«"To inhabit memory is to make ourselves present"». With this profound invitation, Mother General María del Mar Sánchez addressed a message to all the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the Congregation, celebrated on June 28.
On this significant date, the nuns renewed their thanksgiving for the journey undertaken, for the gift of the charism received, and for the mission they continue to develop in different countries, accompanying families, educating, and proclaiming the Gospel from the spirituality of Nazareth.
In her message, the Mother General reminded everyone that celebrating the foundation does not mean looking back with nostalgia, but rather recognizing that memory is a place of encounter with God's faithfulness. In a context marked by speed, immediacy, and the so-called "culture of forgetting," she invited the sisters to rediscover their roots and renew the identity that sustains them as a religious community.
Inspired by the words of the book of Deuteronomy: «"Remember," "don't forget"», He pointed out that returning to the origin allows one to recognize that every step in the congregational history, every difficulty overcome and every blessing received have been the fruit of God's love and grace.
Three invitations to renew the mission
As part of her reflection, the Mother General proposed three concrete paths to continue living the charism of Nazareth with hope.
The first one was to live from grateful memory, preventing routine from causing us to lose the ability to recognize the gift received, and remembering that every mission is born from listening to the Word and from the daily encounter with the Lord.
She also encouraged the sisters to to allow oneself to be transformed by the living Memorial, Finding in the Eucharist the source that nourishes, forms, and shapes the heart according to the lifestyle of Christ in Nazareth. In his words, he invited everyone to allow this nourishment to strengthen communion, charity, and the ongoing journey of conversion.
Finally, he urged walk with your eyes on the goal, Facing the challenges of today's world with confidence and missionary boldness, without being overcome by superficiality or the logic of immediacy, but living a generous commitment that makes the Gospel present in everyday life.
Renewing the mystery of the Incarnation
At the conclusion of her message, the Mother General expressed her wish that this anniversary would renew in each religious sister and in each community the mystery of the Incarnation, bringing to life the words of Saint Paul: «"It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."».
He also entrusted the entire Congregation to the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth so that it may continue to strengthen unity, hope, and fidelity to the mission received.
With this celebration, the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth reaffirm their commitment to continue carrying the spirit of Nazareth wherever they are sent, living a grateful memory that impels them to be present in the heart of humanity through service, education and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Read the Mother General's full message here
