Dear Sisters,
Greetings from all the participants who are nearly at the end of EGC 2019.
13th August
After the Holy Eucharist and breakfast, all the participants set out for a day of outing. We visited the National Museum. We had our lunch on the bank of the great Congo River. On our way back we visited the cemetery of the European pioneers in Congo at the palace of the former president of the country. From there we had the beautiful view of the river.
14th August
The session began with a short prayer. Sr. Lucy Jacob gave the group information about Financial Management. Sr. Lohini Fernando, the General Bursar, presented the paper on Skype. The presentation was followed by question answer session.
In the following sessions, the Guidelines on History Writing, some Guidelines for Review of Formation Directory and International Community were presented for discussion. The day ended with Lectio Divina in Community Groups followed by the celebration of the Eucharist.
15th August
After the short prayer to the Holy Spirit, the following documents were presented to the assembly:
After each presentation we had discussion on each paper at different times in the Continental Groups as well as in the assembly. It was followed by a fruitful question session and clarifications were sought on different issues along with observation and appreciation.
Afternoon session about the implementation of GC 2017 Directives was chaired by Sr. Lucy Jacob. The sharing and response to the implementation of orientation by the provincials was enriching.
At the beginning of the last session of EGC, Mr. Hubert Kinwa was thanked for his services as a translator. He was greatly impressed by the spirit prevailing during the EGC session.
On behalf of all the participants of EGC 2019, Sr. Elizabeth Roche proposed a vote of thanks to Sr. Lucy Jacob and the General Team for wonderfully organizing the EGC. At the end all were presented with the EGC souvenir. The day ended with the celebration of the Holy Mass.
16th August
The closing thanksgiving Mass for the completion of the EGC 2019 and for 50 years of religious life of Sr. Lucy Jacob was attended by many SCJMs of St. Bernard Province along with the members of the EGC. The traditional entrance and the recessional processions of African Rite and the Indian “Arti” made the Eucharistic celebration truly intercultural.
At the conclusion of the Mass, on behalf of the General Government, Sr. Cécile Ndaya, the general councilor, thanked the host provincial, Sr. Angèle Benabiabo, and the Sisters of the province of St. Bernard, for their warm hospitality and attentiveness. With a grateful heart, she highlighted the enthusiastic participation of the members of EGC, the tireless services rendered by various commissions, the members of the secretariat, the liturgy group and all others who worked behind the curtain and contributed much to the success of the EGC 2019.
Thank you for supporting us with your continuous prayers. Surely, you will be awaiting for the return of your provincial and the sharing of her EGC experience with you. Let us continue to be interconnected with each other through prayers and communication.
See you soon in person!
News from the Generalate
Celebration of First Profession in Kimpese