Newsletter Generalate 01/2023

DECREE OF APPROVAL OF THE UPDATED TEXT OF OUR CONSTITUTIONS

On June 16, 2023, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Miriam received from the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Decree of Approval of the updated text of our Constitutions. We thank the Sacred Heart of Jesus for this significant moment in the life of our Institute. May this updating of our Constitutions inspire and guide each one of us, enabling us to be living witnesses of Christ’s love where we live.

CLOSING OF THE DIOCESAN INQUIRY INTO AN ALLEGED MIRACLE ATTRIBUTED TO BLESSED CLELIA MERLONI

On March 10, 2022, 161 years after the birth of Blessed Clelia Merloni, the diocesan inquiry into an alleged miracle obtained through the intercession of Blessed Clelia Merloni was launched at the Aula Magna of the Ordinary Tribunal of the Diocese of Rome. The diocesan inquiry included the collection of evidence around an alleged extraordinary

event involving a young Italian woman, Nunzia, who, in the summer of 2020, escaped serious danger of death. The woman, in fact, suffering from a severe form of autoimmune hepatitis, quickly saw her life clinging solely to a liver transplant. Serious clinical situations stood in the way of simply being able to carry out the necessary medical inquiries so that

she could be placed on the transplant list. Therefore, the woman was soon considered “a terminally ill patient.”

Nunzia’s sufferings were accompanied by the

interviewing the allegedly healed woman and the people who closely witnessed her narrow escape from death, also acquired medical information in order to assess whether what happened to the woman is to be considered really and canonically an extraordinary event. On June 16, 2023, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the collection of evidence by the Ordinary Tribunal of the Diocese of Rome ended in a final hearing session, during which the collected acts will be handed over to the Postulator who will deliver them in original and copy form to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which will carry out the necessary investigations within its competence.

closeness and prayers of her family members who did not hesitate to share with me their concerns. As a priest and friend, I joined them with my simple prayer, placing her in the hands of Mother Clelia Merloni so that she could intercede with God to save this young mother’s life. Mother Clelia’s teaching, “Trust in the Heart of Jesus and you will see miracles...,” became for me a certainty of faith that the Blessed One would closely accompany Nunzia and save her from the grave danger of death in which she found herself. I also was sure to ask the community of the Apostles present in the Generalate, of which I am chaplain, and the young woman herself, to whom, at the height of her illness, I gave a relic ex indumentis of Mother Clelia, to join me in praying. The woman held the relic close to her and quickly her health condition began to improve, so much so that the very important liver transplant not only was no longer urgently needed but was now not even necessary. In fact, the woman quickly resumed leading a completely normal life, fulfilling all her family and professional activities, even to this day. The diocesan inquiry, in addition to

We entrust the continuation of this inquiry to the protection of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, so that trusting in Him we may rejoice in seeing miracles performed according to His will.

Fr. Giorgio Ciucci Chaplain of the General House

Mother Miriam and Nunzia

THE FILM AND THE BOOK ABOUT THE LIFE OF BLESSED CLELIA MERLONI HAVE BEEN RELEASED IN ITALY

“It was truly a long march”, said Paolo Damosso, director of the film that recounts the story of Blessed Mother Clelia Merloni. In an interview he says that he came to know the Apostles at the time of the commissioning of the film. His first encounter was with Mother Miriam Cunha Sobrinha, Superior General of the Institute of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in January 2019, a little more than four years ago. From his first meetings he realized that this was a story rich in detail and themes that, despite their complexity, couldn’t be omitted. His first challenge was to deepen his understanding, by studying the life of the new Blessed – who had been beatified just a few months earlier – in order to represent her life with truth and transparency, in order to propose her as an authentic witness worthy of imitation.

According to Mother Miriam, Superior General of the Apostles, the dream of making the film was born in the heart of every daughter of Mother Clelia, in a desire to make known the person of this great woman, capable of giving answers to the questions posed by the world today “regarding her choice of life and her values”. Emphasizing the fact that forgiveness was the fundamental value in Blessed Clelia’s life, the Mother General also points out that, in a context of war, the values of the Gospel are more relevant than ever.

One of the main challenges in the film production was, without a doubt, the obligatory pause caused by the pandemic, which led to a rethinking of the modality of the work. The production of a film would not be different. However, the director, who is also the author of the film, says that, for him, this time it was more challenging to write the screenplay, which became his primary daily activity during lockdown. However, it was not a solitary activity since he found that being in the company of the Blessed was a great comfort, “a balm to calm the anxieties of that period of time.” As for the filming, it took about six weeks. A great deal of set design work was required, as the film takes place in parallel in two eras: the present time and Mother Clelia’s time. During the interview, Damosso profusely thanked the sisters who actively collaborated in the reconstruction of the environments, lending objects, and appearing on stage in

the clothing of the time. But what are the characteristics or virtues that make Blessed Mother Clelia a person worthy of admiration, a person worthy of admiration, considered a model of life for Christians today? According to the film director, the Blessed transmits three principal values: forgiveness, humility and truth. “Mother Clelia teaches that forgiveness

novel, to write a book, recounting what is seen in the film but also what is not seen¨, says Damosso, also the author of the book.

is possible, and she always demonstrated it by means of a particularly humble demeanor”. In addition, the director affirmed that even during the filming, it was very important that everything be done in truth. Nothing could be in the film that wasn’t rooted in truth, with regard to these values in Mother Clelia’s life, as they were in Christ’s life, “Truth” with a capital “T”.

