January 31 - Mother Theresa confirmed as General Superior

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1854: Pope Pius IX confirmed M. Theresa as General Superior of the congregation. This was a break with Church traditions because a woman would lead a women's congregation and not a bishop. Her appointment was for life.

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The Lord is our protector, our helper, and one day will also be our immense reward in heaven, where we hope to see each other again and forever to praise the Lord, who has shown us such great mercy.   

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 5327

Trust & Dare, January 31

January 30 - Whoever trusts in God ...

Peru

1982: Helenann Nelson and Paula Armstrong left from New York City to begin a new foundation in Canto Grande, Peru (a part of Lima).

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Whoever trusts in God, will never be confounded.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 605
Trust & Dare, January 30

January 29 - God has helped wondrously until now...

 God has helped wondrously until now; neither will he abandon us in the future.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 5032
Trust & Dare, January 29

Today is the 54th anniversary of the signing of an international treaty, the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the militarization of outer space.  As SSNDs may we continue to work for an end to weapons of mass destruction.

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Image: Gorizia, Italy.
This was a picture made for a second grade class in Gorizia, Italy.  

January 28 - SSNDs go to Buenos Aires,

1938: SSNDs missioned to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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Good finds quite a few obstacles everywhere; but once it has withstood the test of fire, it proves its worth and develops all the more splendidly.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 1897
Trust & Dare, January 28

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Illustration: Cover of the book ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, written and published in Argentina. It is the life of Mother Theresa Gerhardinger.

January 27 - Mother Theresa's letters

Illustration from book on the life of
Mother Theresa, Munich

1971: Mother Georgianne Segner, S. Clementa Abel and S. Henriette Hoene went to Casa Sancta Dei to meet Monsignor Wasner, postulator for the cause for the beatification for Mother Theresa. He introduced them to Monsignor Orazio Cocchetti who agreed to show them the copies of the letters of Mother Theresa that were being used in the beatification process. The originals in Germany had been destroyed during World War II.

From account of the collection of the letters of Blessed Mother Theresa Gerhardinger on the Sturdy Roots website.

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Today let us join in the UN International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.

If the sun of grace shines for us, the gloomy fog will sink to the ground by itself. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 274
Trust & Dare, January 27

January 26 - what we can bear

God does not lay upon us more than we can bear.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 29
Trust & Dare, January 26

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Sculpture: Grafenrheinfeld, Germany,
Artist: Peter Vollert
This statue of Mother Theresa was created in memory of all of the Sisters that lived and worked in Grafenrheinfeld until 2005.

January 25 - Death anniversary of Mother M Margaret of Cortona Wiedemann

Mother M. Margaret of Cortona
Wiedemann

1894: M. Margaret of Cortona Wiedemann, second General Superior (1879-1894), died in Munich.

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1965: The Chicago Province began with its motherhouse in DeKalb, Ill., USA. It is now part of the Atlantic-Midwest Province. 

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To God, above all, be glory and thanks.  He it is who so gladly uses the weak to reveal his power, wisdom, and love.

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 2098
Trust & Dare, January 25

January 24 - We are not born with serenity of heart ...

Today is the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION. Learn more on the United Nations site about the impact of the pandemic on education around the World. "Capturing the spirit of the International Day of Education, UNESCO and partners have spearheaded the Learning Planet Festival to celebrate learning in all contexts and share innovations that fulfil the potential of every learner, no atter what their circumstances.".Learn also about Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

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We are not born with serenity of heart. . . .We must gradually acquire it.

Budapest, Hungary
Artist: S.M.Beata Peller, SSND
This stylized picture of
Mother Theresa is part of
 a window titled: 
Window of Charism.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardiner,  2
Trust & Dare, January 24

Window of Charism
Budapest, Hungary

January 23 - Bishop Wittmann's birthday

Bishop George Michael Wittmann

1763: George Michael Wittmann was born at the Finkenhammer at Pleystein, Bavaria.

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1848: The second group of missionaries left Munich for North America.

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Pleystein, Germany
The wood relief image
of Mother Theresa
is the work of a
South Tyrolean artist.
Completed in 1992.

1854: Pius IX approved the outline of the SSND Rule. Mother Theresa received the document on June 1.

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1971: North American SSNDs serving in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru) held their first conference at San Felipo, Chile.

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If the almighty and merciful God is for us, who can then be against us? Even the power of hell will be dashed to pieces against him.
Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 3614
Trust & Dare, January 23

January 22 - Trust in God ...

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Trust in God and walk in his ways; then he will also be with you - the infinitely good and merciful God. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardiner, 714
Trust & Dare, January 22

January 21 - God will not let himself be outdone in generosity ...

It is certain and true that God as God will not let himself be outdone in generosity by us human beings.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 2550
Trust & Dare, January 21

Artist: Max Hann, before 1965.
Weiden, Germany

January 20 - In and with God everything is possible...

2018: The General Council, 2018-2024, are installed at the Generalate in Rome. 

