Glimpses of The First Provincial Chapter
2nd Session
27th December 2021 - 4th January 2022
Gnana Deepalaya Formation House, Eluru
27/12/2021
ARRIVAL AND WELCOME
The
Joy of Christmas time overwhelmed at Gnanadeepalaya Formation House Eluru as
the Capitulars kept arriving from near and far. Mother Ernestine, the Provincial Superior along with Srs. Donata and Theresa Jyostna arrived on 26th morning .Mother Ernestine welcomed all the Capitulars to the Second Session of the Chapter
The first to arrive at the
break of the dawn were Sisters of Kurnool Communities. Then came the five wise
virgins from the Chattisgarh Communities followed by the Sisters from the
Communities of Nidadavolu,Vijayawada and Mangalapalem. The last to arrive in
time for supper were the Sisters of Bhanjanagar. After a hearty meal, enjoying
each others presence being tired after long journey, all retired to bed early.
28/12/2021
In the Presence of the
Lord
The
day of recollection commenced with the orientation by Mother Ernestine for the 2nd Session
of the First Provincial Chapter.
A
video was played depicting the second wave of COVID-19, which claimed the lives
of many of our near and dear ones. The natural calamities and the unexpected
accidents, moved our beings, stirred our minds and kept our souls thanking the
Lord for keeping each one of us safe during the raging pandemic.
Then
we were led to the presence of the Lord to spend Qualitative time before His
perpetual presence to draw inspiration, guidance and strength from the Lord
for the forthcoming Sessions of the Chapter.
Inaugural Prayer Service:
A
beautiful and meaningful prayer service was conducted by Mother Ernestine the
Provincial Superior and her team. It
vibrated the feelings of oneness and togetherness in each of us.
Official declaration Open of
the 2nd Session of the First Provincial
Chapter
The
long awaited time for the opening of the 2nd Session of the First Provincial Chapter was officially declared open by Mother Ernestine the
Provincial Superior. The Capitulars present expressed their joy and gratitude
by clapping their hands.
The
maternal blessings and wishes of Mother Francesca Sarcia the Superior General and the greetings of the other four Provincial Superiors of the Indian Provinces added joy to each one.
The
dynamics of the 34th General Chapter were shared by Mother Ernestine
and the four Capitulars of the General Chapter. It made the members to ruminate and
live the glorious moments of the Chapter.
Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated at 6:30 pm by Rev Fr.
Balaraju AAHF. In his homily he made us to interiorize the theme of the Chapter
A family for families. He appreciated the theme as it is apt and relevant to
the present scenario.
Lighter moments in
togetherness
The
members dispersed after spending an enjoyable lively recreation.
29/12/2021
Morning dew drops of blessings
The day broke in
silence with the outpouring of God’s blessings as we began the Morning Prayer. Superiors of the sixteen Communities carried lighted candles which they placed on the altar, representing their own respective Communities and their responsibility in
carrying on the mission of Christ.
The banquet of love
The heart of the
day was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Rev: Fr.Bala Joji, the Rector
of the P.I.M.E. Seminary. In his homily he pointed out the duplicity we often
live in our relationships, our thoughts and opinions about the others are
contrary to our words and actions.
Capitulars working in the Commissions
The Capitulars
are oriented thoroughly on five Priorities by the President and Moderator of
the Chapter. The Capitulars went into their respective Commissions to work
further on the given Priorities.
Joy in togetherness
The Capitulars had fun filled moments at recreation
forgetting their age.
30/12/2021 Quiet moments in God’s dwelling place
On the winter
morning, we felt the warmth of God’s love as the day’s Gospel was unravelled to
us, taking us to the temple of Jerusalem to witness the prophetic life of Anna.
At the Table of Communion
The celebrant of
the day Rev.Fr. Bala Joji broke the Word of God. The homily stirred our hearts
as we encountered the Lord in our life. He also said the more we love God, the
more we will be happy, the more we love the world the more we will become
slaves to it. He also asked the Capitulars to wait for the Lord as Anna did and
to give due respect to elders.
Work in the General Assembly
The Capitulars
worked seriously on the Strategies of the 5 Priorities of the 34th General
Chapter to be lived concretely in our reality at the Personal, Community
and Province levels.
Peals of laughter
The Capitulars
delighted in playing rib tickling games and enjoyed the relished moments of
laughter and joy.
31/12/2021
Spiritual flavor for the day
We entered the
presence of the Lord with a note of thanksgiving and also to take the divine
touch for the day. The prayer took us for a ride through 2021, rewinding and
reminding us of the bygone year’s happenings.
