Le Mans, 8^th of December 2015

                                  The opening day of the Year of Mercy

Dear Friends and Family,

Christmas is the celebration of the Mystery of the Incarnation, Emmanuel God among us. He enters into our world, into our everyday life. He always comes unexpectedly, “God comes to us through each event.” Const. n° 4.  How difficult it is to meditate on this sentence that we know by heart, in events experienced by some of our countries these last weeks and by others at different moments in their history. How to understand God’s presence when innocent people are attacked and killed randomly. And yet He is there!

God has chosen to come among us as a little child, weak, defenceless, dependent on others, the child in the manger reminds us of this.  He continues to join us in daily events: in a meeting, a sharing, in a meditation of his word, in moments of decision and in moments of mourning…  He touches us in our deepest self and always revives “faith and invincible hope” and then his love “will arouse within us a new dynamism and calm boldness” Const. N°4.  And we stand fast in suffering as his tenderness and love dwell within us.

During Advent we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus, we watch, wait and are longing for his coming as someone who is looking out for a beloved one, keeping alive the flame of desire.  Daily we experience Advent, Christmas and even Easter.  Since the Lord is coming every day and shows us his tenderness and strength.

Jesus was born in a stable because his parents were « on the road ».  From his birth he went through many difficulties and he experienced a life outside his own country. “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” John 1:1

Jesus identifies himself with thousands of men, women and children living in exile today. How do we look at what is happening to so many migrants leaving their countries or asking for asylum in our countries? Are we still touched by the images entering our homes each evening?  Or do we ‘zap’ to other channels to find more joyful things?  Yes… but I cannot help it ... That is wrong! Prayer knows no limits of time or boundaries. "In the solitude where God awaits you, come to Him bringing everything which is dear to your heart: his Kingdom, your mission, your contemporaries." Const.25

Christmas, “… on earth peace among those whom God favours! “, the Angels sang.  

Peace, this quiet strength, this serenity shining in a heart inhabited by God’s love and presence. This deep peace in our hearts that makes us strong and serene in the hard moments of life and keeps us on our toes!

Yes, Jesus comes to us at Christmas, but he is not only walking by, he comes to stay, to remain in our heart.  Is that not the reason for all of us to celebrate together? Mgr. Stenger, Bishop of Troyes and President of ‘Pax Christi’ in France, writes: "Christmas is the feast of a huge family that knows no boundary of space nor time. A family to be worked at constantly, as there are so many high walls separating people from one another. This family can only be built up in welcoming the gift of God's love, the Incarnation of Christ, for each person."

May Christmas bring for each of you and your families the inner peace and the serenity emanating from a joyful heart that recognizes the immense gift of God’s love. May 2016 be a year overflowing with mercy, the mercy of God for us and ours for each person who crosses our path. Deus Providebit!

Sister Martine Meuwissen

Superior General