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The figure
of Mary Mother of the Good Shepherd is an image that was very dear
to our Founder, Fr. James Alberione. In it he sees the model of the
pastoral care that he entrusts to us, Pastorelle. The mosaic
represents a true synthesis of the pastoral spirituality that
animates us.
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The Virgin is portrayed in an attitude of great simplicity
and sweetness, in the act
of offering “fresh grass” to the sheep that come to her, an element
that Fr. Alberione interprets in relation to the Word and sacraments,
and to all that leads to “life in abundance” (cf. Jn 10:10).
Fr. Alberione understood Mary’s mission as the “threefold
cooperation” with Jesus Good Shepherd: shepherding,
guarding and guiding the flock with the simplicity,
laboriousness, goodness and everyday life of the “shepherd”. She
pleads and intercedes for the Pastorella who feels the needs of the
entire people of God, and lives her ministry making herself mother
and sister to all.
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In front of Mary we see Jesus the young Shepherd in the midst
of the sheep in the act of welcoming them with love.
Contemplating the face of Jesus allows us to understand the mission
entrusted to him by the Father: to shepherd the flock even unto
laying down his life for the flock (cf. Jn. 10:18). Fr.
Alberione used to exhort the Pastorelle to imitate the young
shepherd by way of instructing, giving good example, grace, and
making theirs the spirit of Jesus good Shepherd who knows and gives
his life for the flock.
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Standing near Mary, respectively on the left and the right, are the
apostles Peter
and Paul. The two greatest apostles of the Church. Both are in
the midst of the flock, engaged in their effort of gathering the
sheep and showing them the Way: Jesus, the young shepherd and Mary
the shepherdess.
From Peter the Pastorelle learn how to serve God’s flock
gratuitously and with joy, faithful to Christ and to the Church.
From Paul, they learn the courage to search for a pastoral ministry
that is in dialogue with history and all it various cultural
expressions.
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The flock is very numerous and is placed at the centre, and
here the attention and
interests of the different figures converge. The sheep are walking
towards Jesus; they listen to his voice and hear themselves called
by name (cf. 10:3-4). The Pastorelle Sisters feel the compassion of
Jesus for those who still do not believe or are far from him, and to
them they turn with special care.
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