WELCOME ADDRESS, PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR SR. MAURICE GEORGE

375 YEARS OF GRACE AND THE OPENING OF THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

With hearts attuned to the Spirit, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pachmarhi Province gathered in Pachmarhi to mark a deeply sacred occasion—the 20th Provincial Chapter of the Province of Pachmarhi and the 375th Foundation anniversary of our Congregation. These twin celebrations, far from being separate, formed one profound movement of grace: a time to remember our roots, rejoice in our journey, and respond with hope to the call of the future.

The opening prayer, prepared by the Chapter Preparatory Committee, began with deep gratitude and reverence. The presence of Fr. Médaille and the first five sisters came alive through the inspiring presentation by the CPC.

We recalled the moment in 1650, in Le Puy, France, when Fr. Jean Pierre Médaille, a humble Jesuit, shared a vision with a small group of women—to live a life of simplicity, unity, and service. This “Little Design” was not a grand plan, but a hidden, humble, yet powerful way of embodying God's love. Through a reflective dramatic dialogue, we re-lived the foundational call to serve the poor, live in communion, and remain rooted in the Eucharist.

As a symbol of this enduring legacy, each sister received a seed ball, representing the humble beginnings and the potential of new life. We journeyed through the centuries of our congregation:

The first century, symbolized by the seed, celebrated hidden growth and strong foundations.
The second century, marked by a branch, reflected expansion, courage, and deepening mission.
The third century, symbolized by a flower, was a time of maturity and abundant service across continents.

Then came the final movement of the service: Each one received a bird and placed it on the branch, marking the last 75 years—a time of faithful continuation.

These decades have witnessed adaptation, resilience, and joyful witness in an ever-changing world. Our sisters have carried forward the mission with unwavering commitment—serving in education, healthcare, social work, and pastoral care. This simple bird, resting on the flowering branch, represented the Spirit’s ongoing flight among us and the living legacy we continue to embody.

As the Paschal Candle was lit and the flame passed from the General Superior to the Provincial, and then to all gathered, we were reminded that the fire first kindled in Le Puy still burns brightly today—in our communities, our ministries, and our hearts. The Forty-Eight Chapter chapter delegates walked into the Chapter hall, where each sister placed her light before the image of Fr. Médaille. This act symbolized our collective readiness to begin the Provincial Chapter with openness, humility, and deep trust in God’s guidance.

WELCOME ADDRESS, PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR SR. MAURICE GEORGE

In her welcome address, Provincial Superior Sr. Maurice George invited the Chapter members to enter into this sacred time with openness, unity, and deep faith.

Reflecting on the Chapter theme—"Christ-Centred Community as Leaven for Mission"—Sr. Maurice called each sister to rediscover the essence of religious life: communion, commitment, and mission. A Christ-centred community, she said, is rooted in the Eucharist, shaped by the Word, and empowered by prayer. Such a community becomes not only a home but a prophetic sign of unity and love in a fragmented world.

Drawing on the image of leaven, she reminded the sisters that transformation begins in silence, fidelity, and shared responsibility. Our small communities, though often hidden, are called to be agents of change, animated by the Spirit and lived in joyful witness. Sr. Maurice also challenged the assembly to embrace ownership—of our vocation, our mission, and our responsibilities.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY S. DOLORES LAHR, SUPERIOR GENERAL

Sr. Dolores Lahr, our beloved General Superior, delivered a touching and inspiring inaugural address for the Provincial Chapter. She began by remembering with deep reverence the senior sisters who have gone before us. Their presence, she said, is strongly felt in this Chapter Hall, for “we stand on the shoulders of those who have walked this path with faith, love, and sacrifice.” She reminded us that the heavenly abode is mysteriously present among us, as our pioneers continue to guide and inspire from above.

Becoming emotional as the hymn played, Sr. Dolores shared that she now has more friends in heaven than on earth. With affection, she recalled the sweet and powerful memory of Sr. Francis James, the first Provincial of our Congregation in India, whose life remains a source of inspiration and courage even today.

Reflecting on her own journey, she described her entire life as “a call within a call,” noting that God’s voice continues to unfold at every stage of her life. She narrated a personal experience of obedience to legitimate authority—how she once received a transfer she reluctantly accepted, only to discover later that it became one of the golden periods of her religious life. Through this, she reminded us that God’s plans often bloom in unexpected soil.

She went on to share her vocation story, emphasizing that each one of us is called by the Lord in a special, often unseen way. The road may not always be clear, but God’s guiding presence never fails those who trust.

In closing, she invited all the delegates to be genuine women of God—authentic in our relationships, faithful to our consecration, transparent in community life, and ever attentive to the gentle movements of the Spirit.

As we celebrate 375 years of grace, we stand together—grateful for the past, faithful to the present, and hopeful for the future. May the Spirit that inspired our Founders continue to guide us as women of communion, reconciliation, and prophetic mission.