For three weeks, 48 sisters from different countries of the Institute gathered to share, listen and reflect on the Institute’s journey for the next six years and to make concrete proposals.
Texts on various topics were drafted based on ideas that emerged from the work of several groups and were discussed, supplemented and expanded upon in assembly.
The final document was approved by a vote in the plenary session. Recommendations and guidelines are provided for each topic. The recommendations contain concrete points to be implemented at various levels. The guidelines express certain important convictions. Over the next few years, the Congregation will therefore focus in a particular on these topics, such as religious life today, charism and mission, and formation.
Throughout this chapter, the sisters experienced the richness of ‘synodal’ listening, that is, listening very attentively and respectfully, where the priority is first to listen to what the other person is sharing, giving time to let it resonate within oneself and finally allowing key insights to emerge from the sharing.
Happy because the chapter had gone well, it was time to celebrate and conclude with a festive Eucharist to give thanks to the Lord for all the gifts received, to offer him the work of these three weeks and to entrust the entire Institute to him.
