LINK - N° 17
March 2003
After having dispersed in November, we found ourselves together once again on March 2nd. to begin three months of intensive work. During this time, with all of you, we lived the anxiety and concern of the war in Iraq. Also the tragic news of the unfolding events in the Province of the United States that resulted in the death of Sr. Philomena Fogarty, not forgetting the other catastrophes that have afflicted various countries of our world.
Life in St. Michael’s Community
With seven of our eleven members new to the community, it was a new beginning for all of us. We found ourselves at the task of organising the various responsibilities for the life of the community and its smooth functioning. Needless to say, it has been a big period of adjustment for many of us, letting go of what has been. We have been learning and struggling with the difficulties of language while trying to embrace the mission that has been entrusted to us.
After having worked together for a month, we went to Porano for eight days of retreat. We also spent three days formulating our community project and reflecting on our vision for the Institute for the next six years. It was a welcome time of space.
On different occasions we celebrated in community, the mission sendings of Helena Moon Juon Hee from Korea currently studying in England, to the Province of South Africa; and Laetitia Chevallier, from France to the Province of Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bosnia, and Slovenia. We regret that we were unable to celebrate with Ana Kum Jung Hee, from Korea currently studying in France, and missioned to the province of Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
We express our deep gratitude for the invaluable contributions of those sisters who have recently left here after many years of general services and returned to their provinces of origin : Francine Pycke (Australia), Josephine Buencamino (Philippines), Rosa María Reyes Salazar (Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua), Isabelle Travers (France) and María Teresa Vilda who is preparing to return to Spain. We also welcome Sylvie Yeung, from the Province of Reunion and Mauritius, as well as Veronica de Rosa and Milagros Baquedano, both from the East Africa Province, who arrived recently to assist in the general services.
During the month of May we were happy to have occasions to meet with the various communities of Via Giusti and Grotta for informal sharing and getting to know one another. We also had the opportunity to meet with the sisters following the current Tabor programme. We are grateful for the willingness of Arantxa Múgica, and the Province of Spain, to replace María Rosario Tadeo (Charo) on the Thabor team. Charo was obliged to return to Spain due to ill health. We also wish to express our gratitude to her for her years of service.
The renovation of St. Helen’s building here in Via Giusti began at the end of March. We are currently surrounded by scaffolding, and we no longer have access to the Blue Chapel and the main chapel. The entrance now is on Via Ferruccio. So far our work has not been disturbed by the noise.
At the service of mission
F Finances :
The normal task at this time of the year is the study and approval of estimated budgets, attributions from the Sharing Fund and end of year accounts. It gave us an opportunity to become acquainted with the realities of the provinces. This year there were 178 projects: (Pastoral 35, Social 74, Health 12, Education 57) sent from 28 provinces (Africa 11, Latin America 8, North America 1, Asia 7, Europe 1) that were approved for attributions from the ‘Sharing with the Poor’ Fund.
F Reflection with various teams :
We had the opportunity to meet and start reflection with the sisters from the Offices of Mission, Formation, Communication and History, in order to work and collaborate together.
F Discernment for the Election of Provincials :
A considerable amount of time and prayer was devoted to this reflection and discernment. We know that you have been supporting us with your prayers and we thank you for that. Also, we are grateful to the sisters who sent us their motivations, as these helped our discernment. This experience raised a lot of questions for us and when the election process is over, we will share our reflections with you.
F New Provincials:
Three new Provincials have already been elected to replace Angela Hayashi and Cynthia Gonsalves who were elected to the General Council in October, as well as Dilma Lopes Courtinho who was called to eternal life after the General Chapter, en route to Brazil. Theresia Kuniko Kajikawa was elected Provincial of Japan and will assume her responsibility on 20th July 2003; Florine Lobo elected Provincial of India Bangalore, begins her mandate on 2nd August, and Maria Conceicao de Oliveira, elected Provincial of Brazil North already started her mission of leadership on 1st May 2003. We want to assure them our support and gratitude.
F Delegates of the Superior General :
For the Delegation of Russia, the nomination of Marie Josephe Labrousse has been renewed. Maria Teresa Arbide Garayar has been nominated as delegate for the Generalate House. We thank them for their “yes” to this call to leadership.
F General Secretary :
We are happy to inform you that Françoise Pécresse has accepted a second mandate as General Secretary. We appreciate her willingness to continue bearing the responsibility of this important role.
F New Calls :
We have been invited with other religious congregations to participate in a temporary project for children in Kabul, Afghanistan. We are currently looking for the possibilities to respond to this invitation.
We have also received requests from both the Seychelle Islands (north of Reunion and Mauritius Islands) and from Georgia (formerly under the communist regime of the Soviet Union). As Georgia is within our priorities for the post-communist countries we are taking time for further reflection to search for more creative responses to these new situations, whereas, with the Seychelle Islands we are unable to respond to this request.
F Meetings planned for 2004
Next year we will have the meetings of the New Provincials and the Novice Directresses. After reflection, we saw the need to have some sharing and common sessions for ALL of the Provincials and Delegates of the Superior General together, and with the Novice Directresses. Hence we invite them all to participate. Please note these dates.
Ü New Provincials and Delegate meeting : 24 May – 27 June 2004.
Ü All Provincials and Delegates and Novice Directresses meeting : 14 June – 27 June 2004.
Ü Novice Directresses meeting : 14 June – 17 July 2004.
We will continue preparation for this in September, so more information will be forwarded to you in October.
F 2004 : Centenary Year of the Death of Blessed Mary of the Passion.
In link with the Orientations of the General Chapter of 2002, we foresee a common project on the level of the whole Institute in honour of the 100th anniversary of the death of our Foundress. It will be in accordance with our missionary priority for the next six years, in favour of displaced persons, especially women, in the most disadvantaged situations.
Elvira Dizon from the Mission Office has already informed you with regard to propositions for this project. Also the Communications Office is in the process of studying the possibility of producing a special publication. We will be reflecting further on how we can celebrate this event. You will receive more information at a later date.
Also in light of the Centenary Year of the Death of Mary of the Passion , we will have sessions on her life and spirituality in the three different languages of the Institute, as it was in the past with La Sorgente. Due to these sessions and meetings, next year, Tabor will be suspended for one year.
F Restructuring of the Provinces in view of revitalising the Institute:
Reflecting on this we realised the need of experienced expert advice and so have called on the services of Sr. Micheline Tremblay, French Canadian Sister of the Holy Cross. She has assisted various congregations in inventing new ways to face present realities. These meetings have enlightened us in our own situation and given us insight and inspiration for our continuing journey as an Institute.
You may have noticed that we have a new logo for Link, Lazo, Lien : Cultivating Communion.
The tree needs its roots to go deeper… in search of nourishment that is found in communion at all levels… always springing forth new life… to cultivate communion is to cultivate the kingdom… drawn into the plan of God… a plan which is beyond us… a plan which encompasses us… for mission to a beautiful and broken world.
At this time of Pentecost, and in link with the OFM General Chapter, with its theme on Fraternity and Mission, which began on 25th May, may there be an abundance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of us all, to revitalize our encounter with Jesus and energize our lives.
On the 17th May we received the most unexpected and sudden news of the death of the father of Sr. Germaine Mujinga of our community. We assure Sr. Germaine and her family of our continued prayerful support.
We are conscious of the continuing support of your prayers and affection and are very appreciative of this strength for our service to the Institute for its mission to the world of today.
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