DISCIPLE

“Love your neighbor.” When you do as much you can for your neighbor, have you felt that sometimes they don’t pay attention on it? As human beings we need to feel and express our emotions, but we cannot do it always. Many times, we keep things in our heart, because He is the only one who knows our heart.

This afternoon I just one nun (FLAMINIA), she is in her 80’s, but as nun she gave 50 years in one community doing her apostolate in the kitchen. Last year she was moved to her convent because of her health.

Sister Flaminia was born in Italy, after her profession, she was sent, with other classmates, to US as pioneers to start and found some communities here. Most of her time was here in Staten Island, NY.

Well, why am I saying this, because we are brothers in Christ don’t concern all the sacrifices that she made in her life for them. Think about all those moments that as nun, she saw us in crises, with our head down, and she told us something that gave us strength, and immediately she went to the little chapel to offer prayers for us, and implored to God to help us, that we should be strong and faithful.

This morning I asked one of our brothers,

- Have you visited sister Flaminia? I heard she is in serious condition.
- And he said, No. I just heard that she was very sick.
- I told him, She was not sick since yesterday, she was sick for months, and you have not visited her. “Tanti anni in questa casa e tu no tenere un momento per lei? Questa e una vergogna.”

We have to be sensible persons and see the reality of those who give the life for us. Sister Flaminia did ask for something, but at least, let us thanks to her and to the Lord for all those years and especial way for those moments that we share with her, that are unforgettable.

Oh, “Mama mia,” I will never forget those soft and delicious cakes. That smell I can feel now in front of my noise. Her cook was so particular that nobody has that touch. She was very meticulous person, every little detail she did in order to have the best and healthy food for the members. As a good disciple of the Divine Master she did the Father’s will. She gave her life for us.

During those 50 years, she saw most of the members how they came religious and priest. Some communities and apostolates were closed during the time. Failures and happiness came. But she was faithful to her vocation. “The Father is in me and I am in the Father" (Jn. 10:38).

I would like to repeat the same words that Paul VI said to Blessed Alberione, because these apply to sister and quote some characteristics on her: "Here [she] is, humble, silent, tireless, contained in his thoughts, which flows from prayer to work…”

She is just waiting the call of the Lord. She is conscious and happy for what she has done for the Lord, Congregation and brothers in Christ.


“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing (2 Tim 2:7-8).”