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Friday, 10 April 2026 08:16
The Heavens
Wherever we are, wherever we live, we dwell under the same sky. During the day, when we look up at it, we see it as blue, or gray from rain or pollution. At night, however, the situation changes, depending on where we are. If we live in a city or a town, we’ll probably be able to spot a few stars here and there. If, on the other hand, we live in the countryside or in an area with few artificial lights, we should be able to see many more stars. Yet it is the same sky where days and nights, mornings and evenings, alternate. Some time ago, I was given a candy, one of those with a little note inside that usually has romantic phrases written on it. To my great surprise, the message I received read, ‘I know nothing for certain, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.’ This phrase was written by Vincent Van Gogh to his brother Theo, to whom he was very close, reflecting on the fact that, although he did not know the future or the deeper meaning of life, the beauty of the night sky offered him comfort and inspiration. In some way, the sky is a constant. It gives us security. We know we will always find it in its place, towering majestically and infinitely above us. From childhood, we are taught that it is God’s dwelling place, that Jesus ascended into heaven, that Mary was assumed into heaven, and that our loved ones join it once they leave this earth. Psalm 19 proclaims that the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Unfortunately, these days the sky in many countries has become threatening, because it is streaked with missiles that tear through its beauty and terrify those who no longer feel safe beneath its firmament. From an inspirer of dreams, it has been transformed into a nightmare. From a proclaimer of God’s glory, it has been turned into a mere space from which destruction and death rain down. From a herald of God’s work, it has been reduced to a vehicle of violence and oppression. If human beings are denied even the simple freedom to look up without fear, what remains for them? If the sky becomes a threat, where can they turn their gaze? Let us continue to turn our eyes to God and pray for peace, hoping and believing that the words of Psalm 85 will one day come true: Mercy and truth shall meet; righteousness and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Amen.
Sr Barbara Perali, ASC
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Thursday, 09 April 2026 10:51
March April 2026
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Monday, 30 March 2026 10:04
From the Grassroots to the Platform
It was in 2022 when the door to serve the AYTA indigenous community in the Philippines was opened for us Adorers of the Blood of Christ, through our Mission Clinic in Quezon City, Philippines and in partnership with St. Vincent School of Theology. Since then, we accompany the community monthly to respond to their medical concerns together with our collaborators, mission partners, youth and other organizations.
The indigenous communities are the original or native inhabitants of a specific region or country who have a historical continuity and a strong link to their ancestral lands before the arrival of colonizers or the establishment of present-day state boundaries. We have learned their culture, values, their connection to the earth as well as their joys and struggles. We have been part of the community, and our service didn’t end with medical help but was extended to scholarship of one student who is now graduating from the University, training of 6 indigenous women and marketing their harvests and even opening our convent as an open and safe space where they can rest whenever they come down to sell their produce.
Through this endeavor, our ASC congregation was invited to be part of the ROOTS-Asia (The Catholic Network of Indigenous People in Asia) and with the help of the General Administration through the office of ASC-JPIC headed by Sr. Dani Brought, Sister Flor Manga, ASC participated in the conference on Inculturation, Synodality and Integral Ecology held in Bangkok, Thailand Dec. 8-12 at Don Bosco Homes. The 18 participants in the conference included persons and Institutions from Asia that work directly with Indigenous communities along with some theologians.
As I participated, I remembered how St. Maria De Mattias started from the grassroots during her time. She dedicated her early years to giving catechesis to the women and girls and even to the shepherds. She was content to be with them and serve the Lord through them. But the time came for her to go to Rome and to higher authorities. For the sake of the Institute and for the works that were already flourishing to be recognized she went overcoming her resistance.
In our pursuit of justice, peace and the integrity of creation as called forth by our Precious Blood spirituality, we were called to the indigenous community. From listening to their cries of injustice, struggles to survive, fight for their ancestral lands which are being destroyed, we were brought to the platform. The recent conference was the platform to be their voice. It was also an affirmation that we are not working alone but there are also many who already started these works and that around the world there are a lot of indigenous communities. Working together makes us stronger and more equipped in doing our ministries. My gratitude for this possibility.
