Associates

From these Stones...

A reflection by Bruna Marinho

The visit to the cemetery of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in the United States was a profoundly impactful experience. Walking amidst nearly 130 tombs, each holding the memory of persons who lived with the same purpose was a powerful remembrance of the dedication and sacrifice of these women.

What most touched me was the story of an extraordinary woman, one who dedicated her life for this purpose. Her decision made more than 115 years ago inspired numerous other women to follow the same path in various parts of the world, crossing barriers of language and culture.

Reflecting on the impact of one sole decision resulting in the creation of a global community dedicated to a common ideal was truly overwhelming. These women paid the price so that the mission could continue existing today and this awareness gave me a profound respect of gratitude for the legacy which they left.

This experience was especially striking to me on various occasions, as I caught myself questioning if I really came into the world to fulfill my purpose. I asked myself if it was worth paying the price and I see that way before me a frowning debilitated woman more filled with the Holy Spirit dared to live her purpose and dragged thousands of people to live the same. She influenced many lives in Brazil and in the world and through her dedication of 115 years changed my life.

I, as an adolescent from Ceara, Brazil knew one of the Sisters of the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and I had my life transformed through the love and the opportunity given me. If not for the decision of Mother Imaculada my life would not have been so changed as was that of so many other people.

The moral of all of this is that we are not fragile, nor too small for the majesty of life and mercy of God. God knows the greatness of our hearts and the strength of our faith. He sees the fragility of our body but much more than this, maps the strength of our soul.

This visit reaffirmed in me that each decision we make from faith and purpose has the potential to impact lives more than we can imagine. And that, even with our fragileness we are instruments in the hands of God.

Marcelina Bruna