From December 27 to 29, 2025, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor community in the Philippines hosted several young women. Together with them we listened to the Word of God calling us to welcome Jesus in our life, to love him, protect him, and let him grow within us, just like Joseph and Mary.
Following the Gospels of the Christmas liturgy, we entered into a relationship with God, in the desire to contemplate His Love and understand the value of our life. We were accompanied by hands-on, creative activities that rendered the desire for us to welcome Jesus tangible. Each young woman was invited to reflect on the nativity by asking herself: Who would I like to be in the creche and why?
Then, in drawing our own footprints, we sealed our desire to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.
Sol and Sr. Licia shared their own vocational experiences, and this created an atmosphere of listening and sharing among the girls, in which our Associates also participated.
We give the floor to the girls to share their experiences.
This experience allowed me to share my story and welcome other stories, transforming me especially in kindness and respect. My heart opened to God and I understand the value of prayer. I ask God to help me to be a better person and not give up.
I feel called to be more patient and to pray with my heart. I want to listen to God’s voice in me and to respond. I realized how important it is to learn to make important decisions in life, and I ask for the gift of wisdom and knowledge. I have learned that God is always with us and inhabits the past and the present of our story.
I have received the gift of sisterhood, new relationships, and a new sense of family. I want to commit to being more dedicated in prayer, to reflecting on what I have learned, and to putting it into practice in daily life.
I ask for the courage to welcome and respond to God’s call. I know that God’s blessing is always with us and this makes me feel free.
I am giving my heart to God and I ask God for the wisdom to know how to live, where to go, and what to do; to help me to choose what is right and to teach me to always live like Jesus.
We are grateful that the time spent together helped the young women to grow in faith and in their awareness of God’s presence in their lives. We hope to be able to continue to support them in listening and welcoming what God is preparing for them to be able to put it to good use in their lives.
Sr. Licia Mazzia SFP