In addition to the film, on March 10, 2023, a book was presented, bearing the same name as the film “A Hundred Hearts”. It is the fruit of further study and the film sets themselves, which simply couldn’t be saved after its production. “I thought it would be beautiful to be able to transform the screeplay into a

He states that it is possible to find some unedited scenes of the Blessed’s life not contained in any book, but only in the documents of the “Positio” relative to the cause of beatification. The author states that the book can be read either before or after the film, in order to better understand the meaning of some scenes considered important in the cinematographic presentation. Finally, at the conclusion of the interview, the film director expressed certainty that those who watch the film could experience strong emotions which can be summarized in two sentiments:

1) surprise: at the timeliness of Mother Clelia’ life, because she always surprises, says Paolo Damosso;

2) change: in fact, when a person encounters Mother Clelia along his/her path, that person changes a little, and feels different than before. This was also the personal experience of the director who found in her the key to reading today’s realities.

This is why we can say that the person of Mother Clelia has not remained in the past, in the last century, but speaks and indicates the way of goodness even in our days.

Sr. Grazielle Rigotti da Silva Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

WORK ON THE REVISION OF THE DIRECTORY HAS BEGUN

The Commission appointed by the General Council for the Revision of the Directory, began its work on February 10, 2023, with a day of prayer at the Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida (San Paolo). It is composed of four Apostles:

1. Sr. Maria Cristina Pievani, General Councilor

2. Sr. Mariette Moan, Our Lady Queen of Apostles Province, USA

3. Sr. Marilda Conti, Clelia Merloni and Sacred Heart of Jesus Provinces, Brazil

4. Sr. Giampaola Voltolini, Mother Clelia Italian Province

Their work continued at UNISAGRADO –Sacred Heart University Center, in Bauru (San Paolo Province, Brazil) until February 17, 2023. Mother Miriam Cunha Sobrinha participated online via Zoom, offering valuable and useful advice for carrying out their task, encouraging us to work with an open heart, through prayer and reflection on the WORD OF GOD, in the spirit of the CHARISM and the voices of ALL the Apostles. The new text of the Directory, added Mother Miriam, has to be in accordance with the Constitutions and adapted to today’s times, respecting our inalienable values and the cultural sensitivity of all Apostles, without damaging our communion. The Directory is the practical application of the principles expressed in the Constitutions. She also urged us to evaluate and collate the Sisters’ proposals on four topics:

• New outline of COMMUNITY PRAYER ad experimentum, proposed by the XVIII General Chapter

• Ways of doing community recreation

• RELIGIOUS HABIT, as a sign of consecration

• Use of SOCIAL MEDIA

The following day, Fr. YUJI SUGAWARA, S.J., a canonist and theologian, spoke to us on-line.

After affirming that the Constitutions contain principles in accord with the charism of the Congregation, whereas the Directory presents practical norms for living the principles, he proposed the following directives:

• In the Directory, it is better to avoid spiritual reflections and exhortations, because the norms have to be verifiable and objective.

• Even if the norms are determined by the Charism, they must be in agreement with the reality of each culture.

• The norms need to pertain to all the members of the Congregation and be approved by the General Chapter.

• The Dicastery for Consecrated Life requires that, in addition to the Constitutions, we also submit a copy of the Directory which, together with the Ratio and the Vademecum, constitute the proper law of the Congregation.

• The norms which are outdated or cannot be observed any longer need to be removed from the Directory.

The Commission has drafted a timeframe for their work and have begun to reflect on various topics, elaborating for each of them an outline of proposals and questions to present to the Sisters, in an orderly and clear consultation. Each topic is introduced by appropriate reflections taken from the Constitutions, Church and Congregational

documents, Canon Law and the writings of Mother Clelia. The outlines proposed are intended for the individual sisters, received directly or through the Superiors, without excluding moments of personal sharing. The answers will be returned to the Commission on an online form or (in case of difficulty with that, in a paper document) by July 15, 2023. When the Sisters’ proposals have been

collected and the new text of the Constitutions, approved by the Dicastery of Consecrated Life, has been received, the Commission will meet in November, in Curitiba, Paraná, to write the first draft of the new text of the Directory.

