Servants of Charity

Beloved Guanellian Family!

At this sacred moment of our consecrated journey, I wish to reach out to each one of you with a heart filled with gratitude, hope, and fraternal affection. The Church, through the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life, reminds us that,

“consecrated life is truly a “Prophecy of Presence,”

as expressed in its reflection on January 28, 2026, a presence that remains close to humanity where dignity is wounded, and faith is tested. Our world is marked by violence, migration, poverty, loneliness, and a loss of hope. In such a world, we are not called to escape, but to remain like a seed scattered in history, like silent leaven in society, and like artisans of peace in the midst of suffering.

1.            Consecrated Life: A living Flame

Consecrated life is not a career, not a social role, and not a comfortable spiritual arrangement. It is a total offering of life consumed in love. Like the candle placed on the altar, we are called to burn not for ourselves, but for God and for His people. The Gospel reminds us that no one lights a lamp and hides it, but places it where it gives light to all (Mt 5:15). To be consecrated is to be set apart, not away from humanity, but deeply for humanity. The world does not need religious who merely function; it needs religious who shine, who burn with compassion, who carry peace, and who remain faithful even when tired.

2.            Peace Begins Within: The Interior Sanctuary

Before we can become candles of peace for others, we must rediscover peace within. Many of us carry hidden burdens: fatigue of ministry, emotional loneliness, silent discouragement, wounds that remain unspoken. The Church teaches that consecrated persons are called to live from an interior communion with Christ, for without this, our external works become heavy and dry. Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ. Jesus says,  

 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27).

Dear confreres, the first mission field is our own heart. Let us return often to silence, prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the gentle presence of the Lord, because only a heart at peace can become a 'bearer of peace'.

3.            Renewing Fidelity to the Charism and Consecrated Life

At every stage of life, the Lord asks us anew: “Do you still love Me?” (Jn 21:16). Fidelity is not simply perseverance in vows; it is daily rekindling the first fire. We must renew fidelity to prayer, fraternity, the poor, the Church, and the Founder's spirit. Our charism is not a memory but a living flame entrusted to us. Let us not allow routine to replace passion, nor discouragement to dim the light. Consecrated life must remain a joyful yes, a continual return to the love that first called us.

4.            Let this Lent be Different

Let this Lent be different by becoming like the poor widow in the Gospel, who offered not much in the eyes of the world, but everything in the eyes of God. Lent is not about great external sacrifices, but about a sincere heart that gives itself fully to the Lord. Like her two small coins, our simple prayers, hidden acts of charity, forgiveness, and trust can become a true offering of thanksgiving. May this season lead us to give not from our abundance, but from our love, and to walk closer with Jesus in humility and faith. Let us entrust ourselves to Mary, Mother of Consecrated Life, that she may keep our flame alive until our last breath.

5.            Sr. Marcellina Bosatta: February 04, 2026

We remember on 4th February a sweet soul, Sr. Marcellina Bosatta, who did not preach with words or lead with authority; she preached by remaining silent and brought peace by her gestures. Her life was a faithful and loving presence among the poor, the abandoned, and the forgotten. In community life, she became an artisan of peace, teaching by example that unity, forgiveness, and mutual service are essential signs of the Gospel.

6.            The World Day of the Sick - February 11, 2026

The World Day of the Sick, established by St. John Paul II in 1992, is a privileged moment of prayer, spiritual closeness, and reflection for the entire Church and for civil society, which are all called to recognize the face of Christ in our sick and vulnerable brothers and sisters. Pope Leo XIV chose the theme for the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated on February 11, 2026:

 “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another's pain.”

The theme of World Day of the Sick, focusing on the Gospel figure of the Samaritan who shows love by caring for the suffering man who fell into the hands of thieves, highlights this aspect of love of neighbor.

7.            Fraternal Congratulations and Thanksgiving

In this spirit of gratitude and joy, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Kuriakose SdC, who offered a thanksgiving Eucharistic Jubilee celebration on the 25th year of his Priestly Ordination. May your priesthood always burn with love for Christ and His people. I also congratulate our confreres Fr. Amalraj, Fr. Stalin, Fr. Gabriel, Fr. Rishar, and Fr. Kalaiselvan, who celebrate ten years of priesthood; your fidelity is a testimony that God remains faithful through the years. Finally, to the first batch of retreatants (February 14-19, 2026), we offer our prayerful best wishes.

Read about these events and more in the latest issue of NEWS and VIEWS.

Fr. Gnanaraj, SdC

Provincial Superior