A Meal at Christ's Table
The Holy Eucharist
celebrated by Rev.Fr.Bala Joji, raised our hearts to thank God for the numerous
blessings showered on us. He also invited us to see the many Antichrists’ such
as anger, hatred, confusion and unforgiveness, which hinder us in becoming representatives of Christ.
The Capitulars
got into their respective groups to finalize the strategies of their
respective Priorities assigned to them. Later the Secretaries of the Commissions presented the modified work carried out in the Commissions.
A Fraternal Encounter with the LASA Family
The four Local units of LASA-Eluru were warmly welcomed by the Capitulars of the Provincial
Chapter to have a fraternal encounter with them. After a meaningful prayer service, sumptuous tea and lively games, Mother Ernestine in her
message clearly explained to them, the nature, core and importance of the
Chapters in our religious family. She also highlighted the role of the LASA. Their lively participation, interactions,
sharing and suggestions, above all their presence with us created history in the
annals of the Province.
Crossing the Jordan
At recreation
the Sisters had a good journey of crossing the river Jordan along with roars of laughter and joy.
1/1/2022With the Lord at the dawn of 2022
At the dawn of 2022, we started to write a new page in the book of our life, with the scriptural promises received from God through a book mark given at the morning prayer .
Celebration of Communion
The First Holy
Eucharist of the New Year was celebrated by Rev.Fr.Michael SCJ. In his homily
he invited us to reflect on the life of Mother Mary –The Mother of God. He also
made us to ponder and reflect on the qualities of our beloved Mother exhorting us
to move from Hostility to Hospitality, from Futility to Fidelity, from Iniquity to Inferiority.
Work in the Commissions
The Capitulars
gathered in their respective Commissions to discuss the Local Statutes. Later the Capitulars gathered in the Chapter Hall, the President of the Chapter Mother
Ernestine gave a brief introduction about the work carried out earlier to draw up the present Local Statutes for the Eastern Province, which need to be discussed.
Relaxing Moments
The Capitulars enjoyed relaxing moments which took away their tiredness .
2/1/2022
Following the Star –Finding the King of the
Universe
The solemnity of
the manifestation of the Lord was made prayerful and memorable with the visit
of the Magi. The atmosphere made us spiritually travel to adore the Lord
and King of Kings wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Communion with the Divine
The Solemn Holy
Eucharist was significant as Fr.Bala Joji PIME highlighted the concept of the
star and he asked us to become guides in showing others the way to Jesus. He also
asked us to make our lives as genuine gifts to God and others.
Work in the General Assembly
The Capitulars gathered
in the Chapter Hall for the discussion on various issues of the Province in its
varied apostolate. The thought provoking discussions at length made every Capitular to
contribute their suggestions, views and strategies for the proposals and
issues.
Laughter and Relaxation
The Capitulars enjoyed participating in different styles of cat walking with contagious laughter.
3/1/2022
In the Fragrance of
God’s Presence
The beauty and fragrance
of flowers created a pleasant atmosphere for Morning Prayer as we offered them as our gratitude to God for leading
and guiding us throughout the Chapter Deliberations.
Celebration of the
Supper of the Lord
Fr.Bala Joji the
Celebrant of the Holy Eucharist drew our attention on two important key words
Repent and Reconcile .In his homily he said it is easy and flexible for us to
repent for our sins, indifferences, negligences but it’s very difficult for
one to reconcile with people who offend us, the events that left scars in
our lives and to restore broken relationships.
Sacred moments of the Chapter
The President of
the Chapter Mother Ernestine instructed and guided the Capitulars about the process
of voting and reminded us the sacredness of voting. Then the Capitulars after
reading and re-reading the strategies of all the Priorities and Local Statutes, consciously and willing voted for them.
4/1/2022
Chords of
Gratitude-Bonds of Communion
As one
family of the Province we played the chords of gratitude to God the Almighty
for His unending Presence that was felt throughout our Chapter journey and implored His blessings for our future ride on God’s ferris
wheel (Ezekiel 10:1-18), to live the Chapter moments gratefully in the
realities of our lives and mission.
The Sisters
were welcomed to take part in the ride of :
God’s
ferris wheel of thankfulness, of blessedness, of grace, of holiness, of faithfulness, of surprises, of dreams, of Providence, of Mercy, of Synodality and of fraternity.
Celebration
of the Solemn moments of the ChapterThe Capitulars
gathered to celebrate the final moments of the Chapter. The assembly invoked
the assistance of the Holy Spirit and symbolically passed a lighted candle
from one Capitular to another. Finally the President of the Chapter
Mother Ernestine placed the candle before the statue of the Immaculate
Conception, promising that together we carry the light of Christ to the dark corners of the world, lighting the
families with the joy and happiness of Christ-The true Light of the world. Each
capitular also entrusted themselves and the Province to her maternal affection
and protection.
