Province
of Blessed Mother Enrichetta
Central
India
9th Provincial Chapter
December
26, 2019 – January 2, 2020
Day 1: 26.12.2019
Arrival of the Capitulars:
At
last the long awaited day dawned for the celebration of the grace-filled
event: 9th Provincial Chapter. The Provincial Superior and the
Councillors joyfully welcomed the Participants of the Chapter. It added more joy
and happiness as this day followed the celebration of the festival of
Christmas.
Welcome
The
Participants assembled in the Chapter Hall and a formal welcome was accorded by
the Provincial Superior, Sr. Jesintha Mariappa to the Ex-officio members, Chapter
representatives and the special invitees. She also gave us general instructions
to be followed during the Chapter proceedings.
Day of Prayer
A
day was set apart for Prayer and recollection to derive strength from the
fountain of life. The Chapter members assembled in the Chapel for recollection
talk and Holy Mass by Fr. S. Anthony. Father in his talk, enlightened us saying
that Humility is Forgiveness and Forgiveness is Charity and Charity begins at
home that is one should begin it in one’s own Community. Further he exhorted
that there are eight good habits we should develop such as Help, Listen, Affirm,
Speak well of people in their absence, Pray for others, Greet, Respect and
Accept. Practicing this would help in building Relationships with one another. After
Eucharistic celebration, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for Adoration.
Day 2: 27.12.2019
Adoration
The
day of Prayer and recollection continued the next day with the exposition of
the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration from 6.30 a.m to 11.30 a.m. An hour of
Adoration was led by the team members and during adoration the Participants
symbolically carried the lighted lamp and surrendered themselves and the
Chapter proceedings at the feet of the Eucharistic Lord. The day of Prayer and
recollection ended at 12.30 p.m
Inauguration of the 9th Provincial Chapter
The
Chapter Hall was decorated with the theme “Sisters of St. Ann, A Family for
Families, Journeying with the Church, bringing Hope and Joy to the world”. This
invited each of the Participants to enter more deeply into the celebration of
the Chapter. The Provincial Superior was invited to place the Bible on an
artistically prepared stand which had the provision for flow of water from one
pot to the other symbolizing the living water of the Word of God to flow into
our lives. Then the Provincial Superior lit the Chapter Lamp and the 9th
Provincial Chapter declared open. The Letter from Mother General Francesca
Sarcia, Letter from Vicar General Sr. Juilia Victor, and the Letters from the other Four Provinces of India were read
assuring their prayerful support. The Provincial then, read the names of the
Participants of the Chapter and distributed the files.
Inaugural Mass
Inaugural
Mass for the 9th Provincial Chapter
was celebrated by Most. Rev. Thumma
Bala, the Archbishop of Hyderabad and was concelebrated by the Parish
Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Fr. Gyana Reddy. In his well-prepared homily he
exhorted the assembly to practice Discipline, to go beyond mere Rules and Regulations
which are only the reminders to put ourselves in order. We need to nurture good
habits that ultimately builds our character. He said that all the Sisters
especially the young ones to be trained to follow the formula of Responsibility, Accountability,
Transparency and Credibility.
Day 3: 28.12.2019
Presentation of the Report
Province Report:
A clear and concise report of the Province, for the Sessinium (2014-2019) was presented
by the Provincial Superior, Sr. Jesintha Mariappa. The report contained the
different aspects of our Community life, Spiritual life, and Apostolate. She
also enumerated the reality about the state of the Province before and after
Re-organization of the Indian Provinces. The assembly appreciated the effort
and goodwill by the Provincial and her Council for the past six years.
Finance Report: The Economic
Administrator Sr. Reena Kalley presented a well described and accurate Finance
Report(2014-2019) of the Province mentioning various aspects like Legal position,
financial status, major concerns relating to land and building etc. the
assembly clarified their doubts and became aware of the Province and the hard work of the Financial
Administrator was appreciated by all.
Evaluation of the General and Provincial
Chapter Documents
The collated report of the lines of action and the issues and concerns of the 33rd General Chapter and 8th Provincial Chapter Documents which were already evaluated by the communities was read out. Then the Capitulars dispersed to their respective Groups (consisting of 8 members) to discuss and give a report of the growth they have seen and experienced in the Province in the light of this report and give suggestions for future focus.
The collated report of the lines of action and the issues and concerns of the 33rd General Chapter and 8th Provincial Chapter Documents which were already evaluated by the communities was read out. Then the Capitulars dispersed to their respective Groups (consisting of 8 members) to discuss and give a report of the growth they have seen and experienced in the Province in the light of this report and give suggestions for future focus.
Group Discussion and Reporting
After
long discussion the Group reported back to the Chapter Hall and presented the
reports. The reports were collected by the secretary of the Province, Sr. Nirmala Saveri Raj.
Recreation with the Aspirants
The Benjamins of our Province, the Aspirants brought in joy, humour and cheer to all the Capitulars after the day’s hard work. They also gave an inspiring message through a skit asking us – What gift Jesus would prefer from you today? At the end of the skit we received the answer, that it is not the gifts of this world but the gift love and service to our neighbour. All the Capitulars applauded the Aspirants for their creative performance. Sr. Sussy Raja kumari the Councillor for Formation proposed the vote of thanks to the Aspirants for their performance, and Sr. Aleyamma and Sr. Shalini for organizing and guiding the little ones of Province for the lovely recreation.
The Benjamins of our Province, the Aspirants brought in joy, humour and cheer to all the Capitulars after the day’s hard work. They also gave an inspiring message through a skit asking us – What gift Jesus would prefer from you today? At the end of the skit we received the answer, that it is not the gifts of this world but the gift love and service to our neighbour. All the Capitulars applauded the Aspirants for their creative performance. Sr. Sussy Raja kumari the Councillor for Formation proposed the vote of thanks to the Aspirants for their performance, and Sr. Aleyamma and Sr. Shalini for organizing and guiding the little ones of Province for the lovely recreation.
Day 4: 29.12.2019
Prayer
The
day’s session began with a short Prayer conducted by Sr. Sussy Raja kumari, the Councillor
for Formation. The reading of the
passage from Rev 7: 11-12 (The angels were standing around the throne and
around the elders and the four living creatures they fell down on their faces
before the throne and worshipped God) created an ambience of awe and wonder to
bow down with reverence and invoke the Most Holy Trinity in our soul. The
prayer concluded with the Chapter Hymn: Lord we lift your name on high.
Group
Discussion on Lineamenta and Plenary
Assembly
Sr.
Cicily Mathew, the Moderator of the Chapter provided guidelines to the Groups
to work on the Lineamenta: Part I. The
draft for Part I was distributed by the Secretary of the Province, Sr. Nirmala Savariraj
then at 8.45 a.m the group dispersed for reading, discussion and to give their
opinions on the same. At 11.15 a.m the group gathered together in the Chapter
hall for Reporting. The Secretaries of the Four Groups presented their Reports.
The house opened to give their suggestions and views.
The
Group members worked on the Lineamenta:
Part -II from 2.30 p.m to 4.15 p.m and at 5 p.m assembled in the Chapter
hall for Reporting. The Secretaries of the Four Groups presented their Reports.
The house kept open to give their suggestions and views.
Feast of Holy Family
The
Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Sagayaraj on the Feast of the Holy family.
Father in his homily posed a question to the assembly asking- Among all the families
of Nazareth, why is this particular Family called the Holy Family? And the answer
was, it is because of the Presence of
Jesus in that family that made the family Holy Family. Then, why aren’t our
Religious communities called Holy, even
though we have the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? He kept us
thinking and the reason is He stated thus, that we, the consecrated women are supposed
to bear Jesus in our hearts and witness him to the world.
Recreation with the Novices
It
was a much awaited relief after the day’s work on Lineamenta Part I and Part
II. Our young Novices from the Novitiate along with their Sr. Antonia K and Sr.
Jyothi Gabbur brought in surprise after surprise. It was a comforting thought to know that even
our Pioneer Sisters came down from heaven to celebrate Christmas with us
through a beautiful enactment from the Novices. They made us relive our
Novitiate days. Sisters were glad to know that they are putting into practice
whatever they have learnt in their Novitiate.
Day 5: 30.12.2019
Eucharistic Celebration
The
day began with the Morning Prayer followed by the Eucharistic celebration by
Fr. Aloysius. In his homily he gave an insight into the concept of having an
image in our mind to actualize the reality. In this connection the Holy Family
becomes a positive image for living our community life. He explained that all
have different roles to play in life through the example of Mary and Joseph of
how God chose to do His will first getting the consent Mary and then, from
Joseph. But when Joseph had to flee to Egypt with Mary and baby Jesus, the angel
appeared to Joseph and instructed him. So, at one time Mary was given priority
and at other time Joseph was given the importance. Each one of them was given
importance to play their respective roles for the redemption of the world.
Likewise in communities God chooses different persons to accomplish His plan.
Therefore we need to recognize and accept God’s will through them.
Prayer
The
day’s session began with the Prayer conducted by Sr. Amala Chinnappa Reddy, the
Councillor for Healing Ministry. She helped us reflect on the theme “Community as Family”. The reading from
the apostolic letter of Pope Francis: “I ask you to cultivate passion for
Christ and passion for humanity. Without passion for Christ and passion for
humanity there is no future for religious and consecrated life. Passion will
lead you to prophecy, to be the fire that kindles other fires”
Lineamenta: Part III- Group Discussion &
Reporting
The
assembly once again went through the working draft of the Lineamenta Part I and
Part II to ensure that it is in a complete form and make sure if there are any
repetition in the working draft.
The
Group members then dispersed at 10 a.m to their respective groups to re-read
the Lineamenta: Part III and share in the group their reflections. After tea break
the Groups got together to discuss on the Working draft of the Lineamenta: Part
III up till 1p.m. At 2.30 p.m the groups assembled in the Chapter Hall for reporting
and to finalize the Part III.
