In my grandparents' house, a vivid memory has lingered since childhood. Gazing at a long-framed canvas in their living room, I recognized one of the first signs of my vocation to Nazareth. The scene depicted an extraordinary relationship from over two thousand years ago, serving as a model for families worldwide. This kinetic family painting drew every figure to be shown doing something. The background echoed my familiar Polish landscapes of tranquility and hard work. The visible bond among the three persons was fascinating; Mary’s elegance, Joseph’s strength, and Jesus’ gentle innocence united beautifully. Everyday objects—water pitchers, laundry, tools—gained dignity through the Holy Family's presence. Thereby, the ordinary became extraordinary, and simplicity became dignified. My mind grasped this profound truth, and my heart yearned for the same experience, desiring a family like that.
Reflecting on my dual experience of my earthly family and Holy Family, I once imagined my family projected onto the Holy Family. Just as a small piece of film is magnified on a large screen, I believed my family's traits could mirror that of the Holy Family. However, I soon realized that this resemblance is limited; my family’s unique needs, wishes, desires, fears, habituations, and even quirks only partially align with the perfect constellation of the Holy Family. My heart has always burned with a mysterious thirst for love and belonging within a family. This longing compelled me to Nazareth, where I could reflect on my family’s joys, pains, beauty, and wounds. I believe God has a profound plan for human existential love, encompassing both unity and diversity.
God speaks to me in concrete and creatively tangible ways. The picture of the Holy Family in my maternal grandparents' house drew me into that mysterious Family, capturing my little child’s heart. I believe the Holy Trinity guided me to my Religious Congregation, where I have been a Sister for 21 years on this continent of North America, and 29 years overall. It feels like I embarked on an expedition with the Holy Family to discover America, and perhaps even a honeymoon after my final vows. God blesses us with meaningful vocations and unexpected surprises when we adhere to His ways and trust Him, even imperfectly. His love perfects everything it touches.
My relationship with the Holy Family as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth deepens my understanding of my childhood perceptions. Those early experiences were filled with grace, shaping my current relationship with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. I sense there is much more to discover and experience together. This unique and ineffable connection reveals my innermost desires and the essence of my existence, purpose, and vocation. Through this profound bond, I learn more about myself, uncovering what lies within my soul, mind, and heart. In our community, the Holy Family serves as a model of integrity, humility, and dignity for all Sisters. With the Incarnate God at its center, there is a deep appreciation for one another and a commitment to unconditional love. Our Religious Congregation embraces a journey, a charism, and a mission. The Holy Family illustrates the extraordinary within our everyday lives, inspiring us despite the challenges we face.
If our experience of unity, love, and peace are personal but shared with the Holy Family, we will be able to pour out our feelings that we may never have had the chance to express in a very safe way. This action can foster healing. The Holy Family assists us in imposing order on disorder, making clear the unclear, making sense out of nonsense, and making ambiguous things unambiguous. This experience is worth knowing, comprehending, embracing, and relishing. It should be communicated to the entire world. Convey the profound message of God’s unconditional love and healing, allowing yourself to embrace it fully. Is there an alternative approach to consider?
Families, whether strong or unhealthy, exhibit distinct roles and responsibilities that can be challenging to navigate. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing how both well-functioning and poorly functioning families operate. However, this does not overshadow the beauty, joy, peace, and love present in family life. God works through us, inspiring courage as we embrace our daily lives. Families hold a vital place in the world, the church, and the community, serving as a significant space for fulfilling God’s plan. The Holy Family exemplifies this, offering a model for all vocations. Ultimately, we are called to embrace the ineffable relationships found within the Holy Family.
Sister Marcelina Mikulska, CSFN
