A Provincial Chapter following the General Chapter is a time to internalize the orientations of the latter, a disposition to embrace the specific path that God desires for the Province, in implementing the directives set by the entire Congregation.
For this purpose, from January 19 to 26, 2025, delegate sisters and laypeople gathered at the provincial house in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) to experience an intense moment of work in joyful fraternity. For several years now, we have always involved lay members of the Assumption Fraternities in our capitular work, but this last Chapter had a particularity. Following the call of the General Chapter, we invited collaborators to take part. It was a wonderful experience that opens a new and promising stage in our collaboration with laypeople.
The Capitular Assembly experienced the synodal community. We implemented the methodology of conversations in the Spirit. Listening, dialogue, prayer, and fraternal exchanges prevailed throughout the work. The reflections in the interest groups were of great value. We felt this overall movement within the Church and the Congregation.
Metanoia, Culture of Care, and Prophetic Mission were the main themes of the various discussions. The thorough preparation of the Chapter in advance was of great help, allowing for a more personal experience and a greater willingness to live out the decisions made. The experience was unprecedented, both in participation and in dynamics. The joy of setting directions for the next six years mobilized and guided our reflections. We perceived a greater maturity in the Province, which is strengthening; the desire to see the project's implementation was very evident. We can confidently affirm that communion, synodality, discernment, and listening are a reality in our Assumption being in West Africa.
After the week of Chapter work, including three days with the laity, we had the joy of celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Sister Ana Catalina and the Silver Jubilee of Sisters Marie Rachel, Thérèse Tenilaba, and Marie Bénédicte. It was a beautiful closing to the Chapter's work. Joy was evident on all faces, a sign of the prophetic nature of consecrated life, called to radiate the joy of the Gospel in our world, as Pope Francis said at the Jubilee of Consecrated Life in 2015.
The testimonies of our sisters after 60 and 25 years of religious life revealed their journey of faith in following Christ, a path that is both personal and communal. In this, we see the sign that the Lord's faithfulness is manifested in each of our lives, as long as we remain attentive to discover it. We continue to give thanks for God's providence in the lives of our sisters. With prayer and the gratitude of the jubilarians for this beautiful celebration, we are convinced that these joyful moments are sparks that will ignite new religious vocations for the Church and, particularly, for the Assumption. May the Lord continue to illuminate our path so that we may move forward with joy and hope!
Sister Marie Bénédicte BIRBA