01.21.2020

Information and Discussion Continue

On Tuesday the topic of formation was continued during the morning session. After the mixed languages groups gave their reports on the questions discussed Monday afternoon, and a glance at the outline of the new Formation Guidelines, we moved to consider elements of ongoing formation. S. Mariaelena presented a few insights from “New Wine for New Wineskins.” She stressed the fact that formation is a lifetime process and is truly continuous only when it is carried out in the ordinary reality of everyday life. She then noted that the Ignatian Spirituality which underpins our charism and our lives offers us a way to do this, with the tools of discernment, examen of consciousness and ways to pray. The value of this is in the daily use of these methods in the ordinariness of each day.

At the end of the morning S Maria Cristina (Italy), Marianne (Denmark) and Jona (France) enlightened the assembly on how the European provinces and regions are working together. The leaders, who will meet in August at Stella Matutina in Denmark for the third time, were clear that this process is very hopeful. Without defining this is leading, they are aware of the importance that there be no division between the older and the younger sisters as well as the fact that every sister needs to be involved in the process and the decisions that will be made.

The afternoon began with information on the Associates. The desire for an international meeting of associates, expressed at the last General Chapter and the last two extended councils, has not been forgotten. The first steps toward this are inter-continental ZOOM meetings and the elaboration of common guidelines for associates.

As the extended council approaches the days when planning for the General Chapter will be on the agenda, it is important that the assembly find some commonality in the Spirit is leading us at this time. This was the focus of the second part of the afternoon each sister was asked to indicate three priorities and also to name two obstacles for each priority as well as concrete ways to deal with them. The afternoon ended with sharing their insights in mixed language groups.