NICE TO MEET YOU

On the day of the election of the Superior General, two of our delegates did for us the” Irish jig.”  One of our “jiggers” was Sr. Mairead Kelleher.   Mairead is from Middletown, Co. Cork, Ireland and she is currently a missionary in South Africa working in the HIV and Aids ministry in Nzhelele, Diocese of Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa.  At their mission station, the Sacred Heart Mission of Nzhelele, the missionaries reach out to all victims of HIV and Aids, set up support groups for the patients, offer counseling, take care of orphans, educate the youth and organize home based care programs.  Sr. Mairead’s role is to manage and coordinate all these activities.  It is Sister’s first time to attend a General Chapter and for her “it has been a great experience so far” and she is “amazed at the warmth and hospitality” all have received. The Chapter for her is a very open, free and inspirational Chapter.  She says “regards to all who follow our blog, you are wonderful FDNSCs…Renewed, let us go forth!” Mairead adds “I love the Philippines and its people!” 

Delegates from Ireland

   

WHAT’S GOING ON?

After days of hard work on our Constitutions, the Chapter Assembly voted on and approved the revised text today.  We also continued our conversations on the congregation’s mission and apostolic priorities.

Again, here are some photos of the HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CHAPTER.  

REFLECTING WITH US

Having spent a long time reviewing our constitutions. The sisters of our Chapter felt renewed and energised. Here some comments from the sisters: (a contribution of Sr Philippa)

"Perjalanan kami selama empat hari ini dalam kapitel adalah membahas Draft Ke-empat Konstitusi dan Direktorium.  Satu hal yang sangat menyentuh kami adalah pembaharuan dalam kehidupan religius.  Konstitusi yang merupakan basic law dalam hidup bakti menjadi salah satu sarana dalam pembaharuan ini.  Berani membaharui diri berarti berani keluar dari kemapanan dan kenyamanan diri demi sesuatu yang lebih bernilai yang hendak dikejar, oleh karena itu pembaharuan juga kadang menuntut 'korban' dalam diri.  Untuk bisa membaharui diri, kami perlu memohon kepada Dia yang Empunya segalanya untuk memberikan rahmat-Nya agar kami membuka diri untuk pembaharuan ini.  Pembaharuan atau perubahan adalah 'hadiah' atau anugerah dari Dia yang empunya segalanya itu." Bersama ini saya sertakan satu doa yang cukup menyentuh kami :

"Lord and Source of all gifts, we rejoice in the fullness of your holy generosity.  We thank you especially now for the gift of change, that gift of newness that opens doors closed by habit and routine.  We bless You and thank you as well, for that which is stable and unchange, for the ancient and traditional, which gives meaning to the new and different.....May our hearts be ever-changing, ever in growth, as we journey to You, our Mysterious Source, you who are forever fresh and new, yet forever the same, blessed are You, Lord our God."

Doa ini berjudul "Psalm of Change"

 Sr. Laurentia Piranti  Indonesia

“The days were heavy going but I have been very happy to work on the constitutions; it has been enriching because the constitutions are our life and joy. Sr Moya has been outstanding and so knowledgeable she has helped us understand the constitutions. “

Sr Kateia  Kiribati

“The work prior to the chapter, done by the sisters and the General Council , has been impressive and has allowed us to move efficiently through the document of the constitutions  with a great consensus of opinion.”

Sr Dain Inglis  African Union

“ O processo todo de Revisão de nossas Constituições foi árduo, mas agora durante o Capítulo Geral vemos o quanto foi um processo bem feito porque tivemos somente poucos pontos para discussão. Rendamos Graças a Deus pela aprovação do texto das nossas Constituições!”

Ir. Renisa

“Discussing the constitutions has been a renewal for us all and the experience leads us to an openness for the future.”

Sr Clotilde   African Union.

“The process was open, I felt we were given every opportunity to express any difficulties we had with the text.

Moya gave exceptional explanations of the judicial articles relating to Canon Law and I received a great understanding of these.”

Sr Tess Ward Australia

IN OUR AGENDA

Tomorrow, the Chapter closes with a Eucharistic Celebration.  Looking back, we can only say “What a journey it has been!”  Dear sisters, thank you for journeying with us, all the way!

See you soon!