The indigenous communities are the original or native inhabitants of a specific region or country who have a historical continuity and a strong link to their ancestral lands before the arrival of colonizers or the establishment of present-day state boundaries. We have learned their culture, values, their connection to the earth as well as their joys and struggles. We have been part of the community, and our service didn’t end with medical help but was extended to scholarship of one student who is now graduating from the University, training of 6 indigenous women and marketing their harvests and even opening our convent as an open and safe space where they can rest whenever they come down to sell their produce.
Through this endeavor, our ASC congregation was invited to be part of the ROOTS-Asia (The Catholic Network of Indigenous People in Asia) and with the help of the General Administration through the office of ASC-JPIC headed by Sr. Dani Brought, Sister Flor Manga, ASC participated in the conference on Inculturation, Synodality and Integral Ecology held in Bangkok, Thailand Dec. 8-12 at Don Bosco Homes. The 18 participants in the conference included persons and Institutions from Asia that work directly with Indigenous communities along with some theologians.
As I participated, I remembered how St. Maria De Mattias started from the grassroots during her time. She dedicated her early years to giving catechesis to the women and girls and even to the shepherds. She was content to be with them and serve the Lord through them. But the time came for her to go to Rome and to higher authorities. For the sake of the Institute and for the works that were already flourishing to be recognized she went overcoming her resistance.
In our pursuit of justice, peace and the integrity of creation as called forth by our Precious Blood spirituality, we were called to the indigenous community. From listening to their cries of injustice, struggles to survive, fight for their ancestral lands which are being destroyed, we were brought to the platform. The recent conference was the platform to be their voice. It was also an affirmation that we are not working alone but there are also many who already started these works and that around the world there are a lot of indigenous communities. Working together makes us stronger and more equipped in doing our ministries. My gratitude for this possibility.
Sr. Flor M. Manga, ASC
ASC-JPIC contact person, PhilippinesASC-JPIC contact person, Philippines
Here is an article with more information about the ASC sisters’ ministry among the Aeta indigenous people in the Philippines: https://www.globalsistersreport.org/ministry/sisters-help-indigenous-aeta-community-philippines-uplift-their-lives
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Monday, 30 March 2026 09:47
Sister Emma Zordan, ASC
Among the thirty-one people to whom the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for their civic engagement, their “dedication to the common good ” and “their witness to republican values,” there is also a religious woman we know well: our own Sister Emma Zordan, the dynamic member of the Congregation of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ who, at 84 years old, has been traveling every Saturday for the past 12 years from Latina to the Rebibbia Prison, where she holds her creative writing workshop with the inmates of the Roman penitentiary.
On March 3 at 12:00 p.m. at the Quirinale, she was awarded an honor as significant as it was unexpected: “Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic,” with the citation: “For her dedicated efforts to improve the living conditions and reintegration prospects of prisoners.”
This recognition was awarded, therefore, specifically for her volunteer work at Rebibbia, where she organizes writing workshops and literary contests “to foster and enhance the inmates’ ability to express themselves.” We know that the time she spends every Saturday morning in “confinement” is more than just a demanding writing workshop: it is a space of freedom and welcome that uplifts and offers listening, attention, and affection to the inmates. It helps them face the harshness of incarceration and reconnect with the threads of their broken lives, regain dignity, seek forgiveness, and look to the future with hope, despite the inhumanity of prison. A commitment that does not stop within the prison walls, but which Sister Emma continues outside, in her relationship with the inmates’ relatives, following and supporting those who have been released from prison. But also by helping those on the outside to free themselves from prejudices and preconceptions, opening their eyes and hearts to the reality of prison. The tool she uses is the presentation of the books she edits each year, at the conclusion of the creative writing workshop, collecting testimonies from inmates and thus giving them a voice. These are meetings held in parishes, schools, and bookstores that help raise awareness of the reality of life behind bars and the humanity of those who live in confinement.
Because of her dual commitment—both inside and outside the prison—Sister Emma has received numerous messages of congratulations, such is the esteem in which she is held by those who have known and appreciated her as a teacher and formator, or who have met her in prison as inmates or volunteers. Particularly significant is the message from the Provincial Superior of her Congregation, Sister Milena Marangoni. “We were delighted to learn,” writes the superior, “of the distinguished title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic that was conferred upon you by the Head of State, President Sergio Mattarella, for your commitment to improving the living conditions of inmates and giving them the opportunity to reintegrate into society.” “It is an act,” she observes, “that rewards your tireless and passionate work on behalf of people living in extremely precarious conditions in our prisons, as evidenced by the numerous suicides that occur there. It is an event,” the nun concludes, “that honors not only you but the entire Congregation to which you belong and, above all, our Region. We thank you, Sister Emma, for showing us that there is no age limit to dedicating our lives to the least among us, and we wish you continued energy and love in this ministry, which is so urgent today.”
