9th Provincial Chapter (May 24 - June 2, 2008)

May 26, 2008, Monday

 

Schedule


6:30AM          Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Chito Tagle
8:30               Opening Ritual, c/o Bicol Cluster with Sanghabi
                                                -          Roll Call
                                                -          Message of the CLT
                                                -          Formal Declaration of The Opening of the Chapter

Preliminary Business
                -          Election of Tellers
                -          Steering Committee
                -          Chapter Statement Committee

Approval of Agenda
Provincial’s Report, Sr. Carmelita Cruz
Treasurer’s Report, Sr. Cecilia Torres

Main Facilitator:      Bro. Karl Gaspar, CSSR

The Opening of the 9th Provincial Chapter began with Mass celebrated by our dear friend Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of the Diocese of Imus. He humorously reminded us that in spite of our habit of using many words, like the Chapter theme, Weaving Compassion and Reconciliation Rooted in the Spirituality of the Good Shepherd in Global Solidarity,  the core strand of our weaving is compassion which encompasses all in love.

After breakfast, we gathered in Petunia Alley to process into the Chapter room -- the Vagnozzi Hall -- accompanied by a festive playing of indigenous instruments. A beautiful music was made! In the Vagnozzi Hall prayers to the four directions and symbols of fire, water, wind and earth were placed in the ritual place. Each element was presented and accompanied by instruments.  There was a powerful sense that we were on sacred ground, moving together in unison.

Sisters then carried in different images of Mary bearing different titles that were called out one by one.  Flowers were then placed around each image by Sr. Carmelita Cruz, provincial and Sr. Elaine Basinger of the Congregational Leadership Team.

At this moment Sr. Carmelita officially declared the Chapter open,  followed by Sr. Brigid Lawlor's and the CLT's address to the Chapter delivered by Sr. Elaine.

The ritual ended with each sister blessing the other while saying,  We are one in mind and heart, placing hands on our forehead and heart. A sense of unity and joy filled the room.  It was a wonderful beginning to the day!