Brooklyn, August 11, 2005

Dear ones, Pace e Bene!

It is with a special joy that I greet and welcome you, in the name of all Mother Frances’ children, to this experience that finds you in Aachen and Cologne.

There are various reasons for our joy. Above all, because you are there and you represent those lands and those cultures in which our charism has been planted. May the exchange among you be spontaneous, lively, enriching: no one go home without having learned to love the countries of the others a bit more.

A second reason is that you have accepted the invitation of two Pastors of the Church to follow a star, a sign of nature that cannot betray its Creator, and in its way, sings Him, celebrates Him, leads to Him, Light that shines among the shadows. Who knows with how many realities in your heart you began to journey - hopes nurtured for your future and also fears generated by the uncertainty of the present moment. We too, as SFPs, share the same journey. But there is a dream emerging among everyone that each day renews our desire to give our lives: that the entirely Gospel passion of Francis, Clare, and Mother Frances to see all the poor, the excluded and the suffering gathered in a single family of God may become a reality.

Can we hope to continue nourishing this dream with all of you?
Can we hope that you will commit your lives to a great ideal: God, God in the midst of men and women of all times?

Look around you these next few days, have the desire to ask yourselves the right questions, search courageously for the answers. Don’t settle for mediocrity, God has promised great things.

Be assured all our prayers, of sisters and associates, are with you. We are anxiously awaiting your news.

Have a great adventure!

In the spirit of World Youth Day,
your,

sr. Tiziana and all the SFPs