says, “O my Jesus, for the sake of your passion, for the sake of your Blood that you shed for me, and for the whole human race, make me find in everything how to please you. O my beloved Good, my soul is in love with you. Come, yes, take possession of my whole being, what is inside me and what is around me.” Letter 69
Maria’s life was changed forever by the words of St. Gaspar, Founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, who spoke of the Blood flowing from the heart of Jesus as the price for every person, as one loved and created in the image of God. His message of hope was anchored in God’s unconditional love and the promise of salvation and eternal life fulfilled in Jesus’ Resurrection.
Gospel of Luke Maria felt called to pour- out her life in an effort to share this message with as many persons as possible, so that they could embrace the mercy of God. Her efforts were truly blessed in the gathering of persons who continue to share her charism throughout the world 191 years later. Maria did not spare herself in bringing the message God’s love and finding ways to help them in their many needs.
Walking together rather than in isolation using the Synodal Process of prayerful dialogue with one another and calling upon the powerful intercession of the Virgin Mary, as Maria did; it is possible to open our eyes to the dignity of each person and put a face on those most in need. The emphasis of the process is one of intense listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit within each person gathered within the circle. Throughout the years Sister Adorers have remained faithful to the missionary vision of Maria which opened their hearts to the needs of the people they served. Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and other mission endeavors became staffed by the sisters.
While there are fewer Sister Adorers than in the 1950, 60, and 70’s, it is possible together with Lay Companions who also embrace the spirit of Maria to continually work together and with others in our wider Community to educate and care for the needy in our Country and in our mission areas of South America, Korea and Vietnam. Other Regions of our Congregation also continue to carry the charism of Maria through their ministries across the world.
Today, we concretely desire to bring our message of hope to others through our JPIC Office of Peace and Justice which inspires us in ways to Care for our Earth and to be fully involved in works of Social Justice, with a special emphasis on Life Issues, Immigration and Racial Justice. In our U.S. Assembly Gathering these three areas of Social Justice were identified as issues calling for our commitment. Since that Assembly, representative Committees continue to meet and report on ways we are able to accomplish efforts to make a difference and to invite the sisters and Companions to become more involved. Sister Dani, our JPIC Coordinator, uses a number of social media connections to expand the work of the Committees and to invite others to join us. All members, Associates and Sojourners were involved in a study of LAUDATE SI, an Encyclical of Pope Francis on Care for Our Common Home and continue to explore ways in which we can implement that study in our personal lives. The Lenten Season invites us to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus and to examine our efforts individually to make hope visible through a life of peace and joy!
“Hope is not abstract, says Pope Francis. It inspires a commitment to work toward Social Justice, and a communal sharing assuring that no one is left behind; and it is a call to care for our Common Home.” Pope Francis’ Lenten Message 2025