Sr. Maria Cristina Pievani General Councilor

GFASC JOURNEYS TOWARD RECOGNITION BY THE CHURCH AS A LAY ASSOCIATION LINKED TO THE APOSTLES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

congregational and provincial levels. However, a preliminary team had to be created in the meantime who would take charge of the preparations. The sisters responsible for GFASC in the various provinces have suggested some names and, together with Sr. Marta Dalcin and the support of Mother Miriam, have formed the first GFASC central coordination team, in accord with the indications received from the Dicastery.

As we all know, the XVIII General Chapter unanimously welcomed and recognized the GFASCJ group (Great Family of the Sacred Heart) as a Private Association of the Lay Faithful linked to our Congregation. This decision was finalized by the Decree of December 22, 2022, signed by Mother Miriam and sent to the Institute and all the members of GFASC. In it, Mother Miriam also communicated that in 2023 the drafting of the Statute of this Association would begin, a task that would involve all the GFASC groups existing in the various nations in which the Institute is present.

When GFASC has been approved by the Church, the members will need to elect, in assembly, their team of coordinators, at the

In fact, one of the directives of the Dicastery was to entrust the coordination to the laity, leaving to us Apostles the role of consultor, animator, guarantor of the charism and accompaniment.

Currently, the central coordination team is drafting the first draft of the Statute together with the provincial coordination teams of the provinces. In the meantime, meetings have been held with the sisters and coordinators of GFASC, first at the provincial level and then at the local level. They are studying what it means to become a lay association linked to our Institute and what its Statute should include. Now, accompanied by their respective provincial teams, the local coordinators will have to inform the members of their GFASC groups, in order to prepare them to accept the work of the revision of the Statute with

peaceful responsibility.

The desire of the central coordination committee and myself as the Apostle who accompanies them at this level, is to conclude the writing of the Statute by the end of this year and have the approbation of the General government of the Institute, so that in the first months of 2024, the year of the 30th anniversary of GFASC, we can present it to the Church for its approval.

On the occasion of the anniversary of Blessed Clelia Merloni’s birth, all the Apostles and all the members of GFASC received a letter from the central coordination team, in which they

Coordinators:

Maria José and Claudemir

Luiz Sordi (Paraná- Brazil)

Vice-coordinators:

Maria Rosaria and Massimo Passaretti (Italy)

Secretaries:

Valeria and Claudio Mastrogiovanni (Italy)

asked that we daily recite a prayer, composed for the purpose of asking the light of the Spirit during the discernment process that GFASC is living.

As those who guarantee the charism of our beloved Foundress, that the members of GFASC have been living for a long time, as lay persons, we have a great pastoral and charismatic duty to accompany them in this journey!

Trusting in the support of all the Apostles, I present the members of the central coordination team (we still have to elect the couple who will be treasurers):

Councilors:

Mônica Tereza and João

Luiz Leinecker Turchenski (Paraná - Brazil)

Councilors:

Volunia and Waldir Caldeira (São Paulo - Brazil)

Councilors:

Zunilda and Víctor Tapia (Cile)

CLELIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT: A DREAM THAT WANTS TO BECOME A REALITY

The XVIII General Chapter, having listened to the suggestion of the Synod of Young Apostles, revived the recommendation to “begin a journey for the creation of the Clelian Youth Movement (CYM) in the Institute”. We know that in the preceding six-year term it was not possible to do so because of the numerous tasks involved in the beatification of our beloved Mother Clelia and the task of updating our Constitutions. In this Clelian Year of Evangelization we hope, with the grace of

God, to be able to plan youth and vocational ministry according to our Clelian charism and thus journey toward this much desired CYM. First of all, I wanted to know and listen to our sisters involved in CYM in their respective provinces. For that reason, between the month of February and the first days of March, we met with each group of CYM. Beginning with the Gospel text of Matthew that we are following in this Clelian Year of Evangelization, we shared our reflections and the hopes of

each province, regarding the possibility of a CYM. It was wonderful to gather so many profound and challenging expectations for all the Apostles, and for the laity and priests who accompany us in this beautiful ministry! From this enriching time of listening, emerged the theme of the encounter which took place Saturday, March 25, open to all: “Youth ministry in the light of vocations”. In fact, the main purpose in these first steps of our journey together is to become aware of the need to carry out our youth ministry in a vocational key, responding to the calls of the Church and the needs of young people, as true sons and daughters of Mother Clelia. In these coming months, we are all invited to deepen our understanding of this theme and to listen to young people committed to discovering the wells of

today, where they are present. The young have the right to be evangelized and we have the duty to bring the tenderness of the Heart of Jesus to them, to announce that there is a God who is Love and who is waiting for them so he may give meaning to their lives. Knowing that they are loved tenderly and mercifully by the Heart of Jesus, the young will be able to trust God and open their hearts to the specific vocation to which He calls each one individually, that they may be persons fully and deeply happy. We have a long journey ahead of us, let’s undertake it together!