The solemn event
of the Chapter was the Oath taking by the Capitulars promising that each member would seriously and sincerely abide by the Strategies and Local Statutes that were deliberated upon and approved by the Chapter.
"We the Capitulars of the First
Provincial Chapter commit ourselves to the best of our ability to implement the
strategies of all the six Priorities at the Personal, Communitarian and
Province level and to conscientiously abide by the Local Statutes, so that it
makes our lives fruitful, credible and Prophetic."
Closing of the Second Session of the First Provincial Chapter
Mother Ernestine the President of the Chapter
officially declared closed the Second Session of the First Provincial Chapter.
The members as a response broke into loud applause.
Thanksgiving meal at Christ's banquet
The Capitulars with grateful hearts gathered together around the table of God to celebrate their thanksgiving to the Lord for the happenings, the new beginnings for walking with us. Rev.Fr.Michael the Parish Priest of Amalodhobavi Cathedral –Eluru celebrated the thanksgiving Holy Mass.
A strong placement is possible only on a strong basement. Believing in this statement the Capitulars together symbolically carried bricks to build families of love, hope, forgiveness and joy in their respective apostolate. A Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life. The roof is a life jacket for the family to protect, to guard, to defend, to direct, to filter, to facilitate and above all a shelter for refuge. The anchor of the Province of Immaculate Conception and roof of the house was carried by Mother Ernestine along with her Coulliors who through their directions and guidance help the Communities to face every test and tempest, every trial and temptation to live according to the spirit and the Charism of the Institute. During the offertory seven Superiors representing the seven Dioceses in which our Communities exist, carried seven candles promising that in Communion and Synodality with the Church, we would journey ahead in building and bringing joy to families and being a family for families.
In his homily Rev.Fr.Michael appreciated the Capitulars for their service to the Church and to the people of God. It is right time he said to bring joy to the families suffering due to unexpected natural calamities, death of near and dear ones etc.
Province of the Immaculate Conception
First Provincial Chapter
28th December 2019
- 3rd January2020
Gnana Deepalaya Formation
House, Eluru
LIST OF
PARTICIPANTS
Members By
Right
1. Mother Ernestine Fernandes
2. Sr. Showrilu Kondaveeti
3. Sr. Leesamma Philip
4. Sr. Margaret Thiruvidula
5. Sr. Hemlata Dhanson
6. Sr. Theresa Jyostna Sali
7. Sr. Donata Medabalimi
8. Sr. Monica Francis
9. Sr. Marietta D'Mello
10. Sr. Mercy Punnamchira
Elected
Representatives
11. Sr.
Marietta Pudota
12.
Sr. Rakkini Mangarpu
13.
Sr. Lourdu Mary Mallavarapu
14.
Sr. Thresiamma Gracy Olikara
15.
Sr. Ann Mary Cherukuri
16.
Sr. Mary Kumari Koppula
17.
Sr. Nirmala Kumari Bhutaraju
18.
Sr. Chinna Theresamma Chattumala
19.
Sr. Catherine Kappiyil
20.
Sr. Anastasia Johan Lakra
21.
Sr. Mary Rani Thota
22.
Sr. Rosy Gervasis Kidengeth
23.
Sr. Sunila Rani Pudota
24.
Sr. Jemma Lakra
25.
Sr. Kripa Alma Tirkey
26.
Sr. Kumari Pushpa Peyyala
27.
Sr. Prashanthi Rayapati
Observers
for the Provincial Chapter
28. Sr.
Susheela Vallepu
29.
Sr. Mary Theresa Kindo
30.
Sr. Aniyamma Parayakunnel
Provincial Chapter Report
27-1-2019
Welcoming of the Capitulars
Mother Ernestine along with the
Sisters and formees of the Gnana Deepalaya Formation House -Eluru, welcomed the
Capitulars to the historical event of the First Provincial Chapter with joy and
enthusiasm. It was a moment of great joy and excitement to gather as
a family.
Orientation
The Provincial Superior Mother Ernestine Fernandes oriented
the Provincial Chapter Capitulars about the purpose, sacredness and seriousness
of the great event of the First Provincial Chapter in the Province. She led us
into the reflection and significance of the Chapter through silent recollection.
28-12-2019
Day of quiet moments with the Lord
The awaited Chapter door was officially opened with
reverence and honour by the President of the Chapter Mother Ernestine
.Each Capitular was called by their name and they responded saying: Here I
am Lord, as they crossed the threshold and entered the Chapel. It was a heart touching moment to each one. The Holy hour of adoration
was conducted by Mother Ernestine our Provincial Superior.
