At a time when holding celebrations is not straightforward, we were able to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the profession of Sr Andrea and Sr Heidrun. Because of Corona regulations, fewer people than usual were in the chapel. Some close family members of the two jubilarians had come. Most of the sisters in the Motherhouse followed the celebration service over the loudspeakers in their rooms.
In her welcoming address, Superior General Sr. Regina emphasized: "It is a day of thanksgiving and it is a day to renew our "yes" to this life". The two jubilarians had stood by their decision with all their being.
The festive service was led by Professor Dr. Elmar Koziel, Spiritual Rector of the Bildungshäuser Vierzehnheiligen. In his sermon he referred to the parable of the sower. "God sows, but what does the one who is called do with the seed? The Gospel, he said, looks both at what happens if the seed doesn’t sprout and also at all the flowers that blossom if everything goes well. Professor Koziel said that it is remarkable what the Gospel tells us and asked an interesting question: "But what is not mentioned? The foundation that leads to this result. So, one might aks: "What motivates me to bother with the seed? And: "Can I really do this on my own?" The answer to these two questions lies in the expression "trust in God". "This is the beautiful religious insight that in life we can only do the right thing in union with God." "So what is the hope for all who want to live their life and personal vocation trusting God?" Believing that God pursues a plan with the world means trusting God. And this plan will be accomplished. All that may be difficult or tedious in life at the moment cannot stop God's plan. "We have to admit to ourselves, nobody knows what God's plan is for the next days, weeks and months and years of my life. One thing is certain: God's plan for my life is a good plan. And "this certainty should give us, here and now, peaceful perseverance to continue faithfully on the path of vocation and to play our part in helping the seed grow.
After the sermon, Sr Andrea and Sr Heidrun renewed their vows. Professor Koziel blessed them for their future journey.
Mr. Reinhard accompanied the service on the organ. Afterwards, the celebration continued in the dining hall of the Motherhouse with a delicious lunch. Vespers, arranged by the convent of San Damiano, concluded this day of celebration.