Dear Sisters,

Thinking of you and looking forward to meeting you all soon…

Time and tide wait for no one. So it doesn’t wait for us SCJMs either. We have reached a stage where we struggled to put which word, where! All our creative writing skills were exercised, as we tried to formulate our orientations for the coming six years. We feverishly put words up and down and across our laptops, while endeavouring to articulate our dreams as a congregation at this point of our history.

This process helped us to know each one at a deeper level and to expand our vocabulary besides developing artistic expressions of what we were trying to convey through images. These final drafts were submitted to the skilled hands of the editing committee for the final ‘cooked’ version in the vocabulary of Br. Emili Turu, our facilitator.

Time was also allocated for another conversation to deepen our understanding and broaden our prospective on International communities. There was a rich exchange of ideas throwing light on the current reality and how we may move forward into the future in order to keep the flame of our charism alive. Deus Caritas Est!

Guidelines were given to assist us in the transmission of the essence of GC 23 to the Provinces/Regions and also to plan for the second session of Provincial Chapter.

We had a welcome break on Sunday which culminated in a social evening. It was marked by a visual and colourful expression of the richness and variety of the costumes and culture of each group. It was a most enjoyable evening with lots of fun and frolic, and also incorporated an aesthetic expression of the theme of the chapter through songs, dances and sketches.

The seventh of August brought us to the completion of the chapter work, leading to the approval of the documents and the Minutes of the whole Chapter. During her closing address, Sr. Lucy Jacob thanked the outgoing team for their generous contribution for the last six years and wished them well for their future mission. She acknowledged the presence and commitment of the facilitators and all our support personnel and thanked them on behalf of the entire group. She recalled that the process we embarked on in a contemplative way urged us to grow together and to walk the path of synodality. We return home with a heightened and renewed spirit which would be expressed in concrete actions that can enable us to hand over the flame of our charism burning ever brighter to the next generation.

On behalf of the delegates, Sr. Elizabeth Roche expressed our gratitude and appreciation to Sr. Lucy Jacob and the council members for giving themselves wholeheartedly to the mission that was entrusted to them in a spirit of Servant leadership.

Sr. Lucy Jacob, the president then declared the chapter officially closed. Sr. Kim Chi, the chapter secretary, gave an informative overview of the Chapter Procedure in which she captured the significant points.

Our final Eucharistic celebration took place on 08.08.2023 and Bishop Lode Van Hecke, the Bishop of Ghent, was the chief celebrant. We were delighted that many Sisters from neighbouring Communities could join us on this special occasion. The Bishop then in his homily expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate this Eucharist with us SCJMs.

In his homily, the Bishop drew our attention to the fact that there are two interpretations of the Good Samaritans: one element is what he termed as the “Samaritan syndrome” which speaks of the people who do very good work for the victims of the society, but do so to enhance their own good name/profile. The second is the Good Samaritan in the gospel sense and he/she acts out of compassion for the people in the peripheries without expectations.

Following the homily, the formal installation of the new General Team took place, during which the Bishop anointed the hands of the new leadership team, Sisters Lucy Jacob, Angelique Dikete, Beatrice Tshilemba, Suman Anima Toppo and Mary Joseph Valiyankal with oil. They confirmed their (Fiat) YES to the decision of the Chapter.
Sr. Elizabeth, the senior-most member of the Chapter, then presented them with the symbol which reminds us all of our call to live in the spirit of the Cor Unum. When the Eucharistic celebration was over we proceeded to the dining room dancing to the sounds of the drum and singing, where we enjoyed a celebratory meal. Now we are preparing to go home, renewed in spirit.

With God’s blessings and best wishes
From the Capitulants

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

Dear sisters,

On the morning of 25 July, a surprise awaited us in the Chapter Hall: a magic box. It had a picture on each side: Pope Francis, Putin, Father Triest, Mother Placide, a tiger and an elephant. Then we discovered that inside the box there were chocolates. What does this mean? Everyone sees things from their own point of view, without realising that the essential is sometimes hidden. This helped us to look at the orientations we had previously agreed upon. This task was entrusted to the different groups which were formed the day before.

Having observed and discerned, on 26 July we moved on to another stage, that of taking action. The process of deepening the themes continued. We were asked to come up with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) responses.

From the 27th to 29th July, we spent time in silence, prayer and discernment which culminated in the elections for the new General Government. On the evening of the re-election of the Superior General, Sr. Lucy Jacob, the atmosphere was festive. Flowers were presented to Sr. Lucy and aperitifs were served. The following day, the four General Councillors accepted their election much to our delight. Like David, the little shepherd, each one was called at her place of ministry: Sr. Angélique Dikete renewed her mandate as General Councillor, Sr. Béatrice Tshilemba will be leaving Cana community/ juniorate in Lubumbashi, Sr. Suman Anima Toppo will leave her ministry as Regional Superior of Vietnam and Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal will change her ministry as provincial Superior of Ranchi.

On the evening, a special Eucharistic celebration brought us together. In his homily, the celebrant invited the team to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world in carrying out their new ministry. After Mass, the capitulants welcomed the team with a dance and shared a celebratory supper.

On Sunday the 30th July, at 8.00 am, we boarded a coach which took us to Mechelen, where we visited some of the sites on which Father Triest would have travelled in his time. At 10.30am, we attended Mass in the Cathedral of Saint Rombaut. Afterwards, Sr. Anne Marie Dhooghe took us to the Lunch Garden restaurant for a meal. From there, we headed to Brussels for a tour of the city where the guide, Patrice, was waiting for us at the Atomium. Everyone was impressed by the immensity of the symbol. Along the way, we had the pleasure of admiring from a distance the Palace, the Royal Park, the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the Belgian House of Representatives. Finally, we discovered the European Parliament, the parliamentary body of the European Union (EU). It shares the legislative power of the EU with the Council of the European Union. The unity of these countries proves that unity creates strength, and that they can work together for the well-being of their peoples.

On 31 July, we resumed the work of the Chapter with renewed zeal.

Dear sisters, we feel the effects of your fervent prayers. Let us remain united in ‘Cor unum, anima una.’

Your Chapter members sisters

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

Dear Sisters,

Greetings once again from Dilbeek!

We continued our reflections in the context of the question –‘Who is my neighbour?’ by using a contemplative process of ‘Observe, Reflect and Act’. The two days of 19th and the 20th of July saw the presentations of the reports of the regions and provinces followed by those of the General Government. The Superior General Sr. Lucy Jacob and her council Sr. Deepthika Silva, Sr. Angelique Dikete, Sr. Roshni Barla and Sr. Cecile Ndaya presented a detailed report of the life and mission of the Congregation for the last six years, including the report on financial administration presented by Sr. Rosily Mathew, the General Bursar.

This necessitated that we listen with the ear of the heart to what the Lord is saying to us in all of the above. The presentations gave us a clear view of the life of the various units as well as the global picture of the congregation. At this point we were encouraged to move from being Delegates to Capitulants and to think Congregation.

From our global perspective of the Congregation we were immersed in the spirit of our Founder Fr. Triest and founding Sisters as we made a pilgrimage to Terhaegen and Lovendegem where we were warmly welcomed by Sr. Birgit Goslain and the international community. After some refreshments we moved on to the archives where the most emotional and profound moments were the time spent in the room of Fr. Triest and listening to the recorded conversation of Fr. Triest on his deathbed.

The next stop was at ‘Huize De Bron’ the foundational house at Lovendegem where Sr. Anne-Marie Dhooghe and Sr. Claire Boelens were waiting for us. The history of it was all too familiar and yet being there physically was an overwhelming experience.
From the first house we walked to the crypt where Rev. Fr. Triest, Mother Placide and the earlier Superiors General are buried and also the graveyard which is the resting place for over a thousand persons, including our Sisters. The new corridor lined with stained glass windows and quotations from Fr. Triest’s writings led us to the crypt. There we prayed to Fr. Triest and these were profound moments of special blessings.
A short but refreshing visit to the community “Zustergemeenchap” at Lovendegem was the last part of our pilgrimage to the origin. We were touched by the love and care showered on us by our elderly Sisters. All along we were inspired by the joyful presence and service of our Sisters in the three communities we visited. Much as we would have loved to stay on, we had to say goodbye to all. Enriched and enlivened by this experience we returned to Regina Caeli.

The following day we had an enriching input by Fr. Peter Baekelmans CICM. With the theme New Trends in Mission, he helped us explore deeper the implications of the Chapter theme “Go and do likewise” from the perspectives of the Scripture, the world context and the SCJM spirituality. He emphasized on the need to have a non-dual approach in all these areas.

We were then ready to move on to the next stage of observing and sensing and thus further deepening the process in order to decipher what the Lord is speaking to us, what His plans are for the future of SCJMs or the vision for the next six to twelve years. We spent the day in quiet personal reflection, the Emmaus walk in groups of three in order to develop further understanding and gradually formulating our vision and presenting them in various forms in the plenum.

The process continued as we recaptured the cardinal points we had shared the previous day and those which needed to be included in the chapter documents and their implications. At this juncture, the facilitator reminded us of Pope Francis’s vision of the synod: “… to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships …”

In the afternoon, Br. Emili introduced us to some preliminary guidelines for the election of the Superior General and the Councilors.

We rely on your continued prayers in the spirit of Cor Unum.

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

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Dear sisters,

After long journeys from Africa, Asia and Europe, the delegates of General Chapter 2023 have been warmly welcomed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The atmosphere was one of reunion for some and discovery for others. Here we are in Brussels, in the commune of Dilbeek, in our former house, Regina Cæli: a school and boarding school have been established here since 1927. The Superior General has invited everyone to take enough rest over the next two days.

Saturday, 15 July 2023: opening day

In the morning, the Superior General, Sister Lucy Jacob, welcomed all the members before presenting the different services and their sisters in charge.

At 4:30 p.m.: the opening Mass. His Eminence Cardinal Josef De Kesel presided over the Mass in the church of Sainte Thérèse. Many of our sisters came from the communities of the Dutch-speaking Region and the South of Belgium, as well as our lay collaborators. Many of you followed us online. An excellent choir from the Ghent area delighted the congregation. After the homily, the Superior General officially opened the 34th Chapter of the Congregation. Afterwards, there was a chance to meet and greet each other whilst enjoying some refreshments.

Sunday 16 July 2023 was devoted to the individual reading of reports from the various units.

On Monday 17 July, after contemplative prayer at 6.30am and breakfast, Sister Lucy Jacob reminded us of the purpose and objectives of a General Chapter, citing articles 160 - 163.

We were then invited to express our expectations. Several other exercises were proposed to help the capitulants enter into the contemplative process of the Chapter. This was inspired by the unfolding of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Fratelli tutti: OBSERVE - REFLECT - ACT.

We then reflected on the need to move from the role of delegates to that of capitulants to enable a change of focus from the local reality to the broader SCM reality. To do this, we identified the values to be lived throughout our Chapter.

Dear sisters, we continue to count firmly on your prayerful support.

Your Chapter members sisters.

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

Pakistan has experienced prolonged heat waves in April this year. It has been much hotter than ever before. In this climate change the heavy rains could be expected and this is what happened in Pakistan. After the blazing hot weather unusual heavy rains started in June, a month before the normal season of monsoon in the area. The River Indus, the longest river in Pakistan which originates from Himalayan region flowed down with furious gushing waters resulted from the global warming and melting of glaciers. The poor people have suffered not only the natural disaster but also the human selfishness and cruelty. These floods have affected mostly the Province of Sindh and Baluchistan and the Southern Punjab. These are the areas where the marginalized, tenants and bonded labourers live.

The rich land lords diverted the direction of the water towards the villages of the poor people in order to save their land and properties. In the northern areas of Pakistan the lightning strikes caused heavy floods of stones and water which caused much damaged to the buildings and restaurants on the river banks. Water – reservoirs could not hold the waters and about 25 of them got collapsed aggravating the tragic situation manifold. About one-third of the country is affected by these floods. Thousands of families are displaced and exposed to the harsh-weather under the open sky. The roads and railway-tracks are underwater All the transportation and communication is paralyzed. The only means to reach to these people and take any kind of help are boats and the helicopters.

The loss of human lives, life-stock and properties is beyond comprehension. There is continuous stress and depression which causes psychological problems.

The government of Pakistan, the local Church and many other religious and social organizations are busy in helping the flood affected people. The other countries are very kind and generous in putting their share as well.

Considering and reflecting on the existing situation and hearing the cry of the poor, our province responds to the challenges and demands by motivating the sisters for simple lifestyle and inviting the students, staff and parents to actively and generously contribute for the rehabilitation of these suffering people. It will take a lot of time for them to resettle in life.

Please remember our people, our Pakistan in your daily prayers.

• During the months of July-August Sr. Lucy Jacob, Superior General, was in the Province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo, for the canonical visit of the province. After a fruitful mission, sister got back on 16th August to the Generalate.

• Sr. Rosily Mathew, the General Bursar, is now visiting the communities of St. Vincent de Paul Province, accompanied by Sr. Cécile Ndaya. Both of them are expected to be back in the Generalate by 2nd September.

• You are aware that many provinces and regions were busy with their provincial/vice-provincial/ regional chapters in the months of July and August. The General Councillors were present in those provinces. Srs. Deepthika and Roshni are back in Brussels from Sri Lanka and Delhi respectively, while Srs. Angélique and Cécile are still in the provinces of Congo.

• Srs. Lucy Jacob and Valsam took a short break of four days in Koksjide from 24th to 28th August. They came back on 28th Sunday refreshed and renewed.

• After a long waiting to get their travel documents, the three novices from India have finally reached the IAN, Philippines on 20th August. Two are from the Delhi province and the third from Ranchi. They were warmly welcomed by the Novitiate community. With their arrival, the total number of novices in IAN is eight.

• The General Council members will be going for their annual retreat to La Pairelle, Wepion, a Jesuit retreat centre in Belgium. They will be away from 2nd to 10th September.

The Celebration of Creation 2022 with the theme Listen to the Voice of Creation, begins as you know on 1st September with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and concludes on 4th October with the Feast of Saint Francis. It is a special time for all of us to pray and work for concretizing our option to care for our Common Home.

The Burning Bush as the logo of this year’s celebration highlights several pertinent issues we live with today: human greed, desertification, land misuse, disintegration of ecosystems and the destruction of habitats, loss of livelihoods and species… animals and people are forced to flee and migrate due to the fires of injustice and violence…

However, the fire on Mt. Horeb that Moses witnessed did not consume or destroy the bush; instead it affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffer, and promised deliverance from injustice.

The message of Pope Francis, given on this occasion, draws our attention to the following:

• Call for ecological conversion: The Pope defines the Season of Creation as an opportunity to cultivate ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change resulting in a community conversion.

• Listening to the song and to the cry: He invites us to listen to the sweet song in praise of our beloved Creator as well as the lamenting of our Common Home due to our mistreatment. This listening can encourage us to change our lifestyle.

• A warning message ahead the forth-coming COPs (the Conference Of the 197 Parties / nations that agreed to a new environmental pact): The COP 27 on climate to be held in Egypt in November 2022 and COP 15 on biodiversity in Canada in December 2022: the Pope calls us to prayer that these events may unite the human family to decisively address the double crisis of climate and biodiversity reduction.

• Adopting sound principles for biodiversity:
  • building a clear ethical basis for the transformation we need in order to save biodiversity;
  • fighting biodiversity loss, supporting its conservation and recovery, and meeting people’s needs in a sustainable way;
  • promoting global solidarity, taking into account that biodiversity is a global common good that requires a shared commitment;
  • putting people in vulnerable situations at the centre, including those most affected by biodiversity loss, such as indigenous peoples, older people, poor and youth.

I am well aware that almost all our provinces and regions by now have had their P/R Chapters. Care for creation has been one of our concerns. Most of you also have had your annual retreat on the theme of Ecological Conversion. Let this season for the Celebration of Creation be a special time to pray, to reflect, to see what it would mean for us SCJMs to “go and do likewise” in our response to the call of our Common Home .

Let us pray diligently that like Moses, who dared to remove his sandals to stand on the holy ground of God’s presence, we too may be inspired to remove the “sandals” of our unsustainable lifestyle that disconnects us from creation and the Creator. May we instead contemplate our connection to the holy ground and listen to the voice of creation!

Note: It would be very uplifting for all of us in the Congregation to hear and see how you have lived this special season. So, I would very much encourage you to upload your experience on your respective websites, together with some pictures and videos of your activities!

We are deeply concerned about the impact of the ongoing economic crisis on the people, particularly the poor and vulnerable groups and reaffirm our commitment to support Sri Lanka at this difficult time as SCJMs.

At this crisis moment, the youth of the country started protesting against the current situation of poverty in the country. Though this struggle on the grounds of Galle Face Green officially began on the 9th of April 2022, the fire in the ashes were from the time of the so called independence in 1948.

The demands of the people, angry over the country’s worst economic crisis over last 74 years, were loud and clear. The slogan was “I am the one who did the best” and the response of the public was: “Gota Go Home”. This meant that not the president alone should resign but the whole Rajapaksha regime should be diminished and thus a change of system is a must. It was a consistent demand, referring to the beleaguered president. The protesters on Saturday massed in capital Colombo’s seafront Galle Face area, where thousands of people had been camping for three months, calling for the president to resign for his handling of the economic crisis.

On May 9th 2022, the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha resigned from his office, and on 9th June, Basil Rajapaksha, the financial minister, was forced to leave his office, and for people this was a victory.

With their withdrawals, again the President Gotabaya Rahjapaksha gave an appointment to Mr Ranil Wickramasinge who was not even in the parliamentary list, as he has been defeated five times.

People were waiting to hear the resignation of President Gota, instead when he started again with Ranil Wickramasinghe, on 9th July 2022, protestors overran the Presidential palace, and his office.

On the 9th of July after the victory

On the 8th of July night together with people in the Galle face Green

Nearly two million from all over Sri Lanka, in spite of curfew and with the situation of no fuel, no petrol, no diesel and no transportation, the irate anti-government protesters on Saturday barged into embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence in central Colombo’s high-security zone in Fort area after breaking the barricades. The one and only demand was that they both should resign immediately. The protesters also torched the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, even after he offered to resign. Those who initiated the people’s struggle for a just cause, namely for a Democratic Government, are the core group of today standing for justice and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. And yet there are little groups who are still with slavish minds serving the Rajapaksha Regime.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to quit on Wednesday the 13th July 2022, marking a dramatic end to the powerful clan’s hold over Sri Lankan politics for more than two decades.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena declared on Saturday the 9th July 2022 night that President Rajapaksa had agreed to step down and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe waits pending without taking a proper decision.

On Sunday morning (10th July 2022), many protesters were still camping in the president’s official residence. They are enjoying all facilities in the Presidential House and office and now cooking food, bathing in the swimming pool, playing the piano, and even enjoying games of card and carom in the house. Meanwhile, police said they have arrested more than 3,000 people in connection with the protests on Saturday.

We are just a drop in the mighty Ocean. We, the sisters of Charity, having gone through this critical and crucial situation of our country, joined the other religious groups, are supporting the protesters who demand for truth and justice. At certain point, even to the military our support is given, when it was a worthy cause in the name of humanity. At this moment, the religious leaders and Lawyers have a big role to play. We continue to pray for all those who are in the decision making position for wisdom, intelligence and courage. Our main mission now is working for Peace in the country. We are being constantly reminded of the last words of our Founder, Peter Joseph Triest, “You are Gods on earth”!

Sr. Pradeepika Perera

Perpetual profession in Vietnam

June 25, 2022 was a day of joy and thanksgiving for the Region of Our Lady of La Vang in Vietnam and for our Congregation, as six of our Vietnamese Sisters pronounced their perpetual vows during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Joseph NGUYEN Nang, the Archdiocese of Saigon. They are Sisters Teresa Phuong, Teresa Le, Maria Thao, Anna Lien, Anna Thang and Anna Thuy.

During his homily, Bishop Joseph NGUYEN addressed the young professed sisters, saying that the definitive commitment to religious life as a follower of Christ is only the beginning of an adventure, the scope and depth of which will only be discovered and understood as one grows older.

Many priests and religious, benefactors and friends, as well as family members of the newly perpetually professed sisters joined them in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the wonders of His love and all the blessings He has showered upon them. Srs. Roshni Barla and Kim Chi Duong from Generalate were also present for the occasion.
The Holy Mass was followed by a festive meal, accompanied by a colourful cultural programme, performed by the Sisters and the postulants of the Region.

We offer our sincere congratulations to the perpetually professed sisters and assure them of our prayerful support.

From left to right : Sisters Teresa Le, Anna Lien, Anna Thuy, Anna Thang, Maria Thao and Teresa Phuong

Celebration of jubilees and perpetual vows in Lubumbashi

On 2 July 2022, Sisters Suzanne MULEKWA KIZYALA, Céline KAYAMBI MUNSONGO and Christelle KAPYA KYONDWE from the Province of St Vincent de Paul, D.R. Congo, made their final commitment to the Lord in Lubumbashi, in the presence of Sr. Lucy Jacob Palliam Pallithura, Superior General, who is currently in our Province of Saint Vincent de Paul for the canonical visit, accompanied by Sisters Cécile Ndaya and Rosily Matthew.

We also shared the joy of our Sisters Agnès MUMBA KANYAMPA and Viviane MANGEYA LUTA who are celebrating respectively the 60th and 25th anniversaries of their religious profession.

All the communities of Upper Katanga were represented at this celebration. We noted the presence of the Brothers of Charity, the Associates of the SCJM, other consecrated persons and the family members of our Sisters.

