During the blessed time of Lent, our community in Caransebeș had the joy of living a few days of intense spiritual communion through the spiritual exercises led by Fr. Atanasie Muntoni, a monk priest.

Through profound reflections on the Word of God, we were invited to “be with the Lord”, to meditate on the life of Jesus and of our Founders, following how they listened to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and responded generously to the divine call.

They were days full of grace, in which prayer, silence, meditation and contemplation brought us closer to the Heart of Jesus, present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. In this atmosphere of deep recollection, the words:

“Jesus sends us to our heart” and “Transformation of the heart in the garden of God” became for us living and personal landmarks on the road of conversion. We thank God for this time of blessing and for the grace of being together, accompanied by prayer and inner light.

Bread and Hope for Everyone

Together with the Timisoara Food Bank, with whom we have a beautiful collaboration, we took part in a new edition of the national food collection – an initiative that brings hope and support to the less fortunate among us.

In supermarkets across the country and, of course, in Caransebeș as well – spirited volunteers joined our team. By their example and the power of their words. They managed to convince people in the community of how important it is to stand by those in need.

Thanks to the generosity of those who have chosen to donate, we have been able to bring a little light and joy into the homes of many families with financial difficulties and daily hardships. Through these gifts, the holiday meal was richer and the hearts of those who received were more peaceful and full of gratitude.

Meeting People with a Big Heart

In the week after Easter, we had the joy of having our benefactors/guests from Salzkotten/Germany, accompanied by Sr. Hiltrud Wacker, in our midst for a few days. They wanted to get to know our life and work here in Caransebeș. By visiting various people together, they were able to see first-hand the needs faced by some of the city’s neediest inhabitants. They met sick and lonely elderly people, as well as children facing great difficulties. We Sisters have tried to be a helping hand, a constant presence in their lives in the most difficult moments, bringing a bit of light and hope.

Through our projects, which are made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, we aim to offer not only material support, but also moral support, so that those in need can feel that they are not forgotten and that they are not alone. Each of our actions is an attempt to make the world a better place, to give a little bit of joy and to show that, together with our benefactors, we succeed in bringing light where there is darkness and hope where there is pain.

During these days together, we also showed our guests the beauties of nature in the region where we live. It was a time rich in experiences, discoveries and, above all, in the joy of being with one another. We pray that God will reward them for all the good they have done and continue to do.

Written by Sr. M. Iuliana Andries FCJM

Checked by Sr. Sheila Kinsey FCJM