Day 1-2
Daughters of St Paul
Provincial Chapter
Our provincial chapter in preparation for the 12th
General Chapter began on 5th January, 2025 with the Inaugural Liturgy
beginning with a solemn Morning Prayer, conducted by Srs Rosely and Stevena,
followed by the Eucharistic Celebration. Sr Matilda D’Souza , our Provinicial,
was invited to light the Easter Candle, which will remain lit through the days
of Chapter. Then The Chapter delegates, carried lighted diyas, to the
altar, symbolic of their commitment to the chapter. During the Eucharist, the
entrance procession consisted of the Chapter Delegates carrying a copy of the
Gospel and keeping it at the altar. During the offertory, Sr Matilda carried
the Chapter Logo symbol of the unity vision and hopes of our Chapter, along
with other symbolic gifts. It reminded
us of the Spirit’s fire that impels us forward, the listening heart that
attends to humankind’s needs and the commitment to communicate the Gospel of
Hope. Post-communion, they were requested to go forward and holding a lighted
tea-light candle, received the blessing from the Sisters and the Celebrant,
while the hymn, “A shining light to the nations” was sung. The Chapter Anthem,
“Impelled by Spirit” was sung with vigour and passion, its lyrics reminding us
of our Pauline Charism and mission. The sumptuous breakfast and lunch made the
Bandra community and the Chapter Delgates truly feel the Solemnity of the
Epiphany and the beginning of the Chapter celebrations. By afternoon the
Chapter Delegates left for the venue of the Chapter, namely Carmel Haven,
Kesanand, Pune, and reached around dinner time, safe and sound. After the
tiring journey, they were welcomed by the Trivandrum Carmelite Sisters who run
the place and offered a delicious welcome meal. This was the end of Day 1, and
all slept soundly to the dawn of Day 2.
The day began with a meaningful morning prayer
conducted by Srs Matilda D’Souza and Shiji, who led us to start the day
thinking about the upcoming important events awaiting us , and we all sang the
Chapter Anthem, “Impelled by the Spirit.” We joined the Carmelite (CCR) Sisters for the Eucharist, in their beautiful
chapel and it was celebrated by Fr Joe Erupakkatt SSP. He highlighted the
Chapter theme , “Impelled by the Spirit, listening to Contemporary humanity, we
communicate the Gospel of Hope.” The St Paul priests are regular chaplains of
this community and we were happy to know it. Following Mass and breakfast, the
time came for us to actually enter into the Chapter schedule. The Provincial, Sr
Matilda invited us at the entrance of the Chapter Hall, and gave a short
welcome speech, after which, she called us by name, handed our lanyards (name-badges)
and files. This was followed by an official Chapter Delegates group photo and
solemn entry into the Chapter
Hall, to our seats. The prayer dance by junior Sr
Priyadarshini, helped us praise and thank God for this moment in our province
journey and we invoked the blessings of the Lord on the days to come. The
keynote address by Sr Matilda D’Souza, led us into the mood of the awaited
Provincial Chapter, as she clearly put forward the reality and concerns of the
province and urged us to reflect and pray about the same, especially during
these days of the Chapter. This was
followed by the Election of the Chapter officials, the Tellers, Secretary and
Moderator. Two Sisters were appointed for sending news to the province about
the Chapter on a regular basis. All this was celebrated with cutting of a cake
and congratulations to the elected officials. With this the morning session of
Day 2 came to a close, and the Sisters entered the mood for
the Recollection in the afternoon.
#fsp #chapter #pauline
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