The past year has been filled with many inquiries into SFCC from Poland, Belgium. Netherlands, Spain.
The two young women in Poland are very dedicated and serving with their lives, talents, time, jobs the underprivilged there with great fervor. After much communication back and forth, when they stated their desire to come here to live with and in a large religious community which would take care of them financially as well, with habits etc etc....I referred them to other orders and congregations within europa who meet those points.......we do not!
The growing number of young people around me, journeying along in an acquaintance phase, such as a wonderful harpist/singer/musician/composer, Fraukje, as well as Hans Laro, Psychologist working within the 28 facilities in North Holland of the ' Zorgcirkel 'where I am also employed; young doctors at my work as well seeking shall we say, "the SFCC vision" without having known it, ....
Our core group in The Netherlands consists still of Monique, Lien, Ineke and Ria, yet we have many others whom align their lives according to the three vows and vision of SFCC throughout The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, :Portugal and recently now Spain.
The 6 day visit of 'becoming process' sisters Carmen and Magdalena you will all read about in the A-t-A yet in a word for now: a homecoming celebration was it for all of us here who met them, as well as for them with us.
"Where were you all this time?!" we repeated often back and forth, feeling at home with each other the moment their plane landed until their return flight.....and still....
Didy is recovering miraculously from head-on car crash which broke almost every bone in her body, with 5 operations one after another for torn internal organs as well as attempts to reconstruct face and bones of arms, legs, ribs......
Modern medicine is absolutely incredible.
Her main concern is for the psychological well-being of the guilt-ridden conscience of the 38 year old young woman who was tapping into ' what's app 'on her iphone when she hit Didy(!) Her heart full of compassion toward the young woman is wondrous to behold, and an inspiration in peace and reconciliation!
Didy is a bright light for all at the facility where she must live for the next 3 years or so, hoping ever to be able to walk again. She shared last Saturday with me that she more than ever understands the idea of a 'ministry of presence'...of just 'being there' so that others feel heard, seen and appreciated.
Then, there is Bettina, a spiritual counsellor in her mosque in Alkmaar....very progressive branch of Islam (no burka and no veil....'no habit'). She and I (Teri) work together on projects toward integration of migrants, christians and moslims in works of mercy, peace and reconciliation. She identifies with our vision and vows in her daily work and feels as a real sister as do my jewish friends......we share the Old Testament and that connects us in living, loving and serving, as well as their respect for the life and authentic 'word of God' which Jezus was and still is through us!
Doors are opening in places where no one would expect...
Pentecost is really full of fire this year for us in the Benelux!
Stay tuned for more to come from our side of the ocean and have a blessed Assembly this year dear sisters in Chicago!
submitted by Teresa (Teri) Takken
Benelux(Europa) Region
10 july 2018
Dear sisters all,
Wonderful to share at you at the outset of this new year!
In Dutch and Flemisch up until the feast of 3 Kings, 6 januari, we greet all with whom we come into contact with "Heil & zegen"/"Salvation & blessing"
And so to all of you, my prayers for a blessed, salving 2019, especially with our combined efforts to be instruments of peace and reconciliation with all our time, talents....where we live and work and have our being!
That leads me to the continuing good news surrounding SFCC since I last wrote to you in this conversation blog, july 2018.
First, Didy, who suffered the terrible car accident, is recovering beyond all possible expectations. Following the long coma, the 9 surgeries, monday-friday daily therapy at the rehad centre where she resides.....she will face another crucial surgery which hopes to save one of her legs, and enable her again to walk. Amazing is that she, wheelchair bound, conducted with one arm, a Christmas choir which she started at the the rehab centre, consisting of patients and personnel. Music fills the soul with courage, indeed.....
As I shared before, the past year has been filled with many inquiries into SFCC from Poland, Belgium. Netherlands, Spain (see my message above from past July)
Our sisters, Carmen en Magda, from Spain have recently (december 2018) signed the Covenant form after their six month inquirer period. The are moving into full membership of the SFCC worldwide community with much enthousiams and 'spirit'!
In september they moved to Louvain, Belgium, among other things, learning Flemisch ....awaiting --as am I--with me our next steps with sisters in Gent and Brugge. In the wknd of 11-14 january 2019 we will learn and discover more.....will keep you posted!
In the wknd of 7-11 februari 2019 I am being flown--ticket already paid for by Magda en Carmen--at the request of (younger) people filled with the SFCC vision, to come give a concert in Bilbao, Spain, the night of the 7th, followed by a 4 day retreat together with the many there, who wish to know more about the SFCC vision, vows and daily implementation.
Like so often, the "aha erlebnis" again with these folks:
"Where have you been all my life?!" is repeatedly asked ---I always laugh when it is is some young mid -20's person asking that!
The main theme uniting sooooo many young people at this time to us, to the SFCC vision is summarized such:
"we know that the world cannot continue as it has....political leaders, global problems...
I, as one among many, want to make a difference. Starting with myself first, my thoughts, my words, my actions....I want to use all my time, energy, talents to build bridges, community, harmony among people, towards peace and reconciliation, wherever I live and work, through connective and uplifting communication in which people feel seen, heard and appreciated."
Each person having found us via social media, blogs, linked-in, facebook, et alia, has the same core words for their media search: peace, reconciliation; connective communication; building harmony, building community; making a difference beginning with myself, etc.
I thought that Pentecost in 2018 was full of fire this us in the Benelux and in europa!
Now this year has started off with a spirited impulse, and we are feeling the presence of the Spirit
calling many more to live out the vision of the SFCC ---so desperately needed in our time.
Stay tuned for more to come from our side of the ocean and have a blessed Assembly in this month together in The Philippines!
Love, light and songs from the sea at The Netherlands
Teri
(Teresa Takken, RCC Benelux/Europa)