The Eucharistic celebration took place in the Parish of Our Lady of Peace in Gécamines. It was presided over by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, Mgr. Emmanuel MUMBA. He was accompanied by twenty-four priests and a deacon.

In his homily, the main celebrant emphasized the mission of the prophet which is to destroy and rebuild, to uproot and plant. This means destroying evil and building good; uprooting evil and planting good, provided that we remain united to Jesus Christ as the branch attached to the vine.

After the mass, the festive meal took place in the P.J. Triest hall of Tshondo High School.

From left to right : Sisters Suzanne Mulekwa, Céline Kayambi and Christelle Kapya

IAN: Entry to Novitiate, June 2022

Three Postulants from Vietnam arrived on April 27th and two from Sri-Lanka on April 28th. We waited three more to arrive from India.

Preparations started for their entry for June 24: 3-day retreat under the guidance of Sr. Fatima Peiris. On 23rd we spent the day in adoration in preparation for the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

The 24th of June was a remarkable day. The five Postulants in IAN and the three, who were still to arrive from India, started their novitiate in their respective places.

Here we have the five novices who are in IAN:

Hoang Thi Vuong, Tran Bich Oanh, Phan Thi Trang from Vietnam, Niyomi Fernandez and Hiruni Livera from Sri-Lanka.

Those in India who are still waiting for their travel documents to go to the IAN:

Pooja, Anjana and Christina.

We feel disappointed that two Postulants from Rwanda who were to join IAN were not able to travel to the Philippines on account of Covid related restrictions.

We welcome all our new novices to the Congregation and may your time in IAN enrich you in the spirit of the SCJM charism and fill you with the zeal to live it in its fullness!

Canonical visit of the Superior General

Sister Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, is in the Province of St. Vincent de Paul in the D.R. Congo from June 29, 2022 to August 15, 2022 for the canonical visit to our Sisters. She is accompanied by Sr. Cécile Ndaya and Sr. Rosily Mathew, the General Bursar who is going there for the first time to study the financial situation of the Province and to help the Sisters in their leadership task in the area of finance and property management. We wish them a good mission.

Provincial and Regional Chapters - First session

In preparation for the General Chapter 2023, the provinces are having their Chapter experiences. For the moment, the Region of Vietnam has started its Chapter since 27/06/2022. Delegated by the Superior General, Sr. Roshni Barla went there as facilitator of the Regional Chapter, accompanied by Sr. Kim-Chi Duong as delegate to the Regional Chapter.

During the month of July 2022, delegated by the Superior General, Sr. Angélique Dikete will be in the Mali Region as Provincial Chapter facilitator, Sr. Deepthika Silva will go to Sri Lanka, Sr Roshni Barla to Delhi and Sr. Cécile Ndaya to vice-province of Rwanda. We wish them a fruitful Chapter. May the Spirit of the Lord guide them in this task.

Holiday time

After the Chapters, the members of the General Team will take some days to have a time of rest with their families (one week) as well as the members of the Generalate community. We wish each and every one of them a good time of rest.

International Novitiate of Africa/Mali (NIA)

23/06/2022 - Clothing ceremony of nine postulants

This year 2022, the International Novitiate of Africa (NIA), Mali has welcomed nine postulants, five from the Vice-Province of Our Lady of Kibeho, Rwanda, three from the Province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo and one from the Region of Mali, who began their Novitiate on 23rd June. They are: Joséphine Mbuyi, Edith Dakouo, Mélanie Mbuyi, Bernadette Kabongo, Mary, Cloriose, Soline, Diane and Solange. They spent a time of prayer with the Lord before receiving the habit. This ceremony of clothing took place during the Eucharistic celebration in the Novitiate chapel. After the main celebrant’s homily, the postulants went out of the chapel to put on the religious habit (blouse, loincloth and head scarf), which marks the entry into religious life, and returned to the chapel with singing hymns and dance.
We wish them a fruitful period of formation in the Novitiate.
 

Province of Saint Bernard

24/06/2022 - First profession of two novices in Kimpese

Sister Angèle Benabiabo, Provincial Superior, went to the Novitiate, Kimpese to meet the two second year novices before their first profession. On 23 June, many Sisters from different communities arrived Kimpese for the profession ceremony.

On 24/06/2022, the Eucharistic celebration took place in the chapel, presided over by the Reverend Théophile Luwengo, Dean Parish Priest of Kimpese and Delegate of His Excellency Mgr André Giraud Pindi, Bishop appointed for the diocese of Matadi, assisted by some priests.

In his homily, Father Luwengo insisted on the fact that: "the religious vocation is a gift from God, who calls whomever He wills, whenever He wills and how He wills. God trusts us and entrusts with His mission despite our smallness.
Let us abandon ourselves to Him so that He may fashion us in His image and make us servants according to His Heart. Let us not say that we are still children, but let us let Him take control of our lives".

The singing was led by the parish youth choir and some junior members of the SCJM in the community.

First the ceremony of the taking of the habit by seven postulants took place and then that of the first profession of two novices after the proclamation of the Gospel and the homily.

After this Eucharistic celebration, a festive meal was presented to the guests, and everything ended in a joyful atmosphere.

From left to right : Sr. Agnès Mukendi, Sr. Angèle Benabiabo (Provinciale Superior ) and Sr. Brigitte Kalolo

Vice-Province of Our Lady of Kibeho, Rwanda

The celebrations of 24/06/2022

On 24th June 2022, the Vice-Province of Our Lady of Kibeho had the joy of celebrating several feasts: The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the 186th commemoration of the death of our dear Founder Peter-Joseph Triest, the profession of perpetual vows of our Sister Charitine Impuhwe, the renewal of vows of our Sisters Marie Uwambajimana, Félicité Dusengimana, Pascaline Mukandayambaje, Béatrice Byukusenge and Enatha Dusenge, the receiving the religious habit of our five postulants and finally the welcome of four young girls who came to join us to begin their first year of postulancy.

For all these events, we give thanks to God. And we say a big thank you in the name of the whole Congregation and the Vice-Province of Our Lady of Kibeho for this precious gift of postulants who evoke for us the first four disciples of Jesus. They come from two countries where our Vice-Province is present: Consolate Niyirangira and Estella Nduwayezu from Burundi, Drocella Uwamariya and Marie-Rose Uwamahoro from Rwanda. During their meditation in preparation for the opening ceremony of the postulancy, they freely chose the names of the first four disciples. Thus, from now on, we have in the group: Simon Drocella, André Consolate, Jacques Estella and Jean Marie-Rose. Let us carry them in our humble prayers so that their patron saints may help them to abandon their nets full of fish and to joyfully and freely follow Jesus, who wants to teach them to become fishers of people. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Kibeho, accompany them! (Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa)

Region of Mali

26/06/2022 - First profession of three novices in San

The Region of Mali witnessed a joyful event on 26/06/2022 - the first profession of three novices, two of whom come from the Province of Saint Bernard and one from the Province of Saint Vincent de Paul, Congo.

The Holy Mass of profession was celebrated by His Excellency Monsignor Hassan Florent Koné, Bishop of San, assisted by more than ten priests, in the Cathedral of San. The choir of the parish animated the holy mass well.

In his homily, Bishop Koné insisted on the effort to abandon what is not useful to our consecrated life and not to lose sight of the charism that our Founder Pierre Joseph Triest bequeathed to us.

He also invited the senior sisters to love the newly professed sisters and to help them grow in their religious vocation.

The three newly professed sisters are assigned to the Region of Mali as missionaries. They are : Sr. Joséphine Ankleme, Sr. Générose Muambilabo and Sr. Séraphine Machozi. We welcome them to the Lord’s vineyard in Mali.
After the Holy Eucharist, the whole assembly went to the Novitiate to share a festive meal.
 

From left to right : Sr. Joséphine Ankleme, Sr. Générose Muambilabo and Sr. Séraphine Machozi

June 24, 2022 was an exceptional day at the "Mother House" of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in Ghent! Three events marked this day: the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the anniversary of the birth in heaven of Father Pierre-Joseph Triest, our Founder, and finally the perpetual profession of Sr Charitine Impuhwe in the chapel of the Mother House.

The ceremony began with the procession at the entrance of the chapel, while the organist accompanied the singing from the rood screen. The large presence of more than a hundred people at this celebration, including the Belgian South Community, Sr. Charitine’s family members, the staff of Tabor and our collaborators, marked this exceptional event.

In his homily, Bishop Luc Van Looy spoke about religious life saying that it is the same in Europe and Africa but the context is different. There is one God and we follow one Lord. Today, the world needs the presence of religious women who, in most cases, take the side of the poor and vulnerable. That is why it is important to pray a lot for the sisters who follow Christ.

The ceremony was very moving, especially for the sisters, who expressed the joy of experiencing such an event again after many years. During the Eucharist, hyms were sung in five languages: French, Dutch, English, Latin and Kinyarwanda, highlighting the international character of the community to which Sr Charitine belongs.

The symbols used in the offering procession were: the candle representing Christ; the flowers symbolising all the SCJMs; the grapes, host and wine symbolising the body and blood of Christ.

After the celebration, an aperitif was offered to the guests, followed by a fraternal meal in the dining room.

Please click this link to view the photos: Sr. Charitine Impuhwe’s perpetual vows

Video of the profession:

As you know, the Dutch-speaking Province has been in a process of restructuration for some time. On 20/06/2022, it was effectively restructured into a Region under the General Government of the SCJM.

The installation of the new regional team took place on the same day in the chapel of the Mother House, Ghent at 2pm.

The ceremony started with a procession : Sister Lucy Jacob, Superior General, carried incense, and the members of the regional team carried the Constitutions and Statutes of the SCJM, the encyclicals Fratelli Tutti, Laudato Si’ and the synodal document. These symbols were placed at the altar which was well decorated.

More than sixty Sisters, as well as lay collaborators, were present at this beautiful ceremony.

After the welcome by Sr. Dominiek Vanvoorden and the meditation of the Word of God, Sr. Lucy Jacob read the official letter of appointment of the new team which is composed of

1. Sr Birgit Goslain, Regional Superior

2. Sr Annie Duytschaever, Council Member

3. Sr Anne-Marie Castelein, Council Member

4. Sr Sushila Toppo, Council Member

Their mandate is for four years, with effect from 20/06/2022 to 19/06/2026.

From left to right: Sr. Annie Duytschaever, Sr. Birgit Goslain (Regional Superior), Sr. Anne-Marie Castelein and Sr. Sushila Toppo

After the reading of the letter of appointment, each member of the new team freely gave their response to commit themselves to the service of the Region and to work together hand in hand for the good of the Region. This was symbolised by the gesture of burning incense, each in turn, at the altar.

After the installation ceremony, the assembly moved to the corridor for the reception, followed by a fraternal meal in the Sisters’ refectory.

We wish them to be good leaders according to the heart of Jesus and assure them of our humble prayers.

11th June 2022 was a joyful day for the two Provinces in India as five novices pronounced their first vows in Hulhundu: two of Delhi Province and three of Ranchi Province. They had their Novitiate formation in Ashadeep, Hulhundu (Ranchi).

The newly professed are – Srs. Susana Cherowa, Mary Goreti Xalxo, Jyoti Hemrom, Salu Tirkey and Sumitra Laguri.

The Holy Eucharist was presided by Rev. Felix Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi archdiocese at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hulhundu. Sr. Lucy Emmanuel, the provincial superior of Delhi Province, was there to receive the vows of two novices. At the reception after the Mass, many sisters of the Ranchi Province and the family members of the newly professed sisters were present.

We wish our heartfelt congratulations to the newly professed sisters! Our best wishes and prayers are with you as you begin your life in the SCJM family.

From left to right : Srs. Salu Tirkey, Mary Goreti Xalxo, Jyoti Hemrom, Susana Cherowa and Sumitra Laguri

Video of the profession:

After two years of formation in the novitiate, our three novices were ready to take their temporary vows. The novitiate has set a solid foundation for living their consecrated life. The novices entered into retreat for eight days, guided and accompanied by Rev. Fr Patrick OFM Cap. After eight days of silence and solitude, reflection and discernment, our three novices Aniqa Shoukat, Shiza Arif and Summan Ashraf, were ready to plunge their nets into the deep.

The traditional ceremony of cutting hair of the novices took place on the eve of 22nd May, 2022 as all the Sisters were gathered together after their enriching experience of the Provincial Chapter session one. This ceremony has its origin dating back to the beginning of religious institutions. This traditional ceremony began with the hymn “I have decided to follow Jesus” which was followed by reading from the Holy Bible and psalm 45 was sung by everyone. As the psalm was sung Sr. Noreen Peter, the Novice Mistress performed this traditional ceremony of the cutting hair which symbolizes the total submission and offertory of oneself to God.

On 23rd May 2022 morning, at 7:30 am, the Formation Community proceeded to the Provincialate Chapel where the Provincial, General Councilor and Superior of the community along with the other Sisters welcomed and received them. All entered the chapel joyfully rejoicing and thanking the Lord for these new members in the Congregation. The Chapel was beautifully decorated and a meaningful liturgy was arranged for their Reception Ceremony. As the General Chapter theme is "Go and do likewise” so the novices desired to choose the same theme for their first commitment. They presented their request, after which they received habit and the veil, Constitutions and Statutes of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary by the Provincial. It was a moment of joy and blessing for the Province.

On the same day, the ceremony of pronouncing their temporary vows took place during the holy Eucharist in which the priests, religious, families of the novices and our SCJM Associates participated. The procession was led by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary along with the three novices, their parents and the priests. After the introduction of the ceremony, the parents of our three novices entrusted their daughters to Sr. Victoria Rehmat, the provincial Superior to be the members of the SCJM family.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Asif Sardar, with other priests. During the Holy Mass, the sisters consecrated themselves by pronouncing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to God publically for three years, to serve the Lord and His people like a Good Samaritan.

After making their request known, they received the SCJM cross as a sign of being the member of the Congregation. The ceremony moved along to garland the newly professed Sisters, a symbolic gesture of acceptance and rejoicing which was done by three jubilarian sisters. These moments were very touching as the sisters accepted and promised to help and support our newly professed sisters.

After the final blessing, a ‘Vote of Thanks’ was presented by the newly professed sisters. The melodious choir for the occasion was well prepared by Mr. Amir Yaqub and Sr. Magdalene Yaqub, which kept up the spirit of prayer and blessing for the great occasion.

After the Holy Mass, the newly professed sisters led the congregation to the Sacred Heart Convent Hall. Another ceremony of cutting cake, offering and receiving gifts and blessings was held. The festive food was then enjoyed by all.

May God continue to bless our three SCJMs and accompany them in their life’s journey as His chosen disciples.

Formation Community, Lahore

From left to right : Sisters Aniqa Shoukat, Summan Ashraf and Shiza Arif

After a long waiting, the fourth member of the International Community has arrived! Sr. Gertrude Kindeke Aliop of St. Bernard Province, Congo finally reached Brussels on 17 December 2021. She spent a couple of days with at Generalate and on 22nd she went to join the other three in Terhaegen, Ghent where she was warmly welcomed by the sisters. We wish Sr. Gertrude every blessing for the accomplishment of her mission.

As you already know, General Councillors Srs. Angélique and Cécile are in the province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo to facilitate the process of the nomination of a new leadership team. We have now the joy of announcing the names of the new Provincial leadership team of the province:
Provincial Superior : Sr. Isabelle Ilunga Kazadi,
Provincial Councilors : Sr. Marie Jeanne Muleka Kabangu
Sr. Carine Solange Kupela Kasongo
Sr. Hélène Mujinga Kanyanga
Sr. Francine Wumba Kini.
Congratulations dear Sisters! We wish you a fruitful mission of leadership in the province. Our prayerful support is always with you!

As coronavirus still having its control over us, we continue looking for alternate ways of organizing important events of our life and mission. This, the region of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam has planned a tertianship program in the region itself. The six junior sisters, Srs. Teresa Le, Maria Thao, Teresa Phuong, Anna Lien, Anna Thang and Anna Thuy have begun their tertianship on 27th December in Placid House. Sr. Lucy gave them an on-line orientation talk which was followed by a Holy Mass in the evening. Sr. Suman Toppo as the tertian mistress will accompany and guide them during this period of preparation for final vows. Our prayerful wishes to you, dear sisters.

This is the last time we ‘meet’ this year! We say Good-bye to 2021 and welcome 2022 with much hope and trust in the Lord! We wish you all the blessings of Christmas to last all the year through!

• On 4th February the community of the Generalate celebrated the 73rd independence day of Sri Lanka. The country of Sri Lanka became independent on

  

  4th February 1948 from the British rule. In the morning we had a very meaningful prayer, especially for the people and government of Sri Lanka. In the evening, Sr. Deepthika presented the history and culture of Sri Lanka through a power point presentation. It was interesting as well as informative.

• As you know that coronavirus has restricted travelling we have to find alternate ways of remaining connected with each other and to continue our mission. Sr. Lucy has been busy with canonical visit to the provinces/regions online. During February – March she was with our Sisters in Sri Lanka. For many of our sisters it is a new experience but gradually they are getting used to it and feel happy to learn the use of technology.

• The 2nd of February, as you know, is dedicated to Consecrated Life in the Church. This day was celebrated in the community in simplicity and joy. We were privileged to have the Eucharistic celebration in the community, presided by our parish priest. We entered the chapel in procession with lighted candle as a sign of witness and entrusted all the consecrated persons, especially the SCJMs, to God.

• Ms Hilde Baccarne from the secretariat retired from her work on February 25th

  

  2021. She has served in the Secretariat of the Generalate for the last 15 years. There was a simple farewell program for her from the community on 24th evening. Sr. Lucy & Sr. Kim Chi thanked her with words of appreciation and gratitude for her service. We spent some time together with Hilde over a cup of coffee. The Congregation is grateful for her selfless service in the secretariat.

• After a long period of time, Srs. Sushila Toppo and Noreen Fazal could come over and spend some time with us. Their presence on the day of Sr. Rosily’s birthday added to our joy. While here they also helped with some of the secretarial tasks with Sr. Kim Chi. Both of them had a unique experience of travelling by train for the first time from Ghent to Brussels. They are finding their way in Belgium.

• Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa from Rwanda and Sr. Teresa Xuan from Our Lady of Lavang, Vietnam are following a Formators’ program from Rome, online. They started their program in February 2021. At present Sr. Yvonne is in Nyamata, the vice-provincial house and Sr. Xuan is in Placide House, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Sisters Fatima Peiris from IAN, Sr. Pratima Kujur from Delhi province, Sr. Noreen Peter and Sr. Rufina Fayaz from Pakistan and Suman Toppo from Vietnam are also benefitting from various online formation programs offered by the Emmaus Center, Philippines.

• Sr. Suzy Spaenhoven from the region of Mali has arrived in Belgium on 21st March for her holidays. We wish her a happy and enjoyable stay in Belgium.

• Like many other countries, Belgium is also facing a surge in coronavirus cases. We are now faced with a third wave. As a result, more restrictions are enforced in the country.

• One by one, we in the Generalate have begun getting vaccinated. Once the invitation is received, we are required to take an on-line appointment in one of the many centres of vaccination here in Brussels.

• Despite all the restrictions, we are privileged to have Holy Week services in our own chapel. Our parish priest, a real shepherd of his flock, is with us five times a week for the Eucharistic celebration. Two other priests fill in the remaining days.

Even though we are forced to celebrate another Easter under lockdown conditions, the spirit of Easter transcends all restrictions.

So, we wish you all the blessings of this great event: LOVE, PEACE, JOY!

Hearty Congratulations and best wishes to all our dear sisters Prabha Horo, Sarojini Minj, Roshni Kerketta, Asunta Kujur, Shila Indwar and Martina Soren of Ranchi Province, and Srs. Rubita Narzary, Alice Chauhan and Susari Herenj of Delhi Province, who pronounced their final vows on 14th December at Nirmala College, in the presence of Sr. Mary Joseph, the Provincial of Ranchi, and Sr. Teresa Attupuram, the Provincial of Delhi. It was a day of great joy for all of us as we witnessed our sisters committing themselves to God for life in our Congregation.

Mass began at 9.30 a.m. with a beautiful entrance dance by the hostel girls, followed by the nine Sisters walking in procession, slowly and solemnly, each holding in her hand a lamp which they placed on the altar. The welcome address was given by Sr. Albina Mundu, the Tertian Mistress. The Holy Eucharist was officiated by His Grace Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo SJ, Archbishop of Ranchi, along with many other priests. His sermon was very inspiring and thought provoking as he spoke about religious vocation and total commitment to God. He highlighted the importance of making Jesus the center of our lives and invited each Sister to do so.

The melodious singing of Sr.Sushma Ekka and other sisters, along with the hostel girls, prepared for the event - added meaning to the Eucharistic celebration. Many family members and relatives of the tertians, many of our sisters, other religious, and our hostel students were present there to witness this great event. Srs. Teresa Thuan, Maria Loan and Maria Hanh, the three sisters from Vietnam who did the tertianship with them in Ranchi, remained to share their joy. After Holy Communion, Sr. Roshni Kerketta - one of the Finally Professed Sisters -proposed the vote of thanks.

All appreciated the hospitality of Sr. Lidwin and community and enjoyed the lunch lovingly prepared by them. Indeed it was their generosity and willingness to put up yet with another big function in between the Golden Jubilee celebration and the Province Assembly. All the sisters really worked hard to make this day a beautiful and a memorable one. The community is praiseworthy for its team spirit and hard work.

All the finally professed, filled with the Spirit of God are moving out to their new mission. We thank God for the gift of these nine Sisters to the Church and to our Congregation. We wish and pray that they live to the full, and remain faithful to the Lord and to the Congregation.

