19^th Ordinary General Chapter

The Chapter delegates started arriving on 25 January 2014. All were in by 27^th noon. We assembled at 4.30 p.m. in the Chapter Hall for a short prayer and orientation session.

The first three days, 28 – 30 January were devoted to Pre-Chapter programme. Brother Gerard Alvarez CFC, the resource person who is an expert in animating Chapters of different Congregations, did a good job in preparing our hearts and minds to enter into the Chapter with a right attitude: Contemplative gazing and a compassionate heart.

The sessions were interactive, personalized and soul-searching. The programme included an immersion experience (exposure programme).

Immersion Programme  

SEMINAR FOR SISTERS ENGAGED IN HIGHER EDUCATION

                               The Participants               

                                     

Seminar for Sisters engaged in Higher Education held at the Generalate, Jayanagar from 25 to 31 May 2013.  Sr. Mabilia A.C. was the Co-ordinator of the programme and arranged all the resource persons and logistics of the seminar.

The inauguration of the seminar took place at the Eucharistic celebration, when the participants went in procession with lights to the altar and made a symbolic offering to the Lord.  Rev. Father Francis Serrao S.J. Provincial Superior of the Jesuits offered mass that morning.  On 25 May Father Francis took up  two sessions for the participants, on ‘Spirituality’ and the other two on ‘Education as Mission’.

On 26 and 27 May, Rev. Father Elias Moses OFM took up sessions  on his well  researched ‘Communication Model’-  a practical and professional application into leadership communication.  The participants were given practical training to imbibe communication skills in the 4 areas: Person, Process, Practice and Performance.

On 28 May, Sister Mabilia, the Co-ordinator had arranged for a day of Recollection.  Rev. Father Frederick D’Silva S.J. was called in to give an animation talk and for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the  Eucharist.  The day ended with a meaningful hour before the Blessed Sacrament, which helped the participants to integrate their consecration with the mission of Education.  On 29 May, the Superior General, Sister Agatha Mary A.C. addressed the sisters on some pertinent issues viz: Consecration, Contemplation and Commitment.  The participants listed out their Institutional difficulties, problems and obstacles and sought to arrive at suitable solutions.  She drew their attention to the life and spirituality of the foundress, Mother Veronica who always did God’s  Will amidst life’s challenges.

In the afternoon of that day, the Principals of Apostolic Carmel Colleges shared briefly the high lights of their respective Institutions.

In the evening the participants worked on the Action Plan for the next six years.  This action plan would be a road map for progress and growth for sisters in Higher Education.

On 30 May they were taken for a field visit to neighbouring  Colleges in Bangalore City.

The week long programmes included in the seminar for sisters in Higher Education were practical, educative and enlightening. The participants are grateful to the Congregation and  their communities for giving them a chance to attend this seminar. 

                                   

Celebrating the  Eucharist

                                       

                    At the Various Sessions

              Session with the Superior General 

Sessions with Father  Elias Moses OFM

Actively involved in the learning process

                                        Recreational Activities.

A.C. MISSION CONGRESS CONTINUED

               The Final Day

The day began with the triumphant entry of our Eucharistic Lord in procession for an hour of adoration conducted by Eastern Province and Kenyan Region. 

Sister Sujita SND the vibrant speaker shared with us her practical experience of living in slums, organizing women under different projects against child marriage, rape cases and other issues. She practically lit fire in our bones.  

After tea break was the concluding in which two books were released by our dear Sr. Agatha Mary, Superior General - ‘Health for All’ by Sr. Agnesita and ‘A Vessel of Election’ by Sr. Carmilla. After this one sister from each Province and Region shared their experiences of the A.C. Congress and action plan for the Province. This followed Superior General’s concluding address in which she emphasized the aspect of Contemplation, Compassion and Forgiveness. 

The climax of the A.C. Mission Congress was the Eucharist offered by Most Rev. Ignatius Pinto, Archbishop Emeritus, Bangalore. The Eastern province and Kenyan Region sisters organized a meaningful Liturgy.

A.C. Congress is indeed a memorable event in the history of the Apostolic Carmel where in around 375 sisters, 12 ACAs and 6 CCR Sisters participated.

 

A.C. MISSION CONGRESS - CONTINUED

Third Day – Called to be an effective Missionary

The Morning Prayer and liturgy was led by Sisters of the Western Province.  The Celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Francis Serrao S.J was very meaningful.

The morning two sessions were taken up Fr. Francis Serrao on “Mission Today: Understanding the Mission of the Church in the Indian Context and being Effective Missionaries”. He instilled a spark of fire within us to go and spread the good news of Jesus.

This was followed by Panel Discussion moderated by Sister Jennifer D’Silva. Six sisters one from each Province spoke on different aspects of Mission. i.e. Charism and Mission, Consecrated for Mission, Formation for Mission, Community and Mission, Leadership in Mission, and Witnessing in Mission. The sharing enriched every sister who listened to them.

Afternoon session was taken up by Mr. George Devassy on “Evangelization of Youth”. To deal with the youth of today we have to know them, love them and walk with them and finally the last session on “Evangelization and Social Apostolate" was given by Sister Sujita SND.  The day came to a close with a fantastic Laser Show on Mother Veronica.

MISSION CONGRESS CONTINUED

Second Day – A Call to Personal Renewal

The day began with morning prayer led by Sisters of Northern Province followed by Eucharistic Celebration by Fr. V.M. Thomas SDB. The first two sessions in the morning were given by Fr. V.M. Thomas SDB on “Need for Personal Renewal” and “Authentic Discipleship”. He stressed the aspect that we should be Disciples and not just Admirers of Jesus. He motivated us to aim high and follow the vision of our Foundress Mother Veronica.

Afternoon two sessions were taken up by Sister Serena MSA on “Evangelization and Education”. Through personal testimonies she brought home to us that we need to bring the compassionate love of Jesus to the people whom we Evangelize.

Last session was on “Sharing of Faith Experiences” moderated by Sister Ancilla A.C. One Sister from each Province shared in a creative way their missionary activities in their respective Provinces.