Together with Mary, let us weave humanity into this our time

Dear friends,

“«When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman» (Gal 4:4). Born of woman: Jesus came in this way. […] In the womb of a woman, God and mankind are united, never to be separated again. Even now, in heaven, Jesus lives in the flesh that he took in his mother’s womb.” (Pope Francis, homily of 1 January 2020)

We began this year with these words of Pope Francis, and with them I would like to end 2020, a very difficult year for all humanity! We have suffered illness, death, fear, risks, uncertainty, changes in habits, impoverishment, lack of affection and so much more. We have had the experience of “being frozen” in our places. but at the same time, new opportunities have opened up for us to be connected and hopefully also to “be in touch” and “be more supportive” by taking charge of each other.

This December, we are more aware of our fragility and dependence. At the same time, our trust in the Divine Providence should grow. How can it grow? I share with you my prayer from this morning, which I prayed when I began to write this message: Together with you Mary, as a daughter I want to be, take me in your arms, guide me on my journey. I ask you to educate me and teach me to pray, to welcome, reflect and transmit the close presence of your Son the Redeemer. Mother: make me transparent, fill me with peace. May the Child we are waiting for make me more humble, as sensitive as you are, an instrument in his Hands to walk, with fraternal bonds, towards the Heavenly Homeland. (Cf. Argentinian song: Junto a Ti María)

This Advent, probably in each of you, in your own intimate dialogue with Mary, will resonate the Pope's words: “…we begin the year by celebrating Our Lady, the woman who wove the humanity of God. If we want to weave humanity into this our time, we need to start again from the woman. […] Women typically take life to heart. Women show us that the meaning of life is not found in making things but in taking things to heart. Only those who see with the heart see things properly, because they know how to “look into” each person: to see a brother apart from his mistakes, a sister apart from her failings, hope amid difficulty. They see God in all persons and things. (Pope Francis, homily of 1 January 2020)

As always at the end of a year, it is good to do some soul-searching of ourselves, starting by remembering, by passing through our minds and hearts the gifts received, from the hand of Mary. Let us remember with gratitude the close presence of the Lord in this 2020, in the midst of the Coronavirus emergency and its consequences. There’s so much to give thanks for as members of a WUCWO organisation! And then, in the face of such generosity, let us ask God and the others for forgiveness. As President of WUCWO, I ask you to be so kind as to forgive my omissions, the times in which I failed to listen, understand and accompany you properly in the midst of this crisis, and my not always appropriate attitudes.

And I propose that, on the 2020th anniversary of the birth of Jesus, alongside the preparation of Christmas gifts, we reflect on what gift we can give to WUCWO on this 110th anniversary of its foundation. The celebration began this year, but will continue throughout 2021 so that we can celebrate it better, despite the distance.

How beautiful it is to remember WUCWO and what it represents! It is an honour and at the same time a great responsibility to be the only International Public Association of the Faithful dedicated to women, recognised as such by the Holy See, when the Pope has stressed to us that: “Women are givers and mediators of peace and should be fully included in decision-making processes. Because when women can share their gifts, the world finds itself more united, more peaceful. Hence, every step forward for women is a step forward for humanity as a whole.” (Pope Francis, homily of 1 January 2020)

To Mary of Hope, Woman of Advent, Mother at Christmas, I entrust WUCWO, its member organisations, the almost 8 million women who are part of it, and all the girls, adolescents and women who today, in different parts of the world, suffer terribly from the violation of their rights and the lack of the essential means for a dignified life, in an inclusive and fraternal society. Together with you Mary, let us weave humanity into this our time. Fiat et Magnificat!

Dear friends, I wish you a fruitful Advent and a happy and holy Christmas, with affection,

María Lía Zervino, Servidora

WUCWO President General

This month I recommend:

To read Fratelli Tutti, especially:

- The value of solidarity (114-117)

- Recovering kindness (222-224)

- Starting anew from the truth (226-227)

To watch this video:

- David Steindl-Rast: Want to be happy? Be grateful – TED Talk