28 May - The long-awaited arrival of Sr. Erna

In the afternoon of May 28, 2019, at Kigali airport, we welcomed Sr. Erna De Wulf, after several months of waiting for her coming to help us in our developing "Mère Placide School Complex". This school was founded in January 2017 by Sr. Mary-Paul Vadassery, Director, in collaboration with Sr. Charitine Impuhwe, Prefect of Discipline and Sr. Thérèse Mukandoli who joined them in the 2nd trimester as Secretary Accountant. As Sr. Mary-Paul was appointed Vice-Provincial, it was no longer possible for her to continue as a school principal. She therefore asked Sr. Erna to come and replace her in this position. Sr. Erna first spent 2 weeks at the Vice-Provincialate in Nyamata to get more details about her new mission and to apply for a visa and identity card in Rwanda. In the meantime, she also made a return trip to Butare where she met the seamstress who made habits for her to wear in Rwanda.

On the evening of Sunday, June 16, she arrived in habit in Ndera where her community welcomed her with great joy. In each community, there were happy reunions with the Sisters who had known her for a long time and joyful encounters with the younger Sisters and aspirants.

On Friday, July 21, Sr. Erna received a warm welcome at the school by teachers and students in sports uniforms. Sr. Mary-Paul introduced Sr. Erna as the new headmistress of the school, with Sr. Marie-Claire Uwamahoro as the new prefect of studies and discipline. This welcome continued on Monday, July 24, this time with the students in their daily uniforms.

23 June - The sending of 5 aspirants to Butare for their entry to postulancy

The aspirants and Sisters were very happy about this event which brought hope to the Vice-Province.

27 June - The welcome of our young Sisters who have come back from Mali

Three postulants from Rwanda have just finished their novitiate in Mali where they celebrated their first profession on June 23rd. Full of joy and confidence in the future, they came back to the Vice-Province on June 27. Sr. Enatha went directly to see her parents, both are very sick with cancer. Srs. Beatrice and Pascaline stayed in Nyamata, at the Vice-Provincialate, waiting for another great celebration: the perpetual vows of two Sisters and a silver jubilee.

June 28 - Feast of the Sacred Heart

The whole community has organized itself for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. After that, a festive meal and a joyful recreation crowned the greatest celebration of our Congregation. Praise the Lord!

July 5 - The greatest joy in Ndera! The perpetual vows of Sisters Marie-Claire Uwamahoro and Gaudiose Icyimpaye and the jubilee of 25 years of religious life of Sr. Marie Mukayambire

The whole community of Ndera was mobilized to prepare this great celebration. Two days before the feast, the Sisters from the most distant communities began to arrive. Among them was Sr. Marie Mukayambire, the jubilarian who is in the community of Bujumbura - Burundi. The Sisters of Nyamata and Butare arrived on the morning of July 5. It was the joy of the reunion!

On the same day we had a very beautiful morning liturgy and the festive Eucharist at 10:30 a.m., presided by our Bishop, and concelebrated by 27 priests. Several family members, religious men and women and a large number of parishioners came to celebrate this double event with us. After a Eucharist of almost 4 hours, the guests headed to our “Mère Placide School Complex" where everything was prepared for the festive meal. The new postulants performed a traditional dance that was appreciated by all. During the meal, congratulations were extended to the Jubilarian and the 2 new perpetually professed Sisters. Bishop blessed us all before he left. Around 5 pm, we separated in thanksgiving and joy.

July 6 - First communion in the school

After the Sisters’ celebration, July 6 was the children’s celebration. Nine students, well prepared by our Sisters Therese and Charitine, were ready to receive their first communion. They were there very early with their families. At 10:00 am, the Eucharist was celebrated by the parish priest in the schoolyard. Over the past few months, a good number of 4th and 5th grade students have rehearsed the songs with Sr. Charitine to sing during this festive mass. And for a family the joy was double because during this ceremony the little brother of one of these children was baptized. Glory be to God! After a small snack offered to all, everyone continued the celebration with the family.

July 20 - Installation of the new superior of Ndera

After the departure of Sr. Mary-Paul, Superior of Ndera, appointed as Vice-Provincial, a long waiting period was crowned by the announcement of the name of the new Superior: Sr. Thérèse Mukandoli. Another great joy!

On Saturday, July 20, Sr. Mary-Paul came to the community, and in a beautiful evening liturgy prepared by our Sr. Colette, Sr. Thérèse Mukandoli was installed as local Superior for a period of 3 years. The joy continued during the festive meal and recreation. Just before the meal, Sr. Mary-Paul further increased the joy of the Sisters by announcing the names of Sr. Thérèse’s councillors: Sr. Erna De Wulf and Sr. Colette Uwamahoro.

This is how we have lived here in Rwanda from joy to joy in recent months. May the Lord be praised!

FIRST PROFESSION OF 9 NOVICES IN KIMPESE

Having completed their canonical year, the 2nd year novices were assigned to SCJM communities for three months for community experience, and also to experience the charism of the Congregation expressed through our works of charity and other ministries.
On December 6th, 2018 they returned to the formation house to complete their initial formation program.

In June, Sr. Adolphine Lukadi, the novice mistress guided them in a Charism retreat for 10 days.

From left to right :
Front : Sr Rosette Milolo, Sr Christine Lukadi, Sr Emérence Bikuba, Sr Adolphine Lukadi (novice mistress), Sr Bertine Nyamabu, Sr Marie Claire Tshituka, Sr Blandine Malungisa
Back : Sr Marie Tshituka, Sr Rosalie Dibele, Sr Huguette Lakuwa

On June 19th, Sister Angele Benabiabo, the Provincial Superior, met with the second novices individually.
June 23rd, many sisters went to Kimpese.
June 24th, 2019, during lauds following a hymn to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and in the presence of the Provincial Superior Sister Angele Benabiabo, 13 junior sisters renewed their vows,
The Eucharistic Celebration of the day began at 9:30 am, and was presided over by reverend Giraud Mpindi Mwanza, Vicar General of the Diocese of Matadi, accompanied by twenty priests. The parish youth choir directed by two junior SCJM’s added to this celebration to make it a faith filled and joyous occasion.

A clothing ceremony of 6 postulants was celebrated to mark their acceptance into the novitiate.
After the Gospel acclamation 9 senior novices were called forward and to the rhythm of a hymn they moved to occupy the places that were reserved for them. After the homily they pronounced their first vows as a sign of their commitment to the Lord through the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary way of life. Following the Eucharistic celebration, a special meal was served to the guests and everyone enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere.

In the evening, after adoration and vespers, supper was served in the Father Joseph Triest Square (see the large community) to the SCJMs, the families of the new Novices and the newly professed of the day and their guests who were to travel the next day.

CELEBRATION OF PERPETUAL AND TEMPORARY VOWS IN LUBUMBASHI

Arrival of the novices

On June 17, 2019, we left Kimpese at 5:00 am to travel to Kinshasa where we arrived at 10:00 am. On our arrival were warmly welcomed by all the sisters of the community of O.L. of Grace in Gombe, and we shared a refreshing drink, at 3:00 pm we went to the agency to have our luggage weighed in preparation for our flight. We returned to the community around 6:00 pm, where we continued the celebration with Sr. Angela BENABIABO, the Provincial Superior.
The next morning, a solemn service was held for us by the Sisters. Afterwards we went to visit the Brothers of Charity and their Provincial Superior congratulated us and encouraged us.

At 10:00 am, we left for Ndjili International Airport to board the plane that was scheduled to take off at 3:00 pm for Lubumbashi.
We arrived at Luano airport at 7:10 pm; Sisters Victorine NTENGU and Gisèle KANAILA were waiting for us. They were delighted to see us after many years, and we were taken to the Provincial House. Where we were graciously welcomed and received with joy amid singing and dancing we processsed to the Chapel. Sr Marie-Céline BULUNGU, the Provincial Superior of Saint Vincent Province, led the prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

Following the prayer, we were invited to the living room for some refreshments. Then we went to the community of Our Lady of Hope and on our arrived there at 9:30 pm. we once again received a warm welcome from the older sisters.
The final stop was at the Juniorate House where we would stay for 11days Sisters Beatrice, Gaudiose and Marie-Claire welcomed us very warmly.

During our stay there we worked and prayed until the long anticipated day of profession dawned.
Two days prior to our profession we had two day of, non-guided recollection during which we had a celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Profession celebration

On June 29, 2019, the very day of the profession, we led Morning Prayer (lauds) ourselves. After lunch, we prepared for the Eucharistic Celebration at the Parish of Our Lady of Peace, in Gecamines city.

Mass started at 10:00 am approx. The AMANI choir started the entrance hymn, the whole assembly sang joyfully while Monsignor Gédéon KAFUKU, the Vicar General and main celebrant of the day, accompanied by twelve priests, acolytes, and those of us who were about to make our profession as SCJMs, moved in procession towards the altar of the Lord.

Then came the moment when the Provincial Superior called each novice by name and each one answered: "Here I am".
The sisters to be professed moved to the altar while singing and each one made her commitment to remain faithful to God and to his Son Jesus Christ.

The newly professed
From left to right : Sr. Cornelie KALUNGA, Sr. Solange-Clarisse MUEJA, Sr. Nelly KASHIKA, Sr. Suzanne KAD and Sr. Marie-Jeanne APENDEKI

During the homily, the Vicar General emphasised the importance of being faithful to the evangelical counsels and especially to the vow of obedience.
Following the ceremony of first profession, the ceremony of perpetual vows began. After a short meeting with the Vicar General, the two sisters who were about to make perpetual profession went to their parents to ask for their blessing. Once this was done, the two sisters returned to the altar where the Vicar General and the Mother Provincial awaited them for the continuation of the ceremony.

The perpetual and newly professed sisters were congratulated and welcomed into the Triest family. The Mass continued and one of the Sisters of the Province gave a vote of thanks before the final blessing, the Eucharist ended at 2:00 pm.
A celebration was held in the P.J. Triest room of the Tshondo High School in thanksgiving for the commitment and generosity of the perpetual and newly professed SCJMs. Alleluia! Alleluia!

This year, in June, two significant events took place in the Inter-African Novitiate, i.e. five young postulants, (two from Rwanda and three from the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC), entered the novitiate and seven young novices, (three from Rwanda and four from the DRC), made their first vows.

ENTRY INTO THE NOVITIATE

We, the first year novices, are very happy to share with you something about our entry into the inter-African novitiate in Mali.
We started with an 8-day retreat from 4 to 13 June 2019, on the theme “God’s call”. The retreat was guided by Father Gregoire Keita. He said that it is God who calls whomever he wants and when he wants. He has called us and invited us to joyfully follow His path. Our vocation is an experience of love, that is, loving God, spreading his love wherever the poor call us, and being loved.”

From left to right : Julienne Tumone, Cécile Karamuka, Régine Ndaya, Francine Mukanyandwi, Marie Inès Mujinga

On the 7th day of the retreat, we had a night vigil, conducted by the senior novices, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On 8th the last day of our retreat, we prayed the lauds at 6:30 am. After the prayer we were led to the refectory with singing and dancing where a delicious breakfast was awaiting us.

The long awaited hour had come, so, we proceeded to the chapel to encounter the Lord during the ceremony, which began at 10:00 am in our novitiate chapel. Father Emmanuel Dembele, Vicar General and parish priest of San, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, accompanied by 6 other priests who concelebrated the Eucharist. All the religious communities in the city of San were invited to the celebration.

In his homily the parish priest drew our attention to the clothing ceremony by saying: “As we have put on a new dress, in the same way, we should change our hearts and habits in order to start a new life. We should let ourselves be formed.”
After the Mass the fraternal meal was served in our refectory. After that, we enjoyed watching a Malian dance. We were happy to begin our novitiate formation with such a meaningful celebration.

In the afternoon, at 3 pm, we took a little rest and by 5 pm, we went to distribute the rest of the food to the prisoners.
After vespers and supper, the celebration continued until 10:00 pm. At the end of the day, we thanked all the Sisters for their prayer, accompaniment and support.

FIRST PROFESSION

On 23 June 2019, on the solemnity of the Blessed Sacrament, we had the joy of celebrating our first profession. We were seven: Pascaline Mukandambaje, Espérance Musua, Thérèse Ngalula, Béatrice Byukusenge, Monique Muisangie, Enatha Dusenge and Léocadie Twangizila to make the first profession.

Mass began at 9:00 am in front of the square of Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral of San, with the procession of all the Sisters of the Region of Mali. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Donat Dakouo, delegate of the bishop, Monsignor Jean-Gabriel Diarra who was unable to attend, and concelebrated by six priests.

From left to right : Sr. Béatrice Byukusenge, Sr. Leocadie Twangizila, Sr. Espérance Muzwa, Sr. Pascaline Mukandayambaje, Sr. Monique Muisangie, Sr. Enatha Dusenge, Sr. Thérèse Ngalula

In his homily, the celebrant emphasized: “The solemnity of the Blessed Sacrament remains for you an unforgettable day throughout your life.” He invited us to be "Eucharist", that is, by the gift of ourselves to God, to clothe ourselves with humility and simplicity, following the example of Jesus Christ. After the homily, the ceremony of the profession began with a dialogue between Sister Cécile Ndaya, delegate of the Superior General, and the to be (newly) professed sisters, followed by the pronouncing of vows, handing over of the crosses and the constitutions of the Congregation.

It was a beautiful celebration. At the moment of entrusting us with our future mission, we sang the song of our consent and each one accepted graciously the new mission. Two of us, Sr. Thérèse Ngalula and Sr. Léocadie Twangizila, have been assigned to Mali. It was a joy for all those present.
We were anxious, at the same time full of joy. We are convinced that everything is grace and what is essential is to live for Jesus and to accomplish His mission with love and joy.

All the parishioners were invited to the novitiate for the fraternal meal. After the agape there was a time for everyone to exhibit their talents through dance and music. It was great! We thank God for the wonders He has already accomplished in our lives and we continue to rely on His grace to leads us on in the future in our new mission.

Before the D-Day, a conference cum debate was conducted by Brother François-Xavier, a brother of Saint Joseph of Mikalayi, followed by a time of entertainment with a football match between the teachers of our schools and the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary. The match ended on a score of one goal to nil in favour of the teachers.
Celebration of a jubilee is surely a time of grace and thanksgiving! We are therefore invited to contemplate on the wonders that God has accomplished through His handmaids, in the not so young mission of Mikalayi, St Joseph. We raise our hearts to you Lord in thanksgiving for the innumerable blessings which we have received without any merit of ours.

The history of Mikalayi tells us that five missionaries, of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, under the guidance of a White Father, Rev. Fr. De Deken, one of the two founders of this mission, left Bas-Congo in September 1893 to head for Luluabourg Saint Joseph, in Haut-Kasaï.

The caravan started their journey from Nemlao, a village near Muanda / Bas Congo, on September 2, 1893, and they arrived at the Mikalayi mission on January 20, 1894 after a long, tedious and painful journey of four months. It was indeed a journey in faith like our forefather Abraham, leaving behind the familiar and known and launching out into the unknown, relying only on the providence of God. It takes courage to answer such a call and risk one’s life for the Lord.

As soon as the Sisters arrived at the mission station, they found a group of hundred girls to teach and instruct and many sick to take care of. That alone summarizes all the activities of the Sisters in that place since then.

Over the years, new apostolates were added to the existing ones: the Lazaret, a place for the incurables and the elderly was founded in 1895; arrangements were made to place orphaned boys and girls in Christian families (1896) and started a dispensary; in 1923 a tailoring school (a sewing school) was built, etc. Education of the girls and the empowerment of women remained at the heart of the Sisters’ mission.

In Mikalayi, the first Girl’s School was begun by Sister Donat Olivier. This is the ancestor of the current Tusadile High School. The SCJMs thus became the promoters of girls’ education in Kasai. The reputation of our Mikalayi Girls’ Teacher Training School had reached all over Kasai. The boarding students were well supervised by the Sisters, who invited them to attend the prayers of the community.

On the medical side, not only had attention been paid to the care of patients at the clinic and hospital, but also to train qualified and competent medical personnel. Thus the nurses’ school (now I.T.M.) has been in operation since 1953. Today, as it was a hundred and twenty-five years ago, Mikalayi still remains the focal point of all the activities, with its important medical training: dispensary-maternity- psychiatric hospital, its health and nutritional centre.

In terms of works of mercy, the Sisters still keep all the works specific to the spirit of the founding charism: welcoming and caring for widows; organized orphanage and education of the youth.

A whole book will not suffice to narrate the story of Mikalayi’ and it can evoke the memory of all those people: Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Catechists, faithful believers, etc. who have dedicated all their energies and lives to the work of evangelization of the region, each one according to the unique gift received from the Spirit.

The Archbishop was unable to attend the jubilee celebrations so he delegated the Dean of the Parish of St Joseph, Mikalayi, to preside over the Eucharist. During his homily, the latter praised God for so many wonders accomplished through our pioneering Sisters; he also exalted and praised the work done by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary to this day in Mikalayi. He said that it was due to their presence and efforts religious life is flourishing in Kasai today.

After the communion, the Provincial Superior recalled the 125-years of the history of the presence of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in Mikalayi, the cradle of evangelization and religious life in Kasai.

Sister Angelique Dikete, one of the General Assistants, delegated by the Superior General who was unable to be present personally, gave glory to God for so many blessings. She thanked the Sisters for their missionary commitment and the assembly for their presence and support. Finally the Sisters and guests shared a meal in fraternity. Everyone was overjoyed with the experiences of the day.
We were fortunate to have the presence of the Provincial Superior of the Province of Saint Vincent de Paul and a large delegation of our Sisters from Mbuji-Mayi.
We thank the Lord for all His blessings and graces. We entrust ourselves to His Divine Providence.
May He continue to lead and guide us in our endeavours in furthering His Kingdom in this part of the world.

Sister Angèle BENABIABO

On the first of June 2019, 50 Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary celebrated the jubilee of their first professions;
We were blessed as 3 jubilarians celebrated 75 years;
4 Celebrated 70 years;
23 Celebrated 60 years;
20 Celebrated 50 years including Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General.

Unfortunately, not all of the European jubilarians could be present in Ghent;
The African and Asian jubilarians were united with their European sisters in heart and spirit. And all were remembered in the prayers of intercession.
Mgr. Van Looy, the Bishop of Ghent, was the chief celebrant and our Eucharistic celebration was graced by the beautiful music and singing of the polyphonic choir.
This was followed by cheerful meeting and greetings and stories of lived experiences;
a delicious meal was prepared and served by our lovely and gracious collaborators.

The years of commitment are accumulating, and so too is our enthusiasm and gratitude for everything the Lord has and is accomplishing here and around the world.

It was a joyful celebration of thanksgiving and jubilation.

Photos of the jubilee

On the eve of our New Entry into IAN (Inter Asian Noviciate), we started our day of prayer with the Lord, which had a meaningful and challenging theme entitled “You are not an Accident”.

We had a special opportunity to take time to reflect and to spend the day with the Lord by deepening our appreciation of our own lives and the gift of our vocations. It was said that my birth was no mistake, my parents may not have planned me but God did. He was not at all surprised by my birth. In fact, He expected it.

Long before I was conceived by my parents, I was conceived in the mind of God. He thought of me first. He planned the days of my life in advance, choosing the exact time of my birth and death. The Holy Scripture says, “You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book”. God never does anything accidentally, and he never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything he creates.

This was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and to cherish the gift of our vocations and the wonder of our beings. We felt God’s goodness to each one of us. With this inspiring reflection we were so happy and our desire was deepened to give ourselves to the Lord. We found more meaning in our lives and the joy of giving ourselves to the Lord. We spent the day in prayer and experienced deep silence everywhere. We were completely in union with God with the guidance of Sr. Fatima our novice mistress.

The theme was so relevant for our entry into the Novitiate. Sr. Fatima enlightened us with her inspiring reflection together with some Scripture passages which enabled us to deepen our appreciation that everything that happens in our lives is according to the great purpose and plan of God for each one of us and every event is planned by God. “Yahweh called me from my mother’s womb, He pronounced my name before I was born” (Is: 49/1).

The words of the Psalmist and the reflection given by Sister Fatima deepened our conviction of our call as SCJMs. We were inspired to allow God to continue transforming us into his image and to be open to him and to allow him to pour himself on us.

Our chapel was beautifully decorated with a display of the words “ I have called you by name, you are mine ”. We had a very meaningful liturgy, conducted by Sr. Fatima and Sr. Jamila. During the prayer service we were given the uniform and came dressed up with the new uniform. Each of us received the Holy Bible, the Constitution and the Cross. Then we offered a symbol of ourselves with a meaningful prayer.

At the end of the prayer service, we were led to the dining room, accompanied by our two professed sisters and our two senior novices. They congratulated us and expressed their best wishes for a happy and a bright future. Finally we had grand dinner and recreation. This was an unforgettable day in our lives here in IAN.

Our group consists of seven, from different countries:
Two from Rwanda
Two from Vietnam
Two from Delhi
One from Pakistan

Janviere, Trâm, Thành, Roma, Esther, Tamanna and Jobita entered the novitiate on May 5th 2019.

Thank you and may God bless you.
( First year novices.)

From left to right: Jobita, Thành, Roma, Tamanna, Sr. Fatima, Janviere, Trâm, Esther

Ranchi Province joyfully celebrated the first profession of eight senior novices: They were, Kerketta Renu, Gloria Baa, Cicilia Chutia Purty, Abha Tirkey, Neelanchal Reshma Beck, Manjula Toppo, Binita Kujur, and Julia Mundu.

