A Day of Grace and New Beginnings for the Holy Spirit Province

Sunday, 4 January 2025, was a truly significant day for the Holy Spirit Province as we celebrated the commissioning of our new Provincial, Sr Rita Apura, and her team: Sr Margaret, Sr Paula, and Sr Christine. It was also a moment to install new community leaders across the Province—a day filled with gratitude, hope, and renewal.

The day began with a beautiful Eucharistic liturgy led by Fr Diosdado, followed by a joyful lunch where heartfelt thanks were expressed to the outgoing Provincial Administration and warm words of welcome extended to the new team. We were also blessed with the presence of our Superior General, Sr Angela Marie Mazzeo.

During the lunch Sr Margaret expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her council and to each sister for their support throughout her leadership. She assured every sister:

“I care for each of you and have tried my best to serve you faithfully.”  She presented each community with the letter and the gift of appreciation on her behalf and her outgoing team.

Sr Alicja offered a profound reflection on the meaning of this transition, drawing inspiration from Scripture:

“In the Book of Samuel, we read that every year Samuel’s mother brought him a new garment. This detail reminds us that as Samuel grew, he changed. In the same way, our Province has grown and changed in many ways over these past six years—through joys and sorrows, challenges and blessings.”

She highlighted some of the significant milestones during her term:

“We lost dear Sr Flavia, Sr Sophie, and Sr Bogumila, and we welcomed back Sr Helen and welcomed new sisters: Jeremiah and Venus. We walked together through the journey of redress and safeguarding, witnessed the beginning of a new building at Holy Family Services, and grew into a stronger financial position, enabling us to be more generous in our support of others. And of course, we celebrated our 150th Jubilee—a reminder that God has been with us through every step, clothing us with His grace.”

She concluded with a symbolic gesture:

“As Elijah’s garment fell to Elisha, signifying God’s abiding presence and mission, so may you, dear Sister, be for us a garment of God’s presence and mission entrusted to all of us in the Holy Spirit Province. As a sign of this, we offer you this gift—a raincoat. May it protect you from the winds of adversity and the rains of challenge, and remind you that you are clothed in the grace and strength of God.”

Sr Grace expressed deep appreciation for the outgoing Provincial Council:

“We give thanks for your leadership and your dedication over these past six years. You have guided us through times of challenge and joy, always with faith and courage. Your efforts have strengthened our Province and enriched our mission.”

She also reminded us of our shared mission:

“Though we have many different gifts, together we have a ministry of reconciliation led by the crucified and risen Christ, who calls us to act in solidarity with the hopes and joys, the anxieties and sorrows, of men and women everywhere. It is our prayer that we may become a community in which every person can discover and stir into flame the gift God has given, whatever that gift may be.”

This day was not only about leadership but about renewing our commitment to live the spirit of Nazareth—to serve families and spread the fire of God’s love in our world.

Please keep Sr Rita and her team, as well as all our Sisters, in your prayers as they begin this new mission.