Assembly Newsletter no 2
Paris, May 24, 2003 The Assembly is working quickly these days. It is quite lively since the opening by Father Maloney. On May 20,2003 the Assembly opened with a Eucharistic Celebration concelebrated by Father Maloney, Father Quintano, Father Corpus Delgado (Visitor of Zaragoza, Spain) and Father Vernaschi (Canon Lawyer).
We listened to Father Maloney’s homily:
“Some time ago, I visited some friends of mine who had a 2 _ year old daughter who loved presents…she hid behind her mother’s legs when I arrived and wouldn’t say hello. Then without saying hello, she said, “What’s in the bag?” “Guess,” I replied. “Ice cream,” she questioned. “No,” I said. Then she gave me a hug, grabbed the package, opened it and found a chocolate Easter egg. She was very happy”. I love to give presents. We love to give presents
In the events the apostles experienced after Jesus’ death, (John 14: 27-31) Jesus brought them a gift: PEACE, the gift of peace, the gift of himself. Jesus reassures them of his constant presence. Rejoice in his Presence each day, he promises to fill us with his Spirit. Let us ask him for the strength and wisdom to convey his Peace everywhere…”
After the Eucharist, the official opening of the General Assembly was declared. Sr. Juana Elizondo introduced the secretaries, the moderators, the facilitator and the various commissions.
Then Father Maloney gave his opening address using a PowerPoint presentation.
He began with a passage from Exodus 19: 4 “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself…”, and from Saint Vincent, “Your rules serve you as wings help birds to fly…”. A beautiful visual image was projected on the screen to illustrate this. There was a continual comparison with “On Eagle’s Wings” led us to the roots of our vocation. Father developed three points:
1. What a constitution is: It presents us with a way of loving, a road to sanctity that many have already trod, it builds an environment where we can allow God to find us and love us.
2. The two important tasks of the Assembly: the revision of the Constitutions and Statutes with emphasis on inculturation and subsidiarity, and the election of the Superioress General.
3. Those who are not here: to keep in mind the Sisters of the entire world who participated in the Assembly preparation for the last three years, The Sisters of today and tomorrow; to ask ourselves what will the Company look like in ten years and the forging of closer links with the lay branches of the Vincentian Family.
Beautiful pictures illustrating the eagle’s flight with a musical background and periods of silence aided in the internalization of the message that the Father Maloney wished to communicate to the members of the Assembly.
On May 22, 2003, Sr. Juana presented the evolution of the Company over the last six years. Here are some excerpts: “The Assembly of 2003 has representatives from all continents, races, and countries where there are Daughters of Charity. Our international meetings are becoming more and more diversified with more people of color.
Then she cited the significant events from 1997 to 2003
– The regrouping and creation of new provinces;
– New works to answer new calls;
– The causes for beatification under way…
She then described the numerical evolution of the Company today by continent. It was noted that the number of Sisters in AFRICA and in ASIA and the different seminaries around the world have welcomed 309 Sisters.
She outlined some key points to develop in the future
– Vocation ministry (using all means at our disposal:
prayer, contact with youth, the witness of our lives;
– Fidelity to the charism: The Lord awaits us in the Poor;
– A sound spiritual life that helps us remain in contact with Christ to serve Him in the poor;
– The international character: the entire Company should be responsible for our presences and our works, each province; each Sister collaborates in this as much as she is able…
Her talk ended with a moving presentation of her joys, her concerns, and the graces she has received. She ended with these words: “The Company will be the main purpose of my prayer and of all that God will allow in my life.”
The Assembly expressed its gratitude by giving her a standing ovation. Thank you, Sr. Juana!
Each sister will be able to see and recapture this important grace in a CD that has been prepared for each province.
We will be back soon with another echo of the Assembly.
Let us stay united, particularly in the novena to the Holy Spirit that precedes Pentecost and the election of our Superioress General.
Affectionately,
General Assembly
Press Committee
