Breathing with Both Lungs - Feast of the Theophany

Breathing with Both Lungs:
Feast of the Theophany at the National Shrine (cont)

The Community:

Fr. Carlos Miguel Buela established the order of missionary priests of the Incarnate Word, the masculine branch of our religious Institute in 1984. The missionary sisters branch of the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara, was founded later in Argentina in 1988. Both branches share the same charism, the evangelization of culture, meaning they work with all peoples to bring the love of Christ to each. Their aim is to manifest Christ, the Incarnate Word, to all peoples of the world. They have missions in 13 countries: North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

In Ukraine:

The congregation began work in Ukraine in 1999 where it follows the Eastern Church traditions and liturgy. At the same time, three girls wished to enter the community. They initiated the first novitiate located in Krykhivtsi, a small village on the city outskirts of Ivano-Frankivs'k. Presently, the sisters work in two parishes: Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Nativity of Christ.

The sisters' main work continues to be a house of formation for novices and aspirants. At present there are four sisters with vows, six Ukrainian novices, three Ukrainian postulants, and six Ukrainian aspirants. Seven Ukrainian sisters are studying in Rome, Italy. Three have made their first profession and four have renewed their profession for a second time.

In addition to the Novitiate, the sisters' principal apostolate is to visit the sick at a hospital for cancer patients. They also teach in two schools, one with 150 children and the other with 600. They also host a university youth group with 60 to 90 participants, a camp for parish children, and a radio program. The camp for young people has brought many back to their faith through the loving example of the sisters. They are very proud of the work they are doing in Ukraine.

Breathing with Both Lungs:

In their constitution, Fr. Buela states that members of the Institute and the Holy Church must learn to breathe with both lungs. For their spirituality and love for the Liturgy is vivified by the appreciation of both Eastern and Western Liturgies and sacred traditions of the Universal Catholic Church. Hence, came their visitation to the UCN Shrine. It was profoundly inspiring to experience the Sacred Mystery in the Eastern Church.

After the Liturgy, the sisters spoke of the beautiful emphasis given the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. One could not fail to notice the many Sacred Truths of the Church so eloquently expressed in the litanies of the Liturgy. The music and prayers helped to focus one on the reality of Jesus, present and crucified. The singing of the Liturgy, especially, gave added inspiration to their hope for the heavenly banquet.

Later, with further reflection on their experience at the Liturgy, many sisters were reminded of and commented on the many similar elements of the Roman Liturgy that can be easily overlooked due to familiarity. May God continue to bless the work of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family.

Newsletter (main)

Last modified 12/13/03

Breathing with Both Lungs: Feast of the Theophany at the National Shrine (cont)

Breathing with Both Lungs:
Feast of the Theophany at the National Shrine (cont)