01.25.2020
The Extended Council 2020 comes to an end... -
Sisters Leave with Hope, Joy and Love
After two weeks of listening, sharing, dreaming and praying, the Extended Council drew to a conclusion on Saturday, January 25. The day began with S. Sally encouraging the leaders to find ways to support one another across provinces and continents, perhaps using ZOOM, WhatApp or other technology. This is important to keep alive the spirit that was experienced during the two weeks together, a spirit of hope, joy and freedom to share openly with one another. The general council, not wanting anyone to give their energy to writing a final document, decided that after the meeting they will write a report which they will circulate later.
During the oral evaluation many participants expressed their appreciation of the fact that the General Council modeled intercultural living and participative governance, two important topics that were addressed during the meeting. Many voiced their gratitude that the council members were included. This not only enriched the conversation but will also assure better sharing of the experience in each province and region.
The general council then thanked all those who were part of the support staff of the meeting: Rossella, the secretary; Claudia, Gabriella, Bete and Preeti, the translators; Angelina, who took care of the snacks, the candy and ran errands; Eliana, Rosella and Barbara of the ICC.
The closing ritual was incorporated into the liturgy of the day. After communion and a few words by Sally each provincial and regional council was invited to come to the altar and there sign their commitment to incarnate love with joy in concrete ways. They then listened to Pope Francis speak of joy, saying that “ there are consecrated religious, there is joy . . . holiness does not exist there is sadness.” Before returning to their seats, each group received a statue of “Mary on the Way” as a reminder that we are all on a journey to incarnate Christ in our world.