The ceremony was held at the Sacred Heart school hall in Hulhundu. It started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9.00 am; the main celebrant was His Grace Telesphore Bilung, the auxiliary bishop of Ranchi Arch diocese. Nine priests concelebrated the Holy Mass with the Bishop. The homily delivered by His Grace was very meaningful and inspiring as it was very much related to the theme and to the readings of the day.

The novices pronounced their vows with confidence and zeal, in the presence of Sr. Mary Joseph and the large congregation present in the hall. The ceremony was moving in its prayerful dignity and sense of joy, enhanced by the choir of sisters, novices and postulants led by Srs. Sushma Ekka and Josephine Xaxa. The presence of parents, relatives, friends and SCJMs from nearby communities as well as several priests and religious of other Congregations also added to the joy of all and in particular to that of the newly professed Sisters. Following the Eucharistic celebration, the new brides of Christ were congratulated and felicitated by SCJMs, friends and family members. The celebrations which followed were simple but enormously joyful. There followed a fellowship meal which was enjoyed by all. Indeed the day was very special, not only for the newly professed, but for the whole Congregation and for the entire Church.

From left to right - Front: Sr. Reshma Beck, Sr. Nilima Kerketta, Sr. Binita Kujur, Sr. Manjula Toppo
From left to right - Back: Sr. Abha Tirkey, Sr. Julia Mundu, Sr. Cicilia Chutia Purty, Sr. Renu Gloria Baa

For many reasons, the Beau-Vallon offers an ideal festive setting. So, for years, the jubilees of the Sisters of the South Province have been celebrated here. On May 11, we celebrated the jubilees in honour of Sr. Teresa of the Trinity, Sr. Maria-Felix and Sr. Benitia.

Thanks to two members of the pastoral team - Daniel, the organist, and Martine, the cantor - we entered the Eucharistic celebration as if in a branch of the Celestial Palace. One could not help but listen to the words of Father Jean Radermakers sj.’s homily and take one or two pearls from it. I remember, for example, this beautiful image: of each of us growing in the silence of our mother’s womb for nine months, so as to become, the synthesis of humanity’s long secular growth.
After the consecration, our inter-culturality was expressed, this was thanks to the rite of adoration accomplished by our Sisters from Asia and by the farandole initiated by our African Sisters, at the end of the Eucharist, to lead the assembly to the place where the aperitif was being served.

After the delicious dinner worthy of the local Chief-chef, we took a moment to relax. But I can assure you that no one fell asleep! This was for a good reason... All those who were invited agreed to take an active part in a "tour of the Provinces", which engaged the healthy curiosity of each one. This was followed by joyful music played by an accordionist and his son.
Kim-Chi kicks off: she sings a Vietnamese song with a warm voice that captivated us.
Then it was the turn of Sr. Deepthika to explain one of the ways to welcome guests to their homes in Sri Lanka: they are presented with small portions of rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with dried fruit. She put her words into action, as she offers us the opportunity to discover its flavour before leaving Beau-Vallon. Del-icious!
Sr. Roshni gave us the opportunity to experience two rites in the Province of Ranchi: the pre-agreement of the bride and groom in the presence of their families, each of them successively presenting to the other a container filled with water, a sign of life. Our assembly was the witness group on this occasion.
This was followed by the rite of foot washing to welcome a host. But here, it was about washing hands...
Sr. Shama energetically takes us to Pakistan, or more precisely to the Indo-Pakistani border, at the time of the traditional daily rite of lowering the flag at the end of the day. We felt we were there!
Sr. Angélique and Sr. Cécile, dressed in raffia loincloths, sang a song of praise to us on an African dance step: a rhythm that made us dance sitting on our chairs.
Sr. Birgit proudly announced that the Dutch-speaking Province can boast of having a true professional pastry chef among its Sisters. To prove this, Sister had made us a big box of delicious cakes! Mmmm....
And finally, Sr. Muriel speaks on behalf of the Belgian South Province to tell us some tales with a real and tasty Brussels accent. And klett, Mariett!
But it wasn’t over! Suddenly our Sr. Germaine got up and invited us to sing together. However, the last word was really with Sr. Thérèse Renoirte who expressed what we all felt in our hearts: to each and all of us, THANK YOU! And see you next year! God willing.

“SCJM, do you love me?... Feed my sheep!” (Jn 21:15- 17)

Every year, together with the whole church we share in the great joy of Easter. This year our joy was added to with the first profession of our four novices on 27th April 2019 - a memorable day for those who were going to be professed as well as for all the members of the Region of our Lady of Lavang of Vietnam.

The theme of the General Chapter 2017 was chosen once again as the theme of their Profession. For they were determined to give an answer to that touching yet challenging question of Jesus through their dedication to Him: “SCJM, do you love me?”. Indeed, it was done by their act of pronouncing the three evangelical counsels on that very day.

Who could explain the feelings of four novices that day? After years of formation and discernment, four young and enthusiastic women were willing to say “yes” to the Lord’s call in the presence of their family members and the whole congregation. Although they were a little nervous and emotional, never the less their expression of love and dedication was firm and clear.

On that beautiful day, the words of the boy Samuel sounded repeatedly in the ears of those who were present in that church: “Lord, you have called me. Here I am”. Sister Roshni Barla, SCJM, the General Assistant, welcomed these four novices into the SCJM family by offering a chain and our SCJM cross.

The memory of the event that our Living God called His chosen people in the Old Testament came alive. We believe that from those moments, the history of salvation was flowing like a single stream. Yes, that very same day, a new page has been turned in the history of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, especially the Region of our Lady of Lavang in Vietnam.

The SCJM family has been blessed with four more members. These women voluntarily chose to follow the Lord in SCJM way of life - a life marked with simplicity and self-denial, in spite of their own limitations. Is that not witnessing to the world that there is something greater than material goods, power and position? Is that not making the joy of Easter become real and true?

The rite of Religious profession was solemnly celebrated in an atmosphere of love and prayer. Having been examined about their freedom to make this profession by the Rev. Bishop Dominic NGUYEN Van Manh, the coadjutor Bishop of Dalat diocese the four novices then prostrated in front of the altar while the choir sang Psalm 50. This has been always the most moving and beautiful moment of the ceremony.

They appeared before the congregation as sacrificial witnesses of love and the hearts of all the participants seemed to be drawn in the same destination. All joined in the same joy of witnessing the dedication of themselves in Religious life. Following that, each sister in turn pronounced her commitment to the Lord and received a cross which has inscribed on it “God is love”.

From now on these sisters will be living and witnessing to that statement. The congregation was overjoyed to welcome and congratulate the four newly professed sisters. In thanksgiving, Mother Mary’s song of praise – the Magnificat - was sung. The face of each sister was shining with joy and they radiated that joy to all who were present.

The Bishop, in His homely, focused on the gift of the call, beginning with Moses, then Peter, and our call. He especially invited all the newly professed sisters to be rooted in God, to have a greater love, for it is from God that we draw the Love and strength needed to do our mission. Every mission begins with the answer to the question of Jesus: “Do you love me?”.

The mass ended at 11.45 with an emotionally charged atmosphere and was followed by a sumptuous meal and beautiful singing and dancing and everyone enjoyed and celebrated the beautiful gift of a vocation.

Everything was good, we thanked God for His numerous blessings, and expressed our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the people who had contributed to the success of this celebration.

Through the First Religious Profession of our four sisters, the JOY of the Gospel was manifested to everyone! As Pope Francis said in one of His Apostolic Letters: “The Joy of the Gospel is only discovered in the service to others: You will find life by giving life, hope by giving hope, love by giving love”.
(From left to right: Sr. Teresa Sâm, Sr. Anna Tin, Sr. Maria Hiền, Sr. Maria Hương)

Photos of the profession

The Region of Mali has a new team consisting of Sr. Marguerite Tubale Matandu, Regional Superior (left), Sr. Rose Meta Kabambi (center) and Sr. Symphorose Kadd’a Tshiend (right) as councilors. The installation of new team took place in San, on 24th February 2019.

A new provincial team began its leadership ministry in the province of Ranchi from 23 February 2019. Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal (middle) is the new provincial superior.

From left to right : Sister Albina Mundu, Sister Lidwin Mary Rodrigues, Sister Mary Joseph Valiyankal (Provincial Superior), Sister Elsy Joseph Vadake Vettuvazhiyil, Sister Susanna Barla.

This year, the SCJM Generalate celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its existence in Brussels. The celebration took place on the 15th of December 2018 in the Generalate. Mgr. Luc Van Looy, Bishop of Gent, presided over the Jubilee Eucharist. Among the invitees, there were the sisters from European provinces who were part of the Generalate community to render service to the Congregation in different ways. Especially, the presence of Sr. Ludo Vercammen, our former Superior General, was a highlight of the day.
In welcoming the guests, Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, stated:

«We are celebrating today, the presence of our “Common Home”, as Sr. Christiane Dupuis of the South Province of Belgium called it the last time we gathered here (6th Oct. this year), in the heart of Europe. If the walls of this house could speak, they will have a very long, rich and multicolored narrative to recount: the successive teams of the general government, the passage of numerous Sisters from every part of the world, visitors of all kind, the countless meetings held here, the innumerable decisions made or unmade, policies defined and directives given, meeting and exchange of cultures, fun and laughter… one can go on.
Above all, for the last 50 years, it has primarily been a home to successive generations of leadership teams – of those SCJMs who have been entrusted with the mission of leading, guiding and animating the life & mission of the Congregation, taking forward the legacy inherited from our Founder Peter Joseph Triest and Mother Placide. The core of today’s celebration, as I see it, is this: the spirit that binds us together as one.»

Photos of the Jubilee celebration

The vice province of Our Lady of Kibeho (Rwanda) has a new team consisting of Sr. Mary Paul Vadassery, vice provincial (C), and Sr. Colette Uwamahoroand (L) Sr. Athanasie Mukangoga (R) as councilors. The installation of new team took place during a meaningful prayer service at the vice-provincialate, Notre-Dame de Kibeho, Nyamata, on 10th November 2018.

The Province of St. Vincent de Paul has a new provincial team that was installed on August 1st, 2018 in the Chapel of the Community of Our Lady of Hope in Lubumbashi.

From left to right : Sr. Jeannette Kaseka, Sr. Jacqueline Mushikwa, Sr. Marie-Céline Bulungu (Provincial Superior), Sr. Léontia Kabedi et Sr. Marie-Jeanne Kyuma.

Echo Septembre 2010

Echo March 2011

A new provincial team began its leadership ministry in the province of Sri Lanka from 02 June 2018. Sr. Ajitha Fernando (middle) is the new provincial superior. For Councilors, we have (L-R) Sr. Yogarani Rajaratnam, Sr. Malkanti Feranando, Sr. Patsey Pitchai and Sr. Lanka Fernando.

The Dutch-speaking province has a new leaderhip team. You meet them here: (L-R) Sr. Anne-Marie Castelein, Sr. Birgit Goslain (provincial Superior), Sr. Lieve De Beul and Sr. Veroniek Ottenburgs. The installation of the new team took place on 3rd June 2018 at our Mother House in Gent.

Communication 1 from Kinshasa: EGC 2019

You must be eagerly waiting to hear some news from Kinshasa.
On 27th July Sr. Lucy Jacob, Superior General, Sr. Angélique Dikete, General Councilor and Sr. Kim Chi, General Secretary arrived Gombe Kinshasa late in the evening.
They were welcomed by Sr. Angèle Benabiabo, the Provincical Superior of St. Bernard province and the sisters of Notre Dame de Grace community in Gombe.

On 28th July Sr. Mary Paul Vadassery, the Regional Superior of Our Lady of Kibeho reached Kinshasa.

Sr. Marguerite Tubale, the Regional Superior of Region of Mali was the next to arrive Gombe on 29th July.

The Provincials from Asia, Sr. Teresa Attupuram, Provincial of Delhi province, Sr. Mary Joseph, Provincial of Ranchi and Sr. Suman Anima Toppo, the Regional Superior of Vietnam arrived at Kinshasa, Gombe on 30th July by afternoon. Sr. Ajitha Fernando, Provincial Superior of Sri Lanka joined the others in Nairobi on 30th July.
Sr. Sophia Patras, Provincial of Pakistan province reached on 30th July.

Srs. Deepthika Silva, Roshni Barla, Cécile Ndaya, Sr. Birgit Goslain, Provincial of Dutch-speaking province, Sr. Anne-Marie Berckmans, Provincial of South province, Belgium, reached by morning hour of 31st July. In Istambul, Br. Emili Turú, the facilitator joined the group to come to Kinshasa.

The last to arrive were Sr. Elizabeth Roche, Regional Superior of Anglo-Irish region and Ms Frances Heery, the co-facilitator on 31st July in the afternoon.

All the partcipants of EGC arrived safely but most of us arrived Gombe without our luggage. It took one or two days to receive them. But some are still waiting for their luggages.

The Provincial Superior of St Bernard province and all the sisters of the community received the participants with warm welcome and made us feel at home. They have gone out of their way to prepare the place to be comfortable as possible and to make our stay a memorable one.
The members settled down quickly in the new place/ surroundings and had enough rest after their long journey.

On 1st August in the evening at 5.00 PM the EGC members were officially welcomed by Sr. Angèle Benabiabo in the conference hall. Speaking to the participants she welcomed them with warmth and thanked the General Team for choosing St. Bernard’s Province as the host province. She also gave a brief history of the province. The general introduction and practical information were given to the participants by Sr. Angélique Dikete.

The climax of the welcome ceremony was the supper and soirée (evening get together).
Everyone enjoyed the grand supper and thereafter the dance by our sisters.
This is just the grand start. Tomorrow we will have the grand opening of the EGC with Eucharistic celebration. More news will follow during the coming weeks. Don’t forget to keep us in your prayers.

Photos of the EGC

Kinshasa, 5 August 2019

Dear Sisters,
We hope you enjoyed our first Communication letter! The weather in Kinshasa is pleasant and we are ready to give you some more news about the EGC.

2nd August 2019

The Opening Mass for the EGC 2019 started with the Congolese Cultural Procession to the Community Chapel. The whole Eucharistic Celebration was colored with hymns in French, English, Latin, Swahili, Tshiluba, Kikongo and Lingala, accompanied by the joyful beating of the drums and other local musical instruments. At the beginning of the Holy Mass, Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, welcomed the participants of the EGC 2019 and introduced the facilitators and members of other services.

Miss Frances Heery, the co-Facilitator, began the opening Session of the EGC with an exercise of Mindfulness, focusing on our body to connect with our mind and our mind to the body. This was followed by mind awakening questions to prepare the participants for the work of the EGC. The exercise of “Telling the Story” introduced by Br. Emili Turú Rofes, FMS was greatly enjoyed by the participants. Quoting from our Constitutions, he highlighted the objective of the EGC and the tasks to be achieved. This was followed by an input on Contemplative Leadership and sharing in the table groups.

Later, the participants were also asked to give expression to their expectations on this EGC. These reflections were first shared in the table group and then in the plenum.

3rd August 2019

The day started with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The whole day was spent on sharing of the Calls and symbols of each province. The method used by the facilitators for each Call was different and thought provoking. The day ended with the celebration of the Holy Mass. The Lectio Divina was practiced during the Holy Mass, after the Holy Gospel, for 20 minutes.

4th August 2019

We joined the Parish of Sacred Heart for the celebration of the Sunday Mass. The Church was packed though this was the second Mass (there are four Masses on Sundays). The local Christian Community came across to us as a very vibrant and alive Community. The whole Congregation was fully involved in the Mass. It lasted for two full hours. The rest of the day was free and the next session began only at 6 pm.

We were then informed of the program for the following day: an immersion experience in view of having an opportunity to be in touch with certain realities of this country, especially the ‘wounds of Christ’ in the poor, and to be in touch with our own identity as a Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary. The places chosen for the immersion experience are:

1. An Institute run by the Sisters of Charity of Mother Teresa who care for the poor of all ages
2. Hospice for rejected Elderly run by the diocese
3. An Institute for the Street Children run by the Jesuits

The sisters were given the choice to group themselves to visit one of the above and share the reason of their choice.
The day ended with the sharing of the experience of two days in “Community” groups.

Thanks for being with us through your prayers. We shall meet again through the next letter!

Photos of the EGC

08 August 2019

Dear Sisters,

Greetings from Kinshasa!

From 2nd to 4th August, the participants of the EGC were in the process of “knowing one another, the Congregation and the local Church”. On 5th August we began “listening to the cry of the Earth and cry of the poor” (LS49), through a process of Observe, Reflect and Act.

5th August

It was a day of immersion – being with some of the vulnerable ones around us here in Kinshasa. The group divided itself into three and visited three different centers: the Institute for the poor run by the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, the Hospice for the rejected elderly run by the diocese and the Institute for the Street children run by the Jesuits. Each group took a lunch packet which was shared with those in the institutes. In the evening, we had a short meditation during which we were directed to reflect on the day in silence and to have a dialogue with Jesus about what we had experienced during the day and to listen to his response. This was followed by a sharing in the group. We were touched by the suffering of the poor, sick, elderly and children. We felt called to be the healing presence of Christ wherever we are placed. The day ended with the celebration of the Holy Mass

6th August

The first session started with the hymn of praise for the whole creation. We were guided to take a long loving look at the real: to observe without judgment, to pay attention, to take time and wait. The day was spent on reflecting the various aspects of our life together, sharing our experiences with one another and identifying core values of our SCJM identity.
The celebration of the Eucharist with Lectio Divina after the Gospel marked the end of the day.

7th August

The morning session began with the hymn, “Ancient Words…” by Michael W. Smith followed by the Prayer of Thomas Merton, “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going……”

During the day, the EGC participants focused on the necessity of listening and being attentive to all aspects of a situation before jumping to conclusions and making decisions in haste. We also dedicated a considerable amount of time on our call to be international/intercultural. While its challenges are many, we found ourselves very much at home with it. We also listened to the “good practices” of each province and region and felt strengthened by one another. The day ended with recalling the experience of the past two days in “community groups” followed by the celebration of the Eucharist.

8th August

The day began with the invitation to be grateful to God for everything with the help of a short video titled “A Grateful Day”. The participants were asked to jot down some of the blessings for which they felt grateful for on small pieces of paper. These were later placed on the white board for all to see. After this Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, addressed the EGC, urging the participants to be the Sowers of prophetic Hope to the world.

The rest of the morning was spent in reviewing all our experience thus far and discerning God’s ways through them. In this process, we were guided by two questions: (1) what is God’s dream for the SCJMs as a global body for the next four years? (2) Is there anything that might hold us back from being more prophetic? This led us to identifying and enlisting emerging themes and directions.
The day ended with a Holy Mass celebrated by His grace Fridolin Ambongo, the archbishop of Kinshasa, followed by a meal together. His visit was acknowledged with gratitude with the offering of gifts, including a goat, in the traditional manner.

We feel connected and energized by your supportive prayers. Thank you!

Photos of the EGC

12 August 2019

Dear Sisters,

Greetings from each member of the EGC 2019 at Kinshasa, Congo.

9th August 2019: The day started with the invitation of the Gospel, “Take up your cross and follow Me” through a video hymn, a prayer of Pope Francis on the same theme.

Based on the 3rd step of the contemplative process (“act”), we had an input session by Bro. Emili Turú Rofes on the question: What response will be made in the light of observation and reflection? The fruits of this reflection were shared and three themes were chosen for further reflection and sharing. The day ended with the sharing in the “Community Groups” and the celebration of the Holy Mass.

10th August 2019: Our spontaneous sharing of “Overnight Thoughts” and the poem, “The Sharing” led the group into the working of the day. The participants were asked to work in Continental Groups to work on how to transmit the EGC message to the provinces. Each group shared the methodology for doing it.

At the close of the last session, Sr. Cecile Ndaya proposed a vote of thanks to Br. Emili Turú Rofes and Miss Frances Heery, our facilitators, and were given a token of gratitude by Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General. The working of the day ended with Lectio Divina in “Community Groups”.

11th August: All the participants went to Cathedral for the Eucharistic Celebration.

12th August:

The Morning Session began by invoking the Holy Spirit. Sr. Lucy Jacob introduced Mr Paul Ongenaert and Ms Virginie Roussels, representatives of the ‘Tabor Group’ in Ghent, to the participants of the EGC. They spoke to us on a proposed project for collaboration with the Congregation in its mission in the world.

We, the members of the EGC 2019 put on record our gratitude to our two Facilitators, Brother Emili Turú Rofes FMS and Miss Frances Heery, for accompanying us and keeping us focused on attaining the objectives of the EGC.

The alertness and precision of the translators, Sr. Martin Krichel and Mr. Hubert, made the sessions clearer for the bilingual group.

Our Secretary General, Sr. Kim-Chi Duong, and PV secretaries, Sr. Marie- Madeleine Mujinga, Sr. Berthe Matondo, Sr. Therese Kabezya and Sr. Jeannine Petumpenyi, with their expertise documented the working of each day and got the handouts ready for us on time.

The province mobilized the services of various sisters to attend to the needs of EGC, who gave themselves so generously and selflessly. This includes daily prayer and liturgy, food and dining room service, health care, laundry and all other odd services. Sr. Wivine Mbombo, the Superior of the community, left no stones unturned in caring for our spiritual and temporal needs.

We extend our gratitude to each member of the Congregation for being united with us through your constant prayers.

Photos of the EGC

16 August 2019

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:

• Presentation on Communication Channels by Sr. Deepthika Silva
• A structure in the service of Communion by Sr. Angelique Dikete
• Final draft of Message from the EGC 2019 by Sr. Elizabeth Roche and Sr. Anne Marie Berckmans

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!

