Congregation Notre Dame de Sion The Sion Community

Congregation “Notre Dame de Sion” The Sion Community in Egypt March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion

Religious life in Sion is to live like the first Christian Community in Jerusalem. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 2

Charisma of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion Fr. Theodore founded the congregation of our Lady of Sion to witness in the Church and in the world that God continues to be faithful in his love for the Jewish people and to hasten the fulfilment of the promises concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. Constitutions of NDS given to a sister when she takes vows. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 3

Charism of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion Psalm 89: 30 -34 “I shall not revoke my covenant, I shall not withdraw the word once spoken. ” March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 4

Mission of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion is to love as God loves without condition every people and every person at any place and time. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 5

Mission of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion is to work and pray to build the Kingdom of God, of justice, peace and love March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 6

Mission of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion is to give witness in the church and in the world that God continues to be faithful in his love to the Jewish people. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 7

Mission of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion is to build bridges between peoples, religions and cultures. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 8

Mission of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion is to live with people on the edges of the society. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 9

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion put the word of God at the center of their lives. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 10

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion Study the Bible with others March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 11

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion Live from the Word of God Search constantly in the Jewish roots and traditions for the interpretation of the Bible. Sr. Maureena Fritzs nds, founder of Batkol Institute www. batkol. info March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 12

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion are called to develop a special sensitivity to the marginalised the rejected the persecuted and the outsiders among and within our societies. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 13

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion are called to be women who respect differences. are called to be women who build bridges towards the other. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 14

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion are called to be women of reconciliation and peace – among ourselves and among those with whom we work. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 15

How do the Sisters of Sion live this mission? in Community in their ministry in their prayer March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 16

The founder of Notre Dame de Sion is Theodore Ratisbonne December 28 1802 – January 10 1884 March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 17

Wisdom of Father Theodore A Sister of Notre Dame de Sion should have a heart bigger than the world March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 18

Wisdom of Father Theodore A sister of Notre Dame de Sion should have strength and patience March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 19

Wisdom of Father Theodore A Sister of Notre Dame Sion should have respect for all cultures nationalities and beliefs. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 20

Wisdom of Father Theodore The work of Sion is a reality of the moment. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 21

Wisdom of Father Theodore To pray is to love. When I speak about prayer I am speaking about love. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 22

Wisdom of Father Theodore Love is the fundamental mystery transmitted through Scripture, and found in Scripture. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 23

Wisdom of Father Theodore Reconciliation happens when people get to know each other and appreciate each other. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 24

Wisdom of Father Theodore I am established in Sion! In giving us this motto, the Holy Spirit wanted to show us the need for permanence, for steadfastness without which nothing is solid. March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 25

Pax – Shalom – Salam March 2009 Notre Dame de Sion 26