Fernanda Trucco Alemán General Councilor

THE APOSTLES PREPARE FOR THE XXXVII WORLD YOUTH DAY

In his message for the XXXVII World Youth Day 2023, Pope Francis states: “After the annunciation, Mary could have concentrated on herself, her worries and fears due to her new condition. Instead, she trusted totally in God (...). She got up and went forth into the sunlight, where there is life and movement because she was certain that God’s plan was the best for her life (...). To experience the risen Christ in one’s own life, to encounter him “alive” , is the greatest spiritual joy, an explosion of light that can leave no one standng still. It immediately springs us into action and urges us to bring this news to

Sr. Maria

the others, and give witness to the joy of this encounter.

Mother Clelia encourages us in this way: “Daughters, let us ask God for this spirit of zeal, without paying attention to the cost of the effort and the sufferings of a true apostolate; let us try to use all the means which are in our hands to make our God known, loved, served and glorified...” (Book 5, Letter 1, p. 11-12– Mg 1, p.120). “When divine love takes possession of a heart, it arouses in it a great desire to see her God known, loved and served (...) True love makes one feel insatiable zeal. The more a soul loves Jesus with a sincere heart, the more it sees the good that needs to be done, the more it wants to do, and never say enough. If she could, she would soar everywhere to make you love and honor her God.” (Book 7, Letter 5, p. 60-61 – Mg 1, p. 7).

Mary gets up because she is sure that God’s plans are the best possible plan for her life. If we want to transmit to young people this certainty,

we must first of all be certain of it ourselves! Thus we are invited to ask ourselves: What moves us to go out to young people? What certainties do we urgently want to communicate to them? What is truly driving us to go and meet with them?

Because we run the risk of seeking ourselves, their consent, their friendship, of limiting ourselves to spending good times with them. Mary’s haste is her concern for service, for joyful proclamation, for prompt response to the grace of the Holy Spirit. With this holy haste we want to participate in the XXXVII World Youth Day and put ourselves at the service of the Heart of Jesus to evangelize, especially by our witness, the young people we will accompany and those we will meet there!

Sr. Maria Fernanda Trucco Alemán General Councilor

FOR THE APOSTLES: A response to the call to mission in Ghana

A NEW FRONTIER

Ghana, like Benin (one of our mission countries which currently has three communities), is also a country in West Africa, bordering Burkina Faso to the north, the Gulf of Guinea to the south, the Ivory Coast to the west and Togo to the east. Ghana and Benin share Togo as a border.

On Saturday, March 4, more that forty Sisters gathered for a Zoom meeting, during which Sr. Anne Walsh and Sr. Maria Cristina Pievani spoke of the visit they made from December 2 through 7. They visited Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Fodome, Diocese of Ho, Ghana, at the invitation of its’ Bishop, Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD.

The interest was great. Various questions were asked, especially regarding the educational system, the running of the clinic, the language and characteristics which emerged

from the shared images.

From December through March, all the Sisters were asked to pray and discern if they felt called to this mission and, if their response was affirmative, to send a letter to Mother Miriam by March 10. Shortly thereafter, Mother Miriam announced that we would be opening this new mission and that five Sisters would go to Ghana:

Sr. Linda PETTINELLA – Superior – Mary Queen of Apostles Province - USA

Sr. Daniela MINNITI - Mary Queen of Apostles Province - USA

Sr. Clara Mahilia ROACHE - Mary Queen of Apostles Province - USA

Sr. Rizeuda BARBOSA PINTOS – Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province – SP

Sr. Vera GJOKA (Albania) – Mother Clelia Italian Province – IT

The official opening of the mission is foreseen to take place on October 15 or 16, 2023. Since it is an interprovincial province, it will depend directly on the General government. Let us pray for these sisters as they prepare for this new mission of our Institute in Ghana.

ASCJ FORMATORS JOURNEYING TOGETHER IN SYNODALITY

During their time together, Sr. Anne asked the formators to share the current reality of the formation program in their provinces. They also had a discussion on the joys and challenges that they have encountered in their work as formators. They shared openly and honestly and it was a good start to the process of updating the Ratio Institutionis and to creating a unified formation program for the Institute.

During February and March, Sr. Anne Walsh, Vicaress General and the Delegate for Formation for the Institute, met with the formators of the Institute as she visited the provinces in the United States and Brazil and also held an online ZOOM call for the Italian province and those responsible for formation in our mission countries. She also had the opportunity to meet with some young girls who are part of a vocational group, as well as some of the newest candidates, postulants and novices who are beginning their formation journey.

In the coming year, the formators will participate in online ZOOM presentations as part of the formation for the formators. Topics will conclude Discernment, Human dimension of formation, Spirituality of the Sacred Heart and Community Life. The formators will gather in Rocca di Papa in May, 2024 for continued discussion of the program of formation.

The commission for the updating of the Ratio has also started meeting to begin that process.

Sr. Anne Theresa Walsh Vicaress and General Councilor

Sr. Maria Cristina Pievani General Councilor

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND FOR JUBILARIANS

the whole pilgrimage was a renewal of our consecration, indeed, a renewal of our call to be Apostles and a constant invitation to renew our response to Love.

