THE CHAPTER HAS ENDED
“YOU ARE THE REASON OF MY JOURNEY”
“Every beginning has an end”. The 30th General Chapter opened on 24th Wednesday at 10.30 a,m. with the theme COMMUNITIES IMMERSED IN THE SPIRIT CONNECTED WITH THE WORLD ,and After seventeen days of togetherness, reflection, sharing, searching together the will of God, on 11th December Saturday morning at 10.30. we gathered together for the closing Ritual conducted by the General Council.
All the participants at the General Chapter gathered in the meaningfully decorated chapel at Nemi. The Whole community felt the presence of the Spirit The Chapel echoed the sweet melody of the song sung in Portuguese, “ One day I heard your Call , Divine Message beating in my heart, I left promises of this world, And I went Quickly in the direction of your hand, You are the reason for the journey, You are my Road, my guide, my end, In the cry that comes from your people I hear you again calling me…. ”
CLOSING RITUAL
The most significant aspect of the Closing Ritual was the Parting Gift from the General Team: the CONCH SHELL which symbolises “the deep immersion in spirit and attentive listening to our world. The inside of the conch shell is a perfect spiral a path with smaller turns, that keep circling down-word with the end of path unseen unknown. Each turn a new scene come before your eyes and the walls of the shell or spiral become softer, smoother and more luminescent. This spiral is the same path we walk, as we journey into the future.”
All participants stood Together (with the conch shell and a picture - which depicts various themes of religious Life Like attentive listening, communion etc). around the altar praying for all the members of the congregation, so that each member become passionate in living the calls of this General Chapter for the coming Eight years.
BEGIN TO LIVE THE CALLS
In every ending there is a new beginning, says Matthew Clairmont, though the General chapter Gathering in Nemi is ended today, the members go back to their provinces regions and missions to begin to live the CALLS and the Recommendations of the Chapter.
We wish a safe travel to each of the participants as they travel back taking with them the deep memories of their togetherness and oneness.
Sister Philomina Pichappilly, Nagpur
Só sábias no encerramento, pois tudo vem do Espírito Santo, e será multiplicado no chão sagrado onde atua as ISJ.
Congratulations to the ICC. Absolutely exceptional work. Thank you for all you did to help us share in the spirit of the chapter!!!!
Uma boa Viagem de volta e um Feliz Recomeço. Estamos esperando.. Bem Vindas