Photos of the EGC

As many of you in various provinces / regions are listening to the call for an “ecological conversion” through your annual retreat, Laudato Si Week 2022 has come calling us to celebrate together!

This is held May 22-29 with the theme “Listening and Journeying Together”, guided by a quote from Pope Francis: “Bringing the human family together to protect our common home” (LS 13). This global celebration calls us to listen and respond together to the cry of creation.

Once again let us, as a global body of SCJMs, journey together with our sisters and brothers all over to world and intensify our efforts in solving the dual challenges of the climate emergency and ecological crisis. This is particularly significant as our focus for 2022 is “ecological conversion”.

Laudato Si’ Week 2022 is sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and facilitated by Laudato Si’ Movement in collaboration with a number of Catholic partners.

For more information on this “Week” and to get ideas for getting creatively involved, kindly log on to https://www.laudatosi.va

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
20 May 2022

• As already indicated in the last “update”, Sr. Lucy Jacob was with our Sisters of the Anglo-Irish region for a visit and returned to the Generalate on 7th May. Both for the Sisters and for Sr. Lucy it was a very enriching experience.

• Sr. Rosily Mathew, our general bursar, paid her maiden visit to England and Ireland and got herself better informed of the financial situation and administration of the region. This experience definitely enhances her in her role and tasks in the Congregation.

• In the spirit of synodality, the members of the General Council are engaged in the task of accompanying our sisters at their provincial/regional chapters as facilitators.
  • Sr. Cécile Ndaya has been with the chapter group of the Community of Belgium South which had its chapter over five weekends, from 04 April to 07 May 2022.
  • Sr. Angélique Dikete and Sr. Cecile Ndaya are in the provinces of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Bernard respectively. Both the provinces have their chapters simultaneously from 15-20 May.
  • Sr. Deeptika Silva is with the Sisters of Pakistan whose chapter falls between the 18th and 23rd of May.
  • Sr. Roshni Barla has just left for Ranchi. She will be with the chapter members of the province from 20-25 May.

We remain united with them and with our Sisters in these provinces in Spirit and assure them of our prayerful support as they journey together in discernment.

• On Saturday, the 14th, our Mother House in Gent welcomed a good many of our Sisters from the various communities of Europe who joined the Jubilerians of this year in praise and thanksgiving for their 75, 70, 60 or 50 years of their commitment in the Congregation. The thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was followed by a reception culminating in a sumptuous meal. Vibrations of joy and excitement filled the air as sisters socialised and exchanged news with one another.

Please click this link to view the photos : Jubilee celebration in Ghent

• On 16th May, the community had the joy of welcoming his Lordship Raymond Wickramasinghe, the Bishop of Galle, Sri Lanka who paid us a courtesy visit along with his secretary, Fr. Ruwan. We had some grace-filled moments with them.

Celebration of Easter

After the long period of Lent, we had the opportunity to make the ascent to Easter by offering our prayers to God for all those who suffer throughout the world.
Before the Easter vigil, we shared a fraternal meal together as a community. After the meal, the members of the community were free to go and celebrate the Eucharist in a parish of their choice in Brussels. Easter Sunday started with a beautiful liturgy in our well decorated chapel. After breakfast, everyone was free to participate in the Eucharistic celebration in the different parishes of Brussels.

The risen Christ is present among us, always bringing us peace, joy and hope.

Community outing

Two years ago, the members of the Generalate community had planned a community recreation day in Keukenhof, Netherlands; but this did not take place because of the Covid-19 situation.

As the situation has more or less stabilized, the community had the opportunity to make this excursion on 20th April 2022. We left Generalate around 7.30 am, after morning prayer, and had a very beautiful sunny day. After walking, enjoying and contemplating the different species of tulips and other flowers, we returned to the community in the evening.

Sr. Anne-Marie Berckmans came to look after the house during our outing; we sincerely thank her for her availability.

Sr. Lucy Jacob’s visit to the Anglo-Irish Region

Sr. Lucy is making her canonical visit to the Anglo-Irish Region from 23 April to 7 May 2022. We wish her a safe journey and a fruitful mission there and assure her of our spiritual and moral support.

As you already know, Srs. Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya have been journeying with our sisters of the province of St. Bernard, Congo in the process of discernment for the appointment of a new leadership team. In effect, we have a new leadership team installed on 16th: Sr. Angèle Benabiabo as the Provincial Superior with Sr. Arlette Lusukamu, Sr. Chantal Mutombo, Sr. Annie Makiese and Sr. Hélène Doteane as Provincial Council members.

As the installation service was held also on line, several sisters from other parts of the Congregation too could participate at this joyful occasion.

From left to right: Sr. Angèle Benabiabo (Provincial Superior), Sr. Chantal Mutombo, Sr. Annie Makiese, Sr. Hélène Doteane and Sr. Arlette Lusukamu

Sr. Lucy Jacob, Superior General, started her canonical visit to Ranchi Province on 1st February online. She could not visit the sisters in person as Covid situation in India was bad. The Internet connection is a concern, especially in the communities situated in the villages.

Sr. Marie Louise went for her annual retreat to De Bron, Lovenjoel, on 4th February and came back refreshed and energised on 12th February to the community.

20th February 2022 was a very significant day for the whole Congregation, when the official opening of the Terhaegen International Community in Ghent took place during a prayer service at 3.00pm, organized by the provincial leadership team and sisters of Nederlandstalige Provincie. The installation of Sr. Sushila Toppo as the superior of the community was done by Sr. Lucy Jacob. On this occasion, the relic (first degree) of our Founder Rev. Peter Joseph Triest was brought from Lovedegem and placed in the chapel of the Mother House. At the end of the prayer service, a young tree was planted in the garden of Terhaegen, symbolizing the beginning of the new venture in the Congregation. Many sisters from Nederlandstalige Provincie, Belgium South community and Generalate were present for the occasion.

Since it was streamed online, many of our sisters from all the Provinces, Vice-province and Regions could also watch the program. It was an opportunity to give a testimony of Cor Unum Anima Una. 

Terhaegen International Community

Please click this link to see the photos: Photos of the opening of Terhaegen INC

Video :

Sisters Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya left for Congo, St. Bernard Province, on 23rd February for the animation of the Province in view of the nomination of a new leadership team. We wish them our prayerful support during this very important process in the Province.

Last week, the storm Eunice caused havoc in England and other western countries of Europe. The wind blew with the speed of 122 miles per hour. Belgium also was affected by it. We too felt its effect here in the Generalate. One huge tree in the campus was uprooted and it fell on other trees. Some branches of it have fallen on the compound of our neighbours – the Cloistered Carmelite Sisters. It has damaged some part of the boundary wall. Now it is a huge task to get it cleared and have the wall restored.

• Sr Valsam Jose came back to the Generalate on 15/01/2022 after the funeral of her younger brother who died in India and after spending her holidays with her family. It was a joy for us to meet in the new year 2022. We welcome her back to the Community after recovering her moral and physical energies.

• As you already know, the Belgian South Province has become the Belgian South Community with Sister Anne-Marie Berckmans as canonical Superior. The official installation of the canonical Superior took place on 15/01/2022 at Saint Servais and on 16/01/2022 at the home in Neufvilles. Sr. Cécile Ndaya was delegated by the Superior General for this occasion.

Our warmest and most sincere congratulations to Sister Anne-Marie for her new mission! We thank her for having accepted to carry this heavy responsibility and wish her a good apostolate in the Lord’s vineyard.

• The processes of the nominations of the provincial teams in the Congregation are taking place. Now it is the turn of the Province of Delhi. The installation of the new leadership team took place on 23/01/2022 during a meaningful prayer service. Many sisters attended it as it was online. The members of the new team are:

 Sr. Lucy Emmanuel Punnamukalel (Provincial Superior)

 Sr. Moly Augustine Vavukatt

 Sr. Kiran Kispotta

 Sr. Vandana Jose Kocholickal

 Sr. Vineetha Miranda.

We wish them a good mission in the Province.

From left to right : Sr. Vineetha Miranda, Sr. Kiran Kispotta, Sr. Lucy Emmanuel Punnamukalel (Provincial Superior), Sr. Moly Augustine Vavukatt and Sr. Vandana Jose Kocholickal

• Srs. Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya, general councillors, came back to Generalate on 9th January after having accomplished their mission in the province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo. The Community welcomed them back warmly. No doubt, they are happy to re-join the community.

• The process of nomination for the appointment of a new leadership team in the province of Sri Lanka was held on line. Srs. Deepthika and Roshni facilitated this process. As the members of the General Council were on different continents, they too met together on-line for consultation and discernment.

The installation of the new team took place on 12th January during a meaningful prayer service. Several Sisters from various parts of the Congregation as well as the communities of the province participated - on line, of course.

The new Leadership Team consists of Sr. Patsy Pitchai as the Provincial Superior and Sr. Pradeepika Perera, Sr. Malar Coonghe, Sr. Chandrika Liyanarchchi and Sr. Jenita Ragel as council members.
We thank them for their generous and courageous “yes” to the call of leadership in the province and assure them of our prayers.

From left to right : Sr. Chandrika Liyanarchchi, Sr. Malar Coonghe, Sr. Patsy Pitchai (Provincial Superior), Sr. Pradeepika Perera and Sr. Jenita Ragel.

• Due to the restrictions of Covid–19 in Netherlands, Sr. Lucy was unable to visit our sisters there when she was in the Province in November last year. The sisters were waiting to meet her face to face. In spite of her busy schedule, Sr. Lucy went there on 11th January and the Sisters received her with much joy.

• After a long waiting, the fourth member of the International Community has arrived! Sr. Gertrude Kindeke Aliop of St. Bernard Province, Congo finally reached Brussels on 17 December 2021. She spent a couple of days with at Generalate and on 22nd she went to join the other three in Terhaegen, Ghent where she was warmly welcomed by the sisters. We wish Sr. Gertrude every blessing for the accomplishment of her mission.

• As you already know, General Councillors Srs. Angélique and Cécile are in the province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo to facilitate the process of the nomination of a new leadership team. We have now the joy of announcing the names of the new Provincial leadership team of the province:

Provincial Superior : Sr. Isabelle Ilunga Kazadi,
Provincial Councilors : 

 Sr. Marie-Jeanne Muleka Kabangu
 Sr. Carine-Solange Kupela Kasongo
 Sr. Hélène Mujinga Kanyanga
 Sr. Francine Wumba Kini.

Congratulations dear Sisters! We wish you a fruitful mission of leadership in the province. Our prayerful support is always with you!

From left to right : Sr. Hélène Mujinga Kanyanga, Sr. Carine-Solange Kupela Kasongo, Sr. Isabelle Ilunga Kazadi, Sr. Francine Wumba Kini and Sr. Marie-Jeanne Muleka Kabangu

• As coronavirus still having its control over us, we continue looking for alternate ways of organizing important events of our life and mission. This, the region of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam has planned a tertianship program in the region itself. The six junior sisters, Srs. Teresa Le, Maria Thao, Teresa Phuong, Anna Lien, Anna Thang and Anna Thuy have begun their tertianship on 27th December in Placid House. Sr. Lucy gave them an on-line orientation talk which was followed by a Holy Mass in the evening. Sr. Suman Toppo as the tertian mistress will accompany and guide them during this period of preparation for final vows. Our prayerful wishes to you, dear sisters.

• This is the last time we ‘meet’ this year! We say Good-bye to 2021 and welcome 2022 with much hope and trust in the Lord! We wish you all the blessings of Christmas to last all the year through!

• The canonical visitation of Sr. Lucy Jacob in the Dutch Speaking Province was a time of grace for the Sisters of the province as well as for herself. The latter is now back in the Generalate, warmly welcomed not only by the members of the community but also by a pile of accumulated tasks!

• Final professions

• We congratulate our dear Sisters Roshanthini Mariyathas, Jeyalini Philipneris and Nilushi Wijesooriya, from the Province of Sri Lanka, who made their perpetual commitment on the 4th December, at St Theresa’s Church, Thimbirigasyaya. The chief celebrant was Rev. Fr. Joseph Jeyaseelan, CMF, who also preached an inspiring homily. Some SCJMs and the families of the sisters were present for the celebration.

From left to right : Sisters Roshanthini Mariyathas, Nilushi Wijesooriya and Jeyalini Philipneris

• 8th December was a great day for the sisters in Delhi province as 4 young sisters, Srs. Meenu Sidhu, Rose Mary Ekka, Juhi Gulab Xalxo and Asha Priya Tirkey pronounced their final vows in Sacred Heart Convent chapel, Amritsar. Most Rev. Agnelo Rufino Gracias, the Apostolic Administrator of Jalandhar diocese, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist.

Congratulations dear sisters. May God continue to accompany you in your commitment to Him!

From left to right : Sisters Meenu Sidhu, Rose Mary Ekka, Juhi Gulab Xalxo and Asha Priya Tirkey

Please click this link to watch the video of the profession.

• On the same day also, in Hinoo, ten sisters of the Ranchi province took their final vows during a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the auxiliary bishop of Ranchi archdiocese, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas: Sisters Alka Bara, Rita Toppo, Kiran Baa, Renu Pushpa Lakra, Basanti Kandulna, Sunita Murmu, Maria Goreti Kerketta, Santrima lakra, Shalini Minj and Promila Samad. Congratulations dear sisters. May God bless you!

• Sisters Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya are now in the province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo to accompany the Sisters of the province in their discernment for the nomination of a new leadership team. They will be in the province till 05 January 2022. Your valuable prayers are requested for the province during this very important time in the life of the Congregation.

• Sr. Roshni Barla is safely back in Brussels after her home visit. Her father is growing weaker with age related health issues and is in need of much help and support. Nevertheless, Sr. Roshni’s presence with him has strengthened and energised him a lot.

• Sr. Valsam Jose is on her way to India in the wake of the sudden and unexpected death of her younger brother. Her presence will certainly be a great support to the members of the family. May the Lord grant eternal peace to the departed soul and consolation to the bereaved family members.

• 4th November - Foundation Day! In honour of this day, the community spent the day before the Blessed Sacrament in praise and thanksgiving for the countless blessings we have experienced over the last 218 years, and interceding for continued blessings on each one of us in the Congregation.

• The following day was a day of celebration at which we had the joy of having Sr. Marie Inès Palmaerts with us.

Sr. Inès is a Carmelite sister of the Contemplative Order, currently a member of their Community next door to our Generalate. She is a former SCJM, celebrating her diamond jubilee this year. We knew that she still has a very special place in her heart for our congregation. So, on this occasion of her jubilee, we invited her to join us on our Foundation Day. She received a special permission from her prioress and was with us for lunch. Certainly she was excited and had many stories to share with us!

In the evening, after the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Michel Christiaens, our parish priest, joined us at supper. It was an occasion for him to get to know our congregation a little more.

• Soon after the celebration of the Foundation Day, the General Council members got busy with the nomination process for the appointment of a new leadership team in Rwanda, the Vice Province of Our Lady of Kibeho. Srs. Cécile Ndaya and Angélique Dikete were delegated to facilitate this process.

We now have a new team in the Vice-province, consisting of Sr. Mary Paul Vadassery as the Vice-Provincial, and Sr. Athanasie Mukangoga and Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa as Council members. They were installed on 11th evening, on-line. We thank them for their generous “yes” to the Lord in serving the vice province and the congregation.

May the Lord bless you and guide you in your ministry of leadership!

From left to right : Sr. Athanasie Mukangoga, Sr. Mary Paul Vadassery and Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa

• The threat of pandemic is not yet over in Belgium, but with much restrictions and caution, we may move around. So, beginning from today, Sr. Lucy Jacob will be in the Dutch-speaking province for a canonical visit. Along with Sr. Lucy, let us be with our Sisters in this province in prayerful support.

• While Sr. Roshni is preparing herself to leave for India to pay a visit to her father who has been very sick for quite some time now, some others of the community will soon be beginning their annual retreat. The community of Ave Maria in Saint Servais (Belgium South) is happy to welcome them.

• Sr. Lucy Jacob could make her canonical visit to the Belgian South Province in October. The Sisters were very happy with her visit to the Province.

• Sister Noëlla Mokola, from the Province of St. Bernard, made her perpetual vows on 17/10/2021 in the Central African Republic. We offer her our warm and sincere congratulations and welcome her warmly to the great family of the SCJM. May the Lord strengthen her steps to walk in his footsteps.

• Sr. Sylvia Chabala of the Generalate community had gone to Zambia for the funeral of her dear father who expired on 9th September. She came back to the Generalate on 13 October 2021. We wish her much courage to overcome this painful separation.

• The members of the Generalate community are in the process of making their retreat. Sr. Kim-Chi Duong has completed her 8-day retreat in the community. We offer her our warmest congratulations. Sr. Valsam Jose and Sr. Rosily Mathew are making their retreat in Saint-Servais, Belgian South Province. We wish them a fruitful time in intimacy with the Lord.

• The three members of the International Community are preparing to leave the community of Melle to go to Ghent, our Mother House, where they will start to get used to the new environment. We are still waiting for the arrival of the fourth member from the D.R. Congo. The official opening of the International Community will take place when all its members are there.

• At the moment, Belgium is fighting against the autumn wave of the Corona. The infection and hospitalization are on the rise and many protective measures are on their way back. It has become obligatory to have the Vaccination Certificate with you as you move around in the country.

• Autumn, the ’season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ is here! The nature is putting on a very attractive and colourful garment despite all the harm that we humans inflict upon her. The days are becoming shorter and nights longer and darker, and the temperature is getting cooler day by day.

1. Some members of the Generalate participated in the Requiem Mass for nineteen Sisters of the Dutch-speaking Province who died during the last two years (2020 and 2021). Due to the pandemic situation, it was not possible to celebrate funeral masses for our Sisters. The celebration took place on 11/09/2021 in Mother House chapel, Ghent. It was very moving. May the Lord, in his mercy, welcome them into his Kingdom and may he grant deep faith in the dead and risen Christ to all the Sisters of the Province.

2. Sister Anne Nama Ngueji, of the Province of St. Vincent de Paul, made her perpetual vows on 26/09/2021 in Mbujimayi. We offer her our warm and sincere congratulations and welcome her into the great family of the SCJM. May the Lord strengthen her steps in following him.

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3. The General Councillors made the transmission of the EGC 2021 to the members of the Generalate community, the international community (INC), the International Asian Novitiate (IAN) and the community in Legaspi, Philippines, from 24^th to 27^th September 2021. For the Generalate community, the transmission was done at the Generalate, and for the Sisters of the IAN, Legaspi and INC, the transmission was done online. The Sisters were happy with this sharing which brought them much light on the life of the Congregation.

4. On 29th September 2021, the celebration of the jubilees of 50, 60, 70 and 75 years of profession of our Sisters in the Provinces and Region of Europe for the two years (2020 and 2021) took place. As you know, last year there was no celebration of the jubilees as usual in Ghent because of the restriction measures. Bishop Lode Van Hecke of Ghent presided over the thanksgiving Eucharist in the large chapel of the Mother House in Terhaegen. Out of 29 jubilarians, 16 jubilarians were present at the celebration. Several sisters were present at this celebration. Unfortunately, our sisters from the Anglo-Irish Region were not able to join us, due to restrictions. After the mass, a fraternal meal was shared in joy. It was a great opportunity to meet all the sisters from the two Belgian Provinces who were able to travel to Ghent. The meeting brought much joy and happiness and strengthened our bonds of solidarity and communion among SCJM. 

Please click here to view the photos of the celebration

5. Situation of the pandemic in Belgium

As of 1^st October, it will no longer be compulsory to wear a face mask during religious celebrations, except in Brussels and Wallonia (South of Belgium). The social distancing had already been lifted earlier. Disinfection of hands at the entrance and the prohibition of any physical contact during the celebrations remain in force. Caution and common sense are still required in all circumstances. The virus is still not entirely defeated. The Bishops call once again for people to be vaccinated in the interest of their own health and that of their fellow human beings.

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On 31st July 2021, Sisters Béatrice-Landrine KASONGO KIBANDA and Mélanie NSANGO KALUNGA consecrated themselves to the Lord for life as Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in the Province of Saint Vincent de Paul, in the D.R. Congo.
We join them in joy and thanksgiving for their commitment and assure them of our prayers.

From left to right: Sisters Béatrice-Landrine Kasongo, Isabelle Ilunga and Mélanie Nsango

Entry to the postulancy

On August 6, 2021, the Province of Ranchi was happy to welcome nine new postulants. They are Gloria Bilung, Alka Surin, Nikita Lakra, Anastasia Hunni Purty, Sunita Laguri, Sandhya Kerketta, Beli Kujur, Niketa Tirkey and Anusha Hasda. We pray that the Holy Spirit may accompany and guide them in their formative journey. May they discover the joy of following Christ and grow in the virtues of the Gospel and in the charism of the Congregation!

From left to right: Gloria Bilung, Alka Surin, Nikita Lakra, Anastasia Hunni Purty, Sunita Laguri, Sandhya Kerketta,Beli Kujur, Niketa Tirkey and Anusha Hasda.

First profession

On August 14, 2021, the two novices Anna Tran Thi Kim Thanh and Maria Nguyen Que Tram, from the Region of "Our Lady of La Vang" in Vietnam, made their first profession at the Interprovincial Novitiate in the Philippines. They could not return to Vietnam because of the pandemic situation, but the sisters of the Region, their families and friends were able to attend the celebration which was broadcast live on Facebook.

With joy and gratitude, we congratulate them wholeheartedly, wish them the best and assure them of our prayers.

From left to right: Sr. Maria Nguyen Que Tram and Sr. Anna Tran Thi Kim Thanh

Video of the profession :

We are happy to inform you about the further development of our EGC. After a break, we continued our journey with Phase II.