From April 21-29, we experienced wonderful days filled with blessings: 17 of us went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. “Visiting” the places where God became flesh out of love for all humankind, where Jesus grew up and lived, where He showed us how to live as true children of God, where He so patiently formed His apostles, where He suffered and rose again for us..., was much more than “visiting”! It was “being visited” by God! As a group (there were 28 of us), we renewed our baptism at the Jordan, we also accompanied the renewal of the marriage vows of the 4 couples at Cana, and the question arose in so many as to where we would renew our consecration. This did not happen in any specific place or time. Yet, for me (and I think also for my Sisters),

There are not enough words to express our gratitude to our good God for this great gift! However, we can continue to express our gratitude to Mother Miriam and our Provincials who made it possible: thank you, thank you, so many thanks for this invitation that is so meaningful for each of us!

I personally want to thank each of my sisters: to experience this grace together with you was an extra gift! Thank you for your witness, for your joy, for your collaboration in every moment, and for being true sisters to each other. Thank you for sharing the tenderness of the Heart of Jesus!

Sr. Maria Fernanda Trucco Alemán General Councilor

Meeting with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

Meeting with the Mary Queen of Apostles Province

Meeting with the Clelia Merloni Brazilian Province

Meeting with the Mother Clelia Italian Province

INTERNSHIP IN VATICAN MEDIA - PENTECOST PROJECT

Gratitude to God, the Church and the Institute…this is what wells up in my heart as I recall the three months I spent in Rome, at the Generalate, doing an internship in the Vatican media. When I received the invitation to be part of the selection process for the Pentecost Project of the Dicastery for Communication, With and Through Sisters, I did not know exactly what activities I would be involved with, and I confess that I was a little unsure of myself. First, I wondered if I would pass the selection process, and then, about what the mission there would be like.

I can say that when I arrived, everything was new to me. I didn’t know exactly where or with whom I would do the internship. But now, after some time, I can say that I have gained a new family. Before sharing about the activities that I worked on, it is necessary to emphasize that God prepared an environment and people who were really committed and welcoming, which certainly were the greatest gifts. There were 7 people in the newsroom of the Brazilian Program of Vatican Radio - Vatican News. They were all Brazilians, living in Rome, and who, to my surprise, had never worked directly with Sisters except on small projects. When I heard this, my sense of responsibility increased. I wanted them to have a positive view of consecrated religious life. In addition to this group, I was able to have contact with the English and Spanish editorial offices for various collaborations, where I also met wonderful people.

But what about the Pope? Well, I can say that I have never been so close to him. Not physically, but in heart and mind. I had access to his daily agenda, his speeches, his photos, his travels (I followed his trip to Hungary step by step, working in the newsroom during those days on the broadcasts and the articles). So I felt I was working directly for the Church. My

daily activities included: live broadcasts, radio programs, interviews and creating articles for the website. In addition, I made videos and collaborated in updating the Instagram profile. I also went to cover an event in Assisi, which was an immense grace and a time of much learning!

I could share a great deal more, because it is not easy to describe three such intense months in a few lines. However, I would like to end by also thanking my community at Unisagrado, without whom it would not have been possible for me make this commitment and to be available for this very special mission at this time. Also, I am grateful to the community in Rome, who welcomed me and understood my intense rhythm of work during this time. I ask for prayers for this mission in the area of communication, so that the Lord may always be proclaimed, loved and served through each one of us.

Sr. Grazielle Rigotti da Silva Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

THE PROVINCES

MOTHER CLELIA ITALIAN PROVINCE

In the year that the Institute has dedicated to evangelization (2023), our province has offered its members opportunities for formation, considering the need for discovering the newness of the Gospel within ourselves, our communities and with others. The formation program of the Province of Italy focused on meditative listening to the Word of God, in the form of Lectio Divina. The formation took place from February 4 to April 25, 2023 (three meetings). On February 4th, a meeting for the superiors on the ZOOM platform and two for the sisters, in Milan, from February 10 to 12, and in Silvi Marina from April 23 to 25, 2023. Both were also broadcast on ZOOM. (This allowed for a large attendance of Sisters).

The Feb. 4th meeting for the Superiors was a follow-up to the first one, Dec. 9-11, 2022,

held in Silvi Marina with the same topic of the Word of God. The Sisters shared on the virtues in: “The Six Wings of the Seraphim”-a classic of St. Bonaventure that are needed to wisely, spiritually and charitably govern the sisters. Zeal for justice, compassion, patience, exemplary life, prudence, and piety were considered the most necessary that would be obtained through the invocation to the Holy Spirit who “...will teach all things....“ (Jn 14:26).

The meetings on Lectio Divina were given by expert biblical scholars and spiritual guides: Father Giovanni Battista Magoni (Pavonianofor the Milan meeting; Father Antonio Iosue, O.F.M. Conv. for the Silvi Marina meeting and the Zoom for the Superiors). Their explanations invited us to pray to the Lord, starting from His own Word, which is the Incarnate Word. We enjoyed the prayer, that truly came from the heart, and which was prepared with humility of heart, fraternal union and an invocation to the Holy Spirit. Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It presupposes a struggle against everything that distracts us from union with God....to act according to the Spirit of Christ. (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2725).