While the Head of State's recognition has presented the public with positive examples to follow, Sister Emma's award honors not only her but also the dedication of the many volunteers—particularly religious women sisters—who, with humility, discretion, and generosity, devote themselves to the prison population.
Precisely for this reason, that phone call from the Quirinale came unexpectedly and surprised Sister Emma. But it also confirmed President Mattarella’s great sensitivity toward the reality of prison life and his concern for the inhumane conditions in which inmates live. This recognition has strengthened the volunteers’ bond with the person who most fully represents democratic institutions and safeguards our Constitution. This high honor certainly does not change Sister Emma’s life or her commitment, but perhaps it compensates her for the many hardships, misunderstandings, and sufferings that—like the inmates—the volunteers also endure while working in the prison. Now, perhaps with even greater strength and determination, Sister Emma Zordan, Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, will walk through the security gates of Rebibbia to meet her friends, the inmates—who are surely happy and proud of this recognition, which extends beyond Sister Emma to embrace all her sisters who dedicate their lives to serving prisoners in Italian prisons. It is an extraordinary and essential service of compassion and humanity that the Quirinale has brought to the nation’s attention.
Roberto Monteforte
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Friday, 27 March 2026 09:11
Suor Bruna Ziotti, ASC - Visionary of ASC Mission in India
During her childhood, Sister Bruna Ziotti had a vision that inspired her to become a missionary among the poorest people in India. She was a member of her parish's Catholic Association. While reading a magazine, she saw a photo of an African child and remembered her inspiration to devote herself to the poor in India. She kept her dream in her heart for a long time. After completing her studies, she joined the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. After becoming an ASC, she began her career as a passionate teacher in public schools. Sr. Bruna was very intelligent; God had blessed her with many gifts and talents. She was an excellent administrator, a woman of vision, courage, strength, and love. She had a deep faith in Jesus, love for the congregation, and respect for the foundress, Maria De Mattias.
She served as General Treasurer from 1959 to 1965. While serving as General Treasurer, she continued to teach. In 1968, she was appointed Provincial Superior of the former province of Florence. During her term as Provincial Superior (1968-1973), she had the courage to renovate many of the houses with more facilities for the sisters, build boarding schools for poor children, and start schools. She sent the sisters to pursue various professional studies to become teachers and nurses and to pursue theological studies according to the needs of the province. In all these initiatives, she faced many challenges, criticisms, and misunderstandings. But the Lord, whom she held close, guided her to carry out initiatives and projects for the good of the province. The sisters were also strengthened spiritually through annual retreats, seminars, and special renewal programs. One of the greatest achievements was finding a way to realize the vision she had had as a child, which she had always kept fresh in her heart and nourished with prayer. And she had waited patiently for God's timing.
In 1969, she organized a spiritual retreat with a Jesuit priest for the sisters of the provincial house in Florence. At the end of the retreat, there was confession for the participants; since there were many, the priest himself brought another priest, Father Ponds Parapilly. After confessions, the priests were invited to dinner. While they were at the table, Sister Bruna took the opportunity to learn more about India. During the conversation, she expressed her desire to start an ASC mission in India. Father Ponds was very supportive of her idea and promised his help in bringing the project to fruition.
The Second Vatican Council had urged religious institutions to start missions in developing countries. The ASC General Assembly, held in 1968, welcomed the Church's invitation and encouraged the provinces to start missions in these countries. For Sr. Bruna, this paved the way for her dream of becoming a missionary. Therefore, Sr. Bruna considered India as a future mission.
After a few months, Father Ponds learned that the Most Reverend Joseph Parekkattil, then Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Kerala, was in Rome, and he arranged an appointment with His Eminence for Sister Bruna. Sister Bruna was very happy to meet the cardinal and discuss the future mission, so she and some other sisters went to meet and talk with him. She asked him to send some young women who wanted to become sisters to Italy (to Florence), assuring him that they would return to India at the end of their religious training. The cardinal promised to help her with this endeavor.
