Revisiting Our Chapter Theme at the Province Assembly 2026
“When we allow God to speak through His servants, our hearts and minds are enlightened and our mission is renewed.” Guided by this conviction, the Tanmaya Province gathered in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from 2–4 January 2026 for the Province
Assembly 2026. Sixty members came together for three days of prayer, reflection, dialogue, and discernment to collectively revisit our Chapter theme: “Immersed in the Spirit, Connected with the World and Witnessing Love.” It was truly a privileged moment
in the life of our Province. Each day began with meaningful liturgy and prayer prepared by different Regions, grounding us deeply in God’s presence. The Assembly formally opened on 2 January with a warm welcome address by Sr. Philo, the Provincial Superior, who set a profound spiritual tone. Reflecting on Jesus as Love made visible, she reminded us that each one of
us is called to be a “Messiah,” witnessing God’s love through an inseparable union of prayer and action, faith and justice, devotion to God and care for the poor. She invited all to enter deeply into the path-making process toward the upcoming Provincial Chapter.
The same afternoon, members were introduced to the Economic Procedure Manual, a significant outcome of the dedicated work of the IFC Commission. The clear and committed presentation by Sr. Shilpa, Sr. Laveena, and Sr. Snehal highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship in our common life and mission. This was followed by a rich session on discernment by Sr. Nidhi, who invited us to learn the art of seeing with God’s eyes and listening with the heart. The day continued with prayerful discussion on the mode of Chapter election, engaging members responsibly in this important process. An open-space session with our Provincial further fostered dialogue, sharing, and clarification in an atmosphere of trust and openness. On 3 rd & 4th January, nourished by the Word and the Sacrament, we were led into a deeply enriching session by Fr. Bhausaheb SJ of Pune Province. He helped us revisit our Chapter theme by inviting an inner journey through reflective questions: Where am I? How am I? Who am I? His insights challenged us to grow in inner freedom and to respond faithfully to the realities of communalism, commercialisation, and
marginalisation. These realities, he reminded us, are not merely obstacles but urgent calls to live our mission with compassion, courage, and hope. He helped us to look at our life and mission with deeper perspective and discernment, invited us to listen attentively to the movement of the spirit amidst our internal and external challenges.
Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany, we were inspired by the Word: “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” With renewed zeal and vigour, the Assembly concluded by sending us forth, strengthened in Spirit and committed anew to witnessing God’s love in today’s
world.
Sr. Gloria Clarence
Tanmaya Province, India.