Preface

For the good of her life and for her growth God gives many gifts to the Church. They are called charisms. The origin of our Spiritual Family is a gift which Mother Julia received: the charism of The Work. In the centre of our spirituality is a twofold love which the Lord gives us and which we live with joy and conviction: love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and love for his Church.

We must love the Church dearly, proclaim her, and reflect her beauty through our life. Mother Julia

Name

Mother Julia testifies: “I did not look for the name The Work as title of the community by means of reason. Rather, I encountered it in the very depth of my soul“. This name invites us to live in a profound and lively faith. Jesus says:

This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. John 6:29

Sacred Heart of Jesus

The pierced Heart of Jesus is the symbol for the infinite love of God for us. His great love has redeemed us and fills our hearts. We have heard the invitation to answer his love and to enter into a Holy Covenant with the Sacred Heart of Jesus which forms us into a Spiritual Family.

In his heart the Lord has prepared a place for you. Mother Julia

Love for the Church

We love and revere the Church. We look to the Lord, about whom St Paul says: “Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (Eph 5:25). In the Church there was and is failure. We are aware of this. At the same time, we feel urged to give witness to her interior greatness, vitality, and to her teaching about the faith.

To the Church, my beloved Mother, I have given my whole life. Mother Julia

Adoration

God is everything for us. It is him whom we wish to adore, his will we wish to fulfill. We follow Jesus who testified at the end of his life: “I glorified you on earth and accomplished the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4).

May our whole life become an unending praise of God. Mother Julia

Unity

Mother Julia was profoundly moved by Jesus’ prayer for the unity of his disciples. Our mission is dedicated to building unity: inside and outside the community, wherever we live and work, in the Church and among all people of good will.

That they may all be one. John 17:21

Conversion and Faith

Jesus started his public ministry with the words: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe in the gospel“ (Mk 1:15). We wish to heed this call of the Lord. Rejoicing at Our Lord’s closeness, we aspire to go on the way of conversion and renewal in order to attain a deep faith.

May our faith be so radiant that other people will be attracted by it. Mother Julia

Merciful love

Our vocation points us to high ideals. At the same time, we are confronted with our own human weaknesses. We entrust ourselves with our sins, wounds and limits to God’s merciful love.

God’s merciful and just love seeks you, watches over you, and waits for you. Mother Julia

Symbol

The radiant crown of thorns is the symbol of our community. It expresses that as we follow Christ we share in his suffering and in his glory.

Whoever stands up for truth and love in this world, lets himself be wounded, says yes to the crown of thorns. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, 10 November 2001

St Paul

St Paul is our patron. Mother Julia discovered the mystery of the Church as the Body of Christ in his letters. His missionary zeal urges us on. He helps us to live our contemplative-apostolic mission in the midst of the world.

The Apostle Paul became for me an instrument of God, a spiritual leader and a beloved brother. Mother Julia

Mary

Mary is the gift of the dying Jesus for each of us: “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27). We walk at her side.

I have always had a great love for Mary and have often experienced her help. I no longer do anything without her. Mother Julia

Spirituality