Heart full of joy
Sister Bruna continued to correspond with His Eminence and received a message from him informing her that he would send five young women as requested, on condition that they return to India after their profession. Sister Bruna was happy and thanked the Lord for his many blessings. She organized everything and provided them with the best for their formation.
First visit to India
In April 1972, Sister Bruna and Sister Mary Catherine Girrens, then General Councilor, traveled to Kerala, India. They went to meet with the cardinal and discussed the possibility of a new mission in north India, and he encouraged them. After visiting the families of the young women, they traveled to the diocese of Simla in north India. They met with the bishop of the Diocese of Simla, and while the sisters discussed opening a house in his diocese, the bishop advised them that since it would be their first house, it would be better to start in Bangalore, Karnataka, because there would be ample opportunities for the sisters' spiritual and professional preparation there. Sister Bruna accepted the suggestion. After a month's visit to India, they returned happy. Upon her return, she shared everything with her sisters in Italy. She also prepared her sisters to welcome the new venture with hope. It took openness, love, and sacrifice.
To carry out the new mission, she began to prepare herself by learning English and gathering materials and funds. To be free to prepare for the mission, she resigned from her position as Provincial Superior and began studying English together with Sr. Angela Tocco, who would become the Director of Postulants. After adequate training, the young women made their first religious profession. Sr. Bruna's plan was to go to India together with the newly professed Indian sisters.
The new provincial administration
A new provincial administration took charge of the Province, with Sr. Aldina Barbarossa as the new Provincial Superior. Sr. Aldina and the Council decided to send the young sisters to Rome for professional studies before their return to India. This decision created tension, friction, and much confusion among the sisters and caused Sr. Bruna much pain and suffering. The idea of going to India was postponed until after the sisters had completed their studies. Sr. Bruna entrusted everything into God's hands and placed her trust in Him. After three years, God opened the way for her mission journey.
In January 1978, Sr. Bruna and the Indian sisters traveled to Bangalore for the new ASC mission. There was absolutely nothing for their stay or their mission. They stayed with the Carmelite Fathers at their St. John's Spirituality Center for a few months. During their stay there, with the help of the fathers, Sr. Bruna and her young sisters looked for a house to rent and a plot of land on which to build a new mission house. It was a very difficult time for Sr. Bruna: her knowledge and imagination of India were insufficient to live and work in a culture with such different customs, languages, climate, and beliefs. The reality of the different social castes was also an aspect with implications that were somewhat difficult for a foreigner to understand. Furthermore, not being accustomed to Indian food, she soon fell ill and had to leave the country of her dreams. Although she returned to Italy, her heart and mind remained in India. She followed every stage of the development of the ASC mission in India with love and interest until her departure for eternal life.
As a zealous Adorer-Apostle, she served God and his people with love and enthusiasm. At the age of 98, on December 16, 2017, she was called to eternal life. From heaven, she intercedes for the Indian sisters and their mission. Dear Sister Bruna lives in the hearts of every Indian Adorer and is remembered with affection.
Sr. Mariamma Muttel, ASC
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Friday, 06 March 2026 08:59
March 4, 2026 - Celebration in Acuto
March 4th: The heart of the world beats in Acuto!
Yesterday, we experienced an unforgettable day celebrating the foundation of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Our "cradle" was filled with joy as we honored the spark of charity lit by Saint Maria De Mattias in 1834.
This moment of profound communion was enriched by the greeting of our Superior General, Sr. Maria Luisa Hughes, who reminded us how the fire of compassion that started in Acuto now reaches 25 countries around the globe.
It was a true community celebration that brought everyone together:
The middle school students and their teachers, who participated with great enthusiasm to discover the roots of Saint Maria.
The Mayor and the local administration, along with the people of Acuto, who have always shown great closeness to our sisters.
Bishop Marcianò and our ASC family, who emotionally embraced our three new novices from Guinea-Bissau as they received their novice crosses.
As Sr. Maria Luisa encouraged us, let us continue to walk together to "disarm hatred" and bring hope, just as our Foundress desired:
“Be cheerful then, and have great confidence in Jesus and Mary!”
A story told through images: scroll through the album to relive the arrival, the solemn ceremony, and the joy of the final celebration!
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Wednesday, 04 March 2026 07:49
March 4, 2026 - Anniversary of the Founding of the ASC Congregation
On this day, as we celebrate the birth of our Congregation, let us invoke the power of the Blood of Christ upon all humanity, that it may bring peace to the hearts of all peoples.
