For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Back to the Roots” programme was once again held in Dernbach. Sisters from India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Germany came together to rediscover the roots of our congregation and to reflect on its history, spirituality, charism, and mission.
“Back to the Roots” was more than a journey into the past. Through prayer, formation, shared experiences, and encounters across cultures, the programme invited the sisters to reflect on what it means to live the charism of St. Katharina Kasper today and carry it into the future.
Walking in the footsteps of St. Katharina
One of the highlights was the pilgrimage to Limburg. The sisters walked along the paths that St. Katharina Kasper herself travelled many times as she sought God’s will and worked towards the foundation of the Congregation.
The sisters were particularly struck by the simple circumstances in which Katharina made her journeys. What was already a physically demanding walk for them must have been even more challenging for her at a time when travel was far more difficult and resources were limited. Her courage, perseverance, and deep trust in God’s Providence became tangible in a new way.
Carrying their own intentions, the sisters walked together in prayer and mutual encouragement. Arriving in Limburg, they experienced the pilgrimage not simply as a physical journey, but as an opportunity to reflect on their own vocation and on the challenges and trust that are part of every journey of faith.
Growing in faith and community
Personal and spiritual formation was another important part of the programme. The sisters explored their personalities and relationships, reflected on thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, and used creative forms of expression such as movement, music, art, and clay.
The spirituality of St. Mary Katharina Kasper remained a guiding thread throughout the programme. Her deep faith, humility, trust in God’s Providence, and love for people in need encouraged the sisters to consider how her charism can be lived meaningfully today.
The international character of the group added another important dimension. Sisters from different countries and cultural backgrounds lived and learned together for several weeks. Differences in language, age, background, and life experience became opportunities to learn from one another and to experience diversity as a gift.
This diversity came alive especially during the Cultural Day, when the sisters from Kenya and India shared songs, dances, traditional clothing, and a drama, while the sisters from Nigeria joined online. Prayer and liturgy also reflected the international character of the congregation, with celebrations and prayers in different languages.
Wisdom shared across generations
A special moment was the Tea Time with the senior sisters. Sr. Erna, Sr. Benita, Sr. Edwina, Sr. Felizitas, and Sr. Stephanita shared stories from their lives and vocations. Their experiences offered the younger sisters a glimpse into the history of the congregation and the many ways in which faith and vocation have been lived over the years.
The programme concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, bringing together the many experiences of the past weeks.
Sr. Premila expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the congregation and its charism:
“These experiences have deepened our understanding of our congregation and its charism, strengthened our faith, and inspired us to live our vocation with renewed zeal and commitment.”
Returning to our roots does not mean remaining in the past. It means remembering where we come from and what gives our vocation its foundation – so that we can move forward with renewed strength, faith, and trust in God.
