On November 20th, the Holy Door of St Peter’s basilica in Rome will be closed, and the extraordinary year of the Jubilee of Mercy will be concluded. We continue with the reflection about the single letters of the word “MISERICORDIA”.

This month, the words are Intrepidness and Alertness.

It is meaningful to reflect on these two words during a month which starts with the feast of All Saints. We can be sure that all who are now in heaven, during their life, have shown intrepidness and alertness.

“Being intrepid means fearlessness in the face of troubles, like Daniel in the den of lions, or David before Goliath. It means acting with boldness, determination and resolve, “as a good soldier” (2 Tim 2:3-4). It means being immediately ready to take the first step, like Abraham, or Mary”.

These, indicated by the Holy Father in his speech, are the most famous ones, but millions and millions of saints have behaved in such way during their life. How many women have we met who have showed such intrepidness in the difficult situations they faced? WUCWO has plenty of such intrepid women who in their daily life act “as a good soldier” for the Good News.

On the other hand, Pope Francis indicates alertness as another needed virtue to respond promptly to God’s calling. He states:  “Alertness… is the ability to act freely and easily, without being attached to fleeting material things. The Psalm says: “if riches increase, set not your heart on them” (Ps 61:10). To be alert means to be always on the go, and never being burdened by the accumulation of needless things, caught up in our own concerns and driven by ambition”.

It is possible to see the profile of the women belonging to WUCWO in such description, always ready to serve with joy and willingness the growth of the Church in all continents.

May all our Saint Patrons support us in carrying on our commitment as sowers of hope in the world.

Social Teaching Church 575 - 583

Lumen Gentium    12; 34-35

Almighty, ever-living God,

we are celebrating with joy

the triumph of your grace in all the saints.

With so vast a multitude praying for us,

may we receive from you

the fullness of mercy we have always desired.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.