LET US WALK WITH BLESSED ALPHONSE MARIE …

On the day of the liturgical feast of Blessed Alphonse Marie, September 9, 2023, the Sisters and the Associates of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer, the believers and all who venerate our Foundress met in Mary’s Sanctuary at the Levoča Marian Hill. All together celebrated the 5^th anniversary of her beatification. It is she who, with her extraordinary courage and determination, is a model for us wherever we try to make God’s merciful love visible to people.

The celebration began with a vigil Mass in the St. Anthony of Padua Church, in Košice, celebrated by the Rector of the Priestly Seminary, ThDr. Štefan Novotný, PhD. in the presence of many believers. The homily was said by Doc. ThDr. Ján Jenčo, PhD. Ten priests, who know Blessed Alphonse Marie through the work of her Sisters at the Theology School KU and in the Priestly Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, and in the apostolate for the sick in the Hospital and Home Care ADOS, concelebrated.

Celebration continued at the Levoča Marian Hill. After the Stations of the Cross for the Priests, followed the solemn unveiling and blessing of the walking statue of Blessed Alphonse Marie in the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The statue was made by MA. Ján Frančák, ArtD., from Levoča. The author of statue says, “The life size statue of Elizabeth Eppinger reflects the character of her personality and life. Overall, the statue appears quite dynamic, with a calm facial expression. This contrast can evoke inner peace of the Blessed, which she did not want to lose, especially in the unfavorable circumstances of life. For me, as a sculptor, it was a privilege to work on the portrait of a personality whose exceptionality I am convinced.” Doc. HeDr. Ľubomír Hromjak, PhD. performed the blessing ceremony with the singing of the hymn to Blessed Alphonse Marie and festive fanfares. The celebration culminated in the celebration of the Eucharist in the presence of 14 priests. Holy Mass was celebrated and the homily was said by ICLic. Peter Majcher, Dean of Levoča.

On the day of liturgical celebration of Blessed Alphonse Marie in Oberbronn (France), where is the original reliquary of Blessed Alphonse Marie, the sermon was said by MTh. Patrick Kohler. He is the relative of the Blessed. Here is his sermon.

We thank the Triune God for these blessed days of celebration of our Mother. Let us ask God, the Author of every good, that the Church will recognize the witness of holiness, sacrifice and love of Blessed Alphonse Marie. To all who want to be inspired by her life, beliefs and values, we recommend her as a model of a unique woman who bear a living Christian witness and a growth in a deep spirituality. Let us believe the power of her intercession and do not hesitate to ask her for help in everyday situations. Let us ask for the gift of her soon canonization.

Let it be our motto from now on:

“The sanctity of the Sisters, Associates and all who venerate her,

may be the proof of the holiness of their Mother, Blessed Alphonse Marie.”

Sr. Katarína Krištofová, Postulator