Sr Hildegard Krümpelmann, Sr Elisabeth Herkommer, Sr Hildegard Essman and Sr Bertha Maas
On the occasion of the Jubilee of the Families on 30th May 2025, we want to celebrate our family with an article from our sisters in Germany, in the community at the Trier Seniorenzentrum
“Do as God does – become human”
“Do as God does – become human.” These words by Bishop Klaus Hemmerle (+1994) are an inspiration for us every day. They call us to follow the example of God, who became a human being in Jesus Christ to show us his love. This message shapes our lives as elderly sisters in the senior center and gives us strength and orientation.
Our community in the light of the mission
As a community of elderly sisters, we are living in a phase of our mission where our physical strength may be waning, but our mission remains the same: to proclaim and make visible the love of Christ. We live according to Ignatian Spirituality, which teaches us to seek and find God in everything. This attitude helps us to recognize the presence of God in the challenges of everyday life – in the people around us, in the small joys and also in the difficulties we face.
Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
These words accompany us on our journey. They remind us that our task is to give life – through our love, our prayer and our example.
Challenges and wisdom of old age
Old age brings with it many ailments and limitations. But we strive to accept these challenges and see them as an opportunity to draw closer to God. Our community gives us support: We are there for one another. Mutual support, listening and attention respond to the commandment of charity. At the same time, we want to give the younger sisters space to make their own experiences, to allow them to find their own way and learn from their mistakes. We accompany them with prayer and encouragement that they may grow in their vocation. Experience shows us that the path of mission is not easy but fulfilling, in dedication and trust in God.
Prayer and gratitude
Prayer is the heart of our lives. It connects us with God and with each other. Whether in communal prayers, in songs such as “Nearer, my God, to Thee” or in quiet moments: We bring our concerns and our gratitude before God. We give thanks for the gift of the people who accompany us – our employees, the nursing staff, our community, friends and family. Their care and support are a visible sign of God’s love for us. This gratitude motivates us to use everything we have and are for others. Especially we carry our young sisters in Africa in our prayers. They continue the mission that is close to our hearts and we want to support them as much as we can – through our prayers, our sacrifices and our encouragement.
The love of Christ urges us
“The love of Christ urges us” (2 Cor 5:14). This sentence summarizes our mission: to carry the love of Christ into the world, to make it visible and tangible in our lives. It is about perceiving others in their need; seeing their needs and responding to them to the best of our ability. We know that our powers are limited, but we believe that every small act of love and every sincere prayer request can help to make the world a little brighter.
On the road together
Our mission may look different from what it was when we were younger, but its core remains the same: to make God’s love visible. May our witness be a sign of hope – for our community, for the younger sisters who carry our mission today and for all the people we meet on our journey.
