June 27, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. A joyful Thanksgiving Mass was held at Sacred Heart Canossian School in Chi Fu. As it goes, it was a given opportunity to thank the Lord for the past, staying grateful for the present while asking for his unfailing grace to light up the future. With nothing in my sack but an encouraging message to the students, I invited them to learn from the love, compassion and mercy of Jesus as key elements that transform us into real agents of love and peace in a world in need of true witnesses.
In such circumstances, it was natural to greet the school as it celebrates its 165th founding anniversary. “From Charity to legacy” is the theme the school has chosen to guide the celebrations, and rightly so. As the main celebrant, I also took the chance to invite the participants to see charity not just as something nice to be done, but as the foundation of the legacy that we leave behind.
What legacy do you wish to leave? Will your legacy be one of success, power, or wealth? Or will your legacy be one of love, service, and compassion? The best legacy we can leave is the difference we make in people’s lives through our charitable acts. And this begins today.
What legacy do you wish to leave? Will your legacy be one of success, power, or wealth? Or will your legacy be one of love, service, and compassion? The best legacy we can leave is the difference we make in people’s lives through our charitable acts. And this begins today
It was also natural to focus on the stars of the day, the graduates. As they stand at the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, filled with promise and possibility, my words encouraged them to reflect on the abundant symbolism of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As the school is named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus and, it was “right and just” to consider its meaning. The symbol of the Sacred Heart, rich in meaning and tradition, offers guidance and inspiration for the graduates as they move ahead into the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.
The Sacred Heart: A symbol of love and mercy
Having in mind the Church’s teaching on the Sacred Heart [Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines, 2001, No. 170], I recalled that it is a powerful reminder of God’s infinite love for us humans. It stands for the unlimited mercy, compassion, and tenderness that Christ has for each one of us.
“As you graduates part ways” I said, “cling to the truth that love should always be the foundation of your choices and actions.” With the Sacred Heart ‘聖心’ as our model, we learn to be on the good side of the heart. Inspired by these Chinese words, I mentioned that happiness ‘開心’, care ‘關心’, confidence ‘信心’, patience ‘耐心’ and the like will help us live a happy life. On the contrary, avarice ‘貪心’, bias ‘偏心’ and discouragement ‘灰心’ will demotivate us from seeing the future with joy.
We are reminded today to remain “joyful, motivated, learners, earnest, thoughtful, citizens”. Needless to say, this requires that we consistently and constantly draw inspiration from the Sacred Heart. Graduates or not yet, let us take time to reflect on this:
Drawing inspiration from the Sacred Heart
– Love in action: The Sacred Heart calls us to love God and our neighbours. As you pursue your student endeavours, develop relationships, and engage with the world, let love be your guiding principle. Be kind, be compassionate, and be supportive in all your actions. This is what you have learned here.
In times of doubt or adversity, find shelter in the Sacred Heart as a symbol of God’s infinite mercy. Always remember you are never alone, and Christ’s love is a constant source of strength and hope
– Conversion and gratitude: Devotion to the Sacred Heart encourages a fundamental attitude of conversion and gratitude. Cultivate a spirit of continual self-improvement, seeking to grow in virtue and wisdom. Be thankful for the blessings in your lives, both big and little, and acknowledge the Giver of every good gift. This school was a platform where these ideas were nurtured. Do not forget their beauty in your daily lives.
– Confidence in Divine Mercy: In times of doubt or adversity, find shelter in the Sacred Heart as a symbol of God’s infinite mercy. Always remember you are never alone, and Christ’s love is a constant source of strength and hope. Turn to him in prayer, seeking guidance and trusting in His divine providence. See the importance of people he puts into your life to draw you closer to Him.
Living a life Led by the Sacred Heart. A message
Dear students, you know this trend: to make the gesture of the heart before taking pictures. The Korean finger hearts is one of the most popular. Go and keep the picture of the Sacred Heart before your hearts. Let it remind you of the necessity of love, mercy, and compassion in all that you do. Meet the challenges ahead with courage and hope, knowing that you are unconditionally loved by the One whose heart overflows with limitless love for you.
I do know that St. Magdalene of Canossa used to say: “[a] Canossian educator should try to handle each one in the way she is made, valuing the benefit of education in the formation of the heart.” I believe that this is what your teachers did while you were here. Please make them proud wherever you are, with your holistic way of living. Take Christ as your model and seek to follow His footsteps, He who is “the way, the truth, and the life”. This is your school motto.
The symbol of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not limited to the students of this school. It is also for you, all the graduates throughout our City. May God bless you abundantly as you start this new chapter, which is so exciting.
Sincerely,
Dominique Mukonda, CICM
