IESU COMMUNIO: to be a communion with Jesus

Iesu Communio –  Sister Mónica Amada de la Bella Pastora, I.C.   (a “Veroniquesa”)                        “The thirst of Man resounds in Christ’s cry from the Cross:  ‘I thirst!'”  (“Tsajenà!” in Aramaic)                                The Miracle of the Poor Clares of Lerma  –  a vocational tsunami                                             “She shines as a light in the middle of this world showing the reason to live.”

Foundress:  Mother Verónica María, O.S.C.  (a Poor Clare nun originally)   (María José Berzoza)

Place:  Burgos, Spain

Year:  December 8, 2010 A.D.  (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)

Her Charism:  Iesu Communio is “an intellectual pot of crickets” wearing denim habits that has its cradle in the Franciscan Order.  This Sister drinks from St. Francis and St. Clare, the Fathers of the Church, and the writings of the saints.  She lives the song of Mary (her beautiful Shepherdess and Teacher) that proclaims the greatness and fidelity of God as well as the joy of the creature when it allows itself to be recreated by its Lord.  Dedicated to the evangelization of the young and the contemplative life, she is a prayerful and powerful presence in the Church and in the world who lives the joy of the communion with Jesus: to be a temple where the presence of the living God is guarded, where the feast of salvation is celebrated, and where the holiness and fullness of man is perpetually desired.  She lives the mystery of the broken Bread and the Blood shed for the world, so that no one is lost and everyone knows the gift of God.  This Sister understands that Man’s thirst is only quenched when he finds rest and relief in Jesus – only in Jesus.  Her mission (charism) is to be a communion of Jesus: their lives are utterly inseparable.  She is a poor creature whose only desire is to live the gift of God and be a witness of unity and charity.  Touched by the Hand of God, her communion is a bosom where the maternal dimension of the Church is witnessed, where the children of God are wrapped in charity and hope, and are enlightened to discover the beauty of human life called to be the presence of the love of Christ here and now.  This Sister joyfully experiences herself as a pebble in a mosaic not understood separately, but called to make present in communion a single life: Jesus.  As a Daughter of the Church she “remains awake” keeping watch with Jesus and prays without interruption for the children entrusted to her.  As a Good Samaritan, she is that compassionate soul to whom the wounded and thirsty pilgrims can meet Jesus their Redeemer and be welcomed in prayer.  Although devoted to prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, this Sister also organizes vigils and meetings with the young people.  Her monastery is open to receive people who knock at her door and are looking for a simple and transparent life in contrast to that offered by a consumer society.  In a pagan society, God keeps crying on earth.  Therefore, it is her belief that faith needs to be shared; not lived alone.  Her source of income comes from her monastic confectionary, flower shop, Christmas note cards, and musical CD’s.