COMMUNITIES IMMERSED IN THE SPIRIT, CONNECTED WITH THE WORLD

On June 11, 2022, the Province of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery in Brazil began their 3rd Provincial Chapter. For the morning session, all the Sisters as well as 17 Associates and Collaborators were invited to participate. The theme of the Chapter is: Communities immersed in the Spirit, connected with the world and the Motto is: “One heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32).

Sr. Katia Sassi, the Provincial, welcomed all the participants and highlighted in her inaugural address the importance of a Provincial Chapter and the seriousness and meaning of the participation of the Associates, collaborators and missionary cooperation, for the living of the Charism and the implementation of it in the Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

WHO ARE WE? WHAT DOES OUR IDENTITY AND TESTIMONY SIGNIFY?

Morning session was conducted by the resource person of the Chapter namely, Sr. Márian Ambrósio, who belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence SDP. She dealt with the theme: Who are we? What does our identity and testimony signify?

For the afternoon, only the Chapter members (80) and Associates were present. The activities were carried out in groups separately by the Sisters as well the Associates.

The Sisters discussed on the following questions:

- What are the elements of our identity as consecrated Sisters of St. Joseph that we need to strengthen in the next mandate of the Province?

- Give suggestions and strategies to strengthen the aspects raised.

For lay people the questions were:

- What are the elements of our identity, as Associate members which we need to strengthen in relation to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph?

- Give suggestions and strategies to strengthen the aspects raised.

Below are some of the testimonies of Sisters and Associate members about this first Chapter session.

RENEWAL OF LIFE

“For us, it was a moment of renewal of consecrated life and mission with our poorest brothers and refugees in Manaus. Associates help us to live and give visibility to our radical following of Jesus Christ”

Sr. Marli da Silva – Manaus/AM

A SIGN OF GROWTH ON THE HORIZON OF THE CHARISM OF COMMUNION

“Participating in this first session of the Provincial Chapter, with the 17 Associate members, Missionary Co-operators and Collaborators is a milestone which poses a great challenge to live our consecrated life as women. We are all disciples of Jesus who try to live the legacy given by Fr. Médaille to make Jesus' desire more visible: “Father, may they all be ONE”. Jn 17,21.

I believe that the Congregation benefits through the partnership of the Associates who imbibe our Spirituality and disseminate them in one way or the other in the most diverse ministries.

Our identity as Sisters of St. Joseph is becoming more and more authentic, as we join the Associates and thus become a visible sign of the charismatic gift to the world.

We walk together on the same path to follow Jesus. They help us to live authentically our vows in radical following of Jesus Christ”.

 Sr. Rosalia Fávero - São João dos Patos/MA

REFLECTIONS ARE DEEP AND MOTIVATING

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to participate, as an Associate member, in this historic moment. I see this as God's call in life and mission of the Congregation. Everything is interconnected and the reflections are profound and motivating. Sr. Marian dealt on our identity and testimony. It was inspiring to see the sisters joyfully in tune with one another, with the world and with us, the Associate members. I feel it’s God’s call in my life and I am excited to learn more about the Spiritual Heritage of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery. Another remarkable moment was the group work in which we, the Associate members shared the Charism with each other. We feel very happy to be able to contribute to the mission and this awakens a lot of hope. Thanks"!

Vinicius Tenedini - Professor at Colégio São José Caxias do Sul/RS

WE WALK TOGETHER, IN THE INCESSANT PURSUIT TO SERVE WELL

“First of all, I express my joy for good sharing and exchange of knowledge of what the Sisters went through and the view point of the Associates which strengthened and established our bond in this first session.  

The second aspect I would like to highlight is that I personally felt renewed in Faith. I am convinced that both the Associates and the Sisters of St. Joseph walk together, in the incessant pursuit to serve well.

And finally, I would like to say that I am happy, because an effective harmony is established. I feel there is a lot of understanding and wish that it remains until the end of the Provincial Chapter.

After my first participation in the Chapter session this is how I feel, Sisters and the Associates together. I am very convinced that the other sessions will be very fruitful for the consolidation of an entire process, including the election of representatives of the Province”.

(Dr. Francisco Soares Ferrer - Consultant at HNSO – Vacaria\RS)

Sr. Adelide Canci, Vacaria