On 12^th August, Sr. Lucy Jacob welcomed all the participants back and told them that Phase II would focus on information from the General Government’s perspective, to see where there has been progress, where there is a need to improve, and to respond to the desire to move forward.

She then introduced to the participants the new simultaneous translators: Sr. Martine Krichel and Mr. Pierre Hernalsteen.

The day started with the opening prayer. After that, Sr. Lucy invited the participants to reflect on how the transmission of the EGC would be done in the Provinces, Vice-Province and Regions. She asked each unit to propose a programme for the transmission, taking into account the following elements: content, methodology and time. This transmission should take place within the next two months. After the group work, we shared our reflections in the plenary session. It was a mutual enrichment for us.

The second session was based on financial management in the Congregation, presented by Sr. Rosily Mathew. She began her presentation with a quote on the "social role of property" (Fratelli Tutti 118-119). She shared her personal experience and observations in this function. She also showed the impact of Covid-19 on the financial situation of the Congregation. 

August 13: The day was dedicated to sharing on the Congregational retreat, with the theme "Living our vows in the three dimensions of our Charism", and on the concern for our Common Home.

Some Provinces were able to make this retreat. In other Provinces, not all the Sisters have made it, because of the pandemic situation. All the participants appreciated this initiative taken by the General Government. The impact of this retreat in the Provinces are: the deepening of our Charism, transformation at personal and community level, understanding and living of our vows in the light of our Charism.

The sharing on the celebration of the Season of Creation and Laudato Sí week showed that it was a beneficial time for all, thanks to the different experiences lived by each one. All the Sisters made every effort to live the calls of Laudato Sí, and they committed themselves to protecting our Common Home, wishing to continue to have this experience of Laudato Sí.

At the end of the sharing, Sr. Lucy proposed to the participants the theme for the 2022 Congregational Retreat: "Ecological Conversion". All the participants appreciated the proposal.

August 14: During the opening prayer, we were in communion with our sisters in Pakistan and the Pakistani people who were celebrating the 73^rd anniversary of their independence. We also prayed for our two young Sisters Anna Thanh and Maria Tram from Vietnam who took their first vows in the Philippines.

Afterwards, various topics were discussed:

- Project of the book on the history of the Congregation

- SCJM literature (published documents about SCJM)

- Evaluation of “Integrated Life Style”

- Means of communication: Websites

- International Community

The texts of the presentations were then sent to the participants online. They were given time to read and study them personally. A sharing of reflections, comments and clarifications followed in the afternoon. The participants appreciated the work done by the General Government.

The day of 15^th August began with the opening prayer prepared in honour of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and for the intentions of the 73^rd anniversary of India’s independence. After the prayer, we followed the presentations of the day.

These were the heritage property of the SCJM, and the Constitutions and Statutes (modifications and structural changes). The texts of the presentation were then sent to the participants for personal reading and study. A sharing of reflections, comments and clarifications followed in the afternoon.

Sr. Lucy gave a concluding address and Sr. Roshni expressed a vote of thanks. Finally, we concluded the EGC with a prayer of thanksgiving which ended with the Magnificat.

The General Government would like to thank all the SCJMs for accompanying the participants by their prayer during this EGC 2021.

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As you know from our last communication that we have been working on “envisaging and engendering an open world” and focusing on “building bridges to a new story” (cf. Fratelli Tutti / FT). By now, we are also quite comfortable and at home in the virtual world, using applications like the Padlet and other facilities of the Zoom. 

August 7^th started with the sharing of overnight reflections which gave us a clear indication that the Spirit of the Lord is with us, guiding and animating us. There were signs of struggle and strong feelings of hopefulness.

As we continued reflecting on and listening to the message of FT, the common feeling was that the Holy Father is calling us to a radical response and, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we felt ready and willing to face the challenge.

An awareness meditation and a reflection on the labyrinth at the end of the session energized us and clarified for us our work as members of EGC. We have doubts and fears too but as we walk together, we feel strengthened to commit ourselves to build bridges to a new story as new horizons open up before us - a new SCJM story!

On the following day, 8^th August, the focus was on the theme ‘heart open to the world’. The overnight reflections revealed that FT is throwing hard challenges to us. The day was organized between plenaries and group works. Through the interpretations of personally chosen symbols, we began to see an emerging direction towards GC 2023. There was much convergence and the feeling was that we are being invited to a radical conversion, greater communion, solidarity within our wounded world, sharing of our resources, and building a new world.

The opening prayer of 9^th August put us immediately in focus – mediating the birth of something new, a new world order. The imagery of the midwife powerfully communicated this message. With this mind-set, the members of the EGC continued their work on gaining greater clarity on the focus for the GC 2023. An on-line voting clarified the issue further. Today, the EGC also spent some valuable time to finalize the procedure of the General Chapter and other related documents.

At the end of the day Sr. Lucy thanked Ms. Ilaria Nuti, our simultaneous translator, who would leave us today. She was thanked for her outstanding skills at translation and for the quality of her virtual presence with us. She would be replaced by Ms. Claudia for the remainder of the first phase of the EGC. 

 On 10^th, the last day of the first phase of our EGC, we were directed to look back on this ten-day journey and to feel “what touched us most and how we are being called forth at this moment of our journey”; also where we felt resistant. A very rich sharing followed.

The ‘Icon of Mercy’ has been the one major force that touched and influenced everyone as we heard loudly and clearly Jesus’ invitation, “go and do likewise!”

The group entrusted with the task of gathering ‘pearls’ from the entire experience and to present them in the form of a message for the Congregation presented the text they had prepared. It was well appreciated and got the approval of all participants.

Of course, you will hear more of all this from your representatives through the transmission of EGC in your respective province/region.

An on-line evaluation and a vote of thanks saw the conclusion of this day. On behalf of the General Government, Sr. Deepthika Silva thanked the facilitators and the translators. The facilitators in turn expressed their satisfaction of working with SCJM, thanked and congratulated all for their simplicity, dedication and whole hearted participation.

The third day of EGC continued with its focus on the theme “a stranger on the road”. The day started with the sharing of some reflections, dreams and thoughts related to the previous day, followed by a reflective prayer on the theme of the day.

A considerable length of this day was spent on highlighting issues, concerns, insights and challenges that emerged from the reports of the provinces and regions. What emerges as a clear indication for the Congregation is the invitation to “come down from the donkey” in response to the needs of the poor and the vulnerable in our midst.

Continued reflection and sharing in small groups on how to be a Good Samaritan further clarified the direction we are called to take. Deeply grounded in the Word of God, we are invited to see reality from the perspective of the vulnerable and to develop a spirituality that can stimulate and empower us to greater openness, flexibility and creativity in meeting the needs to the “stranger” on the roads of our life situations.

On day four, we began looking at “envisaging and engendering an open world”. That the EGC would spend four days on this theme signifies the importance of this orientation. The participants of the EGC are clearly listening to the teachings of Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti in an attempt to find ways of responding to his call in appropriate ways.

The day began with a meaningful prayer and reflection on the faith of the Canaanite woman (Mt. 15:21-28). Then it was time to get to know each other through personal stories – opening up to each other’s personal world as lived out in one’s natural family and in the SCJM family. These sacred moments of sharing were very enriching and it strengthened our bonding as members of the Congregation. It brought about a sense of gratitude, solidarity, trust, understanding, listening, and openness among us. We felt the presence of the divine in all of our experience and could see how God has been leading us all along in our life. The day ended with a thanksgiving hymn; “Every person is a sacred story”. How beautiful and great are the works of the Lord!

Day five began with the reflection on the universal experience of vulnerability, based on Mt 16: 21-23 and the story of Job. Human life is fragile & we all have experienced it especially during the pandemic. Blessed are the fragile, the vulnerable, the poor in spirit - they belong to the kingdom of God. Through this morning reflection, we were being invited to embrace our own vulnerability, experiences in diverse ways.

The shared activities of today focused on moving from a closed world to an open world. For reflection we were directed to listen to our own experience of being members of an international congregation. We recalled and shared with each other and with the whole group experiences of times we felt energised and estranged as an individual member and as a province / region in the congregation. It was a time when we felt being trusted, encouraged and supported and a sacred moment to recognize and accept our own vulnerability, individually and as a congregation.

Another significant work of this day was to identify those factors that prevent us from noticing the strangers in our midst and to consider what choices we have to make in order to “come down” from the donkey. Our answers were recorded and displayed using an interactive presentation software (Mentimeter). The day ended with sharing of our feelings of gratitude, communion and support to one another.

Today, the 6th day of our virtual EGC, we have been focusing on “building bridges to a new story” as we continue our journey through Fratelli Tutti.

Our morning prayer, led by Frances, was centred on the icon of transfiguration of the Lord and reflection on Mk. 9:2-10. The icon is a manifestation of the presence of God. It draws and brings us into this presence so that we can experience God in our soul. In this way we become a living icon of God.

We were invited to go up the mountain to the place of meeting, the place of listening. We asked for the grace to open our eyes to see Jesus leading us out to ministry and to the people.

After prayer, Br. Emili introduced the work of the day. The question for reflection was: What important choice, in real and practical ways, could we now make to create the first chapter of a new story that opens us more to each other and to the world? The group responses were presented on the padlet for the assembly for further reflection and response.

At the moment, we continue with the same theme that we started on Day Four. More of it, in the next letter!

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As you already know, this important online event of the Congregation started beforehand on 31/07/2021 with a test session to get used to the new technology.

On the first day, after the introduction of all the participants, the facilitators reminded us of the purpose of the EGC, which is to promote communion within the Congregation, and of the essential points of EGC/19, namely knowing each other, the Congregation and the local Church, and listening to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor (LS 49).

After this reminder, we reflected on two questions:

- What are your concerns as we start EGC/21?

- What are you feeling inside yourself at this moment?

What emerges from the questions discussed in the small groups is the concern to take responsibility during this time of pandemic as well as the concern to use the new technology in an appropriate way.

As for feelings, we are all happy, motivated and willing to live this new virtual experience. Yet, the worry about the technology is still holding us back. However, we hope to dispel it.

Sr. Lucy Jacob addressed warm words of welcome to everyone and introduced the facilitators, Fr. Emili Turú and Ms. Frances Heery, the secretaries and translators. This was followed by a time of prayer and reflection on the icon of Mercy (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 70).

The second session focused on the objectives and planning of the GCE/21 and contemplative leadership. These two themes were discussed in groups: the secretary of each group presented her report to the plenary assembly.

On the second day, the session started with a sharing of some dreams and thoughts related to the previous day. This was followed by the announcement of the theme.

An intense prayer from the icon of Mercy introduced us to the theme and challenged us with a fundamental question: Who is my neighbour?

Afterwards, Bro. Emili projected several pictures, allowing us to deepen our contemplation of the icon of Mercy in our own context and in the global context.

Then Ms Frances Heery explained the acronym VUCA: V, Volatile; U, Uncertainty; C, Complexity; A, Ambiguity.

This acronym describes the world we live in today: a changing, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world.

During the afternoon, the groups met in two stages, by continent. Each secretary wrote the group’s answers on their padlet (a note on an online virtual board where one can write and share thoughts, ideas, reflections) and read them out to the plenary. Ms. Frances Heery made some comments after each group’s sharing.

Dear Sisters, as we journey together through this important event of our Congregation, we will be happy to gradually share with you the progress of our daily activities. We continue to count on your prayers.

May the Spirit of the Lord continue to guide us in our reflection and discernment during this EGC/21.

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Flood in Gurgaon, India

Three days of non-stop rain plunged the novitiate building in Gurgaon (Delhi province) into deep waters. The water level rose up from the basement to the ground floor, forcing Sisters, Novices and Postulants to the first floor. Fortunately, the water level started to recede from the second day, much to the relief of all of us. To restore the house to a liveable condition is a herculean task.

Entry to the Novitiate

28th July was a joyful occasion when four postulants started their novitiate in Ranchi province. They are Anjuliya Pradhan, Alice Kerketta, Anupa Kujur and Beronica Bada. We wish them every blessing in their journey of formation. May they grow in the virtues of the Gospel and in the charism of the congregation!

EGC 2021

As the opening of the EGC/21 is at our door, the General team is busy with the final phase of its preparatory work. Since virtual meetings are quite new for all of us, the EGC participants are following test sessions, facilitated by Sr. Kim Chi. Today’s session was kind of an ice breaker and most of the participants seem to have conquered their initial fears and anxieties! Those bigger challenges of the virtual world are waiting to be conquered!

Professions

• The junior sisters of the Provinces of Ranchi and Delhi have their gathering in Dalhousie (Delhi Province) to begin their tertianship, under the guidance of Sr. Moly Augustine Vavukatt, in preparation for their final profession this year. There are fourteen of them: ten juniors from Ranchi and four from Delhi. May they have a very enriching time together!

 

• Our heartfelt congratulations to our four novices from the Delhi Province who made their first vows today: Tamanna Bhatti, Jobita Tirkey, Mary Grace Xaxa and Promila Ekka. We welcome them into the Lord’s vineyard and entrust their religious consecration to the divine protection and to the Virgin Mary, our Mother.

Video of the profession:

Pakistan (sent by Sr Maria Shaukat)

Reception ceremony (hair cutting ceremony)

In June, the heat is on its peak, but during the 3rd week of the month we didn’t feel it so much, as we were anxiously busy in the preparation for the reception and the first profession of our novices Anum Saleem, Anita Nasir, Soha Shaukat and Roma Kanwal.

On the eve of 22nd June 2021, the first symbolic ceremony of cutting of hair took place. Cutting of hair is symbol of sacrificing the female beauty. The novices had set their hair in beautiful decorated hair ornament called “Paranda”. They were then given red veils and led to the chapel, the palace of their King Jesus accompanied by the formation community, singing Ps. 45.

The Provincial team and the sisters of Lahore Community received them joyfully at the entrance of the chapel and together they went in the chapel for the evening program.

The first profession of Sr. Anum, Sr. Anita, Sr. Soha and Sr. Roma (23rd June 2021)

It was a blissful day for our Congregation and especially for the Province of Pakistan when our four novices committed themselves to the Lord. His excellency Rev. Bishop Sebastian Francis Shaw and about twelve priests presided over the Holy Mass. Many sisters of other Congregations and Brothers of Charity also witnessed the ceremony. The Mass started at 5:30 pm. The parents of the four elected novices accompanied their daughters to the altar as an offertory to the Lord. It was a very touching moment. The choir, under the guidance of Sr. Maggie Yaqub, sang beautiful hymns based on the theme " Come, Follow Me ". Rev. Bishop shared an inspirational, supportive and encouraging homily to help us to continue following Christ by bearing witness to the Gospel values.

All the sisters of our Congregation joyfully accepted the newly professed Sisters by garlanding them, according to our culture. When the Holy Mass ended, a newly professed, Sr. Anum Saleem, on behalf of her companions, Sisters Anita, Soha and Roma, presented a vote of thanks and invited everyone present to enjoy the delicious dinner in the convent garden.

After the celebration, the newly professed Sisters went home with their families for two weeks.

Sr. Soha, Sr. Anum, Sr. Roma and Sr. Anita

International Community

The long wait for the arrival of members from Africa for the formation of the International Community was partially fulfilled this week with the arrival of Sr. Charitine Impuhwe from the Vice-Province of Rwanda on 15th July. The Generalate Community has given her a warm welcome. Now we are looking forward to welcoming the fourth member in the coming days.

Floods

• Belgium has been hit by deadly floods in Wallonia, Limburg and other places following record rainfall during the last days. At least thirty-one persons died and many people are still missing. Some areas are more affected, especially the provinces of Liège, Namur and Luxembourg. A large part of Wallonia is now on alert. We entrust all these victims to the Lord.

• This situation is not unique to Belgium. Our neighbouring countries are also in the same situation, especially Germany. In Asia, the monsoon rains are taking their toll on India and Sri Lanka.

Coronavirus crisis

The virus does not seem to be in any hurry to leave us! The number of infections is said to be on the rise here in Belgium as well as in other countries where the SCJM are present; especially Vietnam, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, India...

Final Profession: On 3rd July, the province of St. Bernard, Congo had the joy of having three of their junior sisters making their final vows in the Congregation: Sr. Arlette Babakanga Baka, Sr. Yvonne Kundji Bala and Sr. Julienne Piki Asska. While we join our Sisters in the province in joy and gratitude, we also congratulate the three young religious for their faithful commitment to the Lord and wish them well and assure them of our prayers.

A New Leadership Team in the Region of Mali: The installation of a new leadership team took place on 7th July: Sr. Rose Meta Kabambi as the Regional Superior, Sr. Joséphine Mavanga and Sr. Marie-Véronique Kapinga Bunkayebe as Council Members. All the sisters of the region and the novices of NIA (Noviciat International d’Afrique) were present for the occasion on site. Srs. Régine Ndaye and Julienne Tumone, who are in Congo, Sr. Suzy Spaenhoven, who is on vacation in Belgium, Sr Birgit Goslain, and the Community of the Generalate joined them virtually. The appointment of the new team was also made on line by the Superior General, Sr. Lucy Jacob. The prayer service prepared for the occasion was a highly symbolic one, emphasising the values of the Gospel as embedded in the SCJM charism.

Corona visits Vietnam again! As the cases are on the rise, the country is witnessing another lockdown. Our sisters are not able to hold or attend classes. However, they are creatively using their time by manually sorting out tea leaves and thus being in solidarity with the people. This activity also brings in some income for the region.

A break in the routine! It was a welcome ‘interruption’ for the community of the Generalate to welcome some guests into the house, something that Corona had forbidden us to do! A priest relative of Sr. Valsam Jose, Fr. Reji MSFS along with a couple of his friends spent a few hours with us on 8th July. They came from Austria and Germany to visit some places in Belgium which included a visit to the Generalate as well. We were happy to have them with us, even though it was a very short one.

• First Professions

Mali: On 20th June, Novices Régine Ndaye and Julienne Tumone from the International Novitiate of Africa, Mali made their first profession. After a short holiday with their biological families in Congo, they will return to Mali as members of the Region of Mali.

Congo: It was then the turn of the Novitiate “Mére Hostia” Kimpese in the Province of St. Bernard, Congo. On 24th June four novices of Saint Bernard Province and one novice of Saint Vincent province made their first profession.

Rwanda: The vice-province of Rwanda is blessed with two more members as novices Francine Mukanyandwi and Janviere Uwimana made their first profession this week.

Ranchi : Four novices – Beronica Hembrom, Arti Soreng, Mary Suman Toppo and Anshu Lakra – of Ranchi Province took their first vows in Ashadeep, SCJM Novitiate, Hulhundu, on 3^rd July. The sisters from Fatima Convent and Sneh Sadan, Hulhundu were present for this joyful occasion.

Video of the profession : 

In joy and gratitude, we welcome them all into our SCJM family and congratulate them for their generous response to the Lord. May you all bloom and blossom in the spirit of the SCJM charism!

• This week, we also celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Joséphine Mavanga of the Region of Mali. We thank God for all that He has accomplished in and through her in the Congregation and in the world at large. We congratulate her on this occasion and wish her many fruitful years ahead.

• With gratitude to God we hear of the steady recovery of Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa, the Sister in-charge of formation in the Vice-Province of Rwanda, from a major surgery for brain aneurism.

• We join our Sisters in Pakistan who are now following, as one community, an on-line retreat. We wish them a very enriching time with the Lord and with one another.

• Generalate / Belgium

The 30th of June saw the 61st Independence Day of Congo. The Generalate community celebrated it with a meaningful prayer service. Added to this was a meal in the Congolese style, prepared by our Sisters Cécile and Angélique. A cultural evening took us to Congo with its natural beauty and rhythmic dances.

The nomination process in Mali, as you may be aware, is in progress now. The General Council is fully involved in this procedure of discernment. Your prayers are requested during this important time in the life of the Region.

Belgium is in a holiday mood now! The Covid restrictions are relaxed and everyone is out there enjoying the freedom of movement, the generous sunshine, the fresh air and the cool waters at the sea side. Churches are open with liturgical services, even though the number of worshipers will have to remain limited.

The European Football matches are going on. The Belgium team – the Red Devils – is a group to reckon with! As of now, they are in the quarter finals and, being hopeful of reaching the finals, you can imagine the excitement in the country!

THE SCJM IN LEGAZPI, PHILIPPINES, RESPONDING TO A VIGOROUS CALL OF CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME….

The sisters ventured anew, in these trying times of pandemic, to advocate and promote the “Care of our Common Home” as their active participation in the LAUDATO SÍ WEEK 2021 celebration. Since Legazpi City, Albay, is placed under general community quarantine, it was not possible to organize a community outreach/activity in a bigger and wider scale, not even in the Church premises or any local zones. Hence, the sisters collaborated with the family beneficiaries of the SCJM apostolate. It was then discerned and they have chosen a family (Michelle Malaga and her family) with spacious surroundings, that could possibly participate in clean-up drive and home gardening, at the same time pray with them, plant with them, be nourished with shared meals, joy, laughter and each other’s presence. It was indeed a wonderful Family Day at Home with Nature and A Day to Remember. “God Has Gifted Us To Give”. (A Theme engrained to celebrate the Philippines’ 500 years of Christianity.)

The sisters spent the whole day with the family in Malilipot Albay from 9:10 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening on May 22, 2021. They explained to the family the whole day’s schedule of activities and the purpose and meaning of the said event. In this matter, the family expressed that though they actually have space for garden, still, they do not have proper methods, ideas or approaches towards home gardening and planting fruit trees that could possibly yield harvest and income in the future.

