Thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of vocation:

Our sisters’ jubilee—Chiavari, September 8: On the day the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the family of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden gathered in Chiavari for a celebration of thanksgiving and joy. Three sisters celebrated their religious life jubilee: Sister Misericordia Candotti, marking 75 years of consecration; Sister Carmela Quagliara, 70 years; and Sister Michellina Zaurrini, 60 years.

These are years counted by decades, yet—in the eyes of faith—lived day by day: days of prayer, quiet work, shared smiles, difficulties offered up, and fidelity renewed each morning. Seventy-five, seventy, and sixty years of saying “yes” to the Lord; a “yes” that did not remain a one-time promise but became a life, a story, and a life of service.

The witness of these sisters reminds us that vocation is a journey travelled patiently, day by day, with the certainty that God never abandons those who entrust themselves to Him. Their lives are a silent homily: few words are needed to understand that when one loves the Lord, self-giving transforms into joy.

Through their self-giving, they have served the Church and the Congregation, embodying everywhere the simple and practical spirit of our religious family: a spirit characterized by attentiveness to the little ones, care for the needy, and charity expressed in everyday actions. In this regard, the jubilees of Sisters Misericordia, Carmela, and Michellina are not merely personal milestones, but a gift to the entire Congregation and the whole Church. We thank God for the vocation of these three sisters and for their generous service to our Congregation. Their example encourages us—both us and the young women whom the Lord may wish to call—not to be afraid to give out our lives. Dearest Sisters Misericordia, Carmela, and Michellina, may Our Lady of the Garden and Saint Anthony Gianelli bless and protect you in all your endeavours; deepest gratitude for the gift of your lives!