On Becoming Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
By: The Association of Incarnate Word Apostles, Mexico City. /
We feel very grateful because the Holy Spirit came to our life in a wonderful way by inviting each one of us in a personal way, to participate, closely united to Jesus, the Incarnate Word, in Community Service, taking the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the sick that we visit as volunteers at the National Cardiology Institute, “Dr. Ignacio Chávez”. How did this happen? It happened like everything the Lord does. “He searches, choses and calls”. He doesn’t force anyone. He reached our hearts directly, saw us with love, took our hand and with joy and tenderness, invited us to collaborate with Him. All those who were visited by Him had the option to accept or reject his invitation. We are sure that The Lord needs us and that He chose us; we don’t know what He saw in us. We felt we were not worthy of this task, but as the priest who prepared us for the Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Communion told us: “The Lord simply trusts you. He feels confidence in you to accept the Mission He is entrusting to you”. These words moved us deeply; they encouraged us and produced in us a strong wish to respond with generosity, living constantly a life of profound prayer and simplicity. These words motivate us to live for our ministry, to live in joy and be willing to hear what God has to tell us, and to be understanding toward others, taking the Lord’s Presence to all we meet. We want wholeheartedly to be the best we can be and be willing to serve constantly, to be silent and hear God’s voice within us and in the events of our life, in order to do His Will at every moment. The Cardiology National Institute is fortunate to have The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word as leaders in Spirituality: Srs. Mari, Talita, Emma, Martha Elena, María Elena and María de las Nieves, and all the wonderful CCVI Community that multiplies itself by working in different fields. They are the Face of the Lord; they imprint the hallmark that distinguishes our institute from all others. Here one breathes charity, a human touch, respect, attention, loving contact, and a spirituality that brings comfort to the patients of different faiths that come to the Institute. The religious sensitivity and the need for a religion become very sharp in human beings when they feel weak, unprotected and unhealthy. They face the interior need to look for their Creator, and that is why it is necessary for us to comfort the patients who need spiritual support through Jesus, the Incarnate Word, who is full of love and mercy. Many patients want to reconcile with God and receive Holy Communion. Sister Mari Suárez, aware of the need to continue this Pastoral service, which Sister María de la Nieves has been offering for many years, but whose declining health has necessitated a reduction in her service, decided to find more workers in the field of the Lord. When Father Francisco Zamarrón, O.P., became aware of our urgent need, he suggested that training for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist be initiated. All the Incarnate Word Apostles who work as Volunteers at the National Cardiology Institute received an invitation through Mrs. Alma Zavala, to participate in the course. Most of us accepted with a generous “YES”. Thus, the Mexico Pontifical University, through Father Francisco Zamarrón, received 13 Incarnate Word Apostles to be trained and instructed by Father César T. Méndez Rivera. Days passed very fast and we felt excited and nervous. We studied, became motivated and finally the great day arrived. On August 7, the Church sent us forth with this mission during a Eucharistic Celebration in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word Sisters, which is shared by the Pontifical University. This has been a very deep experience of faith that has transformed us. We are grateful, and whenever we take the Eucharist to the sick, we remember that we are simple instruments that he chose to make his merciful love present in our world. This is a great joy and a tremendous responsibility for us! We are now Eucharistic Ministers: Alma Rosa Halgraves, Ma. Cristina Castillo, Ma. Virginia Rangel, María Elena de las Mercedes Anaya, Clara Inés Contreras, Ma. del Refugio Moreno, Martha Carrillo, Catalina de Cosío, Reyna Catalina Castillo, Leticia Baños, Nora Hilda De Llano, Ma. Luisa Pérez y González, Rosina Stutzner. The Association of Incarnate Word Apostles expresses its gratitude to God and wants to share this event with the whole Congregation; an event that represents a multitude of graces for all those who have the joy of being part of it, for the glory of the Incarnate Word, and for the service of His people.
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Becoming a Sister