SACRED HEART OF JESUS BRAZILIAN PROVINCE

ONGOING FORMATION: CLELIAN YEAR OF EVANGELIZATION

development. This was a necessary process so that the seed of the Word that germinates in the heart can produce fruits of true life in Christ.

Taking advantage of the theme of the Clelian Year of Evangelization, our Province, under the guidance of Sr. Márcia Cidreira and her Council, offered us several opportunities of ongoing formation which focused on our life and vocation.

In the light of Mother Miriam’s questions in her circular letter 05/2022 and alluding to the theme of the year: The Sower went out to sow (Mt 13,3), we went on a journey to answer the questions: Where are we, Apostles, in this historical moment that asks us for new answers? What and where are we sowing? Are we following the steps that require concrete answers?

We prioritized the need for an encounter with the Word. To do this, we stopped, reflected, and prayed on “how” to put ourselves in communion with each other, to understand what God wants from us today, in the face of the congregational, national, and world realities in which we are living and in the technological speed that we are witnessing. These moments were enriched by the presentations of Father Washington Paranhos, SJ, who discussed various themes pertinent to consecrated life today, with its challenges and possibilities.

Ir. Maria de Fátima Carvalho’s explanations also enlightened us, leading us to look back on our own history; enabling us to give new meaning to our existence while also considering our human and spiritual

There were many expressions of gratitude for Sr. Márcia who takes care of this “land” and who is doing the planting at this time, launching us into new fields of evangelization. These moments of ongoing formation have helped us to look at the realities of our personal, community and missionary life, opening horizons to see where we need to pay more attention. This leads us to correspond with enthusiasm and generosity to our evangelizing mission.

CLELIA MERLONI BRAZILIAN PROVINCE

VOCATION,

GRACE AND MISSION

“Embracing the promise of God naturally demands the courage to risk making a decision” (Pope Francis)

During the month of March, in Juruti - Pará/ Amazon, several events for Vocation Youth Ministry were held, among them, the formation for those preparing for Confirmation on the Vocation Year 2023 (Brazil) and a youth meeting.

During the two days, the participants took part in three different experiences. On the first day, there was the formation for those preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. On the second day, there was the “Afternoon for Youth”, with the presence of the Franciscan Friars of the Providence of God. It was open to adolescents and young people, allowing a reflection on the value of life, the vocational call, and the beauty and commitment that come from the call.

The participants showed joy and satisfaction for having participated in these events. They

SOWING LOVE FOR 40 YEARS

had the opportunity to interact with each other, to reflect and pray about vocations in a general way, and especially to question themselves about the invitation that God makes to each one of them.

About 85 young people and teenagers, ages 14 to 20, participated in these formative gatherings.

Let us continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest, imploring vocations for the Church, particularly for our Institute.

On March 19, 2023, St. Joseph’s Day, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Divine Mercy Social Assistance Center - CASDM in Curitiba-PR. It was a day of celebration!

We started at 9:30 a.m. with the Holy Mass, celebrated in São Rafael Parish, in CIC, presided by Fr. Cleberson Evangelista and

concelebrated by Fr. Reonaldo (parish priests of the two parishes where the institution is present). The celebration was entirely dedicated to this event and, at the end, Sister Anete spoke, recalling memories and people that built this beautiful history over these 40 years. Past and current directors received small blessed candles, symbolizing the light that they have shone and continue to shine through their voluntary service in the institution.

After the Mass, the party continued at CISDIMI, where the guests were welcomed with a speech by the current president Sueli, who, inspired by the message of the CASDM anthem, welcomed everyone and thanked

them. Then a delicious lunch was served, which was attended by more than 200 people, including members of the board, employees, volunteers, benefactors, clients, and the community. A birthday cake was served, accompanied by a raffle of 40 gift baskets for those who were present.

The event also included a simple tribute to Sr Inês Frasson, who was part of the

founding community of the institution, and to Sr Anete, our current manager. Both have a great importance in the history which has had its challenges and achievements. We are grateful for all those who contributed to the organization and realization of this celebration and to those who participated in this memorable moment.

MARY QUEEN OF APOSTLES PROVINCE

GRACE-FILLED VISITATION WITH MOTHER MIRIAM

Mother Miriam Cunha Sobrinha, our Superior General came to the Mary Queen of the Apostles Province for her canonical visitation from March 13- May 8. Her first stop was to Waterford, Ireland to visit our three U.S. missionaries and their various ministries. She was greeted with great joy as she arrived in the United States on March 21, and over the course of 7 weeks, Mother Miriam visited with each sister and every ministry across the US Province.

