A Day of Conversation

“Now is the time, we are the space

For the Holy to rise in our midst.”

This refrain repeated in the morning reflection, was a further incentive to the Capitulants to enter fully into the “adventure of love with Christ” that is the General Chapter.

Introduction to the Day

When Christine, the Chapter Facilitator, assumed her role she reminded the Capitulants of what they are about. She took them through the different phases of the Chapter which we will be following as they unfold.

The point was made very strongly that they are here for the whole Institute and must leave local issues aside.

Nevertheless, each person has come with her own personal experience and from a particular context – political, economic, social, ecclesial... It is the responsibility of each Capitulant to become familiar with these contexts AND to get to know one another in the deepest sense.

 

The members of the Chapter have been assigned to more than one grouping according to:

· language (English, French or Spanish

· mixed languages (with translators present)

· continent

· DISCERNMENT

The Morning’s Task

Meeting in 3 different groupings, the Capitulants were asked to:

A.

· Introduce themselves and role in their area;

· Talk of their context – what is going on now so that all become familiar with the situation with its problems, conflicts, hopes... in all areas of life.

B.

· Again, introduce one another;

· Remembering that ministry is done on behalf of the whole Institute, focus on how each one’s ministry has contributed to living out the mandate from the 2008 General Chapter.

C.

· In silence, think of how God has been working in my life over the past 6 years;

· After 20 minutes, a period of privileged listening during which each one says a little word about this;

· When all have spoken there may be some comment.

Afternoon Conversation

This conversation focussed on the election of the members of the Steering Committee, which assumes responsibility for the smooth running of the Chapter. The Capitulants moved to their discernment groups and came back with nominations to be considered for the election of the committee on Wednesday, 14 May.