Inagural Prayer Service
At 4.30 pm the inaugural Prayer Service was conducted by
Sr. Showrilu and Sr. Sunila. The members of the Chapter were
significantly anointed with holy oil by Mother Ernestine
and were led into the Chapter hall in a procession as the hymn to the Holy Spirit
was played. Each Capitular was touched by prayer and their hearts were
raised to heaven and stretched to our Province as each animator of the
Community placed the name of their respective Community in the form of a chain
representing oneness of heart and mind as Sisters of St. Ann a Family for Families.
Declaration of the Provincial Chapter Opened
Mother Ernestine officially declared the First session of the First Provincial
Chapter of the Province opened. The Capitulars expressed their joy by giving a
round of applause. She then read the greetings and wishes of Mother Francesca
Sarcia, Sr. Anna Maria Gamba, Provincial Superiors of Indian Provinces and the Italian Province.
Inaugural Holy Eucharist
The inaugural Holy Eucharist was solemnly celebrated by Most.Rev.
Jaya Rao Polimera. Bishop of Eluru Diocese.
He invited us to rethink of our purpose of living our
religious life as a family in these times of great challenge. He urged us to lay down our
comforts and desires so as to lift up the daily duties, convinced of what we are doing,
where we are going and not to forget the roots of our sources by being
transparent, accountable and responsible religious, so that our life may be a
prophetic witness to Christ.
29-12-2019
Presentation of the Minutes of the Chapter
The sessions of the day began with the presentation of
the Chapter Minutes by Sr.Mercy P. the Secretary of the Provincial Chapter.
Report of the Province of the Immaculate Conception
Eastern India-3-6-2018 to 31-12-2019
The Provincial Superior Mother Ernestine presented the first part of the report of the Province systematically and elaborately. Her presentation was followed by the report of the mission
and ministry by the Provincial Councillors. The Report of the Education ministry was presented by Sr. Showrilu K, Medicare by Sr. Margaret T, Compassionate Ministries and LASA by Sr. Hemlata D and Vocation recruitment and Formation were presented by Sr. Leesamma K. The Financial
status of the Province was presented by Sr. Donata, the Financial Administrator.
Mother Ernestine ended her report by placing before the Capitulars the
successes, challenges and plans for the future of the Province.
Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev.Fr.Melchior
Raja PIME. In his homily he advised us to be open to the inspirations of the
Holy Spirit to take concrete and constructive decisions and deliberations for a
deeper communion of love and peace in our Communities.
29.12.2019
Group
Discussion
The
Capitular Commissions assembled in their respective groups to evaluate the
Province report with the questions given by the President of the Provincial
Chapter, Mother Ernestine Fernandes.
The Assembly examined and evaluated the report of the different groups. The Moderator of the Chapter Sr. Marietta D’Mello conducted the
proceedings of the General Assembly. After the intensive discussion, the Assembly dispersed for the evening vespers.
How lovely is
your dwelling place O Lord
The
day began with the Lauds, invoking the Lord's name and imploring His heavenly blessings for the day’s programme .
Session I
The members of the Provincial Chapter gathered in the Chapter Hall for the day’s programme.
Sr. Jyostna assistant Secretary of the Chapter read the Minutes of the previous day. Then the Assembly dispersed for the Group work – Reading and sharing of the Lineamenta.
Celebrate
God-The Holy Eucharist
Rev. Fr.
Mariadas SSP celebrated the Holy Eucharist. In his homily he invited us to
reflect on the criteria that makes a Family truly happy and joyful. Quoting the
words of Pope Francis , he said –please, sorry and thank you are the wonder
words to build happy families.
Group
discussion & General Assembly
The Capitulars
assembled in their respective Commissions for group work of reading and sharing
the second and third themes of the Lineamenta. Then the reporting and
discussion took place in the General Assembly.
31-12-
2019
I
have come to thee….. (Morning service)
The day began
receiving the divine touch with the chorus of Tagore's Hymn : "I have come
to thee to take thy touch before I begin my day". The Capitulars together
recalled the wonderful ways in which God worked in their lives and sang hymns
of thanksgiving to God of all time.
Holy
Eucharist-The banquet of LOVE
The Holy
Eucharist of the day was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Inje Paul. He reminded us
and emphasized the fact that those who enjoy life more are those who
communicate life to others and are the ones who make their Communities a happy
place to live.
