General Chapter  -  Closing Eucharist

The Chapter ended where it began  at the Wedding Feast of Cana.  We once again crossed the threshold to give thanks to God and to Mary for the New Wine of the Chapter .

Closing Address

(français)  (espagñol)

Some weeks ago each of us left home and ministry in order to begin the work of Mary at this the 28th General Chapter. Now within a short time, most of us will again be on the return journey.  

In a certain way, leaving from and returning to the place from which we started, recalls the experience of God's action at Cana . Those present at the wedding feast had also left their homes. They came in anticipation, with hopes and possibly with questions. What happened during the wedding-feast was unexpected. There was a moment of deep concern for those who were aware. Then they heard: Do what. And they did. This was followed by a revelation, a divine action – the grace of God. This too has been our experience.   

We came with our hopes, expectations and uncertainties. In recognising the challenges, we too heard Mary’s words. I believe it was Jesus who pointed out the new horizons to us. In response we have chosen pathways of action to give us direction for the next seven years and allow us to journey together.  So now, we prepare to return to our communities carrying the new wine of General Chapter 2008. The Acts of this Chapter will guide the next phase of our congregational journey.  We carry home this treasure, a God-given treasure, as was the new wine at Cana .  

It has been given to us to be shared and savoured by our whole congregation, by every Sister in whose name we have participated in this Chapter.

I pray that we will take up our responsibility with energy, joy and fidelity. In carrying out this commitment, may we like Mary be God’s instruments of mercy, in alleviating the many thirsts experienced in today’s world.   Sisters, on Monday we will bring to a close, our Jeanne – Marie Chavoin Year – a year celebrated with joy and thanksgiving by all the communities of the congregation. In the light of all we’ve shared and lived throughout this time of Chapter I believe that this great occasion can be the starting point by which we actively commit ourselves to implement the Chapter resolutions, as the new wine – to quench our thirst and that of the thirsting world.

And now, I invite each of us, to give our assent to the work of the Chapter and the life to which it calls our Congregation for the next seven years, by signing the Acts of the Chapter.    

Now,   I address Jane and her team :            I entrust to you, Jane Frances,- in collaboration with your councillors - the guardianship of the spirit of the congregation.

Response:             I accept this mission in my own name and that of my councillors.

General Administration 2008 - 2015/Administración General 2008 - 2015

Administration Générale 2008 - 2015

16 - 17 June: Jours Spéciaux/Días Especiales/Special Days

Discernement en vue des élections/  Discernimiento en vista de elecciones/

Discernment for election of leaders  

Opening Day   (français)  (espagñol)

Our General Chapter began today with a moving Eucharistic liturgy. Our Superior General welcomed the members of the Chapter and assistants in the following words:

Welcome   

Sisters, we have arrived at the threshold of the Wedding Feast!  We are the guests who have been invited.  We are ready to enter and Jesus and Mary are in our midst.  The feast is as ready as it can be, thanks to the dedication and hard work of many!  Invited by our God - to come as we are – we come - running, limping, carried, joyful, tired, and anxious, excited?  However we come - we know we are welcome to the wedding feast – to come – ‘just as we are’!

 All of us who are invited are here; ready to approach the table of the Lord.

So, together let us cross the threshold! 

The group processed into the beautifully decorated Chapter room and took their places at round tables. The Liturgy of the Word began with Monica's Opening Address to the Chapter:

Opening Address       (in place of first reading)

Sisters, just as Mary was called to play her part in the mysteries of our salvation, so are we called to play our part in this, our 28^th General Chapter of the Congregation. Heeding her words, may we too do what he commands us. May our Chapter gathering be an experience of Eucharistic living for each of us and a sign of communion for all our Sisters.  It is truly an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our unity as we discern God’s call for the direction of our life and mission for the next seven years.

We have all come prepared and ready to write the next chapter of our evolving congregational story. We are the ones who have been called and sent by God through our sisters to this General Chapter at a critical time in the world, in our church, and in our congregation.

We – as congregation - will in fact, spend the last 30 days of our Jeanne- Marie Chavoin Year, in extraordinary “communion” with each other, as Chapter members and assistants, and in prayerful solidarity with all our sisters world-wide. 

May this month of Chapter be a spiritual, transformative experience for each of us.  Let us cling to the belief that 'nothing is impossible to God'. We may well have to struggle together in order to listen and to understand one another, to discover and respect our cultural differences.  May Mary of Cana be at our side, ever guiding and encouraging us to make room in our hearts for what is ‘different’ and for what is ‘new’.   May we hear each one’s message and savour the richness of new insights as to where the Spirit is calling us. 

Over the next four weeks, Reports will be presented, issues will surface and ways forward will be discerned. Our Chapter and its theme will gradually unfold and gather momentum.  May we take up the stance of Mary at Cana , recognising the creative presence of God in our midst.

The jars standing here are empty.  With what shall we fill them?  Certainly, we each bring to this feast the waters of our own experience of life, of God.  What more can we give? Called by gracious choice we have drunk from the waters of the flowing stream of Cerdon.  This is our Marist heritage – our charism, handed on to us by past generations of Marists.  Have not these waters sustained our congregation to this day?  Can we, at this special time, touch the heartbeat of Jeanne- Marie Chavoin as it pulsates in our congregation today? Can we open ourselves to the transforming touch of Jesus, as she did?  More is being asked of us today than ever before.  Can we allow ourselves to be moved to prophetic action for our time in the spirit of Jeanne- Marie Chavoin?

We come as women disciples, carrying in our hearts the needs and concerns of our world and its people.  Let us stand with Mary, attentive and open, believing that God will speak to us and that we will hear.  May the waters of our MARIST life and the experience of our General Chapter be transformed as we fix our gaze on the God who will call us to more than we can ever ask for or imagine! Let us celebrate the abundance of God’s faithful love for us! 

Through the intercession of Jeanne- Marie Chavoin, may God bless us as we move into the 28th General Chapter! May Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our Congregation, accompany us and gently challenge us daily “to do whatever God tells us”.  And when this ‘feast’ is over, may we recommit ourselves with new conviction and renewed energy to the Work of Mary – and go forth with new wine to be shared with all our sisters and with all who thirst for the Reign of God today!

 Sisters, I hereby declare the 28th General Chapter in session!  

Members of the Chapter

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