LIVING THE EMOTION OF THE IN-PERSON MEETING

I'm here in Curitiba, participating in the 3rd Chapter of the Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry in Brazil. It began today and will continue until January 31, with the election of the New Provincial Council. The first day of the Chapter has been full of joy, welcoming, and integration. We experienced the emotion of the in-person meeting, after more than 2 years of distancing, due to covid-19. We expect to be real protagonists of the Holy Spirit and undertake a challenging process of walking on the path of consecrated life, acknowledging all the work accomplished, and planning the life and mission for the coming years, being in harmony and connected with the world.

The opening celebration took place in the courtyard around the centennial tree, Magnolia, with an image of St. Joseph, Fr. Médaille, Constitutions pg. 5 and the word of God - Acts 2:32-35. Connected among ourselves and with all creation, we went in procession to the Chapel, singing the Litany of the predecessor Sisters, who left in these last years.

The Provincial Superior, Sr. Kátia Sassi welcomed everyone and said: “Today the hearts and thoughts of all the Sisters of the Province are in tune and turned to Curitiba. After the pandemic, this Chapter is full of dynamics that give a taste of celebration, the joy of reunion, celebration, coexistence, and openness to the surprises of the Spirit. It is also a challenge, a responsibility, and a time to make decisions about the Province and elect the Sisters who will coordinate life in mission in the coming years. "Thus far the Lord has led us and He will continue to lead us".

“WE, AS A CONGREGATION, HAVE A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE”

In the dynamics of integration, the general feeling that moved us was one of joy and positive expectations for this chapter. We feel connected with the Congregation and the Province. We are willing to listen and welcome the intuitions of the Holy Spirit and the cries of the entire planet.

Sr. Dolores Lahr, our Superior General, based on the text of Jeremiah 29:11-13 said: “I truly believe that our Congregation has a future full of hope. In every Province, Region, and Mission, every member has that promise before them. All that our God asks is that we pray to God, seek God, and seek God with all our hearts. We will find God, and God will change our luck. I truly believe that we, as a Congregation, have a future full of hope.

I take seriously the calls of our General Chapter, the Call to be Communities Immersed in the Spirit; the Call to Interculturality; and the Call to Protect All of Creation”. What challenges did you give yourself? How are you going to do with the challenges? How will others see that you are really of one heart and soul? “So, my dear Sisters, you are called to be here, now, in this sacred moment. You are called to have an open heart, an open mind, an open spirit, to be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit for yourselves and as a Chapter body”.

After the Speech of Sr. Dolores, we continued with the Chapter process and appreciated the presentation of reports by Nucleus Animators and the Provincial Council. We thank God for the day lived and for the community and apostolic experiences shared. We remain in tune with each other on this journey and may St. Joseph guide and lead our life and mission.