Austria

Pope Francis invites us to the First World Day of the Poor

Love has no alibi. Whenever we set out to love as Jesus loved, we have to take the Lord as our example; especially when it comes to loving the poor. God loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:10.19), and he loved us by giving completely of himself, even to laying down his life (cf. 1 Jn 3:16).

Such love cannot go unanswered. Even though offered unconditionally, asking nothing in return, it so sets hearts on fire that all who experience it are led to love back, despite their limitations and sins. 

Yet this can only happen if we welcome God’s grace, his merciful charity, as fully as possible into our hearts, so that our will and even our emotions are drawn to love both God and neighbour.

In this way, the mercy that wells up – as it were – from the heart of the Trinity can shape our lives and bring forth compassion and works of mercy for the benefit of our brothers and sisters in need.

As Holy Spirit Sisters in Austria, South Tyrol and Romania,

it is a deep intention for us to pay particular attention to those people, who are marginalized, hopeless and poor.

This is manifested in our personal attitudes and in numerous fields of activity, where we cooperate with others, despite our personnel shortages.

• Support of Roma families
• Care for people with special needs
• Supporting alcohol-dependant people and their families
• Assistance at the distribution of meals for the homeless
• Assistance at SOLWODI (protection and support of women who were victims of forced prostitution)
• Visiting people in deportation imprisonment institutions
• Assistance and support of the integration of refugees (for example: languageteaching, visits and supportive help at the Jesuit Refugee Service Centre in Athens)
• Prayer and concern for a good spirit of togetherness

Sr. Christa Petra Ahrer SSpS