I had the grace of visiting her on 27 March 2002 immediately after the 14th General Chapter. M. Filomena received me with great joy in her little study in the Infirmary of Poiano belonging to the Province of Verona. Sr. Christie Ho and I brought her the wishes of the newly elected General Council and all the Capitular Sisters. Touching on the theme of the General Chapter on our charismatic identity, I thanked M. Filomena for what she had given us when she was our Superior General. At one of the General Chapters, she explained the Canossian Charism to us with such passion and enthusiasm, saying: "Christ Crucified - the Greatest Love!" For me, it was the first time I heard that expression, made with such unction and clarity ~ in a voice that is still ringing in my heart today. The eyes of M. Filomena lit up at the memory of that charismatic moment for the whole Institute. She said: "Yes! It was an inspiration…an insight which came from the Holy Spirit!" I really treasure that moment I spent with her.

I remember another event that happened in June 1983 in my Province of Singapore - Malaysia. It was the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Four Sisters and a Lay Canossian who were returning by car that evening from Malacca to Singapore after the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of M. Luisa Sadorin, met with a terrible road accident. Sr. Carmen Dengar, our Provincial at that time, died instantly while the others including M. Natalia Tasca, were hurt. All of us were still suffering from shock when M. Filomena, who was our Superior General at that time, accompanied by M. Helen Moreno, flew to Singapore immediately to be by our side in that tragic moment of loss. She brought us consolation, strength and support in a time of disorientation and sorrow. She showed us in a tangible and concrete way, what a blessing it was for us to belong to a big Family united in the Heart of Jesus Crucified, the Greatest Love!

Sr. Janet Wang, Singapore

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