The Pre -Chapter Assembly in Sudan.

The pre- chapter assembly started on the 1^st of July 2022 in Sisters’ House Khartoum, as it was planned from the 1^st -3^rd July. However, putting in mind all the current social- political instabilities, the time of the assembly happened to fall within the week of the prolonged demonstrations, this made it a bit difficult for some sisters to travel to and from Sisters’ House due to the roadblocks. Foreseeing the worsening condition of the political situation, it was reduced to two days: 1st &2^nd July. The sisters turned up in an atmosphere of gratitude and expectation with a spirit of listening and seeking the will of God for the future. Nevertheless, the assembly started on the 1^st of July at 8:30 am, with a welcome remark from the provincial Superior, Sr. Rosagella  Boschi who highlighted  that every assembly is important but especially the Pre-chapter assembly and this year  makes it even special, because  it’s a year of the Jubilee celebration of 150 years of foundation. She welcomed and thanked the sisters for coming despite the current uncertain situation and state of the country.

With this, the program continued with prayer with all the steps was already designed. This was also directing us towards the jubilee year “remember the long road by which the lord your god led YOU” (dt 8:2) and guiding us towards the future in accordance with our charism. In response, the sisters were generally very happy remarking that the prayer was richly prepared and well presented as well.

The general atmosphere was calm; the sisters were cooperative, active, and attentive. We reflected on our charism, ministeriality, and leadership structure in which the congregation is journeying towards. As already mentioned above, reflections were also pointed towards the Jubilee year celebrations (remembering) which is still going on and the chapter which is also guiding towards the future identifying the aspects of our charism that are still alive in accordance with the reality where we are serving.
After a moment of reflection, discernment and sharing, a number of insights came up as the immerging charismatic vision in the circumscription such as integral formation of local leaders and preparation of sisters in their ministries and areas of service in accordance with the sign of time. Be aware of the situation people live in and study new ways of helping them. Be voice of the voiceless…etc. The reflections also revealed that Education, Health, mission animation and vocation promotion, Inter-religious and Ecumenical Dialogue among others are still priorities in the circumscription. The sisters were very cooperative and active in sharing their fruits of reflections.
The reflections of the CLR as presented by Sr. Weynshet Tadesse was also an enrichment whereby presented the process of reconfiguration under Charism, Ministeriality and Leadership. After a moment of reflection and sharing, these three words emerged under charism: Witness, Collaboration and Attentiveness. These were the three words that helped to create the vision.

The proposed leadership structure in accordance to the diagram provided in the presentation was seen as a means of availing more sisters for other ministries since more sisters are relieved from leadership. Due to the situation as already mentioned, some reflections were left at personal and community level and the responses to be shared.

With thanksgiving to the Lord for everything that transpired, we the assembly concluded with the final prayer.