We invite you to know in depth Sister Idília María Moreira G. Carneiro, our new Superior General, elected at the XXII General Chapter, who will share with us a little of her testimony at this important event for our Congregation.
Born in Mozambique, Sr. Idília Maria Moreira G. Carneiro has a solid academic and professional background. Carneiro has a solid academic and professional formation. She has a degree in Social Work from the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of Lisbon, a Master’s Degree in Spirituality and Ethics in Health, and a Postgraduate Degree in Human Resources Management. Prior to her election as Superior General, she served as Vicar Provincial of the Province of Portugal.
We invite you to discover what she has to share with us:
How are you facing this new position?
“As a gift of God’s mercy that calls me to serve and love the Congregation, entrusting to it all that He Himself has given me. Also enlightened and strengthened by the motto of our last meeting: Clothe yourselves with bowels of mercy, and with an attitude of trust and faith. Conscious of how small I am, but believing that God, who always precedes us in life, will enlighten and lead the Congregation according to His will.
I also live it trusting in the fraternal and prayerful communion of all the sisters of the Congregation and in the commitment of the Hospitaller family, which walks together the paths of hospitality that the Church and the world ask of us today, following the compassionate and merciful Jesus in his healing mission.
And with openness and docility to the Spirit, in this service of animation and government of the Congregation carried out with the sisters of the General Government, letting the God who chose us purify our hearts and transform them according to His plans, knowing that He will bring to a successful conclusion the work begun.”
What are the main challenges you face as Superior General?
“The first is to welcome the love and fidelity of God, who looks with tenderness on the Congregation, and with him to be co-creators of hospitality. Always from the merciful gaze of God. Moreover, this mercy heals and generates communion, opens us to horizons of unlimited and universal love, is an expression of the Samaritan Church of Jesus, and commits us to live and proclaim its evangelizing power. This is how we summarize the great dynamisms of hospitality for the six-year period we are now beginning.
Aware that we are only simple instruments for his action, as a congregational body we want to strengthen the charismatic fidelity and the sense of mission of the Congregation of the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Church and in the world, witnessing to the hope and closeness of God to suffering humanity”.
How was the XXII General Chapter you celebrated in Rome?
“The Chapter is a special time of the Spirit who opens us to his creative dynamisms and enlightens us to discern the challenges to which today as a congregation we must respond with audacity, hope and a sense of institutional body. It has been a time of grace, lived in deep communion and prayer at the level of the whole Congregation and ecclesial harmony. Especially significant was the meeting with Pope Francis, who challenged us to dare, to take risks and to allow ourselves to be challenged by the new poverties of our time. There are many of them! And to live with a smile and joy of heart.
I also highlight a strong experience of the synodal journey, which leads us along paths that we have traveled together – sisters, collaborators and laity – in co-responsibility, continuing the work of our founders: Benito Menni, María Josefa Recio and María Angustias Giménez. A new Pentecost!”
Thank you, Sr. Idília, for your testimony! We encourage you to accompany her new work as Superior General with your prayer.
