The International Juniorate "Saint Teresa of Jesus" in Segni, Italy is home to newly professed sisters in first, second and third years of study. Additionally a large group of students from other Juniorates around the world come to Rome to finish their third year of studies. Three sisters from our Province are currently studying there: Sr. Mary of the Annunciation, Sr. Mary Mother of the Eucharist, and Sr. Mary Mother of Faith. Once a month, Mother Anima Christi, our General Superior, and the community of the General Council  invite the third-year sisters for an evening together at the Procura in Rome.

On October 20th, 2006, a group of 18 third-year sisters spent the first evening of the 2006-2007 academic year at the Procura for Adoration, Evening Prayer, and Dinner.  After Evening Prayer, Mother Anima Christi van Eijk, gave the "Good Nights," a little talk given in the tradition of St. John Bosco. Mother Anima spoke on the way to live our Fourth Vow of Marian Slavery, living as "Apostles of the end times" drawing from a homily of our founder, Fr. Carlos Miguel Buela, found in his book Las Servidoras I. He writes, "It is is our most fervent desire to be able to arrive at being like the apostles in these last days according to the teaching of St. Louis Maria Grignion de Montfort in his famous book True Devotion (#46 to #59), so recommended by the Holy Father John Paul II. Our Fourth Vow must move us to this ideal."
Who will they be?

1. "True disciples of Jesus Christ": "imitating His Poverty, His Humility, His contempt of the world and His Love...As their Teacher, they too will be signs of contradiction."
2. "Singularly devoted to Mary": They will be souls "illumined by her light, strengthened by her food, guided by her spirit, supported by her arm, and sheltered under her protection...they will be...servants, slaves and children of Mary." They will "look up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
3. "Very united to God": through Charity: "They will be ministers of the Lord who, like a flaming fire, will enkindle everywhere the fires of Divine Love...They will carry the Gold of Love in their heart."
   • by an invincible confidence in Providence: They will live "so firmly convinced in the Divine Favor…that they will be able to bring about the Triumph of Jesus Christ."
   • by a firm resolution: "They will have the silver wings of the dove enabling them to go wherever the Holy Spirit calls them, filled as they are, with the only resolve to seek the glory of God and the salvation of souls."
   • by a great desire of holiness: They will be "the souls most rich in grace and virtue, full of grace and zeal, rich in the grace of God, that Mary abundantly distributes to them, superior to all creatures for their great zeal."
   • by their magnanimity: "The greatest saints - great saints who will surpass in holiness most other saints as much as the cedars of Lebanon tower above little shrubs, great and closely joined to God in Holiness. Great men - for that reason are models by their words and examples, they will lead the world to the true devotion of Mary."
   • by their prayer: "They will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin. They will carry the incense of prayer in the spirit, especially, the rosary."
   • by mortification: They will carry "the myrrh of mortification in their bodies. They will be as the children of Levi, thoroughly purified by the fire of the great tribulations."
   • by their sense of freedom: "attached to nothing."
   • by being peaceful: without becoming "troubled at anything."
   • by being courageous: without "being afraid of anything, will not spare or heed or fear any man however powerful he may be."
   • by being just: "They will not show favor to anyone."
   (Servidoras I – Rev. Fr. Carlos Miguel Buela)

Following the Good Nights, the sisters came together for dinner together when they had the opportunity to speak with all the mothers and to learn more about the missions of our Institute and the future foundations. They also shared songs from their native cultures.

This year, the 18 third-year sisters are of 10 different nationalities. The sisters have come to Rome from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, United States of America, Italy, Ukraine, Russia, and the Philippines.

May Jesus and Mary protect each of the sisters and fill them with many graces for their holiness and their future missions. To Jesus through Mary!