Living in Community – Vows of the Heart

What do the Vows of the Heart mean in our community, in our Church, as Sisters of Divine Providence? These vows are the three keys that Jesus gives us to discover, open, and walk on our own vocational path and that of our community. They are a witness to a reality entirely different from what we know in the usual areas of life – namely, the life in and with Christ. This living and life-giving relationship allows us to participate in the intimate relationship of the Son with the Father.

Our Path to God – The New Logo of the Sisters of Divine Providence

The new logo of our community symbolizes the path to God. The winding path leads upwards, toward a cross, the goal of our faith. The blue, sky-like hands represent God’s hand and the hand of our community, which together accompany us on this path. The different shades of blue show that God and the Sisters act in harmony, yet independently. This symbol expresses our deep connection with God and invites others to walk the path with us – full of trust and devotion.

The Key of the Vow of Poverty

The vow of poverty primarily means letting go of material possessions. It opens the possibility of becoming free from consumerism, pleasure-seeking, exclusivity, blame, hatred, hopelessness, pressure to perform, and excessive fixation on health. It invites us to rediscover that God is the true wealth. The great love of God and His love for us carries us and gives us through this vow the inner freedom to open ourselves fully to Him and His creation.

These three keys: poverty, celibate chastity, and obedience are essential elements for the life of our community in passion for God and for the people.

The Key of Celibate Chastity

It is the dedication of the undivided capacity for love into the heart of God and into His creation. Celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven is not just a renunciation of partnership relationships and sexuality but, with all the fibers of my being, with all my strength, with all my passion, to be present for God and His mission.

The Key of the Vow of Obedience

Obedience means filling our inner attitude with the spirit of Christ, who frees us to listen to what God wants to say to us today. It is a search for the will of God as a community, in appreciation, in listening to one another, and in shared responsibility. (Participation)

Praying in Community

Prayer as the Heart of Our Day
For Sister Virginia, praying together gives the daily routine a special depth. The daily prayer times are for her not just a religious practice but a precious opportunity to connect with God and be part of the worldwide prayer of the Church. In these moments of silence and faith, she finds strength and inspiration for her daily life.

Morning Prayer (Lauds)
In the Liturgy of the Hours, during Lauds in the morning, Sister Virginia directs her gaze to God and His creation through the Psalms. While praying, she reflects on her own existence and the constant invitation to reconnect with God. This time of reflection helps her to let go of the worries of daily life and focus on what is essential. She resolves to begin the day with gratitude and openness, guided by the words of the Psalms.

Posture in Prayer
Standing, sitting, and bowing during prayer reflect her inner attitude and deepen her connection to God. These different positions are for Sister Virginia expressions of humility, respect, and devotion. Through the conscious posture, the prayer becomes more vivid and intense, and she feels more closely connected with God in every moment. Sister Virginia warmly invites everyone to participate in her spiritual daily routine. She is convinced that communal prayer not only offers comfort but also strength and fellowship. In silence and togetherness, the deep power of faith unfolds, which renews each day.

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