By Sr. Sunita
“From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things. From Mary we learn to Trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her son and the son of God”. (St. John Paul II).
On Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the 29th Provincial Chapter of the Religious of the Assumption of Indian Province started with Solemn Eucharistic celebration. After the mass we had Installation of newly elected Provincial Sr. Sherly Thomas. It was a very moving experience for me as we were assuring her our prayers and support to carry out the mission of God in our Province.
Provincial Chapter was held at De Nobili College, Pune for three days from 8th September to 10th September 2024. We were total 31 participants from 13 communities. As a delegate I experienced that the Holy Spirit was in us and among us. The Spirit of God was working in each participant as we were sharing and discerning together.
The General Chapter transmission was done by newly elected Provincial Sr. Sherly, outgoing Provincial Sr. Smitha and Srs. Rashmi and Lissy Antony who were the delegates for the general chapter. They led us into the spirit of General Chapter. Since our Superior General Sr. Rekha was with us, I felt as if general chapter is going on which took place in Paris. We were blessed to have her with us. The General Chapter transmission challenged us with lots of insights, inspiration and calls.
It was a profound experience of Synodality. It calls and challenges us for the grace of true metanoia, repentance, renewal, culture of caring, to hold on to truth and fairness coupled with love and compassion, a call to live out our Charism with Optimism in this fast-changing world and celebrate diversity. It invited us to listen to the Spirit of God and one another to discern the mission and project of God.
The AT members and some of the Assumption youth were present for the transmission of the General chapter which took place on the second day of the chapter. I was amazed by the knowledge and deep reflections of youth and their desire to live a beautiful life experiencing freedom with responsibility. It was an experience of learning from the young people that they look for someone (sisters) with whom they can share their life.