Session
The sessions of
the day started with the hymn on the words of St.Francis of Assissi. Through
his intercession we asked God to make us Instruments of peace, messengers of
love, transmitters of joy and carriers of hope in our Communities and in our
work places. Sr Mercy
P, the Secretary of the Chapter read the Minutes of the previous day.
Work on Instrumentum Laboris (Theme-1)
The Capitulars
worked seriously on the first theme, of the Instrumentum Laboris. Further in
the General Assembly, the Secretaries of the four Commissions reported the
observations. Then the Capitulars carried out the voting for the approval.
The day
ended with the thanksgiving adoration to God Almighty being the end of the year
2019.
Lighter moments at Recreations.
01.01.2020
The light of the
New Year 2020 dawned with new hopes and new dreams for the Capitulars and in
particular for the Province of Immaculate Conception to whose protection the
Province is entrusted. Together the participants invoked Mary –Mother of God by
praying the Lauds.
Sessions of the day
The Capitulars
gathered in the Chapter Hall, for the days programme. The first session began
by imploring the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
The Capitulars dispersed for the group work on Instrumentum Laboris.
Theme-III.The members studied and reflected the theme. Then the Secretaries of
the Commissions presented the observations made by their respective Commissions.
Work in the Assembly
The Moderator
Sr.Marietta D’mello, led the Assembly for the discussions by inviting the
Secretaries to report the observations of their Commissions.
Holy Eucharist –The visible
blessings of the invisible Almighty God
Here we are at
the end of the Chapter. The day broke song with hymns of thanks and songs of
praise to the Almighty God for the successful completion of our First
Provincial Chapter. Praying together the morning liturgy of the hours, the
Capitulars raised their grateful hearts with thanksgiving to the Triune God.
General Assembly
Having completed
the discussion on the three themes of the Instrumentum Laboris, the Assembly
worked and made the additions, deletions and modifications with regard to the
observations that emerged in the four Commissions.
After the
completion of discussion the Assembly entrusted themselves to the protection
Mary Mother of God by praying the evening prayer meaningfully.
2-1-2020
They’ll know we are Sisters by our love……
The fresh hours
of the day were spent in praying together the morning Liturgy of the hours.
Together we raised our voices singing the hymn they’ll know we are Sisters by
our Love, which became the chorus of the day.
Holy Eucharist-the Summit of our Salvation
The Holy
Eucharist was celebrated by Rev.Fr. Ravindra SCJ. In his homily he threw a
challenge for us saying: Be convinced of the decisions you make now because it
gives good news and good future to the new generations.
3-1-2020
O give thanks to the Lord for He is good..
Here we are at
the end of the Chapter. The day broke song with hymns of thanks and songs of
praise to the Almighty God for the successful completion of our First
Provincial Chapter. Praying together the morning liturgy of the hours, the
Capitulars raised their grateful hearts with thanksgiving to the Triune God.
Concluding Bureaucratic Requirements
The Capitulars gathered
together for the final session of the Chapter. Sr. Mercy P the Secretary of the
Chapter read the Minutes of the day. Then the Assembly voted for each of the
seven proposals that were presented.
The President of the
Chapter, Mother Ernestine expressed her thanks for the collaborative efforts of
different individuals and groups. She placed on record her sincere appreciation
for all those who contributed in one way or another towards the meticulous
planning, careful preparations and successful execution of the First session of
the First Provincial Chapter. The house resonated with thanks and special
appreciation to Mother Ernestine.
She then invited every
Capitular to come forward and receive the souvenir of the Chapter and blessed
every individual to live the Chapter in our lives and in our mission.The
Assembly gave thanks to God through a hymn and proceeded to the Chapel to
continue with the thanksgiving Holy Eucharistic Celebration.
Rev. Fr. Aman Raja, the
Parish Priest of Amalodbhavi Cathedral celebrated the concluding Mass. Sr.
Showrilu K the Vicar of the Province gave an introduction for the
symbolic four trees placed on the Sanctuary and thanked God for His immense
presence throughout the Chapter. The Capitulars carried in procession the
symbols of love, hope, joy and peace and placed them on the four trees in the
Sanctuary, while Mother Ernestine carried the Logo of the Chapter to the Altar.
Fr. Aman Raja in
his homily appreciated us for our unity in diversity. He also invited us to
think whether we are people of Paradise or people of Exile. He exhorted us to
live in love, humility, forgiveness giving hope and joy to people in our
Communities and in our work places.
With hearts filled
with gratitude the Capitulars had lunch and set out for their respective
Communities, glad to carry with them happy memories of the fraternity and
fellowship experienced and the joy of being one family and of belonging to the
family of the Sisters of St. Ann of Providence.
