PROVINCIAL COUNCIL OF ITALY VISITS SISTERS IN ARGENTINA

Warm greetings to the entire Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph from the Cone of South America.

Recently the Sisters of Argentina participated in the first Annual Assembly as Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery. The assembly was held in an atmosphere of trust, simplicity, and great hope. This event was accompanied and enriched by the presence of our Italian sisters: Clementina Copia, the Provincial Superior, and Sr. Rossella Passalacqua, the Councilor, who honored us with their visit, long-awaited by all of us. This Assembly began our proximity and mutual knowledge after the merger.

All the sisters were free to express themselves and share their experiences, fears, dreams, concerns, and above all, to establish an open, respectful, cordial, and fraternal dialogue.  All the Sisters felt welcomed and heard both personally and as a community. It was an Assembly of only a few days but was very intense.  Doubts about the future and continuity in Argentina were clarified. We believe that the Provincial Council of Italy also had the opportunity to see and appreciate more closely the life and mission of the three communities: Clorinda, Pouponniere, and Casa regional, all inserted in the complex social reality of Argentina.

STRENGTHENING BONDS WITH THE CONGREGATION

There was also time for a sightseeing tour of the city of Buenos Aires and a quick visit to the National Sanctuary of our Patroness, the Virgin of Luján where we participated in the Sunday Mass and prayed for the entire Chambéry family in the world.

We also had the joy of celebrating the Solemnity of St. Joseph with simplicity and in pleasant company. We renewed our vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, using the formula which is in the Constitution of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry.

We are very grateful for the visit of our Superiors. It will help us to further strengthen our ties with the entire congregation and also, meaningful growth in the spirituality of our charism of communion and service.

We hope that they would repeat such visits!

Sr. Maria Nélida Sandoval – Argentina