Do Not Fear -- I Am With You

Our Constitutions remind us that we are to base our lives on the Master's promise to our Founder, "Do not be afraid, I am with you. From here I will enlighten. Atone for sin." Bl. James Alberione heard these words from Jesus at a critical time in the foundation of the Pauline Family. During this time, he himself was physically sick, his newly founded community was struggling to survive, there were many bills to be paid, and the Founder was questioning if truly he was following God's will. Jesus appeared to him in a "dream" and said these words that are now found above the Tabernacle in every Pauline chapel around the world. It is God's promise to the entire Pauline Family and to every member.

Our lives are continually unfolding, with all the transition and the excitement that brings. We recently welcomed Sr. Joane Caritas, a newly perpetually professed sister, and Sr. Emi Magnificat, a new junior professed sister. Sr. Carmen Christi, who has been serving as formator for the postulants, has been asked to begin her service as novice formator in our Provincial House in Boston, MA. In preparation for this, she will be traveling to Rome to participate in a Pauline charism course. Sr. Rebecca Marie has been named the new postulant formator and has already arrived in St. Louis. And the excitement continues! We will be welcoming Sylwia, a young woman from Poland who will begin her time of formation as a postulant among us.

With all these comings and goings, the words of Jesus continue to be a source of strength and encouragement. He is the reason for all we are, for all we do, and for where we go. From the Tabernacle, we find strength for everything. It's all a response to His love for us and His call to communicate Him to others as He desires.

And the most beautiful part is that His Eucharistic presence accompanies us everywhere, and keeps us united to one another. Our Co-foundress, Mother Thecla Merlo, would often write to the Sisters and say, "Meet you at the Tabernacle." And so, at the feet of Jesus in the Eucharist, we experience the gift of communion with Him and with all those whom we love.

In the weeks to come, we want to introduce you to all the members of our community here in St. Louis. We will be featuring a different sister or postulant each week and sharing about her vocation and life as a Daughter of St. Paul. You will discover just how unique each person's vocational journey is, as well as the common values that have shaped our lives and calls.

We invite you this week to stop by your church for a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Spend a few moments in silent adoration, allowing the Lord to love you and expressing your love to Him. May you, like Bl. James Alberione, hear the words of Jesus, "Do not be afraid. I am with you. From here I will enlighten."

Ciao!

-Sr. Carmen Christi and Postulant Emily

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord!

Sr. Carmen Christi, Sr. Mary Agnes and Postulant Emily share the fruit of Sr. Mary Agnes' culinary creativity and love for community. Pictured above is a closeup of this delicious dish made of polenta and vegetables. Polenta is a special cornmeal dish common to certain areas of Italy. It's amazing the joy that comes from simple, daily signs of love that are but reflections of God's faithful and unconditional love for us!