The day started with a short prayer to Mother Earth, translated into their local dialect “Bicol”. Then, it was followed by a few minutes’ orientation that highlighted the importance of growing vegetables and other fruit trees; and also, the vital roles of the elders in giving the example to the young ones by living life in God and with the nature. To strengthen the family with team work spirit, the family members were divided into three groups, and one Sister was assigned to work with them.

After the group work, they all came together, cleaned the area and carried and re-used the logs by keeping them around the plants for protection. Also, logs protect the soil from being washed away and when decayed, they become nutrients to the soil. On the other hand, the sisters, together with the family members, have agreed to take care of the plants alternately among them. They have planted vegetables such as lady fingers, beans, eggplants; and also chili, lemon grass and dragon fruit; fruits trees like mangoes, guava, lemon; and flowering plants too.

Aside from praying and planting, they shared the blessings of cooking together, having meals and snacks together, and sharing their cooked food, wrapped with banana leaves, with the neighbors. It was also an opportunity to promote the SCJM charism to everyone the sisters encountered, especially the young ones. The sisters and the family, together with few friends, had their closing prayer in the afternoon, before the snacks, with the theme of the Holy Spirit-The Gifts and The Fruits. Then they spent some time together, sharing personal, family and friends’ stories, their feelings, ideas and experiences.

Above all, we thanked God, through the intercession of St. Joseph The Worker, for the day’s good weather. It was a miracle, since before that event and even after that day, there were rainy days and unfavorable weather conditions.

DIOS MABALOS PO! (GOD’S BLESSINGS!)

Sr. Madelene Nueza

Present Situation in Pakistan of COVID-19 / 06 May 2021

We are waiting for the day when there will be shouts of joy and victory everywhere, when we can begin to live a normal life, a life free of fear and anxiety; when we will say to each other: “Do not be afraid; everything is fine”. It is no more “rejoice and be glad”. May it happen and happen soon! This is a wish and a prayer before the Lord of mercy and compassion.

At present the situation is so scary and depressing. The third wave of the virus is much more contagious, infectious and life-threatening. There are no more signs and symptoms that we had been hearing about. So one does not know who the carrier is and therefore people are not serious and careful about it. Last year when it started people were fearful so they took care of themselves and thus Pakistan did not suffer so much compared to some other countries. Unfortunately, when the virus is much stronger than before, people are less careful and prudent. Looking at the irresponsible attitude and behavior of the people, the government of Pakistan has become more active and strict about it. It is trying its level best to keep the people on the track with measures such as the following:

- All shops are closed at 6:00 pm, where as in the past certain shopping centers were open till late at night.

- Every Saturday and Sunday all the markets are completely closed.

- The transport is allowed with 50% of passengers only.

- The parks and public places are closed.

- Vaccine is available for all above 40 years of age. People have not to go very far to get it. Now we hear that the government schools will be turned into vaccination centers so people have not to wait in long queues for their turn. 

- Now as Eid, the Muslim festival, is approaching so there will be complete lockdown from 8^th – 16^th May.

- The army is also involved to keep a check. The people violating the regulations have to pay a heavy fine.

All our communities are having special adoration. Some sisters have their personal devotional prayers also. May the Lord listen to our humble cry and clear our planet from this deadly virus!

Sent by Sr. Victoria Rehmat

An update on Situation of Covid-19, India / 05 May 2021

We are going through the worst ever global crisis in our life time. The first phase of Covid-19 was bad enough but this second phase has become simply uncontrollable and the death rate is rising hour by hour. Everywhere we see the gloom of death hanging in the air. Two of our sisters have been snatched away from us so mercilessly. Our hearts are not yet healed and we are still mourning. Every day we get news from our communities that one or the other is infected by this dreadful virus; as also in other congregations, parishes and villages. There are villages where the entire population is affected by the virus. We also hear of the deaths in our own neighborhood and of the parents and relatives of our students and staff, people whom we have known. Few of our sisters have lost their dear ones. Many priests and religious, whom we have known, succumbed to this dreadful disease. Every day we wake up with the news of death. We are all anxious about our family members, especially in the villages, but we entrust them in the Mighty Hand of God. There sisters still in the hospital being treated; others are quarantined in their communities and treated under the guidance of doctors. Some of these communities are in the villages where many are infected. Sisters keep instructing people telephonically on how to care for their family members and neighbors when they are infected. It is unfortunate that many of the villagers do not have access to proper medication and treatment.

Our sisters involved in health care services are there, caring for the victims day and night, at the risk of their own lives. We are worried about them and pray much for them, and at the same time we feel proud of them and surrender them in the merciful hand of God. Although many states are under partial lock down, the superiors of bigger communities take risk and go out to procure things for the needs of the sisters. They also help neighboring communities with provisions. 

This explosion of the virus of death around us has left us feeling powerless in the face of its violent attack. There is shortage of ICU beds, Oxygen supply, and availability of doctors. It is a heart rending scene to see the lines of ambulances and stretchers carrying the patients, standing in queues, outside hospitals, pleading and crying for help. Testing for Covid has broken down due to shortage of necessary means and testing agencies are refusing to take samples as they do not have the means to test them.

In this agonizing situation God alone is the help we can count on. We believe that He is there and He will help us to ride through this terrible storm. All will be well in his own time and in his own way. All our communities are concerned about the whole province, the congregation and the world and have chain adoration the whole day and find our strength and support in him who said, “Do not be afraid, trust in me”.

Sent by Sr. Tessy Edayal 

It is perfectly true that a call to lead is a call to discipleship. Because leaders are followers and continue to be followers, learners, disciples to the Ultimate Leader – Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus called, chose and invited Peter to take up the responsibility of the shepherd, as well as enter into a deeper affective relationship with him. “Do you love me?... Feed my lambs…Do you love me?... Take care of my sheep…Do you love me?... Feed my sheep…” and then he said to Peter: “Follow me” (John 21: 15-19). Peter understood well that he then was a shepherd of the sheep as well as the follower, the disciple of Jesus. These two calls are intertwined and cannot be separated.

In the same way, on the Good Shepherd Sunday, April 25, 2021, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has chosen three of his disciples, namely Sr. Anima Suman, Sr. Teresa Xuan and Sr. Maria Loan to be shepherds of the Region of Our Lady of Lavang, Vietnam. The installation of the Regional team took place in the chapel of Placide House, in the virtual presence of Sr. Lucy Jacob Palliam Pallithura, our Superior General, all the General Councilors, the sisters in Generalate community, Legazpi community (Philippines), St. Bernard community (Bao Loc, Vietnam) and the actual presence of the rest of the Region.

The chapel was elegantly decorated with the symbol and the theme of GC/2017, “SCJM, do you love me?... Feed my sheep!”. The liturgists led all of us to the reflective mood of prayer and deep sense of gratitude. We were thankful to God for choosing leaders who will serve, animate and lead us to further growth and flourishment. We were grateful to our General Government who listened attentively to the Holy Spirit and responded to His will by being with us, animating us, accompanying us all through the process and celebrating with us today. We were sincerely grateful to our sisters: Sr. Suman, Sr. Xuan and Sr. Loan for being open to God’s invitation and ready to take up the responsibility of a shepherd and an ardent disciple of Jesus with pure joy and complete dedication.

In the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving, Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General read the appointment letter to appoint Sr. Anima Suman as Regional Superior, Sr. Teresa Xuan and Sr. Maria Loan as Regional Councilors for a mandate of four years (April 2021 – April 2025). In a sacred manner, she delegated Sr. Michael to anoint the newly regional leadership team with oil as a sign of being chosen by God and his people. After the anointment, Sr. Michael handed to the team the shepherd staff as a symbol of authority and responsibility, which includes caring of the well-being of the sheep, nurturing and leading the flock to the fullness of life in God’s love, correcting and challenging what is not right according to the values of the Kingdom. It is also a vivid and powerful reminder to the new team to look up to Jesus and imitate him in tending and feeding the sheep. In other words, it is taking up leadership in Jesus’ style: servant leadership, contemplative leadership and transformative leadership.

The final ritual was deeply moved and touching. As newly appointed leader of the Region, Sr. Suman, with a staff in her hand, led all of us in procession. It implied her leadership role and we, as members, followed her lead with trust, support, and cooperation, in the spirit of coresponsibility and active participation. The nomination ceremony ended with the hymn “Shepherd me O God”. Its meaningful lyrics and lovely melody filled the place with assurance and tranquility. It also recaptured the meaning of being a shepherd, which is first to be a sheep in the arms of Jesus. Amazingly, it inflamed in each one’s heart the stronger desire to be the beloved disciple of Jesus as we all sang together: “Shepherd me O God, beyond my fears, beyond my wants, from death into life.”

Sister Abida Maryam Boota made her Profession of Perpetual Vows of chastity, poverty and obedience as a Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary on 24 April 2021.

The ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Convent, Lahore. Rev. Bishop Sebastian Shaw was the main celebrant and homilist. Besides the members of her religious Congregation, Sister Abida’s family members were also present for the celebration. Because of the COVID-19 situation in the country, very few people could participate in this ceremony. It was sad to see that only few sisters came, because many were sick with the virus in the air.

We thank Sr. Victoria Rehmat, the Provincial Superior, the community of Lahore and the formation community for organizing everything.

The theme chosen by Sr. Abida was “Do whatever He tells you”. It is for her an invitation to be always attentive to the voice of Jesus and to do the work that He wants her to do. As she walks with trust, her sole desire is to be in union with God and to live a life dedicated to the love of neighbor, in chastity, poverty and obedience. This desire has led her to this day, and we pray that it may be the desire of her life, as she lives this vowed religious life each day, for now and forever.

(The government of India apparently has placed a ban on giving out news of the pandemic situation in the country, except by those authorised by it. So, our sisters are not able to write freely. The following is an extract from a letter that came in just before the ban, sent by Sr. Mary Joseph, the Provincial of Ranchi.)

“As I sit down to pen a few lines on the second wave of Covid 19 and its negative impact on human lives in India, I am distracted and distressed by the siren of ambulances plying on the road taking patients from the hospital or to the hospital, to get them admitted somewhere for treatment. The situation is very bad and it is getting out of control day by day. The number of infected cases keep escalating, hospitals are overwhelmed, beds are not available, required drugs are not found in medical stores, oxygen supply is not sufficient… Those in authority are trying their best, but not able to bring it under control. Unlike the first wave of Covid 19, the second one is deadly and the death rate is very high. As we read news and watch on television what goes on in the country, we keep calling out to the Lord for his mercy and compassion on the world...

The departure of our two sisters in two days, victims of Covid, has devastated us… In the midst of pain, sorrow, uncertainty, anxiety and fear what we realise is there is nothing on this earth that can hold us… God alone! God has a plan for us!

At this moment we rely on the words of the Psalmist: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Ps. 34:18). We find solace in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

We are grateful to our SCJM sisters from all over the world for being with us at this painful phase in the life of the province. We remember you for your prayerful support through phone calls, messages and consoling words. May the Good Lord bless you with good health and keep you safe under His wings!”

Brussels

26 April 2021

Dear Sisters,

Several of you have been inquiring about the situation in India with assurances of your prayerful support for the country and for our Sisters in the provinces of Ranchi and Delhi in particular. Thank you very much for your interest and concern.

I do not have to go into the statistics of the pandemic situation in the country. The media is full of it and you are well informed, I am sure.

Going by the news coming from both the provinces, our Sisters are living through a very difficult time, as we can well understand. The sudden departure of Sr. Crescentia Xalxo and Sr. Lidwin Mary Rodrigues in quick succession had been rude shock for all of them. In both the provinces, there is a deep sense of pain and sorrow over losing them to the virus. Although several sisters in different communities are tested positive, their symptoms are reported to be mild and they are in the process of recovering.

Our Sisters in Mercy Hospital in Jamshedpur are living with the daily reality of the mounting cases of Covid-19 as they are not able to accommodate the patients who come to the hospital for treatment.

The worsening situation in the country is both fearful and alarming for everyone: rapid rise in the number of infections, hospitalisations and deaths, insufficient facilities for treating the sick, over-worked and exhausted health care workers, a right- wing government that is preoccupied with an agenda of its own… The woes are many!

I need not say that all this is very disturbing for all of us. The Lord alone knows why things happen in the way they do. We remain united to Him and to one another during this time of crisis and pray for strength and courage to remain faith-filled and hope-filled.

Affectionately,

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Once again, my very dear Sisters, we live the Easter celebrations

in the context of the pandemic.

But happily Light shines through the “dark clouds” of our world!

Easter, a symbol of Hope, Renewal and New Life!

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Generalate, Brussels

* On 4th February the community of the Generalate celebrated the 73rd independence day of Sri Lanka. The country of Sri Lanka became independent on 4th February 1948 from the British rule. In the morning we had a very meaningful prayer, especially for the people and government of Sri Lanka. In the evening, Sr. Deepthika presented the history and culture of Sri Lanka through a power point presentation. It was interesting as well as informative.

* As you know that coronavirus has restricted travelling we have to find alternate ways of remaining connected with each other and to continue our mission. Sr. Lucy has been busy with canonical visit to the provinces/regions online. During February – March she was with our Sisters in Sri Lanka. For many of our sisters it is a new experience but gradually they are getting used to it and feel happy to learn the use of technology.

* The 2nd of February, as you know, is dedicated to Consecrated Life in the Church. This day was celebrated in the community in simplicity and joy. We were privileged to have the Eucharistic celebration in the community, presided by our parish priest. We entered the chapel in procession with lighted candle as a sign of witness and entrusted all the consecrated persons, especially the SCJMs, to God.

* Ms Hilde Baccarne from the secretariat retired from her work on February 25th 2021. She has served in the Secretariat of the Generalate for the last 15 years. There was a simple farewell program for her from the community on 24th evening. Sr. Lucy and Sr. Kim Chi thanked her with words of appreciation and gratitude for her service. We spent some time together with Hilde over a cup of coffee. The Congregation is grateful for her selfless service in the secretariat.

* After a long period of time, Srs. Sushila Toppo and Noreen Fazal could come over and spend some time with us. Their presence on the day of Sr. Rosily’s birthday added to our joy. While here they also helped with some of the secretarial tasks with Sr. Kim Chi. Both of them had a unique experience of travelling by train for the first time from Ghent to Brussels. They are finding their way in Belgium.

* Sr. Yvonne Ngomba Lukusa from Rwanda and Sr. Teresa Xuan from Our Lady of Lavang, Vietnam are following a Formators’ program from Rome, online. They started their program in February 2021. At present Sr. Yvonne is in Nyamata, the vice-provincial house and Sr. Xuan is in Placide House, Ho Chi Minh City.

* Sisters Fatima Peiris from IAN, Sr. Pratima Kujur from Delhi province, Sr. Noreen Peter and Sr. Rufina Fayaz from Pakistan and Suman Toppo from Vietnam are also benefitting from various online formation programs offered by the Emmaus Center, Philippines.

* Sr. Suzy Spaenhoven from the region of Mali has arrived in Belgium on 21st March for her holidays. We wish her a happy and enjoyable stay in Belgium.

* Like many other countries, Belgium is also facing a surge in coronavirus cases. We are now faced with a third wave. As a result, more restrictions are enforced in the country.

* One by one, we in the Generalate have begun getting vaccinated. Once the invitation is received, we are required to take an on-line appointment in one of the many centres of vaccination here in Brussels.

* Despite all the restrictions, we are privileged to have Holy Week services in our own chapel. Our parish priest, a real shepherd of his flock, is with us five times a week for the Eucharistic celebration. Two other priests fill in the remaining days.

Even though we are forced to celebrate another Easter under lockdown conditions, the spirit of Easter transcends all restrictions.

We are at the threshold of another very significant period in our journey of faith – Lent.

During this Lent, focusing on the three theological virtues, Pope Francis invites us to “renew our faith, draw from the living waters of hope, and to receive with open hearts the love of God.”

In his reflections, he reminds us that lent is a journey of conversion. It is a time of,

• Believing - for welcoming God into our lives and allowing Him to make His dwelling in us.
• Hoping - for receiving the hope of Christ who gave his life on the cross and was raised by God on the third day.
• Loving - for caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned … to speak words of reassurance, and help others to realise that God loves them as sons and daughters.

The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, fasting, prayer and sharing of our goods, he continues, helps us as individuals and communities “to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.”

• From 1st to 15th December 2020, Sr. Lucy Jacob made virtual canonical visitation to the Province of Pakistan, via Internet. In general, this first experience in the Congregation was positive. At present, the Province has 53 Sisters, including one Sister in Belgium and another in Philippines (International Asian Novitiate).

• The Advent period was a time during which the Community prayed especially for the victims of pandemic, the poor and all those left behind.

Unlike other years, the Community did not organise the celebration of "Christmas Friends". This was to be in communion with the world that is suffering from the pandemic situation. With this intention, the Community had set aside some money, which was planned for this organisation, in order to share it with the poor in the parish of Saint-Gilles and a poor family living in Melle.

• As the Belgian Government has not yet lifted up the measures of restrictions on Eucharistic celebrations, the parish priest of Saint-Gilles, Father Michel Christiaens, came to celebrate the Christmas Eucharist in the Community. It was in simplicity, fraternity and joy that the Community celebrated the birth of Emmanuel, God with us.

• The day of 31st December 2020 was dedicated to prayer in thanksgiving for the blessings received from God during the year 2020.

On the same date, Sr. Sylvia Chabala was taken to the emergency services at St. Peter’s Hospital for appropriate care. She underwent surgery. Everything went well. After her discharge from the hospital, she was taken to "Maria-ten-Doorn" Community in Eeklo to have a few days of rest there. The Generalate Community thanks all the Sisters who carried her in prayer during her illness. Thanks to Sr. Birgit Goslain for welcoming Sr. Sylvia to the Dutch speaking Province during her time of recuperation.

The New Year was also celebrated in simplicity and fraternity. An opening Mass for the year was celebrated in the Community.

• On 06/01/2021, very early in the morning, around 4 o’clock, the Community was visited by thieves who entered the house through the refectory window, from the side where there was no alarm sensor. They took away the projector in the office of Mrs. Hilde Baccarne, the assistant of the General Secretary, and a travelling bag from Sr. Martine Krichel’s room. They were probably looking for the money but did not find it. The police then came to make a statement of offence. This led the Community to place an alarm sensor in the room from where the thieves entered.

• For the very first time, the General Government organised virtually, via Internet, the consultation process, the nomination and installation of the new provincial team for the Province of Pakistan, from 2/01/2021 to 15/01/2021. Sr. Deepthika Silva and Sr. Roshni Barla were delegated by the Superior General to animate the new provincial team and to give it the orientations to be followed for the next 4 years.

Our sincere congratulations to the new team: Sr. Victoria Rehmat (PS), Sr. Genevieve Ram Lal, Sr. Samina Anwar, Sr. Clara Sharif, and Sr. Maria Shaukat (PC)!

• From 08 to 25/01/2021, after the nominations in Pakistan, Sr. Lucy Jacob continued her mission in Vietnam with the virtual canonical visit. There are currently 20 professed sisters in the Region of Vietnam, including two junior sisters who are in the Philippines and Sr. Kim-Chi Duong who is in the Generalate, 2 novices and 6 postulants. 

• Coronavirus News

The media are already talking about a new variant of the virus that has appeared in different countries. The Belgian government has taken some measures for security and to prevent the transmission of the virus. Among other things, there is curfew from 9 pm to 6 am. New cases of infection are still increasing, but there are fewer deaths. Apart from observing the barrier measures, the restrictions for the various celebrations have not yet been lifted. For Sunday Eucharist, only a maximum of 15 people can attend mass.

• As you know, the Generalate Community is composed of six nationalities: Belgian, Indian, Congolese, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese and Zambian. As is customary in the Community, on the occasion of the national day of these countries, the Community celebrates in communion with the country that is being honoured.

On 26/01/2021, the Community celebrated the Republic Day of India. It was on the first "Republic Day", 26/01/1950, that the "Constitutions of India" were enforced. India became a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and ensures justice, freedom, equality and fraternity to all its citizens. Also known as Gantantra Diwas, this day is celebrated with festivities such as the famous Republic Parade of Delhi in Rajpath, which honours India’s military forces and displays its rich cultural heritage.

The day began with a beautiful liturgical celebration for this purpose. A simple meal was prepared according to Indian culture.

The day ended with an evening recreation during which the Community watched the parade that had taken place on this occasion in Delhi.

Dear Sisters,

On the occasion of the “World Day of Consecrated Life” (02 February), the Congregation for Consecrated Life writes to all consecrated women and men and directs us to take to heart the message of Pope Francis in his encyclical Fratelli tutti, and to place it at the center of our life, formation and mission.

To quote from the letter, “We cannot disregard this truth any more: we are all brothers and sisters, as, in fact, we pray, not necessarily consciously of it, in the Our Father, that without an openness to the Father of all, there will be no solid and stable reasons for an appeal to fraternity” (n. 272).

The letter in its entirety is given below. I know all of us are engaged in a serious reading of this document, reflecting over it and considering its implications on the life of our Congregation. This letter from Rome is another reminder to us! Let us sincerely give it the importance it deserves in our life today.

Affectionately,

Sr. Lucy Jacob

The province of Pakistan celebrated with joy the installation of a new provincial team. The online consultation process leading up to it had begun in the first week of January with Sr. Deepthika Silva and Sr. Roshni Barla as its facilitators.

After a period of prayer, reflection and discernment, Sr. Victoria Rehmat is appointed as the new Provincial.

Sr. Victoria is assisted by four councilors: Sr. Genevieve Ram Lal, Sr. Samina Anwar, Sr. Clara Sharif and Sr. Maria Shaukat.

