2014 Philippine Provincial Chapter started with a solemn opening liturgy
highlighting the local culture through the sound of the
chapter delegates per region with their symbols, accents and candles.
Sr. Cecilia Torres, province leader, formally opened the Chapter followed by
the roll call by Sr. Teresita Figueroa, chapter secretary, of the names of
chapter delegates composed of seventy (70) final professed apostolic sisters,
nine (9) contemplative sisters and two (2) temporary professed sisters (one
apostolic and one contemplative) who will act as observers.
ako” (Here I am), as her name was called and proceeded to pasting a tile to
complete the chapter logo figure.
is the second time the Philippines is having an Open Chapter which will “enable
sisters to be involved according to their availability.”
Cenacle is the Chapter facilitator while Sr. Guadalupe Bautista is appointed to
take on the role of Sr. Susan Chia, our congregational link councillor for
apostolic sisters.
Brigid Lawlor, with Sr. Jude Ellen Golumbieski, congregational link councillor
for contemplative sisters, gave a message to the Province Chapter which started
with the invitation to dream.
affirmed the Philippine Province for the sisters’ accomplishments with respect
to the different priorities particularly in our response to emergency
situations and natural disasters, openness in welcoming sisters for their
international experience, for steps taken for greater co-responsibility with
the lay mission partners, leadership trainings, and managing finances.
through missionaries, active networking and the participation of our sisters in
international committees was recognized.
the delegates eagerly shared their responses.
merger with the Our Lady of Charity when asked about their sentiments about the
decision to reunite.
with the encouragement to enjoy “a lot of humor, some small courage and a
listening heart” which will make us “risk and wonder while keeping the heart of
the matter – our call to discipleship and all that it means for our world today
and into the future.”
The
mass of the Holy Spirit in the afternoon was celebrated by Bishop Reynaldo
Evangelista of the Diocese of Imus. Quoting from Pope Francis, he referred to
the Spirit as the soul of the mission who is able to awaken diversity,
plurality and at the same time build unity.
different regions with prayers appropriate for the needs of their context.
called to incarnate the compassionate love of the Good Shepherd who unites us
in the mission of reconciliation.
Province Leader’s Report was presented in a participative manner by the
Province Leadership Team.
has been previously given to the local communities before the chapter for
reflection and discussion.
given for any clarification of the report.
for all the work done by the leadership team.
was with great joy that we ended the day with the singing of “Ang Puso Ko’y
Nagpupuri. “
Other
matters taken were election of Tellers and members of the Steering Committee
plus the approval
Agenda.
- Sr. M. Teresita Figueroa RGS