We started our Pre-Chapter Assembly Meeting on 14th June, 2022 with one-hour deep and intensive prayer, led by three sisters. After the moment of prayer, we had a welcoming remark from the provincial superior continuing with the introduction to our Assembly.
Sr. Ann Lucy in her introduction presented eight modules that will be our guide throughout our Assembly, as well as the equip of sisters who were going to guide us in reflections for the unification of the provinces.
Our assembly took place at the Dominican nuns, retreat center. The environment was very conducive for our meetings, group work and Mass as the nuns accompanied us with their prayers. We were 23 sisters altogether that attended the assembly and all the sisters including our senior sisters participated actively.
The sisters appreciated all the materials presented in the modules.
According to the sisters, it was like an eye opener to us to have all this information, to have a better understanding of what is happening in the congregation and particularly in the Sub-Sahara Anglophone provinces.
We were presented with two possibilities for unification:
- Between Zambia/South Africa and Kenya, and
- Zambia/South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
The sisters were happy and interested to know the reality of these provinces in view of the near future when will be unified.
After each presentation we were given questions to work on in small groups. The sisters were able to share their reflections honestly and openly. The methodology invited us to share easily in the groups and in the plenary. During the group work and sharing in the plenary sisters were able to express their feelings and in case some points were not clear to them, the commission and facilitators were clarifying for us. The assembly was very enriching, helpful, participatory, and appreciated by all the sisters. We felt that it was involving every one of us in this process of reconfiguration.
Despite our tight schedule of the assembly, we had Ms. Kornelia our consultant who is helping us about sustainability. She updated us on the process of the Real Estate Strategy we have in our province.
We also celebrated life as we had two birthdays, Sr. Ann Lucy Njoroge and Sr. Manna Berhe Woldeyohannes. Our last module was the closing prayer thanking God for the wonderful time we share together. On the evening of the last day of assembly we had social evening where the sisters relaxed and had a lot of fun.
To conclude our Assembly and celebrating our Jubilee we had the Eucharistic celebration at the provincial house, followed by a delicious meal. We invited the sisters from South Sudan Province present in Kenya, as well as the candidates who are waiting to get the visa. It was a colorful and meaningful celebration.
Rosa Peralta & Clara Tembo
Comboni Missionary Sisters
