Sunday August 8th, 2010
Around 11 AM many members of the Chapter arrived in the small town of Denekamp, where they will be staying for two weeks in ‘ Huize Elisabeth’. In the courtyard, they were cordially greeted by some of the sisters that had already arrived. They quickly got into the mood of the General Chapter because of the many colourful posters with photos of different chapters, AOO’s and international meetings in ROME. The Dutch members of the Chapter could stay in the ‘House of St. Francis’ next to ‘Huize Elisabeth’ where the Chapter takes place. They brought all their luggage up the stairs, some of them moaning - to find their reward in a beautiful, spacious room. Around noon all members of the Chapter were present. They thought that they would be able to rest a bit after lunch. But alas, as members of the Dutch delegation they had to give a presentation of themselves in a playful way to the other members of the Chapter, who – in hindsight – knew us already, except for three sisters. But practicing was not in vain.
During the Eucharistic celebration in the afternoon, in which many sisters participated, we paid attention in a symbolic way to the life force of water; water that moves and offers fertility. Starting from one and the same source, it moved the founders of congregations when they recognized the signs of the times. ‘Let the spirituality of the congregation flow, wherever we are’ is what we heard. Bernadette, Yuli and Diana poured water in a glass basin.
After that the celebrant emptied the jar into the basin and blessed the water. The members of the Chapter were invited to drop a stone in the water in order to bring into motion the water and thus show their contribution to what moves us in good and in bad days. During the Eucharist, which was beautiful, we sang after each reflection the words: ‘Go with us your way’. The same mantra was sung at the opening of the General Chapter.
After the eucharist, there was a nice get together of the many sisters who were present. Representatives of the Motherhouse, Mariëngaard and Mariënburg, offered good gifts during dinner: fruit, snacks, etc. In the evening those that stayed waved them goodbye when they returned to Amersfoort and Bussum.
The performance of the Dutch Chapter members in the evening was succesful. It revolved around the symbols of sowing, bringing to growth, reaping and completion. This was symbolized with a vessel full of earth, in which seeds were planted, with next to it a small plant, a big plant and again a small plant.
For Malawi and Indonesia, we distributed little bags of sunflower seeds, as a sign of handing over and keeping alive of what moves us, and still moves us. All of this was accompanied with appropriate texts and song. Also Malawi and Indonesia gave performances. Malawi with singing, dance and clapping of hands. Indonesia presented itself by including the name of each chapter member in a song. They concluded with a circle dance, with movements that went up and down, thereby symbolizing the presence of the wind – the workings of the Spirit. The evening went by without us even noticing.
Monday, August 9th 2010
In the opening prayers for the day, you could hear: We are going to celebrate the Chapter; start something new out of the source. Symbols taken from the tableau in the hall were woven into this. Sr. Beatrix afterwards explained this beautiful tableau. Referring to the celebration of the eucharist on Sunday, we saw the same source flowing into a river, in which we saw fishes that are able to live thanks to the water of the river. Along the riverbed, designated with many colourful pebbles, we see three houses, built in the style of Malawi, Indonesia and the Netherlands. At the end of the riverbed is a fountain with blooming flowers; sign of life. Sr. Beatrix put this into words: “We, here, are part of the source”. The explanation of the tableau was concluded with the mantra: ‘Go with us your way’, like we sang in the opening liturgy!
After that, sr. Felisita gave an introduction to the chapter. With three beats of a hammer she declared the General Chapter 2010 officially opened. To begin with, some agreements were written down with regards to practical matters. From Malawi and Indonesia, the sisters sent messages to let us know that they keep the chapter in their thoughts. In their messages they wished the members of the chapter courage, strength and wisdom.
The beautiful candle that was brought by Mariënburg is standing next to the source: light and water together! After all these signs of solidarity the real work started. Today the assignment was to discuss, from the Evaluation Report 2006 – 2010 of the General Council, Internationality and Formation, with the following guiding questions:
When you read about Internationality and Formation in the Evaluation Report 2006 - 2010, in how far according to you, has our spirituality become visible in what has been done? (this has to do with the past)
Could this be enriched in the future – as far as possible? (this is the present)
Can you formulate this as concrete policy points for the coming governing period of the General Council? (for the future).
All in all not an easy task, made even more difficult as English was the main language used in almost all the working groups. It is nice if you are able to finish the assignments and reports within the given time, which doesn’t always happen.
Thanks so much for your solidarity.
It may be nice to know that you can follow all this via the website of the congregation.
More information about chapter, you can visit this addresses.
www.sol-genchapter-2010.blogspot.com
By this we conclude these messages from the Chapter. Wednesday is a day of rest. So there will be no messages!
Greetings,
Srs. Ans Kok and Leonie Lukassen.
When you read about Internationality and Formation in the Evaluation Report 2006 - 2010, in how far according to you, has our spirituality become visible in what has been done? (this has to do with the past)
Could this be enriched in the future – as far as possible? (this is the present)
Can you formulate this as concrete policy points for the coming governing period of the General Council? (for the future).
All in all not an easy task, made even more difficult as English was the main language used in almost all the working groups. It is nice if you are able to finish the assignments and reports within the given time, which doesn’t always happen.
In this way evening arrived after the morning and we could conclude the day with an attractive mass. For those who didn’t have to work anymore, there was the opportunity in the evening to recreate in a cosy atmosphere.
Tuesday, August 10th 2010
The opening of the day was prepared by the sisters from Malawi. Theme was: God gives His people strength. The reading pointed to the first Christian community, as it is described in the book of Acts
From the Dutch Province messages arrived, which showed how much the ‘rank and file’ feels connected to the Chapter. If all the prayers and wishes come true, we can count on enough support.
From the Dutch Province messages arrived, which showed how much the ‘rank and file’ feels connected to the Chapter. If all the prayers and wishes come true, we can count on enough support.
Following this, the results of the discussions about Community and Mission were shared in a plenary meeting. There was a good sharing.
Following the guiding questions that were also given with regards to Internationality and Formation, we were asked to discuss in small groups the chapters on Community and Mission, based on what was formulated in the Evaluation Report of the General Council. This took us till evening.
It may be nice to know that you can follow all this via the website of the congregation.
More information about chapter, you can visit this addresses.
www.sol-genchapter-2010.blogspot.com
Greetings,