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Monday, 02 March 2026 11:22
The living legacy of Saint Maria De Mattias: A voice for our time
As we approach the anniversary of the foundation of our congregation.
We celebrate not a memory, we celebrate the living and thriving mission begun in 1834 by St Maria De Mattias.
We Adorers continue this great mission of LOVE and COMPASSION.
Today, St Maria would be reminding us to have courage, trust in God and believe in miracles. She would remind us to always have a heart for our dear neighbor, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Our world today needs us, we are continually becoming the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, the living spirit of St Maria DeMattias is present in each sister throughout the world, in 25 Countries.
Why are we here? For God to be present, to be revealed through our journey of life, our thoughts, our actions on behalf of justice, peace, the integrity of all creation. These times call us to faithfulness, to courage and to communion. We are called to be witnesses of mercy, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. We seek to be “prophecy with our credible and authentic presence, sowers of hope with deeply listening hearts, and promoters of communion”? (XXII General Assembly)
What would St Maria DeMattias say to us today…BE WOMEN WITH A HEART FOR ALL.
So now, let’s hear some of her daughters speak of what St Maria would say today…
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Monday, 23 February 2026 08:25
Towards March 4, 2026 - Anniversary of the founding of the ASC Congregation
The smile of Maria De Mattias
Some time ago, during literature classes, we studied palimpsests. I remember being fascinated by that word: it means recycling writing materials. For example, to reuse papyrus, the previous writing was erased and another layer of text was added. After years, however, the original text was so clear that it was possible to read it.I have a similar feeling of blurring and translucency when reading the text of our Constitution: it brings to mind the Book of Revelation with its peaceful representation of the final fulfillment of personal and universal events. It is in this palimpsest that suffering and hope, sadness and consolation, disappointment and joy intertwine, leading to the fullness of the Lord's Easter joy (see LC 4-8).
The word “joy,” in various shades and surprising combinations, appears in the Italian edition of our Constitution no less than 21 times (!). Each time, it sounds like an invitation to change perspective, to transform one's life into a work of art. In fact, joy is the art of developing within oneself the awareness that we have everything we need to enjoy life and the choice to be grateful for what we have received and what we can give to others. I am very fond of the idea that we must seek out even the smallest opportunities to be grateful.
Joy is always relational: it is an eager anticipation of an encounter, or it explodes when we meet a dear, beloved person. Joy has the color of Advent and Lent.
The anticipation of the encounter shapes a smile on our faces through which the Beauty of the Lamb shines through.
Our smiles have different nuances:
- it is the gentle smile with which we welcome life every morning;
- it is the smile of our elderly sisters, which shines through their illnesses and loneliness;
- it is the smile of our sisters engaged in the apostolate, which despite their fatigue creates an atmosphere of openness and welcome;
- it is the smile of our young sisters, full of enthusiasm and enthusiasm.
How many gray days can a little smile save!
Joy invites us, LC 1: “Let us give thanks with joy to God, who has graciously called us to fulfill our baptismal consecration by committing ourselves to following the Lord Jesus in a life of adoration that impels us to apostolic service.”
Our joy as ASCs has a deep source, which we find in LC 8, and that is to “be saved,” that is, immersed in the Blood of Christ, who died and rose again for us. The Paschal Mystery forms in us the capacity to celebrate life as a gift: by giving new meaning to difficult experiences, we gradually discover God's gentle and delicate presence in the world (n. 11, 13, 18, 19, 21). The joy that springs from being together, from sharing life, is a distinctive feature of ASC communities. It is the antidote to the fear that arises from the logic of self-sufficiency and selfishness (n. 14, 31, 32).
If we truly seek to place Christ at the center of our community life, we cannot help but radiate joy among those we serve, because we allow the delicate light of the Risen One to shine through us.
Reading the testimonies of the Processo a Maria De Mattias (A. Di Spirito, N. Spezzati, Processo a Maria), I was fascinated by Maria De Mattias' smile. Giacinta Palombi, Nazarena Vecchini, Maria Tozzi, and Rosa De Sanctis recalled the smile of the Foundress. For them, it meant much more than long speeches, and the maternal warmth it radiated was a silent invitation: you can stay here. This is your home.
Sr. Tatiana Studentowa, ASC
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