8 February

Today we welcomed a new set of Participants and Observers.  While Sister Gladys Mary and Marcella continued to be with us as Participants, Sisters Maria Kirthi and Christy Maria also joined as Participants.  

The Observers are: Sisters Maria Sujyothi, Maria Monica, Carolina and Rosarina Crasto. 

The liturgy conducted by Sister Dipasha was joyful and festive because it was the Birthday and Feastday of Sister Sukanya.  

We devoted the Chapter Sessions to the study of Proposals and suggestions on Constitutions, Statutes and Directories sent by the Provinces and Communities.  We thank all the communities who made the study of the Constitutions and sent the proposals to the Provincial Chapters.  May God bless all of you.

You must not miss the Computer experts: Sisters Roseema, Nithanjali, Sofia and Assumpta Crasta.  If they did not type and print out the materials required for each day, the Chapter would have come to a standstill. Neither would this blog reach you.

Formation continued

Formation continued

Sister Maria Rashmi conducted the prayers of the day in a meaningful way, keeping in mind the theme of  Formation.

At 9.a.m we assembled in the Chapter Hall. Sister Lira Morais, the General Councillor for  Formation gave us a glimpse into the problems and challenges the formators face in the initial stages of Formation. She said that she is presenting these facts not based on any theory written in books but from her own experience of dealing with the juniors and Tertians of past 6-7 years.  The facts she presented was an eye opener for most of   us.

After refreshments, we got into our discussion groups.  The main point of the discussion was how to recruit vocations.  The decline in vocation in all our provinces was the major concern.  The discussion included definitely the problems and challenges of initial and ongoing formation.

The day was really long as the general sessions ended only at 7.p.m 

A day of Reflection on Formation

The topic for today was Formation.  Sister Sukanya incorporated this theme into the morning prayer, Mass and other prayers of the day.

Fr. Paulson Thaliyath CMI, the General Formation Coordinator of their Congregation was the first resource person  to address us.  He gave us insights into the many complexities of the situation from which the present day formees come to religious life. So the formators face plenty of challenges and problems in their work of formation.  Fr. Paulson also spoke about the differences between traditional and modern approaches to formation.  He gave us a very good graphic exposition of the qualities needed for a formator.  The afternoon was devoted to group discussions followed by a general session. 

After tea,  Dony Peter Chacko, a member of ‘Jesus Youth ’ gave us a practical and systematic analysis of why we fail in our effort at vocation promotion.  He wanted us to know that problem was not so much with youth but with us because we fail to be “advertisement” for Jesus.  The young girls do not see the burning love of Jesus transforming our lives and that of others.

A day of Celebration

The day dawned bright and beautiful.  The air was filled with melodious music, ushering in the feast day of our dear Superior General, Sister Agatha Mary.  The liturgists of the day were Sisters Carissima and Julie Ann. It was a joyous and meaningful liturgy.  During the morning prayer, Sister Agatha Mary carried the burning incense to the altar as a symbol of her Contemplative prayer which sustains her through all the vicissitudes of her life

After Mass, the sisters, both of Lourdes community and the delegates, greeted Sister Agatha Mary with our traditional festal song, bouquet of flowers and gifts.  It was an occasion for all the AC sisters of the campus to come together and celebrate the festal day and all were there in Saranya refectory for breakfast. 

 Fr. Francis Serrao S.J the Provincial of Karnataka started his talks at 9.a.m. He expounded the Chapter theme in such a way that we become aware of the need for delving into its deeper meaning and find therein all the required direction for our journey forward. He gave us also time for discussion and reflection so that we could interiorize the many issues and concerns he had spoken about.  He was with us almost till 6.p.m.

Today five formators, Sisters Gladys Mary, Marcella, Pritha, Nikitha and Daisy joined us as participants.  They will be with us for next three days.

Festal Recreation with Sister Agatha Mary

Inspite of a heavy day of Chapter Sessions, we had a hearty recreation in honour of Sister Agatha Mary.  The photographs will show you how we the delegates entertained Sister Agatha Mary with songs, dance and skit. The finale of the programme was by Lourdes community.  They enacted the last days of Saint Agatha and her martyrdom.  It was a very inspiring and touching scene. Sister Agatha Mary thanked the sisters for making the day a memorable one for her. 

Last day of Reports 

4 February is a special day for the Indian Church as it is the feast of St. John De Britto.  4 February is also the Independence Day of Sri Lanka.  Sister Prem D’Souza integrated well both these themes into the liturgy of the day.

Once we assembled in the Chapter Hall for the sessions, we started with the Report of the Northern Province.  The highlights were presented by Sister Lily D’Souza, the Provincial Superior.  Just as there was plenty of appreciation on the previous days, for the services rendered to the Church and Society by various provinces, so too today there was great appreciation for the services rendered by the Northern Province.

The next report was that of the Eastern Province. Sister Mirabelle presented the highlights of the report which was followed by an interesting discussion, appreciating the missionary spirit of this “Young Province”.

After tea, we were ready to take off to Kenya and Tanzania.  Sister Susheela, the Regional Superior gave us the highlights of the life and works of the sisters of these two countries.  She presented not only their success stories but also the problems and challenges that they face.  The services of the  pioneer sisters of Kenya were placed on record.

We gratefully remembered and prayed for Sister Mariella who initiated this Mission and also prayed for the repose of the soul of Sister Valerie who was one of the pioneers of the Kenyan Mission.

Since our sessions go on to 6 p.m. we end up the sessions with the evening prayer.