Grateful for God’s Grace at the End of the Year

It’s already the end of 2025. This year has been full of God’s grace and blessings. The tapestry of our lives has been richly woven with threads of joy and sorrow, the peaks and valleys of success and failure, creating a vibrant and meaningful experience. Each moment, whether filled with elation or challenge, has contributed to the unique story of this year, a story etched in the annals of our memories.

Among the myriad blessings received, one stands out as particularly meaningful, a testament to God’s wonderful grace: the grace-filled opportunity to take an English Course in the beautiful land of Australia. Words cannot adequately express the depth of my gratitude to God for this extraordinary chance, generously provided through the SJMJ Congregation, to be sent as a missionary abroad for the first time. With a spirit of obedience, I wholeheartedly embraced and diligently executed this mission with profound thankfulness, ultimately achieving its successful completion. For me, the experience was more than just learning English; it was a profoundly transformative experience to know a different culture in another country, as well as an opportunity for spiritual and personal growth.

Moreover, it was a great grace for me to participate in the mission of the congregation in Australia, a mission that was courageously initiated by the predecessor sisters. I visited the graves of three sisters buried in Canberra. They’re Sr. Peter Julian Margaret Barrett, Sr. John Cantius Ammerlaan, and Sr. Michael Kok. Flowers, candles, and special prayers were offered to them. I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit the sisters’ graves in person. Previously, I had only seen photos of their graves in history books. But that time, I was able to see them in person. My heart was touched by the memory of the sisters’ struggles and selfless dedication to the congregation’s mission. They remained faithful until the end of their lives. This motivates and inspires me to stay enthusiastic in my vocation and mission as an SJMJ Sister. I’m sure the three sisters are praying for us from heaven. They surely hope we will continue the congregation’s mission that they began with such hard work and faithfulness.

For all my experiences in the Australian mission land this year, I am deeply grateful for God’s grace that continues to flow into my life. God’s presence throughout this year has been truly extraordinary. I also always have hope to share what I have learned while studying English in Australia and to continue participating in the Congregation’s mission wherever I am sent. ‘Farewell to a memorable 2025 and welcome to a hopeful 2026.’