Return of Generalate members marks a joyful reunion

Since mid-October, the Generalate community has been blessed with the joyful return of its members after periods of absence. Each has arrived with renewed enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and stories that enrich the spirit of the community.

• Sister Béatrice’s return from Sri Lanka: The homecoming began on October 14, with Sister Béatrice Tshilemba returning from Sri Lanka. During her time there, she not only developed her language skills but also experienced the beauty of international and intercultural connections.
• Grateful spirits from Congo: On October 15, Sister Rosily Mathew and Sister Suman Toppo returned from the Province of Saint Bernard in Congo. Sister Suman, who stayed with the SCJM Community in Matadi, spent her time practicing French with local community members and attending classes. Sister Rosily concluded her mission in the province as a bursar. Both sisters returned in high spirits, filled with gratitude for the blessings of their time in Congo and ready to bring their experiences into their renewed mission.
• A refreshing break for Sister Lucy: Sister Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, returned on October 20 after a restful vacation with her family in India. The warmth and love she shared with them provided a refreshing break, and she resumed her duties with new energy and joy.
• Welcoming Sister Angélique from Congo: After her sojourn in Pakistan for a month, Sister Angélique Dikete had gone to Congo on a joint mission with Sister Rosily, after which she also visited her bereaved family members. On November 3, she returned to Brussels, bringing with her a renewed warmth that added to the joy of the community.

With most of the sisters now back home, our sense of closeness has grown even stronger. We are now looking forward to welcoming Sister Valsam Jose, who returns from her holiday on November 15.

Celebrating Zambia’s Independence: In a memorable gathering on October 25, the Generalate community celebrated sixty years of Zambia’s independence, joining the country in spirit with prayers and sharing of bread. Together, we echoed the national motto, "One Zambia, One Nation," while also proclaiming, “One SCJM, One Congregation” as a reminder of our shared commitment and hopes for the future.

Visits from Pakistan and Belgium: The spirit of international unity was further strengthened on October 23 with the arrival of Sister Samina Anwar, Provincial Superior of Pakistan Province, accompanied by Sister Anne Marie Dhooghe, her "guardian angel." Their presence filled the community with joy and a renewed sense of global solidarity. Sister Anne Marie shared her experiences of connecting with Indian families in Belgium, particularly those from South India, and her participation in the Onam festival. Her stories, rich with names, flavors, and insights into the lives of these families, were pleasing and inspiring. Sister Samina also treated us to a taste of Pakistan by preparing a delicious pulao, offering us a glimpse into her homeland’s warmth and hospitality.

A reflective All Saints’ Day: On All Saints’ Day, we gathered in reflective prayer, cherishing the hope to one day join the communion of saints. The visit of two Brothers of Charity added to our joy, bringing laughter, affection, and a sense of family closeness that strengthened our bonds.

Honouring the departed on All Souls’ Day: On All Souls’ Day, we honoured our departed with photos, displayed in the chapel, of the sisters who passed away this year, alongside memories of family members and relatives who left for their ‘eternal home’ during this year. This shared act of remembrance brought us closer together in unity under one Father.

Foundation Day of adoration

As the Generalate community, we are dedicating November 4, our Foundation Day, to a day of adoration, praying for each Sister of Charity, and all our provinces and regions. May the spirit of our founder and the blessings of our early sisters inspire and sustain us all as we continue our journey together.