The day started with the election of
alternate delegates. Elected were Sr.
Ludila Panaligan for the Congregational Chapter, Sr. Imelda Fuentes for the Congregational
Assembly of Contemplative Sisters, and Sr. Carmelita Arenas for the Intercontinental
Assembly.
The business of electing delegates to
international gatherings remind us of the internationality of the
congregation. To highlight this
connection, the delegates were invited to revisit the 2009 Congregational
Chapter Threads and to identify which of
these threads can be given more emphasis in the next six years. The Chapter Threads are: Spirituality: Source of Spirit and Life, Justice and Peace in Global Solidarity,
Formation for Shepherding Today, Good Shepherd Partnership in Mission,
Envisioning Connections, Journey of Enrichment, Mission Development, Enabling
Congregational Mission and Missionary Process and Expansion. Sharing was done in small groups and later,
feedback was given to the whole assembly.
In the afternoon, the delegates were given
the chance to express their experience of the Chapter in a word or two to
assist the listening group in formulating the Chapter Direction Statement. Time was then given for a sharing on the
Journey of Enrichment and the merging of the Our Lady of Charity with the Good
Shepherd. Sr. Brigid said the OLCs are
composed of 354 perpetually professed sisters and about 15 temporary professed
sisters with the reality of aging parallel to that of the Good Shepherd. These sisters are primarily in France, Kenya,
Mexico, Italy, United States, Ireland. She stressed to the group that they will be “us” after June 27 with no
more distinction. An interesting
conversation regarding history of the inspiration to be reunited and processes
now being undertaken followed. Sr.
Brigid also gave an update on the canonization process of Blessed Maria
Droste. She said this is the time to
pray more intensely for this cause.
The day ended with the Eucharistic
celebration again presided by Fr. Wilfredo Dulay, MJ. The delegates look forward to a free morning
tomorrow.