VATICAN CITY, SEP 14, 2004 (VIS) - Made public today was a letter dated September 11 from Pope John Paul to Mother Matilde Fravolini, superior general of the Sisters of Divine Love, on the occasion of the third centenary of this religious family which will occur on September 13, 2005. On that day in 1705 Cardinal Marco Antonio Barbarigo, bishop of Montefiascone and Corneto, founded the Congregation of Divine Love.
The Pope highlighted the cardinal's life and his works of evangelization, catechesis, ecclesiastical reform and the celebrations of diocesan synods. He remarked that Cardinal Barbarigo "three centuries ago was committed to the social promotion of women. In his wake, your institute is called today to help women in difficulty to rediscover their dignity according to God's project and their vocation to love. Recognizing the just role of women in society contributes to safeguarding the values of the family, of life and of peace."
The Holy Father noted that their special charism calls them "to be witnesses of God's mercy in all situations. In particular I exhort you to cultivate the spirit of welcome in your houses, opening yourselves to the needs of others in order to spread the sweet scent of charity. ... You will draw from the divine Source the warmth of charity that you are called to transmit through the various activities of liturgical animation, catechesis, formation in youth oratories, professional schools and laboratories, assistance in homes for single women with children and in centers of welcome for weak and marginalized persons."
JPII-LETTER/SISTERS DIVINE LOVE/... VIS 20040914 (260)
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