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The formative course on the charism of the Pauline Family has once again offered its contribution on Mother Scholastica. Sr. M. Timothy G. Magadia from the Province of the Philippines, guided by Sr. M. Gemma Victorino, has developed her thesis: THE GRAIN OF WHEAT Mother Maria Scholastica Rivata: Model of relationship
The work presents a two-fold objective with the intention of offering: a) to the Pious Disciples a subsidy for knowing and loving Mother Scholastica, as model of relationship, b) to children a subsidy for knowing and loving Mother Scholastica by reading the story of her life through an original visual interpretation utilizing designs.
In an era of sophisticated means of communication there is often the risk of losing the “relationship” which is an integral part of communication. In her work, Sr. M. Timothy seeks to reaffirm the value of “relationship”. The first two chapters develop the context necessary to receive the figure of Mother Scholastica and present her as a model for today’s world. The first chapter presents the definition of relationship and various ways in which it is expressed: relationship with God, with self, with others and the community, with creation. It then goes on to explain how Blessed James Alberione understood relationship in reference to the apostolate and the aspects of relationship contained in the Rule of Life of the Pious Disciples. The second chapter demonstrates how communication is a privileged means of relationship with specific reference to the vocation and mission of the Pious Disciples. The third chapter begins the study of the figure of Mother Scholastica by shedding light upon her relationships before entering St. Paul: within her family, in her parish, in her work, and in the environment in which she lived. The fourth chapter presents Mother Scholastica in her journey as a Pious Disciple, as a woman who placed the foundations of her relationships in the love of God and, through the image of the “grain of wheat”; Sr. M. Timothy develops the parable of her life. She then unwinds the aspects of her relationship with the Founder, with Signor Maestro (Fr. Timothy Giaccardo), with Maestra Tecla Merlo, with the sisters in the communities in which she lived, with the sisters throughout the world, with the priests and brothers of the SSP, and with the society of her time. Everything then converges in Christification as an indispensable means for reaching the perfection of relationship in all of its dimensions.
For Children
After studying and presenting “relationship” in Mother Scholastica in the wealth of its various converging aspects, including the Rule of Life, Sr. M. Timothy creatively offers an example of relationship with children through the use of lines, colors and simple yet profound dialogue. Through the journey of the grain of wheat, the way to knowing and loving Mother Scholastica is also opened to the youngest children. This serves to bring her closer to their life and enables them to understand the value of love and sacrifice, especially in relationship to God and others. For the present, the thesis and booklet for children is available only in English. We hope to have translations available in the other languages soon.

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