Photo: General Council-elect 2018-2024
Top, left to right: Sister Roxanne Schares (USA), General Superior; Irmã Inês Camiran (Brazil), General Councilor/Vicar; Sister Carolyn Anyega (Kenya), General Councilor. Bottom, left to right: Sister Julianne Lattner (Canada), General Councilor; Sestra M. Martina Radež (Slovenia), General Councilor; Sister Kathleen Storms (USA), General Councilor.

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1767: Francis Sebastian Job was born at Neunburg vorm Wald, Germany.

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In and with God everything is possible; this is my consolation, my comfort, my joy, and my only hope. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 2501
Trust & Dare, January 2

January 19 - He always gives the means ...

If the dear God wants to call something into life, he also always gives the means for that to happen.

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 778
Trust & Dare, January 19

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Image: This water fountain was created in 1987 by the artist, Toni Rückel.  It has the figures of the Blessed Mother (top), Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, St. Elizabeth of Thüringen, St. Notburga, St. Rita and other holy women of this particular area.  The fountain is located in Wies, near Freising, Germany.

January 18 - The Lord alone ...

Illustration used in a booklet
in the Slovenian Province

The Lord alone foresees the future.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 2942
Trust & Dare, January 18

January 17 - Jesus helps us...

By his powerful grace Jesus helps us who are poor and hard-pressed.  He gives the comforting and reassuring promise that if we only ask, we will obtain all that we need.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 3006
Trust & Dare, January 17

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Image: A bronze relief of Mother Theresa located in corridor outside of the Motherhouse Chapel, Opole, Poland. 

January 16 - Yes, truly, God is love.

1917: Mother Marianne Haas, 4^th Commissary General of North America, died in New Orleans, LA.

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Must it not be obvious to anyone who quietly looks upon the matter how wonderfully divine providence disposes all for the best of those who strive to bring about good perseveringly, with love and fidelity?  Yes, truly, God is love.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 1860
Trust & Dare, January 16

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Statue: Sculptor Arno Rausch stated he was an atheist, but when he read the story of Mother Theresa he wanted to create a statue of her.  The statue of Mother Theresa and a small child is in the former convent garden, Hubertushöhe, Germany.  The model for the little girl was the sculptor’s daughter.  On the left side of the statue is written the words of Mother Theresa:

Jesus sei euch der Weg, den ihr geht, die Wahrheit, der ihr folgt, das Leben, das ihr führt.

May Jesus be the way you walk, the truth you follow, the life you lead.

January 15 - He... can and will do the same today

He, who by his almighty word once stilled the wind and waves during the storm at sea, can and will do the same today, in these our troubled times.  His arm has not been shortened; his love, his mercy are still the same as they were in the days when he visibly walked this earth. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 3020
Trust & Dare, January 15

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Image: The young Caroline Gerhardinger travelling with her father and others down the Danubel Illustration in the book The Life of Blessed Mother Theresa Gerhardinger. Drawings by S. Landualda Linzenkircher, School Sisters of Notre Dame, 1925

January 14 - Look at the birds in the sky ... Matthew 6:26

Rose-ringed Parakeets at the Generalate.

We may be as little concerned as the birds of the air and the flowers of the field.  The good Lord Jesus himself looks after us in the best possible way. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 714
Trust & Dare, January 14

January 13 - Mother Theresa was declared a woman of heroic virtue

1983: In the presence of Pope John Paul II, the Congregation for the Cause of the Saints promulgated a decree declaring Mother Theresa a woman of heroic virtue, which means that she practiced the virtues of faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and moderation in a heroic manner. (The Beatification process continued. Mother Theresa was beatified in November 1985. Read more about the process on Sturdy Roots.)

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Archives, Generalate
Rome, Italy

When the Lord blesses, 

a little bread is enough for many. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 2527
Trust & Dare, January 13

January 12 - the Lord of all hearts ... knows

1934: Cardinal Pietro Fumasoni Biondi was appointed Cardinal Protector.

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1938: Yugoslavian Vicariate was raised to the status of a province

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1965: First two novices received in El Progreso, Honduras (Maria Lucia Sierra and Maria Matilde Mata)

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2003: S. Rosemary Howarth and council installed.

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He, the Lord of all hearts, of heaven and earth, knows exactly when the oil in the jar and the flour in the bin are coming to an end.  

Blessed Mother Theresa Gerhardinger, 118
Trust & Dare, January 12

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Image: Wilton, Connecticut

The wooden plaque is a base relief created by Peter Küschel of Etzelwang, Bavaria in 2005.  It was carved out of Linden wood.  The Linden tree is considered a national treasure due to the special role it played in the cultural and social life of many nations in Europe, especially in places dear to our spiritual ancestors in the Congregation.  Throughout history, the tree served as the social and political center of daily life.  To this day, many villages in Slovenia, Poland, Germany and northern Italy cluster around an ancient Linden tree, symbolizing the “tree of life”.  The plaque was given to Villa Notre Dame in Wilton Connecticut.

January 11 - Do not lose courage.

Artist:  Xavier Gmeinwieser,
Mitterfecking, 1988.