The Sisters of the Mary Queen of Apostles Province are deeply grateful for Mother Miriam’s joyful presence among us. She has graciously shared her listening heart,

BELOVED BRONX MINISTRIES CLOSE

compassion and wisdom with our Sisters, and our prayers accompany her now as she soon begins her visitation in Brazil.

Heart Private School nearby in 1935, and Apostles began staffing Santa Maria School, a parish elementary school, in 1951. In 2008, we closed Sacred Heart Private as an elementary school due to declining enrollment and in the same building, opened Sacred Heart Learning Center, a state funded prekindergarten program.

The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus have served in the Parish of Santa Maria in Bronx NY, since 1934. We opened Sacred

In February of 2023, the Archdiocese of New York announced the closing of Santa Maria School due to low enrollment and changing demographics. Sacred Heart Learning Center will also close its doors in June of 2023,

bringing 89 years of Apostle service in that community to a close.

Through the years may Apostle Sisters have ministered at Santa Maria, Sacred Heart Private and Sacred Heart Learning Center. In addition, we have been blessed with many

vocations from that neighborhood. We are grateful to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the many graces He has showered upon us throughout these 89 years, and we hope to be able to continue ministries in the Archdiocese of New York in the future.

His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, has named Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., as the next Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese. She will begin her new role in July 2023.

Sr. Mary Grace currently serves as President of Cor Jesu Academy, our girls’ high school in St. Louis, a position she has held since 2020. She is also a Provincial Councilor for the Mary

Queen of Apostles Province.

“I am honored and grateful for this appointment as Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York and look forward to returning to the archdiocese where I first began my educational ministry as an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” she said.

“I thank God and our congregation for the educational opportunities and variety of missions that have been given to me throughout my vowed life, all of which have prepared me well for this new role. Like all Apostles, it will be a privilege to share the charism of our Foundress Blessed Clelia Merloni with my new colleagues and all those we serve.” We accompany Sr. Mary Grace with our prayers as she begins this important ministry in the Church.

SR. MARY GRACE WALSH TO LEAD CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

FORMATION

Vocation: a call from Heart to heart

The stages for the formation of candidates as an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are intended to accompany them in the discovery and response to their baptismal call to

1. ASPIRANCY

Mozambique

Formator: Sr. Maria Alice Lopes de Freitas

1. Alexandrina João Niquehe

2. Micaela Alvaro Miguel

2. PRE POSTULATE

Benin

Formator: Sr. Blessing Ukachi Ugwunali

1. Patricia Ivy

2. Adolphine Amos Iluku

Moçambique

Formator: Sr. Maria Alice Lopes de Freitas

1. Belmira Jonas Cossa

2. Elube Mbewe

Brazil - SP

Formator: Sr. Francisca Delma Barbosa dos Santos

1. Laura Gabriela da Silva Moreira

become disciples in the Kingdom of God and to be conscious of being the bearers of the Charism received by the Foundress, Mother Clelia Merloni.

