The first week of the General Chapter ends in Auteuil, Paris. This 30th Chapter of the Congregation of the Assumption is attended by 47 sisters from all over the world and 14 lay people, representing the various areas of Assumption Together: spirituality groups, the mission of formal and informal education, those committed to the Way of Life, etc. To keep things running smoothly, there is a large diakonia group: translators, secretaries, logistics group, etc.

What happened in the first week? It was a time of attentive listening and dialogue, when each province presented its challenges and the Spirit’s call to change, to improve, to grow. They also shared their synodal experiences of discernment. We also listened to Fr. Paul Parathazham, a sociologist, who gave us insights from a major survey conducted among members of the congregation and the laity. The aim of this research was to identify where we are now as a congregation, what our strengths are and where we need to grow and change… It is like a “picture” that we have to look at from the side.

On 2 July, we prayed for former Superior General Diana Wauters (2006-2012), who departed for the Father’s dwelling a few weeks ago. 

On 3 July, during a joyful celebration, four sisters from different provinces made their first vows: Sister Larissa of Jesus and Sister Celestine of the Incarnation (Madagascar), Sister Mary of the Trinity (France), Sister Valerie of the Son of God (Ecuador)

This Saturday, the lay participants in the Chapter will disperse to all parts of the world, and we will continue our work on the structure of the Congregation, the commissions, the formation and so on. There will also be the election of a new General Superior and General Council. 

Pray for us!

S. Danguolė Gervytė, Provincial Superior