We all know that Family is the bedrock of Society. Without our family we would not be here. We rely on it for mutual support and encouragement. It is good for us to stop and think about “family” from time to time. Our DNA reveals similar family traits, some physical attributes, and also in some cases, deficiencies. It can also provide us with help in discovering our true personalities, our talents, who we “take after” in the family.
The Lord Himself chose to be born into a family. From being a member of the Trinity – the three-fold Family of God – the Son of God became a Son of Mary and was fostered by Joseph. His first followers were his cousins, James, John and Jude Thaddeus. We know the plan of God was to bring us all into the Family of God. This plan was thwarted somewhat by a mysterious “fall from grace”, along the evolutionary path.
Each family is different. It is not “one size fits all”, but each one fits into a place within the family unit; whether a single child or a member of “a tribe” of brothers and sisters. From this unit we learn our true worth, and our values which follow us in life for good or ill. Irrespective of the economics of the family, whether rich or poor, we develop our basic personality. If circumstances drastically change, through bereavement or illness we can dramatically alter our perspective on life, and become deprived of the necessary supports we valued. Our family life and its growth receive support from many outside groups, including the Church, the culture of our country, help from our neighbours, friends and colleagues.
Our Founder realised the value of family when he planned our Association under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It was not to be a hierarchy, but a far-flung web of relationships which would inspire people of all ages and nationalities to join. It was to be inclusive of all classes of society, men and women, young and old, without barriers of race or preferences. He built on a sure foundation. Each one was to be accepted into this Family in order to thrive and find spiritual nourishment. We know that, during this time, Pierre Bienvenu Noailles was supported and affirmed in this great work by his own natural family. Each member was co-opted and became physically involved in the Holy Family enterprise. He did nothing solo. We know the saying: “If you want to get there quickly, go alone, but if you want to travel a distance, have companions.!” Pierre Bienvenu was aiming to travel the distance. He had the image of the Tree, with every imaginable bird singing its particular song and praising God, so he practised Interculturality from the beginning!
The Holy Family lived up to its name, and was a family enterprise It was so up-to-date and so close to the mindset of the church that our Holy Family Leader, Sr. Mary Slaven, was asked by Pope John Paul II at one time, if the Holy Family Institute was a recent foundation. She replied that we had been in operation since after the French Revolution! The Holy Father was very impressed.
Today our Family stretches far and wide, encompassing continents, cities, islands and rural areas. Our Founder’s image of Family has been widely developed and, through connections in the media and online, we are all related, a “Synodal Family” contributing our Charism to the growth of a Family spirit of love and service in our Church.
Sr. Sandra Harrington.
