The delegates have set aside a sacred time for reflection and prayer, opening their hearts to the Lord’s guidance as they seek to discover God’s will for our Congregation. This is a moment of grace, a renewal of our commitment, and a celebration of the precious gift of our vocation to consecrated life. We are invited to Consider our image and understanding of God.
Our sisters from different provinces/delegation shared their lives and missions through meaningful symbols. The sisters from France and Amravati chose the tree, representing growth and strength, while those from Sri Lanka used the river, symbolizing the continuous flow of life. The tapestry, woven with dedication and commitment, was the symbol chosen by the sisters from Madurai and Latin America. The sisters from Guwahati depicted their journey with the image of a bridge, signifying connection and unity.
The heartbeat of life unites us all in a rhythm that transcends individuality, revealing a deep interconnectedness. Listening to this sacred pulse awakens an inner stirring, a call to reflect, discern, and journey within. The churning has begun: the process of sifting through thoughts, emotions, and experiences to extract the essence of wisdom. Alone, the churning is raw and personal; in a group, it becomes a collective refining a shared pursuit of truth. Like milk yielding its richest cream, this process demands patience, persistence, and openness to transformation.
The journey of discernment continues, stirring within us a call to listen more attentively and respond with greater depth, individually and as a community. Like the slow churning of cream to yield its richest essence, our process requires patience, persistence, and an open-heart willing to “let go” and “let in.”
Change is not merely about reaching a destination but about allowing ourselves to be shaped along the way. Soon, we will find ourselves at home in a new rhythm, attuned to the Spirit’s movement within and among us. Like Ruth, we placed our trust in the Lord, choosing to go where He leads. From our hearts, we engaged in sifting through the crucial areas that need our attention as a congregation for the next six years. It was not just a day of sifting; it was also a day of resting. Rest was not an interruption but an essential part of the journey, allowing clarity to emerge. In stepping back, we would find the strength to move forward with deeper conviction.
Renewed, we continue on the path the Lord has set before us.
True worth is not found in flawless beauty but in the richness of imperfections. These imperfections are not flaws to hide but gifts to celebrate. This realisation is uplifting and life-giving, calling us to see beyond outward perfection. Amidst emerging concerns, we are listening, searching, and discerning the Spirit’s invitation.
In groups, this process is taking shape. Ideas are being shared, and writing is slowly forming into a concrete expression of our discernment. Time is also dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and considered.
At the heart of it all, one question lingers:
Like a butterfly strengthening its wings as it emerges from its cocoon, our vision for the future is also breaking through barriers. Our journey of chiselling has begun, guided by the invitations of the Spirit, the stirrings of change, and the deepening of our collective consciousness.
We have identified the clutters within and around us, choosing to focus on what truly matters. This renewed clarity enables us to move forward with purpose in our discussions.
Just like a simple flute—fragile, hollow, and seemingly insignificant—waiting to be touched by the breath of the Master, we began our day by listening attentively to the melody God wishes to play through us. The melody is not a solitary tune but a symphony woven together by the harmony of our voices, experiences, and prayers.
Today was yet another day of deep searching, dedicated effort, and fulfilment as we continue the process of refining and shaping our orientations. In this journey, we find ourselves letting go of ideas we once held dear while opening ourselves to new insights that we may not have initially considered significant.
Thank you, Lord, for your constant invitation to rise beyond our limitations, allowing your vision to unfold in ways beyond our imagination
Our journey into the cave was a thrilling and transformative experience, revealing hidden potential within us. It challenged us to let go of our fears and anxieties, completely trusting God.
Guided by the following questions, we devoted ourselves to finalising our orientations with renewed depth:
* Lord, what are You saying to us?
* Where are You leading us at this moment in history?
* Could it be that God is inviting us to look beyond what is familiar and comfortable?
The old ways of understanding a Chapter must be set aside to make space for the God of newness. He calls us to step into fresh beginnings in every aspect of our journey.
This moment of stillness prepared us to journey deeper within, embracing the grace that each new day offers.
With open hearts, we continued our reflective path, immersing ourselves in the orientations that have taken shape through the dedicated efforts of our various groups.
A deeply significant moment was the time we took to reconcile ourselves—a gentle and grace-filled encounter with our past. In acknowledging and embracing our wounds, we opened ourselves to healing, allowing God’s love and grace to renew our spirits and restore our inner harmony.
Today we gave a final touch to our chapter orientations in groups and started presenting them to others so that everyone is involved in the process.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude to all those who worked towards this and especially to those who worked behind this whole process. May God be praised.
