XXIII General Chapter - July 10th

2007-07-10 10 July, ‘07

“…Through the strength of Heaven
Light of sun
Radiance of moon
Splendor of fire
Speed of lightening
Swiftness of wind
Depth of the sea
Stability of earth
Firmness of rock”

we arose today to consider SMR community life, its mission and ministries. In small groups we shared openly and deeply the rich diversity of our lived experience. With “God’s strength to pilot us” we felt ready then to set sail ahead, in faith, into deep and unknown waters.

Earlier, six sisters, two each for Spanish, English and French, had been chosen to begin the work of writing preliminary texts for the final documents which will contain the results of the Chapter work. The names of these sisters are: María López de Carrizosa, Martha de la Torre, Julie Buckley, Rita Nabukalu, Micheline Rossignol and Lorraine Granger. They began their service even as the rest of the Chapter members with “God’s wisdom to guide” sought to capture the priorities that will give nourishment and vibrancy to life over the six years to come. Though the Pilot was with us the work was demanding. Nonetheless, at day’s end the prayer of the morning undoubtedly echoed joyously in each heart:

“Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me….
I arise today.”
(Quotations from St. Patrick’s Breastplate)