The members of the new Congregational Leadership Team officially begin their mandate.

On the 21st of November, feast of the Presentation of Mary, the members of the apostolic and contemplative Councils officially began their mandate during an Eucharistic  celebration at the Generalate.

It was a historic and memorable day which marked the beginning of a new journey that will take place over the next six years to continue to be "Weavers of Compassion and Reconciliation in global Solidarity".   Among the guests were the members of the three congregations, residing at the  Generalate namely the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Missionary Franciscan Sisters.  Sr. Esther Gervasi, Province Leader of Italy / Malta, the Provincialate community  as well students residing in the Provincialate  were also our guests on  that day.

The Eucharistic Liturgy concelebrated by Father Michel Gerard, Superior General of the Eudist Congregation, and Father Gustavo Londoño , Vicar General, began at the main entrance where a candle and beautiful flowers  were arranged on a small table.  Sister Brigid took the candle, followed by the Counsellors who each took a flower, and the assembly processed to the chapel while singing “Jesus Christ, You are My Life “in four languages. 

 It was a moving celebration, full of signs and symbols to help us participate fully in this important event of the Congregation.  Before the first reading, the African Sisters carried the Word of God to the lecturn accompanied by the sound of drums and dancing steps.

During his homily, Father Gerard  put emphasis on the importance of the word of God:

 ”To listen to the Word, to immerse oneself in it, to put it into practice and thus to accomplish the Lord’s will: only this attitude can lead us to a relationship of closeness and intimacy with Him, an attitude that can completely change our lives, that gives it meaning and passion...an essential attitude for those who wish to try day after day, untiringly, to announce this word, to bear witness to the kindness and mercy of the Good Shepherd, to practice “charity without boundaries”, whatever weaknesses, limits or faults it may have.”   

Sister Brigid and the Counselors then made their commitment followed by the renewal of vows.   We were united with the whole congregation as on that same day the Sisters around the world renew their vows.  Another significant moment was the anointing of new Counselors by two members of the outgoing team as a sign of their dedication to serve the Congregation.

“We pray that by this anointing your hands and hearts might be strengthened for the work that lies ahead, that you might be compassionate to human need, tender and strong in your care for one another, genuine in your friendship, and faithful to the commitments you have made.”

The Eucharistic Liturgy  ended as we sang with conviction and joyfulness: "We are the companions on the journey…. called by the word of the Lord to act with justice  to  love tenderly and to  walk humbly with our God.”

After the celebration we gathered in the dining room for a festive meal and continue to celebrate this historic day that God has given us.

Marie Françoise Mestry