The first day of Chapter has ended. This morning after breakfast the bus came to take us to Tilburg to celebrate together the opening Eucharist. Tjeu van Kippenberg CM presided. All chapter members were called by Sr. Rosa during the next two weeks to serve the congregation. We left the chapel singing Veni Creator Spiritus after Tjeu had reminded us in his homily of the need to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit through our listening, looking and our understanding of each other, – despite our differences.

After a lovely lunch at ZIN, Sr. Rosa made an inspiring and short speech which reminded chapter members of their main task: to safeguarding the heritage of the congregation, our charism to work together for the good of the whole of the congregation. The chairperson and secretary for election day were elected and various chapter members volunteered for the different committees.

In a short reflection to end the day, Tjeu reminded us that the Holy Spirit speaks to us through our hopes, our wishes and our prayers and transcends all our languages.