EXTENDED COUNCIL REFLECTS ON MISSION, DIGITALIZATION AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION - 28/09

 Sep. 28

The participants of the Extended Council began the day with a moment of prayer within their language groups. Later, in the meeting rooms, the prayer was led by sisters from Bolivia. The song “Women of the Dawn” inspired reflections on women who navigate historical and everyday contrasts, facing life’s challenges with courage, and transforming pain into hope and renewal.

Sister Elisa, the day’s coordinator, opened the meeting by encouraging everyone to remain attentive—both in mind and heart—to the topics for discussion. Sister Eliana, the coordinator of the Communications Commission, introduced the Congregation’s Digital Database, a centralized and secure system managed in Curitiba, Brazil. This digital archive stores essential information about the sisters, aiding in management and communication across provinces. Sister Elisa emphasized the importance of maintaining the register in an organized and up-to-date manner.

ATTENTION TO THE INTERNATIONALITY OF THE CONGREGATION

During the meeting, the Congregation’s statistics were shared with the goal of improving organization and collaboration between the PRM (Provinces). The discussion emphasized the importance of mutual support to expand missionary activities both within and beyond the usual regions.

Sister Cristina provided updates on the composition of the International Committees and their work, such as Finance (IFC), Communication (ICC), JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation), and Interculturality (IC). She highlighted the need for human resources to be made available, either fully or partially, to focus on these areas, particularly considering the international scope of the Congregation.

Sister Dolores called for greater investment in the formation of the Sisters, stressing the importance of learning new languages and gaining knowledge in areas such as Canon Law, Accounting, Communication, and Theology. This would strengthen both the mission and the management of the Congregation.

COMMITMENT TO THE MISSION OF COMMUNION

The meeting also addressed collaboration with other international congregations, such as ILAC (Institute, Lion, Annecy, and Chambéry), which gather annually to discuss issues like finances and formation. The next general meeting is scheduled to take place in Rome in 2025.

The Council also highlighted the 20th anniversary of the International Center of Le Puy, an important space for formation and interaction between sisters and lay people. Sister Dolores then spoke about the UIGS, which offers formation programs and support services to various congregations.

The meeting concluded with a meaningful celebration of the Word, inspired by the Gospel of Luke 9:43-45, inviting the sisters to reflect on the crucified Jesus and reaffirm their commitment to the mission of communion, under the protection of St. Joseph and Mother Mary.

After dinner, the participants enjoyed a pleasant time of fraternization, filled with dances, games, and friendly interaction—an excellent way to conclude an intense and fruitful day.

Sr. Gabirela Cuellar Duran - Bolivia

Ir Adriana Romão - Brasil

Que Deus continue suscitando em nós o desejo de respondermos aos desafios do mundo. Que lindo ver o quanto as Irmas de São José estão com os ouvidos e coração atentos.

Sr.Anoopa Tanmaya Province

Need of the hour, sisters need to be trained to take up various missions and commissions.

Laura Gavazzoni

Em missão de unidade, na diversidade. Alegra-me acompanhar as maravilhas que acontecem entre vocês e que nos atinge de longe e de perto. Obrigada.

Saumya

Very inspiring thoughts

Ir. Geni Estegues Pereira

Mais uma vez, muito obrigada pela partilha. Quantas vivências feitas quanta vida circulando na Província.

Sr Naina CSJ

Looks beautiful and challenging as well as encouraging gathering May the traveler St Joseph guide our paths

Terezinha Rizzon

Queridas Irmãs Acompanhando a jornada com temas importantes.Depois disso foi bem merecido um momento recreativo, mexer o esqueleto faz muito bem. Abraços e preces para o Espírito Santo continue hospedado em cada uma iluminando e orientando. Amém!

Gema Bernardi

Desejo bom final de Cobselho Amplo. Ótimo retorno. Deus acompanhe todas com muita luz e copiosas graças

Thereziha Zandona

Eliana somos agradecidas por poder acompanhar este momento hitórico da Congregação. Foram dias de comunhão, vibração e gratidão

Gertrudes Salette Beal

Gostei das reflexões que foram tratadas e partilhadas. Deus nos dê a coragem de assumir os desafios com zcoes concretas.