Cardinal Ryś at the Nazareth Sisters’ Jubilee: “Few Charisms Are More Needed Than Yours”

photo: fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik / @VaticanNewsPL

“There are few charisms in the Church today more urgently needed than yours. Most of today’s societal debates revolve around the family,” said Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź, during a Mass at the General House of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Rome. The Mass marked the inauguration of the congregation’s 150th-anniversary celebrations, drawing representatives from around the globe.

Reflecting on the role of the family in evangelization, Cardinal Ryś stated: “Most of our discernment regarding evangelization boils down to the family. We speak either of the family in crisis, the tragedy of the family, or, thankfully, there are still places in the world where we marvel at the beauty of the family, its extraordinary functioning, and how it passes on faith and values.”

He emphasized the pressing need to support families, adding, “This raises questions about what to do when families don’t function as they should. This is your question, your charism: caring for families, being with them.” Cardinal Ryś also noted that the congregation’s effectiveness in serving families stems from its own experience of community life as a spiritual family.

Lessons for the Jubilee

Drawing inspiration from the liturgy of the First Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Ryś offered guidance to the sisters as they embarked on their jubilee year: “Take courage; lift your heads so that you can stand firm. Be vigilant, praying at all times. And watch yourselves so your hearts do not grow heavy.”

The Eucharist was celebrated as thanksgiving for the blessings the congregation has received over the past 150 years and a prayer for continued grace in fulfilling its mission within the Church.

Gratitude from the Superior General

Sister Angela Marie Mazzeo, Superior General of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, expressed her gratitude in an interview with Vatican News: “We are thankful for the opportunity to serve families.” She asked for prayers during the Jubilee Year, saying, “Pray for us, that we may continue God’s work, seek His will, and follow the guidance left by our Foundress. Let us always remain committed to families.”

Addressing the sisters, she added: “My first words to you are: Thank you. Thank you for all you do, for being part of Nazareth and daughters of Nazareth and Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd. I encourage you to renew your zeal for the mission, to seek God’s will, and to follow the example of our Foundress and even our Martyr Sisters of Nowogródek in giving everything for God. Thank you, and let us move forward.”

A Global Jubilee Celebration

The 150th-anniversary celebrations began on the First Sunday of Advent and will continue until the First Sunday of Advent in 2025. These celebrations are also part of the Holy Year Jubilee, beginning on December 24, 2024.

The sisters plan to participate in a private audience with Pope Francis and the ceremonial enshrinement of the relics of the Blessed Martyrs of Nowogródek in the Mausoleum of New Martyrs at St. Bartholomew’s Basilica in Rome.

Jubilee events will span the 14 countries where the Nazareth Sisters are active, encompassing conferences, retreats, pilgrimages, and concerts.

A Legacy of Service to Families

Founded on the First Sunday of Advent in 1875 by Blessed Mary Frances Siedliska, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have been committed to serving families since their inception. Their mission has included running schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and orphanages. Today, the sisters continue this work across five continents, addressing the diverse needs of families worldwide.