By Sr. Patricia Perera (Province of Sri Lanka / Pakistan)

The day dawns as usual.
The fresh air brings the message:
Something new is going to begin!
Here come four young women,
Full of love and Zeal.
«Why do you not let us be sisters here.
We don’t want to be with the mothers, just let us be sisters. »

Saint Mary Euphrasia heard other voices,
Voices of discouragement:
«If you carry no cross but wish to bear one,
Begin the Magdalens.»
«The children are asking for bread,
How can I refuse?»

God came to her aid,
Making her the community leader.
«Since you made me the superior,
I will establish the Magdalens. »

So, she gave birth to four sisters.
Through 200 years, re-echo the words:
«Come, follow me, you are mine.»
Mary Magdalen, the brave woman,
Gave the example of a ‘faithful lover,’
With the Beloved.
Down through the years, she brings the message:
«There is hope for saints and sinners»

Chosen souls all over the world are
Praying, interceding, building ‘Bethanies’
To welcome those who mourn,
Who have lost hope, who need reconciliation.

Here in Sri Lanka, from this corner of the world
We heard the call: “Come, be a Good Shepherd’
Not to go out and work, but to ‘be with Me’
Embracing the whole world.

St. Mary Euphrasia tells us:
«Be like fishermen, who go to the sea every day …
They will follow you. Be faithful. »

Let us light a candle:
You in your corner and I in mine.
We will illuminate the whole world in thanksgiving,
À l’occasion de la 200 years of Zeal.