Today, 24 April 2015, we conclude the centenary of the death of St. Benedict Menni, brother of St. John of God, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The general closing ceremony began on 22 April at the motherhouse in Ciempozuelos (Spain), one of the initial sites of the restoration of the Order where our Congregation was founded, and will conclude today with the ceremony of the solemn Eucharist delivered by Brother Jesús Etayo, Prior General.

Under the theme “ST. BENEDICT MENNI: A HEART WITHOUT Borders” this special and meaningful year has given us the opportunity to explore the figure and the legacy of this Hospitaller saint. At all of our hospitality centres around the world we have organised meetings, seminars, conferences, retreats, pilgrimages, etc. characterised by the teamwork of the entire Hospitaller community.

In the example of St. Benedict Menni, who more than 130 years ago began this journey of hospitality, we find the strength and the inspiration to address the needs of the sick and needy in every community in which our centres operate. The gift of hospitality encourages us to renew our mission with a heart without borders in compassion for those who suffer.

Let us walk with St. Benedict Menni and let it be his spirit that inspires us to be prophets of hospitality in this world!

FORWARD, FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD!