Communication – 3
January 25-27, 2023
On the seventh day (25.01.23) the feast of the conversion of St Paul our patron we began with a solemn morning prayer at 5.45 am together with the community as Sr M. Shanthi Priya Lewis one of the chapter members celebrated her gift of life. After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6.30 am the chapter members took a day off for Amegundi resort, at Kanakapura road, Bangalore. The day was spent in individual and group building games, and relaxation.
The eighth day (26.01.23) began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6.30 am. Thereafter we had the unfurling of the National Flag, as the country celebrated the 74th Republic Day.
The proceedings of the day began at 8.45 AM. with the prayer led by Sr M. Angeline Dodti & team. The morning and the afternoon were spent in discussion & dialogue on the modifications to the statutes that were asked for by the sisters of the province. They were taken one by one and analyzed then voted on and approved by the chapter members. During the discussion, the timely interventions by the chapter consultant Sr M. Micaela Monetti quoting certain articles from the Rule of life and Directory brought about a lot of clarity and were very formative as well. The modified statutes will be sent for approval to the General government before they could come into effect.
The evening session was spent proposing the motions to be sent to the General Chapter and discussing on the various other issues pertaining to the growth of the Indian province.
Finally, the assembly also discussed about the modality of transmission of the 4th provincial Chapter to our communities and in planning for the second session of the Provincial Chapter.
The final day (27.01.23) began with morning prayer at 6.30 am led by Sr M. Flavia & team. As a sign of sending forth in blessing with a message to live the experience of the chapter thoughts from Pope Francis, Blessed James Alberione, and Mother Scholastica were held in a basket by the chapter consultant Sr M. Micaela Monetti and each of the chapter members was asked to pick up a thought. It was a very moving moment for everyone.
The proceedings of the day began at 8.45 AM. After a short introduction by the chapter president, the floor was opened for the evaluation of the 4th Provincial Chapter. Each and every member shared with joy appreciating the growth that the province has made during these years, the meticulous planning and execution of the chapter proceedings with few suggestions for the future.
In her final message to the assembly, Sr M. Micaela Monetti posed a challenge to the PDDM sisters in India as she reflected: “India has a very rich spiritual tradition and the Christian presence here is a minority. And so, the Indian PDDM sisters have to qualify themselves in inter-religious dialogue and as masters of spirituality to proclaim the Truth & Word”. Quoting the Rule of life Nos. 9 & 141 she said, “I expect from you this specific and qualified contribution for India. If this is not taken care the whole PDDM family will be impoverished. It is up to you to find a way to put this into practice”. She also insisted on inserting ourselves in the pastoral activity of the local church. It was for the first time that Mother General is present as the chapter consultant in the person of Sr M. Micaela Monetti and it was a delight to have her at this important phase of the province.
At 11.30 am we had the concluding Eucharistic celebration by Fr Sajith Cyriac SSP one of the newly elected Provincial Counselors. He, in his homily appreciating the various expression of our ministries, challenged us not to disappoint the Divine Master and our founder Blessed James Alberione by limiting ourselves but to take deeper roots into our charism and flourish and spread forth our wings far and wide.
We raise our hearts in gratitude to our Divine Master, all the PDDM sisters, Pauline members, and the well-wishers for accompanying us during these days of our 4th Provincial Chapter.
Sr Regina Sebastian
