“But of Sion it will be said, ‘Everyone was born there,’ her guarantee is the Most High.” (Psalm 87,5)

On January 20th, we had a beautiful mass at Ecce Homo. Fr. Rafic Nahra from the Kehila Community (Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel) celebrated the mass and Fr. Carlos NDS, Fr. Jose Maria NDS and some other priests concelebrated.

We, the Contemplative and Apostolic Sisters, the Brothers of Sion, volunteers and friends of Sion felt a great joy in thanksgiving for one hundred and seventy-six years since Mary´s sign to Alphonse Ratisbonne at St. Andre delle Fratte Church in Rome. We also thank God for the life of Br. Cristóvão Oliveira Silva NDS and for his journey in the congregation, since he made his perpetual vows on this day in the congregation of Our Lady of Sion.

Mary was a woman of wisdom, silence and courage, who carried the word of God in her womb and who today invite us to continue walking and being a witness of the love of God wherever we are. Father Alphonse said: “What can we say about January 20th? We must keep silence, enter into contemplation and adore.” (Book: The event of January 20, 1842, pg. 125)

Later on, we had refreshments and shared a lovely evening together.

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Lk 1, 38)

Andrea Chacón Carmona, Novice NDS
Community St. John in Montana
January 20th, 2018.