INTRODUCTION

1. The celebration of the Order's 210th General Chapter is a special time of grace and fellowship. It is also an occasion for writing to you, brothers and sisters, so that “our joy may be complete” (1 Jn 1:4). Indeed, cause for joy are a number of events. First, the chapter itself, which makes it possible for us, as earlier for our First Fathers, to experience the force and comfort of our fraternal bonds: “How good it is, and how pleasant, when brethren dwell at one” (Ps 133:1).1 Second, the erection of the Mexican province, which brings to conclusion a long journey begun in the years 1947-1948 when the first two Servite friars, Fr. Clemente M. Francescon (+1986) and Fr. Lorenzo M. Boratto (+ 1988), were sent to Mexico City. Third, the celebration of the jubilee year of St. Peregrine Laziosi (1265 ca.-1345 ca.), who is venerated as patron saint of the infirm for the heroic witness he offered in his own illness and whose intercession is sought for the gifts of healing and hope.2 Fourth, the fraternal reflection on the state of the Order in view of preserving and promoting our “spiritual heritage”3 - our commitment to follow Christ and to give witness to the Gospel through fraternal life in community, service of others, a humble and penitent life, and devotion to Our Lady, “Mother and Servant of the Lord” and “abiding inspiration” of our lives.4

2. Just as the Chapter of Rome in 1983, so too the Chapter of Mexico City has decided to write a capitular letter to the Order. This letter is meant to be the continuation and development of the earlier one, Do Whatever He Tells You (16 November 1983). It is a continuation, because the letter aims at carrying forward the reflection begun there on the profound harmony that exists between consecrated life and the Blessed Virgin Mary (Part I), and it is a development, because the letter, faithful to the tradition of the Order and attentive to the present historical and ecclesial context, wants to deepen our insight into the Servite charism in the light of the Virgin of the Magnificat (Part II).

3. We address our letter, first of all, to all of you, friars Servants of Mary. Our first obligation as capitulars is to be of service to you through decisions and deliberations that can help you to live our common vocation with reassurance and re newed enthusiasm .
We turn then to all who, for historical reasons and common ideals, form with us the vast Servite Family - nuns, sisters, members of the Secular Institutes and the Secular Order, and all other lay groups.
      We also have in mind the bishops of the dioceses in which communities of Servite men and women live and work. May the bishops, commissioned by the Spirit to “tend the church of God” (Acts 20:28), see this letter as an expression of our appreciation for their pastoral concern and as evidence of our desire to be “a sign of fraternal fellowship”5 through generous apostolic cooperation in every local church.
      Encouraged by the good reception accorded the letter Do Whatever He Tells You, we also address this letter, with feelings of friendship and gratitude, to the men and women who follow Chris t in institutes of consecrated life with a distinctive Marian charism. This time, however, as you will easily note, more than writing of our own experience, we have chosen to listen to their reflections and to give careful consideration to their proposals. We have learned much. They will find here many elements concerning the relationship between Mary and consecrated life that their institutes have noted, given depth to and put into practice.