Saturday, October 5, 2024
Our Dutch Sisters speak of their Current Reality through their current Provincial Minister Katharina Kluitmann. The Dutch sisters can't help but notice that, having started their province with one Catherina Damen, they now come full circle in having Sister Katharina as one of their last provincials--and also starting this new ending phase of their life with a sister from Germany now assisting her Dutch sisters.
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Sister Katharina presented to us in a very simple way, sitting on the ground, using simple props of a Dutch and a German flag, a scarf, and some crosses.
The last part of the day constituted more parts of the General Council's reports to us--demographics and finances.      And after all of that, we had a very nice supper--with hot soup (and of course wine) and some chicken--or was it pork? Most people believed it was chicken but I still think it was pork loin.... the other white meat! And everyone went to bed...except for the bloggers...  💤😴🛌Then Sunday was a free day, so no more blogging until tomorrow! Ciao! 🍷🍕 Sunday, October 6, 2024 ~ FREE DAY~ Roman walkabout: Saint Peter's, vino, pasta, gelato! Monday, October 7, 2024 Most Holy Trinity Province Reflection Semarang, Indonesia Our Indonesian sisters presented a vibrant display of videos, images and highlighted reports of their many varied ministries and missions. They proclaimed that their "one shared aspiration is becoming more authentic Franciscans." With abundant faithfulness to the gospel and with hearts of great love for Mother Magdalen, our Indonesian sisters live with expressed Joy in Service. Sister Christina Pecorroro's presentation on the General Chapter theme; Grounded in the gospel we walk the synodal way with compassion for the world Former General Minister and beloved by the Congregation, Sister Christina offered a brief greeting of "Ciao, Pace e Bene!" via video. She explained that her current reality prevented her from being present in Rome physically, yet she joyfully exclaimed that she would offer what she had: Sister Joey Grabowski would lend her voice to Christina's own reflection. And, so Sister Joey did----with animated passion and reverence for the message. Sister Christina offered us an opportunity to consider ourselves as the widow of Nain, imagining the Earth as our only child. Lifeless Earth, we are bereft. Without Earth we have no paths to walk our synodal way to God. And so the imagining continued: Jesus raises our lifeless child from the dead and places Earth alive into our arms. How will we cherish our Earth that God provides through "continuous creation?" And the imagining then continued..... We are deeply grateful for Sister Christina gifting us with her powerful and challenging insights. Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Mary Immaculate Community (Remagen) Christ the King Province (Ludinghausen) Shared reflection Our German Sisters used meangingful symbols to represent what it is to create a home, a dwelling of peace, love, and security both in structure and heart. |
Thank you for keeping us informed.
ReplyDeletePeace my sisters . . Thank you to the bloggers xo. . . You make us feel as if we are "walking right beside you". Lovely opening ceremony and I can so feel the heart in our Dutch Sisters sharing xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this blog (and all the others to come). It is a delight to be kept informed.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to the bloggers! This is very beautiful and even reading about the presentation from our Dutch sisters brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat. We are so blessed by their grace and courage.
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ReplyDeleteMy own cheeks were wet when I saw Katharina giving the crosses of deceased Dutch Sisters. Thanks so much, Jan and Patty. Your comments are priceless.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet and Patty! Such meaningful captures of the first day...my heart was moved with the distribution of the crosses. I await eagerly for your next "long day's entry"
ReplyDeleteIt is a great blessing to see each of the delegates and the way the Chapter began. Honoring our Dutch Sisters and their current reality -- they are handing on to us our richest heritage from Mother Magdalen---this speaks volumes of a deep spirituality and generosity of heart. Thank you for keeping us informed as the days unfold.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your blog! A pity not to be in Rome but this is good too! Inspiration for all!
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