9 June 2017

Kapittel

Bucket loads of rain fell from the sky. Water to cool the discussion? However, the longing to be outside was clearly not present and all the chapter members began the day in a spirit of discipline.

The Netherlands sisters opened the day with prayer and reflection. They had prepared an inspiring service with forgiveness as the central thought.

The programme for today was adjusted to accommodate the subjects which we were not able to cover during the previous day. We began with the subject of Leadership. Sr. Mariana sketched an image of some of the skills which today’s leaders could need, tested against the Constitutions. In the plenary, a discussion took place about what the future leaders of the congregation are being called to do: to work in accordance with the Constitutions, possess good communication skills and spiritual qualities and act in a way which promotes the principles of servant, prophetic and merciful leadership.

Then came the subject of structure. Sr. Margaretha gave a short introduction and explained what the general council had done regarding the recommendations around this subject in the previous period. In language groups, the chapter members talked with each other about possible future structures. In the plenary discussion, the Brazilian province came up with a completely new idea with the congregation. After the weekend, this idea will come up again in the discussions.

Because the second session for preparing for the elections were due to take place in the afternoon, chapter also discussed the question around how many people should make up the new general council. The majority chose for a general council which was made up of the general superior and three council members, including the vicaress.

With the decision to have fewer council members, it was proposed to strengthen the role of the ICB, restricting the number of members to the provincial superiors and co-ordinators to which, dependent on the subjects being discussed, the help of experts from within and outside the congregation can be brought in. There could be more frequent contact which would require the use of modern means of communication. If this is the right way to follow, will be discussed again.

In the closing celebration of the Eucharist, the central word was ‘listening’. Jesus was often in conversation with his disciples and onlookers who were inspired by his explanation. Are we also listening to the words of the Gospel and to each other?