With joy, the Irmã Cecília Inês Muraro Nucleus welcomed the Congregation in the presence of Sisters Sally Hodgdon, Superior General, and Ieda Tomazini, General Councilor, July 17 to 28, 2017.

 

This blessed visit took place in three stages: 

1) First, on July 17 to 21, the communities of Bahia met in Serrinha, there were rich moments of listening to the word of God. The presentations and the questions the Sisters provided were deep and illuminating. Their sharing regarding following Jesus Christ in the new provincial organization in Brazil touched our lives. It was enlightening to see that the sacrament of encounter is based on trust and companionship, respecting the sacred ground of life.

2) July 21 to 25, there were intercommunity meetings in São Luís do Maranhão.  Sisters Sally and Ieda led these, looking at the reality of each community and the mission of the Sisters. We listened to each community with its dreams, difficulties and prospects. Time was given to personal prayer and sharing. The word illuminating the first day was the one that brought forth the woman and disciple, Mary Magdalene, on the morning of the Resurrection. It was a call for us to be able to "look at our surroundings", to discover the Risen One. On the second day, it was the word of Isaiah, "Behold, I am doing something new. Do you not see it?\�\�  The challenge is to look at the reality of creation today and see what is emerging. The Creator is asking us to be co-creators. He sows the seed it can grow! But we are responsible for watering it and protecting it to ensure germination. What is our co-creative participation in this new province which is forming? 

3) The journey continued the 25th to the 28th in Amazonas, with the community of Manaus. It was a time of listening, privilege and knowledge and being in touch with another reality which is quite challenging, but one rich in gifts. There were many cheerful and relaxing moments every, being together, celebrating birthdays, and visiting some sights in Manaus. On the 28th, Sisters Sally and Ieda continued on to Cuiabá.

 

We are deeply grateful for the time we spent together, for everything they taught us, for the respectful listening and witness of communion and community. To them we owe our gratitude and prayer.

       

Sisters Odila Cadore, Diva Rossi, Rosalia Fávero