The
Capitulars assembled at 5 p.m to consolidate the working draft of the
Lineamenta: Part I, Part II and Part III. All were happy that they completed
the work on the same.
Recreation
with the Capitulars
The
group that was assigned to take the Recreation entertained us through their
creative and lively performance. They conducted games that helped to relax and
enjoy. At the end of the recreation Sr. Mary Paul shared her experiences in the
newly formed Kubeer Mission where Christ is not known yet. It was very
impressive and inspiring. Her willingness to work in that mission area and
spread good news of Christ is commendable.
Day 6: 31.12.2019
Eucharistic Celebration
Our
hearts were raised in thanksgiving to the Lord for all goodness and mercy shown
us throughout the year 2019. A prayer service was conducted to thank the Lord
and ask for his blessings for the year ahead. This was followed by the
Eucharistic celebration offered by Fr. Sagaya Raj. In his homily he made us to
realize two virtues which are important for our community living namely, to be
patient (Rom 12: 12) and to utter only positive words that will bring blessings
in God’s time.
Prayer
Prayer
The Capitulars
assembled in the Hall at 8.30 a.m. Sr. Cicily Mathew, the Moderator, conducted
a short prayer invoking the Holy Spirit to be with us during the day and to
guide us in all discussions.
After the prayer, the
assembly resumed the work on consolidation of the Instrumentum Laboris- Part I,
II and Part III.
Discussion and Plenary
Session
The members dispersed
to their respective Groups to discuss on Miscellaneous and suggestions at the
General level from 9.45 a.m to 11 a.m. the Plenary session was held from 11
a.m. to 1.30 p.m, for reporting and for further clarifications and suggestions.
After a short prayer at
3.30 p.m. the members dispersed to their respective Groups to discuss on Issues
and concerns at the Province level and came back to the Chapter hall for
reporting. The work continued till 6.15 p.m.
Thanksgiving Prayer Service
It was the last day of
the month and the year -2019. A day to remember God’s mercies and blessings, a
day of thanksgiving to the Lord, the giver of all good things. A beautiful and a meaningful Prayer service
was conducted to thank the Lord for his abundant blessings throughout the past
year and to ask forgiveness for our shortcomings. During the prayer, Sisters
carried the lighted lamps and placed them before the Eucharistic Lord and
received a Scripture Messages that were kept on the Altar.
At 9.45 p.m. the
Capitulars walked across the road to St. Joseph’s Church, Bolarum, for
thanksgiving adoration and Vigil Mass. It was a meaningful and inspiring
celebration of the Feast of the Mother
of God. At 1.15 a.m we reached back to St. Ann’s Home, Bolarum and cut the
New Year cake and exchanged greetings with one another.
Day
7: 01.01.2020
Prayer
The session began at
9.30 a.m. with a short Prayer conducted by Sr. Marlene Thomas, the Councilor.
The theme was “Mary Mother of God”. The passage from John 2: 1-11(wedding at
Cana) was read and we reflected on it. We surrendered the New Year - 2020 at
her feet and begged her to make us ponder on the essentials of life and go out
to serve the Families and journey with them to build the kingdom of God.
Final
Instrumentum Laboris and Voting
Sr. Mary Ratna, the
Assistant Secretary, read the Minutes of the proceedings of the previous day and
was approved the assembly. After this, the
assembly took up the work on finalizing the Instrumentum Laboris of the Chapter
Document from 10.30 a.m to 1.30 p.m.
After the break, at
3.30 p.m. the assembly gathered for the voting of the Final Chapter Document
and Miscellaneous and suggestions at the General level.
After voting of the
Chapter documents,Sr. Jesintha Mariappa, the Provincial Superior, thanked
Mother General and her team, She specially thanked Mother Francesca Sarcia and
Sr. Julia Victor, Sr. Marcia, for their animation, constant guidance and
support. She also thanked her Councilors, Commission Members and the Capitulars
for their active participation and valuable suggestions.
The Secretary Sr.
Feliciata then, read out the final Minutes of the proceedings of the day and this
was approved by the assembly. After
having completed all the formalities of the Chapter, The Provincial Superior,
Sr. Jesintha Mariappa, declared Closed
the First Session of the 9th
Provincial Chapter and prayerfully put off the Chapter Lamp.
Day 8: 02.01.2020
The Day of thanksgiving
Day 8: 02.01.2020
The Day of thanksgiving
This day was set apart
for thanksgiving to God for all the blessings and graces experienced throughout
the First session of the 9th Provincial Chapter. A prayer service was conducted
recalling the goodness and mercies of
God towards us. This was followed by the Eucharistic Celebration celebrated by
Msgr. Swarna Barnad, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
All the Sisters returned to their respective communities with joy and cheer in their hearts having completed the work of the Chapter.
All the Sisters returned to their respective communities with joy and cheer in their hearts having completed the work of the Chapter.
9th Provincial Chapter Representatives
Congratulations
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