The Assembly was different in its very nature from the usual provincial assemblies. It was because each one of us knew what was going to be talked about during our gathering. It has been a long preparation and we were all involved, individually and at communitarian levels in the various reflections carried out by the entire congregation with the theme “REDESIGNING OUR PRESENCE”.
The fact of opening the assembly with a long and deep moment of prayer, accompanied by various dynamics of reflection, helped us to open ourselves in state of expectation for the newness to come. There was an atmosphere of serenity in front of such a revolution with the great changes proposed to us regarding the UNIFICATION of provinces. However, the Holy Spirit was at work and there was a peaceful environment. As a matter of fact, we have come up with many common longings. Just to mention few of them:
Community life: There was a felt need to work on ourselves. Allowing transformation to take place from within. Move out from “my project” to “our project” (no more I but WE). To evangelize as a community. Embrace simple style of life, cultivate sense of belonging, work hard towards building authentic and integrated community life. Give attention to our spirituality, live more a balanced life. Emphasis in being rather than doing. To be a formative community where each one finds its place to grow while promoting vocation by our way of living. To prepare well the sisters for a required ministry and make them feel fit, facing the challenges of the mission today.
Ministries: there is a need to prioritize our ministries and make charismatic choices in line with the needs of today’s World. To let protagonism go and build on our vulnerability and weaknesses. Identify “the new peripheries” of our time (reading the sign of the time). Above all consider interculturality the way of living the mission today.
Methodology: Collaboration among us / team working with laity, with the local church, with religious men and women. Networking with NGOS especially on some ministries.
May St. Daniel Comboni and our first sisters, help us to dear the mission. To be bridges, to heal not wound. Amen!
Abrehet Weldemichael
Comboni Missionary Sister
