Tireless Missionaries of CHARITY

Getting to know one another—or reconnecting—certainly means experiencing the tangible impact of our work, both for those who have already lived it and for those about to set out. It is an opportunity to understand the world of the missions with all its realities and to re-examine what we have experienced—in all its grandeur and complexity—by listening to the testimonies of others. We shared our stories, engaged in dialogue, and opened our hearts to this project of humanity with a“less fortunate” part of the world. Our Sisters accompany us on this journey, which they know very well, having dedicated their lives to serving the most vulnerable with perseverance, energy, and love. Sister Agata’s talk led us to reflect on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. “Having a heart that allows itself to be touched”—this is the essence for those who decide to go on a mission. Who is my neighbor? This volunteer training program was a time of mutual enrichment, fraternity, and solidarity that made us stronger and more aware as we prepare to face a human experience and immerse ourselves in a different culture. The highlight of our time is the Pilgrimage “with” St. Jeanne Antide, marking the 200th anniversary of her ascension into heaven. It is marked by seven stations. At each stop, her life serves as a lesson in charity. It is a charity lived out in service to the poor, education, caring for the sick, and welcoming the least among us through the proclamation of the Gospel in action. It is through volunteer work, that we are guided by the shining example of St. Jeanne Antide so that works of mercy may become our way of life.

Station 1) WELCOMING: “This is a foreign country, a foreign language, a foreign climate, foreign customs…. “ Stage 2) HELPING: St. Jeanne Antide prays to God in her heart to help her and to bless her care. Stage 3) COUNSELING: “Father, in our work as volunteers, grant us patience, the ability to wait, and wisdom in our relationships with the people we meet….” Step 4) CONSOLE: Grant that we may console our sisters and brothers just as we are consoled by you. Step 5) FORGIVE:Grant reconciliation and peace to our hearts and to the whole world. Step 6) PRAY Step 7) LOVE: To love Jesus Christ, to love and serve the poor, who are His body. “Whatever you wish, I will do, my God”. WE WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE CHARITY AND EMBRACE POVERTY WITH COURAGE I want to thank every Sister, my fellow travellers, and this wonderful group made up of US, the “TIRELESS MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY” Simonetta Marini

These two days spent with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Jeanne Antide and the volunteers of the Thouret Foundation were truly precious. Even though I did not know anyone, I felt welcomed right away, as if I’d always been part of the group. This family-like atmosphere made the moments of sharing and testimony very spontaneous and authentic, giving me the opportunity to learn about stories, experiences, and values that I will carry with me in my everyday life. I learned about the Thouret Foundation through a family friend and it immediately piqued my curiosity. I looked for more information and discovered that they had projects and missions all over the world. I had always wanted to learn about realities different from my own and I thought the Foundation could offer me that opportunity. I contacted Sister Maria Luisa and asked her if there was any way to make my wish come true. She immediately welcomed my request with great enthusiasm and extreme willingness to help. In July, I will be going to Cameroon for about a month. I will be taking with me the valuable advice of the most experienced volunteers, a lot of curiosity, but, above all, a strong desire to challenge myself and learn as much as possible. I am certain that this mission will allow me to grow significantly, both personally and professionally.

Beatrice Rua