Brazil - PR

Formator: Sr. Celina Souza Ramires

1. Eduarda Vitória Nogosek

2. Iasmin de Cássia Urbieta Gonzales

3. Fatima Esther Martinez Fretes

4. Dalia Luzmila Jazmin Mélida Segovia

5. Rosiane de Moraes Oliveira

3. POSTULATE

Benin

Formator: Sr. Colette Okamba

1. Sévérine Adada

2. Amandine Aza

3. Yasmine Bodjrenou

4. Tatiana Kpozounon

5. Cheila Emiliano Ebristo (PBSCJ)

6. Rosália Patrício Vidigal (PBSCJ)

Haiti

Formator: Sr. Katiane Do Socorro Souza De Oliveira

1. Guerline Aldophe

2. Jean Mitcherline Calixte

3. Santa Philippe

4. Wilmide Jean Baptiste

Brazil - PR

Formator: Sr. Elizabete Comparin

1. Ana Rafaela Agliardi Pereira

2. Anelise Wickert

3. Kaylane dos Santos Nobrega

4. Fiamma Antonella Baldez

5. Rafaela Bozelo

USA

Formator: Sr. Angela Gertsema

1. Sinéad Doyle

2. Rebecca Goldberger

3. Laura Young

4. NOVITIATE

Moçambique

Formator: Sr. Michelle Moreira Muniz

Auxiliary: Sr. Norma Lúcia Batistão

1. Armelle Peonie Sedjro Adohouannon (PIMC)

2. Houéfa Frédérica Fassinou (PIMC)

3. Neyma Manuel Marrima (PBSCJ)

4. Senan Alice Hemadougan Azanlin (PIMC)

USA

Formator: Sr. Mary Grace Giaimo

Sr. Clara Marie Johnson

Sr. Patricia Elaine Young

Practical Year

1. Ana Catarina Alves Lopes Valente (PBCM)

2. Juliana Harumi Kobayashi (PBCM)

3. Ana Paula Gobbo Motto (PBSCJ)

4. Isabela Vieira Silva (PBSCJ)

5. Fernanda Rodrigues Machado (PBCM)

6. Dorothy Mngunengen Anongo (Nigeria)

5. JUNIORATE

Rome

Formator: Sr. Jaqueline Costa De Oliveira

Auxiliary: Sr. Simona Boldrini

1. Sr. Arianna Mazzocchetti (PIMC)

2. Sr. Betiana Grisel Palacios (PBCM)

3. Sr. Caroline Ribeiro Rego (PBSCJ)

4. Sr. Fernanda Silva Rieger (PBSCJ)

5. Sr. Isabel Octavia B. Comé (PBSCJ)

6. Sr. Lucie Johana Mahoumon Hounton (PIMC)

7. Sr. Maurine Alias Kinvognedo (PIMC)

8. Sr. Paulina Fernando F. Almeida (PBSCJ)

9. Sr. Sensa Sabine A. Tannouton (PIMC)

10. Sr. Stephanie Jacqueline López Pino (PBCM)

11. Sr. Tayná Silva Nascimento (PBSCJ)

12. Sr. Victoire Segbonyo Sifonnou (PIMC)

USA

Formator: Sr. Angela Gertsema

1. Sr. Catherine Ann Phillips

2. Sr. Allison Lorraine Masserano

Juniors (on mission)

1. Sr. Catherine Brodersen (PMRA)

2. Sr. Justine Reina Praxedes (PMRA)

3. Sr. Allison Lee Zink (PMRA)

4. Sr. Elaine Vieira de Santana (PBSCJ)

5. Sr. Nodette Noel (PBSCJ)

6. Sr. Caroline Silva Santos (PBSCJ)

7. Sr. Cíntia Pinheiro Mendes (PBSCJ)

8. Sr. Juicilene Nunes da Silva (PBSCJ)

9. Sr. Nilza E. de Jesus Macaringue (PBSCJ)

10. Sr. Adrielly Zilli Caettano da Silva (PBSCJ)

11. Sr. Luana Camargo Moreira (PBSCJ)

12. Sr. Beatriz Chiaderoli Gregório (PBSCJ)

13. Sr. Pricila Fernandes de Oliveira (PBSCJ)

14. Sr. Victoria Queiroz Silva (PBSCJ)

15. Sr. Pierrete Damienne Dansou (PBSCJ)

16. Sr. Noelia Victoria Rodriguez (PBCM)

17. Sr. Ilse Pamela Cubilla Noguera (PBCM)

18. Sr. Priscila Tavares Lopes (PBCM)

19. Sr. Angèle Agoussou Kitcho (PIMC)

20. Sr. Juliana Michaelina Danquah (PIMC)

21. Sr. Francisca Soglo (PIMC)

22. Sr. Colombe Lawson (PIMC)

23. Sr. Judith Adjiou (PIMC)

24. Sr. Mireille Adogo (PIMC)

25. Sr. Chimène Afadonougbo (PIMC)

26. Sr. Alexia Ahoundjissi (PIMC)

27. Sr. Damienne Dansou (PIMC)

SISTERS CELEBRATING A JUBILEE

GOLDEN JUBILEE

- Sr. Angela Trussardi, Mother Clelia Italian Province

- Sr. Caterina Alborè, Mother Clelia Italian Province

- Sr. Maria Giovanna Moramarco, Mother Clelia Italian Province

- Sr. Lourdes dos Santos, Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

- Sr. Nair Silva, Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

- Sr. Terezinha Paulina dos Santos, Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

- Sr. Marinês Tusset, Clelia Merloni Brazilian Province

- Sr. Marinéz Milani, Clelia Merloni Brazilian Province

- Sr. Rita Marie Milano, Mary Queen of Apostles Province

- Sr. Karen Skurat, Mary Queen of Apostles Province

SILVER JUBILEE

- Sr. Maria Fernnanda Trucco Aleman, Generalato

- Sr. Vjollca Gazulli, Provincia d’Italia Madre Clelia

- Sr. Flora Gega, Provincia d’Italia Madre Clelia

- Sr. Angelamaria Gilaj, Provincia d’Italia Madre Clelia

- Sr. Cláudia Adriana Aurieme, Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

- Sr. Márcia Lopes Assis, Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

- Sr. Sirlene Graças Simões, Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province

- Sr. Lucilene Chiciuc, Clelia Merloni Brazilian Province

- Sr. Rosimary Soares da Silva, Clelia Merloni Brazilian Province

- Sr. Cristina Noemi Aguilar, Clelia Merloni Brazilian Province

DECEASED SISTERS

“Life goes by like lightning, and perhaps the hour of rest and en- counter with God may strike us. One day, I could have the joy of seeing all my daughters rise very high, in the ocean of happiness and love, which is the Heart of Jesus!”

Blessed Clelia Merloni

“The most holy Heart of Jesus will translate my gratitude to You, and I will pray to Him daily that He will reward you with divine generosity, with success in all your undertakings.”

Blessed Clelia Merloni