Dear Sisters and Brothers!
Confident, like the Magi, we can, on this Epiphany day, in the historical moment in which we live, reaffirm our faith, as a song in Portuguese sings: “I am following a star, which the light of the eyes cannot see. And since I cannot see it, I ask myself: Why? The star I am following, I only see with my faith. For it is the voice of the child, the young man of Nazareth.”
Today, 6th January, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, we remember the Magi from the East, who allowed themselves to be guided by the star to the child in the manger. Today, as the Holy Door is closed in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Year concludes, which had as its theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. We believe that this theme made us aware of our condition as pilgrims in this world and made us ask ourselves about the hopes that move us. The Holy Year is ending, but our commitment to witnessing to hope continues.
On 6th December, during an audience in the context of the Holy Year, Pope Leo XIV exhorted us, saying: “God involves us in his history, in his dreams. To hope, then, is to participate. The motto of the Jubilee, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ is not a slogan that will become outdated in a month (or year). It is a program for life: ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ means people who walk and hope, not idly, but participating.”
The Wise Men of the East remind us, in a special way, of pilgrims. Karl Rahner meditated on the Magi from the East in a wonderful text and interpreted their journey as a path of faith. Many of you certainly know the text. Even so, we quote some verses here:
“Behold, the Magi set out on their journey. Their feet walked towards Bethlehem, but their hearts journeyed towards God. They sought Him; but, while they sought Him, it was He who was already guiding them. They do not believe that human beings should stop taking their own steps just because God needs to take a thousand so that they may both meet…
Let us also set out on the adventure of the heart towards God! Let us set out on our journey and forget what is behind us! Everything is still future—because we can still find God, find Him even more.
The path passes through deserts and darkness. But do not be discouraged: the star is there and shines. Do you say that it is too small and too distant in the firmament of your heart? But it is there! It is small only because you still have a long way to go! It is distant only because your generosity is entrusted with an endless journey!
Depart, my heart, and walk! The star shines. You cannot take much with you along the way. And Much will be lost along the journey. Let it go! The gold of love, the incense of desire, the myrrh of sorrows—all this you carry with you. He will welcome them. For you will find Him!”
(Karl Rahner, “On the Happy Journey of the Human Being Seeking God”)
The star also shines on our pilgrimage paths, in the different countries where we live our mission as Sisters of Divine Providence.
At the beginning of this new year, we are invited to reflect and ask ourselves:
What hope sustains me?
What strengthens me in my mission?
Let us share our hope!
Let us continue our journey together as pilgrims of hope, with our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ! The STAR will lead us to our brothers and sisters, where GOD himself dwells.
Along with our wishes for a blessed year 2026, we hope that God's peace and light will reach our hearts, especially in regions experiencing conflict and war.
With esteem, your Sisters of the General Coordination
(photo: taken during the Nativity Scene Exhibition in Telgte, 2016/2017)