Wood statue located
in the Chapel of
the Fourteen Helpers
in Need,cemetery chapel,
Hirschau, Germany

    1843: M. Clara Heuck was born. (Third Commissary     

        General in North America.)

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    Do not lose courage.  Jesus will stand at your 

    side.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 714

Trust & Dare, January 11

January 10 - Peter Fourier beatified

Statue of St. Peter Fourier
at St Peter's Basilica, Rome.

1750: Peter Fourier beatified by Pope Benedict XIII.

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1849: The third group of missionaries from Germany arrived in Baltimore. 

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Where there is no human help, God’s help is still possible.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 714
Trust & Dare, January 10

January 9 - Death Anniversary of Alix Le Clerc

Alix Le Clerc

1622: Feast of Blessed Alix le Clerc who died on this day in 1622.      Read more on Sturdy Roots.

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1887: M. Hilaria Coleman was born. (The ninth and last Commissary General in North America.)

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The word of God, which he also speaks to us, remains true forever: “Do not worry about tomorrow!”
Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 75
Trust & Dare, January 9

January 8 - Trust him ...

Opole, Poland

 Trust him; look to him. He will bring about good results if we seek only his honor, if we follow him.
Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 862
Trust & Dare, January 8

January 7 - Surely, there are sufferings and difficulties everywhere ...

The small pin was created
 in recognition of a Pilgrimage
initiated in the Regensburg Diocese,
Germany in 1986.

Surely, there are sufferings and difficulties everywhere and they are bound to come. The Lord will give grace to endure them patiently, and then the reward will be doubly great. 
Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 2125
Trust & Dare, January 7

January 6 - ... Epiphany

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany

                To the right:Nativity scene in the Generalate chapel

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If we would always recognize the guidance and educating  hand of God in the various events of life, we would see some things in a different light and know how to use all for the good of our souls. 
Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 5235
Trust & Dare, January 6

Berlin, Germany 

This pin was found in the Berlin archives.

January 5 - Feast of St. John Neumann

The stained glass window

is in St. Peter’s Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
where the Shrine 

of St. John Neumann
is located.

1860: Feast of St. John Neumann who died in Philadelphia on his way to the post office to mail mass vessels to a missionary priest.
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1884: Four sisters (Hieronyma Heil, Moderata Reilly, Edwina McCaffrey, Agnelia Shanahan) and 22 girls died in the Immaculate Conception Academy fire, Belleville, IL, USA.
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God is truly wonderful and worthy of adoration in his ways. Praise and thanks to him forever. 
Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 73
Trust & Dare, January 5

January 4 - ... is in God's hand.

What the future will bring is in God’s hand.

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 5226
Trust & Dare, January 4

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Image: The small medal with the picture used at Mother Theresa’s beatification was created for the 70th Jubilee Anniversary of the Porto Alegre Province.

January 3 - Our Goal is God because...

Our goal is God because he alone is the reason for our existence.  

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 3
Trust & Dare, January 3

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Illustration from the book:

Maria Theresia Gerhardinger 

Eine Lehrerin mit Herz (A Caring Teacher) 

Artist: S. Monika Schulze, SSND 

Author: Monika Grunewald
Text: This woman has a heart for children. Blessed Mother Theresa, pray for us.

January 2 - All in Jesus' name!

Illustration of Mother Theresa in old age.

From the book:
Maria Theresia Gerhardinger 

Eine Lehrerin mit Herz
(A Caring Teacher) 

Artist: S. Monika Schulze, SSND 

Author: Monika Grunewald

1822: Father George Michael Wittmann presented Caroline Gerhardinger with a spiritual program for her teaching career: “Be a servant to your children. . . .”

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All in Jesus’ name! This most holy name is heavenly light to us who are blind. It disperses all fog of doubt and temptation, all darkness of spirit, and shows us the straight path to heaven. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 4523
Trust & Dare, January 2

January 1 - Happy New Year! World Day of Peace

Happy New Year: In his message for the 54th World Day of Peace marked on 1 January, Pope Francis offers the Church’s social doctrine as a "compass" to foster a culture of care for peace in the world. Click here to read his message.

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Image: see information below.

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The future, which begins with this New Year’s Day, is shrouded in as dense and mysterious a fog as is nature these days. Through it, only one star gleams for us - the infinitely wise and gracious providence of God. 

Blessed M. Theresa Gerhardinger, 4758
Trust & Dare, January 1

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Bronze relief of Mother Theresa, 2004. Artist: Barry Woods Johnston. Location: Chapel at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. It shows the various stages of the growth of a young woman before Mother Theresa. On the left corner of the background are quotes from TRUST AND DARE

TRUST The future is shrouded in as dense and mysterious as fog as is nature these days.
Through it, only one Star gleams for us-the infinitely wise and gracious providence of God.
May God be the way you walk - the truth you follow - the life you lead.
MARY THERESA OF JESUS GERHARDINGER
1797-1879

DARE Through her words, we sense Mother Theresa’s spirit and way of trusting and daring. In that spirit, let us trust God and one another enough to dare everything, enabling others to believe that God loves them. If we trust God and dare all for the kingdom, the world can and will be transformed.