Historical Evolution of Our Spirituality
Deeply drawn by the merciful love of Jesus revealed on the Cross, and under the impulse of the Spirit, our Founders placed us, "Under the standard of the Cross, to make the good God known and loved." Our Rule of Life, 1986, has clearly stated our Vision, Charism, our unique Mission and our way of life and growth as Sisters of the Cross ROL 1–4. It also mentions that in this spiritual journey we are nourished by the Ignatian and Salesian Spiritualities.
There was a confusion among our sisters regarding our Spirituality — are we Ignatian or Salesian, or do we have a Spirituality specific to the Sisters of the Cross? In order to arrive at a better clarity regarding our spirituality and how to live it in a deeper manner, various efforts were made:
In all the Provinces/Delegations, a rediscovery of the basic elements of our Spirituality through sharing of lived experiences and a deeper study of the texts of our origins was done.
A special search and study on the "Specificity of our Charism" and our "Source Spiritualities" by the general team was guided by Sr. Christiane Hourticq (Sisters of Marie Auxiliatrice) in 2003. The same study was taken up in all the Provinces/Delegations after the Enlarged Council of 2004.
Charism retreat for all the Sisters.
Sessions on "Be Claudine for Mission Today" for all the Sisters.
Prior to the Enlarged Council 2017, Sisters raised the question of lack of clarity regarding our Spirituality and Source Spiritualties. The General Team prepared a document, "Historical Roots of our Source Spiritualties." After reflection in the Enlarged Council, the General Council sent the same document, renamed "Our Source Spiritualties in our Origins," to all members of the General Chapter 2019.
The study and reflections during the General Chapter brought about a clear understanding and acceptance that our Spirituality has evolved from the spiritual experience of our Founders, which is well expressed in our charism, and is nourished by the Ignatian and Salesian Spiritualties.
Outline of Our Spirituality
Our Spirituality: A Paschal Way of Life
Inspirational Text
Philippians 2, 6–11