CHAPTER, A TIME OF GRACE AND PRAYER

Tanmaya Province continued its Chapter days in grace, deep reflection, and prayer. On the 5^th and 6^th of October, Sr. Dolores, our Superior General, oriented the delegates into the process of discernment through discerning circles. She emphasized on the importance of inner freedom, inordinate attachments, fears, freedom, and responsibility. She drew our attention to the gifts and dimensions of leadership.    

In a spirit of silence, prayer, listening, and discerning, the delegates voted for the next Leadership Team. Sr. Philomena Pazhooraparambil was elected as Provincial and Sisters Nidhi Perumpilly, Arpita Varikkaplakel, and Sangeeta Ambackattu as Councilors and Sr. Vidhya Kullu as the Alternate for the mandate of Four years. Sr. Dolores and the Chapter Delegates then felicitated the new team.

The theme for the next day’s liturgy was ‘Joyous gratitude’ during which the assembly offered gratitude to God and sisters for all the works accomplished by the outgoing team. The outgoing team symbolically handed over the lit lamp to the new team. All the sisters stretched out their hands in blessing towards them.   Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal, the Bishop of Indore had officiated the Holy Eucharist and, in his homily, he said, “Joy of the Gospel should be radiated not only at good times but even at bad times”. At the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the new PLT was invited to carry the Redwood tree, which is a symbol of connectivity. The day carried on with the decisions to be taken for the next Provincial Chapter.

‘Walking together Witnessing Love’ was the theme chosen for the last day of the Chapter. A presentation of the Final Document was made to the Chapter. Sr. Prabha, the President of the Chapter, declared 'the Chapter CLOSED.' 

During the closing ritual, Delegates received lit diyas and footprints as a sign of sending forth. Music and dance accompanied the elected team to the Grotto of Mother Mary, where, together with Sr. Dolores, and Sr. Celine, they consecrated themselves to Mother Mary.

To mark this historical event, Sr. Dolores planted a sapling in the garden.

Tanmaya Province/India