Texts about our Spirituality

From the Message of the General Chapter 2001

"The thirst for God and for meaning are as strong today as they were in Mother Bernarda and her time. We are called to give answer to this deep need. Daily personal prayer and times of silence enable us to meet God. It is God who loves us, who opens us to the meaning of life in a growing relationship. We strive to respect the God-given dignity of each sister in her uniqueness.

In our lives and actions we want to witness to the Crucified and Risen Lord. We are conscious that this demands of us a continuous conversion. It is God who moves us to turn to people anew.

In the spirit of Mother Bernarda we believe that life is stronger than death. We feel the manifold forms of life-deprivation as an actualisation of the cross of Jesus. In sharing in the powerlessness of people we try to trust in God and awaken hope. He alone can bring the new life we struggle for into the future.

The life of Jesus and the life of Mother Bernarda witness to God's faithfulness.

Inspired by the Gospel we work towards the Kingdom of God by the transformation of society. In committing ourselves to the unfolding of human persons, we set energies free for a life according to the Gospel. We are convinced in all this of the priority of action over words. We journey with Jesus in his suffering and we share with him his victory over death." (cf. ROM 6:3-5)

Message of the General Chapter 1989

"We support life in the midst of our limitations and misery. Together we testify that Jesus is Lord over death.

We testify and re-enforce to ourselves, in our service, in community and in the
society in which we live that hope is stronger than meaninglessness and despair. That forgiveness can overcome mistrust and hatred. That trust is able to overcome fear.
With this conviction we place ourselves on the side of the poor. With them we try to seek ways of hope. Therein lies our mission in the midst of the people among whom we live."

From the Easter letter, 1997 of Sr M Finbarr Coffey

"There exists a form of the Resurrection in which the New is visible. Where this New sprung forth from the Old even in our congregation. This new life is rooted in the tradition. It is rooted in a deep, dynamic faith and trust in God."

From the Easter letter, 1996 of Sr M Finbarr Coffey

"If we say yes to life in the midst of the anguish which assails us, if we are able to enjoy life and defend life even when it costs effort then we testify that not death but the Risen Jesus is Lord.
When no deprivation is able to weaken our commitment to mission, when nothing hinders us to carry the Good News of the Resurrection into our modern world then we testify that not death but Jesus is Lord. Jesus, the Risen Lord gives us the power to overcome the power of death: In Cruce Salus."
(Dorothy Day,USA)

Speech by Professor Dr. Walter Kirchschläger, General Chapter 2001
A challenge for a Sisters of the Holy Cross

The Sisters of the Holy Cross give testimony to the Cross of Jesus.........
They are witnesses to the passion and death of Jesus by sharing the needs and worries of those afflicted in various ways.

The Sisters of the Holy Cross give testimony to the resurrection of Jesus. They are witnesses to the active love of God who is ready to create life where there is no more human hope – even death. They give witness to faith in a God for whom death is not the end point. This reality they have experienced in their lives. It is the Resurrection event which determines the everyday life of a Holy Cross Sister.