OPENING ADDRESS OF SR. CECILE

Dear Fr. Edwin, Sr. Dolores, Sr. Celine and Delegates…...

    With feelings of profound joy and a warm welcome, I invite each one to experience the spirit of the “Upper Room” of our 10^th Provincial Chapter. (Mk. 14/15;   Lk. 22/12).  As delegates, perhaps with rapidly beating hearts, we look forward to the days ahead.  Some are “veterans” of General and Provincial Chapters, while others participate for the first time, in a Sacred event like this.

        Anointed by the Fruits and Charisms of the Holy Spirit, (Gal. 5/ 22-23, 1Cor. 12/8-10), may this “Upper Room” experience enable us to enjoy Peace, Trust and Hope as we “give wings” to our dreams for the Province so that we creatively respond with greater openness and vigour to the Plans of God keeping in mind our Chapter theme:

“’CALLED TO BE INTERCULTURAL, SPIRIT-FILLED, PILGRIMS OF HOPE’,

        As Intercultural Sisters of St. Joseph, we are called to embrace and celebrate the diversity within our community, recognizing the strength that comes from varied backgrounds and experiences.  By being spirit-filled, we draw upon the divine energy that fuels our actions and sustains our commitment to our faith.  As pilgrims of hope, we journey together, carrying the torch of hope and illuminating the path for others.

We are also on a very significant and appropriate journey of Synodality with the entire Church. With these sentiments, we launch out into the Jubilee Year 2025.  The Lord fills us with immense Spiritual Energy to welcome the future with a Vision of trust  and complete confidence in a God who tells us “Do not be afraid, I am with You till the end of time.”  ( Mt. 28/ 20)

The Holy Spirit continues to be the Protagonist of our Chapter.  Pope Francis would say that the Chapter is “a protected space in which the Holy Spirit can work.”

We, in the “Upper Room,” accompany Mary, one in heart and soul, as the Divine Spirit  fills us with fire, zeal, courage and wisdom.  In these challenging times, our role as caregivers, mentors and beacons of hope are more crucial than ever.  Each of us embodies the spirit of compassion and through our collective efforts, may we continue to bring light and hope to those in need. Let us earnestly strive to deepen our understanding, strengthen our bonds and renew our commitment to serving with grace and humility.

Delegates, we challenge ourselves with greater responsibility to keep aflame our Charism and Spirituality in a technological  world of today. Along with Pope Francis, it is inconceivable to envision a Chapter that does not relaunch prophecy, dreams, passion for the Gospel.

We, with our Province and Congregation, belong to the Lord who  accompanies us in  the days ahead.  Hence, we pray for creative wisdom:

Holy Spirit, harmony of God, you who turn fear into trust and self centeredness into self gift, come to us.

Grant us the Joy of the Resurrection and plant in us younger hearts.

Holy Spirit, our harmony, you who make of us one body, pour forth your peace upon the Church and our world.

Holy Spirit, make us builders of Serenity, Sowers of goodness and Apostles of Hope.  AMEN

With these words of Welcome, I declare open the 10^th Chapter of Elections and Affairs, of the Province of Nagpur. Thank You.

 

 

Sr. Cecile  Coutinho                                                              

9^th Nov. 2024.

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