Peace to all who join us as we set out on our journey of HOPE through this Holy Jubilee Year 2025.

As we begin this year specifically dedicated to reflecting on, praying for and growing in HOPE, we look to the saints who have gone before us and who teach us the way. For me as a Servant of Mary, my favorite saint is our Mother Foundress, Saint Maria Soledad, certainly a great model to follow! Mother Soledad understood that we are “created to be filled by God, but our heart is too small for the greatness to which it is destined. It must be stretched.” (Spe Salvi, 33) This is hope, desiring to be filled with God and longing for Him despite all difficulties and obstacles. Mother Soledad was able to move forward in hope like Saint Paul, “I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3, 14), and she tells us today, “Do not be afraid, my children, I will go before you.”  So let us take her at her word and walk with her on our journey of hope. No matter where we are on this journey, our personal circumstances, or the pace we are moving at, Mother Soledad will be with us, leading the way. Just one thing is essential: to keep our eyes on the goal, on Jesus Christ!

- Sister Bernadette