The new team was installed online, during a meaningful prayer service at the provincialate, Lahore, on 12th January 2021. The Superior General, Sr. Lucy Jacob, made the appointment on-line from Brussels. The members of the General Council, those Sisters of the province who could not be present in Lahore, Sr. Jamila Hameed (IAN, Philippines), Sr. Noreen Fazal (Melle, Belgium) and the community members of the Generalate also attended the installation, virtually.

It was the first time in the Congregation that a consultation process and the installation of a Leadership Team took place virtually.

From left to right: Sr. Maria Shaukat, Sr. Clara Sharif, Sr. Samina Anwar, Sr. Genevieve Ram Lal and Sr. Victoria Rehmat

After their tertianship, the junior sisters of Saint-Bernard Province dispersed to the different communities of Saint-Vincent Province. Everything was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Invaded by fear, they wondered how it would end. When the long-awaited lockdown end arrived on August 15, the sisters travelled to Kinshasa on August 17. Although they were happy to return to Kinshasa, they were looking forward to receiving the response of the Generalate.

As they tested negative for Coronavirus in Lubumbashi, they were granted permission to spend 10 days with their families. On 20 August, each of them received their letter of assignment and joined their respective communities. This event taught them patience, endurance and trust in God’s providence. In the meantime, they were preparing thoroughly for D-Day. At the beginning of September, they received the response from the Generalate: all were admitted to pronounce their perpetual vows. Thus, their hearts were at peace. The week preceding the vows was very hectic because of the preparations for the feast.

D-Day came on 07/11/2020. Mass began at 9:30 am, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Metropolitan Bishop of Kinshasa. As this was the first time he had arrived in this parish since his appointment, he was welcomed with pomp and circumstance. Although the ceremony lasted 3h30, we did not feel tired: the joy was so immense! We also celebrated the Jubilees of Sister Antonia Tshibombo (70 years), Sister Marie Esther Mianda and Sister Marie Josée Lusakueno (25 years).

The festive meal was shared with all the guests.

From left to right: Sr. Emilie Keboka Vadiambu, Sr. Flosine Modiri Ashobuna, Sr. Honorine Bwese Mandjoko (Saint Vincent de Paul Province), Sr. Espérance Elisabeth Malanda Futi, Sr. Germaine Kuyinu Nkembisila, Sr. Aimée Mavula Kaba. Seated : Sr. Joséphine Mbongata Makashi (Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Province).

The Province of Delhi celebrated the Week by setting aside quality time for prayer, reading and reflection with the help of the materials provided, inspiring videos and hymns. The creativity, newness, uniqueness, enthusiasm, interest and urgency with which the communities took up the call to care for our ‘Common Home’ was praise worthy. Each day, the communities chose different themes for prayer, like the five elements of nature, Nurture the Nature for the Future, No Earth No Life, Think Globally Act Locally, and the like.

Some communities are resolved to intensify their efforts to enlist the good will of the staff, students, parents and co – workers to become active partners with them in the project of “Healing the Mother Earth crying out in distress”. The final day of the Week, the Province reports that in prayer and reflection, Sisters examined their life style and the impact of their thoughtless behaviour and decisions with regard to food, water, energy and other material goods of the earth. “It stirred our conscience to acknowledge our sins against creation and truly be sorry for our neglect and indifference to the Earth groaning under the pressure of human callousness.”

Vice Province of Rwanda writes,

In the fabric of life, we see biodiversity as a blessing from God. This theme helped us meditate on the essential facts of creation: that creation comes from God and that we are part of it. What happens to the creation happens to all of us too. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux saw the Bible and nature as two books in which God speaks to us and reveals to us something of his beauty and his goodness; nature speaks to us and shows us the presence of God. This awareness brings us closer to our common home.

During this week, the communities of the Vice Province was united in prayer with the Christian community all over the world to pray for and with the earth. We have recognized that the more we are united with God, the closer we are to nature. In all communities we have decided to save water, keep our surroundings clean, manage waste effectively, and to protect plants and trees. In a special way, with help, some of the women learned to make a vegetable garden in sacks, to conserve water and to produce much in a small place.

The Province of St. Bernard reports that to kick off the “Laudato Sí” week, some communities watched short videos, including one on the encyclical itself. In the context of the ecological catastrophe, we listen to the invitation of Pope Francis to bring our efforts together for the protection of our common home. We understand that we can overcome global challenges only by showing solidarity with one another. As Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, our charity is manifested not only to the vulnerable, but to the whole of God’s creation. This understanding has influenced all our communities and each one is committed to make a contribution to protect our mother earth.

“Laudato Sí” week has not gone unnoticed in our communities. It has found its expression in many ways:

- Prayer in and with nature: Some communities spend an hour of meditation in the lap of nature: contemplation of the rising sun, listening to the songs of birds and animals, appreciation of the diversity of fruits, flowers and herbs. The whole creation is praising the Creator!

- We saw the urgency to nurture, love, respect, and protect our mother earth because she is our mother.

- In the context of our country, some plants nourish our life in many ways, such as:

• The Banana Tree: This plant, soon after giving its fruit, dies. This is what we are called to do: to die to self, to give life to others through free services; self-giving so that the other may flourish through my presence.
• The Palm Tree: This is a very useful and strong plant that holds itself up even if it is in the midst of other trees that can suffocate it. It is an invitation for us to be strong and solid, to hold on in joy as well as in sorrow.



• The Papaya Tree: It is a plant that needs to be planted deep in the earth. Its fruits rest on each other regardless of their weight or shape. It is an analogy for us to root ourselves in prayer, to support and help each other, to accept and love each other regardless of our differences.

An appropriate response to this awareness, we understand, is ecological conversion: concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and inner peace. It is a way of listening to the cry of creation, recognizing the contribution that each of us can make to protect the earth, our common home.

Some concrete decisions taken by different communities:

- Praying with nature

- Planting trees on our land to fight against the economic crisis. We have planted many more fruit trees so that we can share their fruits with different communities and with those around us

- Strengthening the work of vegetable gardens and caring of flower gardens

- Separating waste into degradable and non-degradable items in order make compost, feed for animals and manure for our gardens

- Committing ourselves to cleaning and maintaining our environment.

The region of Mali reports that in response to the SG’s letter and in union with the world Catholic community, in prayer and solidarity each community of the Region of Mali celebrated the LS week, despite confinement and curfews. Our response was made concrete through the following activities:

- Adoration, rosary, a special hour of Worship each day to implore God’s mercy for the world

- Planting of fruit trees, taking care of our vegetable garden, using natural fertilizers

- Reciting Pope Francis’ prayer for the health of the sick every day after Vespers in union with the victims of Covid 19.

- In respect for nature and to show our love for our Mother Earth, we collect and recycle waste and use it differently.

“Marie-Auxiliatrice”, the community of Miabi in the Province of Saint Vincent de Paul, reports that part of their celebration of the Week was to weed the community garden and to plant anti-lightning plant (Ginkgo biloba). It is planted in all four corners of their house.

The Covid-19 pandemic continues!

“Let us make no mistake: our fight against coronavirus is far from over… Close to a million lives have been directly lost to the disease... A global pandemic requires no less than a world effort to end it. None of us will be safe until everyone is safe.” These are the words of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

The media information on the ever-changing statistics of the pandemic is available to us on a daily basis, if not hourly. Again and again, we are reminded of our responsibility to reduce contact with other people as much as possible, staying at home, working from home where possible, and practising physical distancing in order to contain the spread of the disease.

The extracts below will give you some glimpses into the life in the Congregation as we continue to live with the inevitable reality of Covid-19.

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Brussels

Belgium: First of all, we are happy to say that for the moment no sister of Belgium is sick by Covid-19. Unfortunately the number of the infections in Belgium makes much of Belgium into a red-zone today. The short period of ‘oxygen’ in the month June is now totally gone and the authorities announce again very strict measures to stop the tide. However, everything possible is done to keep the medical services going, to protect the homes for elderly from the virus and to have schools remaining open, as long as possible.

It’s a pity that as the infections increase, all activities must stop: a meeting with the new Bishop of Gent, Lode Van Hecke, in our motherhouse is cancelled. Most of the sisters were waiting for the personal encounter with the Bishop. We had also planned commemoration celebration for the sisters who died during the corona time - this must now move to another date. So also the New Year get-together. It is painful for the sisters who need the company of other sisters. The virtual possibilities can’t replace the warm, personal encounters between sisters.

England & Ireland: The government of England has warned us that tougher restrictions than those already in place, may be necessary; so we wait to hear the worst, which could be a total lockdown as we had back last March, at the beginning of the pandemic. To date the lockdown is localised to what is referred to as the ‘Hot Spots’ in various parts of the Country.

In Ireland, the situation is extremely concerning. From midnight on 21^st Wed. Oct. the country moved to its highest lockdown tiers for six weeks. This would mean that visits to private homes or gardens will not be permitted and there are to be no gatherings except for tightly controlled weddings and funerals.

Our Sisters in both Countries follow the guidelines from their respective Governments , as do the managers of our Care Homes in both Rosglas (Ireland) and Ansdell (England). So far, no Sister or person in our Care Home have contracted the disease, thank God, and in large part this is due to our excellent Lay Staff who follow the recommendations from the Health and Government Departments.

Ranchi: The Corona does not discriminate! Many of our sisters too were infected by Covid-19. The first SCJM tested positive was in Hulhundu. There was a sense of fear and alarm in the campus. More tests were conducted and 10 sisters were found positive with the virus and 8 staff members. Sisters who were infected remained isolated in a separate building and were cared for by other sisters and our helpers. In Jamshedpur, some 18 sisters of Mercy Hospital were tested positive, besides some doctors, nurses, technicians and other helpers.

The moment one is tested positive, she or he is isolated. Some take around 45 days to recover while others 21 days or one month to recover and rejoin duty. It is difficult for the hospital to function when there is shortage of staff to manage and handle the inflow of patients.

The hospital has made separate wards for Covid patients; right now the number of covid cases has come down. However, the danger involved in admitting and treating patients without the corona test still scare the staff. As winter is setting in there may be a rise in positive cases, but people are learning to live with it and hospitals are getting ready to treat cases with more confidence.

Delhi: In the Province the Sisters are making an effort to face the reality. Being vaccinated by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we continue our ministries. Online classes are going on in full swing. The students and teachers are busy; so also the nurses and social activists in the Province; forgetting their own health, they give their services without counting the cost.

At present, there is one sister each in the communities of Sacred Heart Convent and Ashirbhawan in Amritsar and the Provincialate in Delhi who has tested positive for Covid 19 and three others who have some mild symptoms. All are on medication and in isolation. All the Sisters of these communities are self quarantined. 

It is a unique experience to be quarantined in one’s own house. Sometimes, we take community life for granted. When we are able to be together for prayer, Holy Eucharist, meals, recreation and other activities, we never realized the value of life in community adequately. Now, however, though physically we are distanced, yet we are united in prayer and we communicate with each other on-line, which is a relief indeed. 

Sri Lanka: As the country was adjusting into new normal with all the inevitable changes, unexpectedly the virus raised its head again on 4^th October. As the number of Covid cases is increasing rapidly, the quarantine centers are multiplied and certain hospitals and wards in some hospitals are tuned into Covid isolation and treatment unites.

As this second wave daunts the country, Jesus’s invitation to us “Do you love me… Look after my sheep” has become a tipping point. Our optimal responses at this moment in the history is our prayer for all the Covid infected, for those who are prone to the virus and for those at the service of the patients. SCJMs spend more time on their knees while trying all the possible ways to mitigate the suffering of people, especially the poor and the unemployed. Those under our care especially the elders, children and the working staff are taken care of. Home gardening is booming as we grow our own fresh fruits and vegetables. We spend more time inthe community: praying, working and taking time for each other while exploring new paths forward as Covid 19 is inviting everyone to a significant wake up.

Pakistan: In Pakistan, Covid -19 seems to be only in the newspaper! The people are going about without masks and any other precautionary measures! There are some measures taken in educational institutions, hospitals and banks. According to the news, there are new cases of the pandemic in Karachi and Islamabad and Smart Lockdown has been placed in the affected areas.

The schools are opened in stages, starting with three senior classes and bringing in the rest of the classes after a week or two depending on the place and situation. The schools in smaller towns such as Hafizabad, Kasur and Yohannabad have all the classes in while the others will have them in by the beginning of November. We cannot have more than 20 students in a class; so all the classes are divided into two groups and they come to school on alternate days.

By the grace of God, all our sisters remain healthy and unaffected by the virus. We live one day at a time with the hope that the Merciful Father will have pity on our world by delivering us from this pandemic soon so that we can live the normal life again.

Philippines: The challenges of each day keep reminding and creating an awareness within us to the reality of life around us; the poor becoming poorer each day with no work to earn their daily living. When the situation seemed improving, an unexpected increase of covid-19 cases forced us to cancel or postpone plans already made. The school children have classes online; but not many are able to benefit from this facility.

The government is advising people to look after the sick in their own homes. Life is not going to be easy and it is becoming more and more complicated. Everyone has the same question: how long to continue like this? We entrust our lives in the hands of God because He is the only one who knows what is best for us.

Vietnam: The pandemic brought once again disorder in our daily lives! Nam Hoa parish closed its gate since the Eucharistic celebrations did not take place, except some prayers at different hours of the day. However, there are some parishes at a walking distance that would accept just 30 to 35 people for daily mass. So, we braved out not to be late and be locked out like the foolish virgins who were deprived of attending the banquet with the Bridegroom. This continued about a fortnight and we were able to attend the Holy Mass in the parish again. At the moment, the situation is given out to be normal and under control.

Rwanda - Burundi: Everywhere, we can see that life is starting again, many buildings are under construction, teachers and students are in a feverish mood for the resumption of classes... However, restrictions are always respected: social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands, no handshakes and no kissing (this measure seems very difficult to observe and undermines our culture of shaking hands and kissing at all times).

On our side, as SCJM being fully engaged in our apostolate, we continue our extra prayers and works of mercy. In our prayers, we remember and stand in solidarity with the peoples of other countries where the pandemic continues to cause much loss of life.

As for Burundi, while the whole world was shaken and panicked by the Covid-19 pandemic, it remained calm. There was no lockdown as elsewhere, no closure of churches or schools, work and life continued as usual. But last June, the pandemic was declared "public enemy number 1" by the new Burundian regime. Among the supporting measures, it decided to subsidise the price of soap and water by half. At present, however, the government has advised the population not to give in to this “unpredictable enemy”.

Mali: Always attentive to the situation, we kept ourselves updated with the latest news. But when we learned that the pandemic was spreading rapidly around the world, fear, anguish and anxiety began to fill our hearts.

Since the registration of the first cases, we asked our workers to stay at home, until further notice, then we ourselves started to do all the work: cooking, gardening, animal husbandry, etc. The majority of the population does not take the disease seriously. Although there are cases of infection and deaths, people live as if nothing happened. Some people laugh at us when they see us wearing the masks. There is total confusion, but on our side we do everything to be careful.

Every Wednesday, we do 30 minutes adoration to pray for all those affected by this disease; imploring divine protection. In spite of the fear that we feel every day, we feel the presence of God in our midst, and have the courage to go out one by one to at least do some small errands at the market. The population encourages us by minimising the disease. Despite this, we often take precautions not to let ourselves be contaminated.

St. Bernard, DR Congo: Messages about protective measures are everywhere...

One of the main ways in which Caritas, the local Church and religious communities, including the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, in their respective environments, help communities to protect themselves against Covid-19 is to ensure that they are armed with the right information to help them save lives.

Our experience with Ebola has helped a lot because the measures taken to stop the spread of Covid-19 are similar to those for Ebola, but with more emphasis on wearing a mask, lockdown and social distancing....

It’s true that it’s a new way of life that we have to get used to: walking around with masks on, washing our hands often, not shaking hands... a whole education to follow to get into different public places. We learn every day how to live with the coronavirus and how to defeat it. Whether they are pupils or teachers, in public or private schools, they all went back to school on Monday 12^th October. Like many of their peers around the world, the Congolese pupils will have to comply with new daily rules: wearing a mask, etc...

St. Vincent, DR Congo: The return to normal life is allowed while respecting the barrier gestures and following the modalities set by the response teams, such as temperature control at each entrance, hand washing, compulsory wearing of masks in public places, regular disinfection of places of activity... For the moment, the general trend is to relax, especially in relation to the wearing of masks, while new cases are still being detected, from time to time, in areas already infected.

In the Province in general, life is starting again in slow motion. We have made smaller and local changes to avoid incurring too much expense... Our lifestyle has completely changed, which requires us to review our living out of the vows. We have minimized the cost of expenses. We are all committed to raising awareness about respecting the barriers gestures in our communities, our schools and hospitals ... Positively, there are the awareness and commitment of each one to value the garden, the fields, the livestock, and in the future consider agro-pastoral communities in order to minimise expenses.

The impact of the pandemic in relation to our Charism is that in our health institutions where our sisters work, there has not been any case of Covid-19. As SCJM, our nursing sisters have continued to work with the sick in spite of the danger they face.

At the end of each pilgrimage, what a joyful moment to belong to the Potter! Wonderfully moulded during years by God, we proclaim: “Great is the Lord, most worthy of praise and His deeds are beyond measure” (Psalm 145:3).

We were supposed to make our first profession together with the three Vietnamese Sisters who were getting ready for their final profession. We were looking forward to celebrating together with them our commitment to the Lord as SCJM. We expected that on the beautiful day of our first profession, our families and friends would join us in celebration and thanksgiving. We tried many times to travel back to Vietnam, but unfortunately we could not go, because of the travel restrictions due to the pandemic. We really felt upset about it.

In that situation, Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, gave us the permission to make our first profession in IAN. The IAN community discussed, planned and organized everything for the celebration. We experienced the joy, team spirit and gladness of each one of them in all these activities. Their hard work, effort, and energy-sharing enlivened us.

We cherish and appreciate the meaningful evening prayer service on 14th October with the image of “The Potter and the Clay”, and especially the celebration on 15th October 2020. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Alvin Chavez, our parish priest, and concelebrated by 3 religious priests from neighboring communities. Our vocation is a treasure gifted to us by God. We are called to bloom wherever we are planted and to joyfully bear witness to God’s mercy and love.

We enjoyed the beautiful and meaningful decorations of the house, the food, cultural program, etc. It was a joyful day, though we missed our Sisters and dear ones in Vietnam. The community is our family and all the religious and guests present are our fathers, mothers and siblings. The appreciation, wishes and encouragement of every one gave us a deep joy. Their loving presence was a blessing for us.

We are really thankful to God for our vocation and to all the Sisters and junior novices who made our profession day a memorable one for us. We would like to express our deep thanks to each of them, especially to our Sisters from Legaspi community, who joined us for the occasion, despite the long journey, the dangers and difficulties on the way. We ask God to shower His choicest blessings upon them and grant them the graces needed to accomplish Jesus’ mission on earth.

Together with the SCJM family, the Region of Our Lady of La Vang, Vietnam, gives thanks to the Almighty God for the countless blessings He has been showering upon the three of us: Srs. Teresa Thuận, Maria Hạnh and Maria Loan, who readily said “Yes” to God, for the whole of our life, on October 10, 2020.

This grace-filled day of our Perpetual Profession was a significant milestone in our life as religious. Looking back at our journey, we realize that all through these years the Lord has been always at our side, keeping us ever in His loving arms. We deeply experienced His loving care through our sisters’ love and all the opportunities offered to us during our formative journey. We will never forget this blessed day, when we were enveloped with the vibration of love, prayer support, and wishes from different corners of the world.

The well-organized celebration and meaningful liturgy created an atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving. The Eucharist began at 9h30, presided by Rev. Bishop Louis Nguyen Anh Tuan – Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saigon. He emphasized on the meaning of the final profession, saying that this covenant must bear fruits like the branches attached to the vine. It is only by abiding in His love that our lives will bear witness to His unending love and mercy to our world.

After the Eucharist, all were cordially invited for the fellowship meal in the parish hall. We all enjoyed the lively cultural program and delicious food. This successful day was the fruit of all the efforts, energy, time and collaboration of all the members of the Region. We would like to express our gratitude to Sr. Suman Anima Toppo, our Regional Superior, the regional team, all the sisters, postulants and aspirant for having made this day a memorable and remarkable one for us.

Sr. Maria PHAM Thi Phuong Loan

Video of the Profession :

Dear Sisters,

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has signed his new Encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” on fraternity and social friendship in Assisi today, the 4th October, on the feast of his name-sake St. Francis.

In Pope’s own words, this encyclical is an exhortation “to recognize each other as brothers and sisters and to live accordingly in the common home that the Father entrusted to us.”

Inspired b St. Francis, the Pope calls us to “open fraternity … to recognizing and loving every person with a love without boarders … to encounter others in a way that is capable of overcoming all distance and every temptation to engage in disputes…”

The accompanying material offers you an introduction to this very timely exhortation. The text of the encyclical can be found on the official website of the Holy See (www.vatican.va). I would like to invite each of you to welcome Fratelli Tutti with open hearts and give it the importance it deserves.

May the message of this encyclical motivate each one of us toward that much desired fraternity and social friendship that our world needs today!

Video on "Fratelli Tutti":

Dear Sisters,

We are now past the shock and disbelief of the outbreak of the pandemic C-19. We have been trying to face it in faith, hope and courage. We have been listening to the God who is powerfully communicating with us through this deeply disturbing intervention in our lives. We continue praying for deliverance from this virus so as to go ahead with our life in full swing.

“NOT YET!” seems to be the indication as you will discover from the accounts below. The impact of a second wave of the virus is felt in several parts of the world, including the SCJM world.

What is more! An opinion that seems gaining strength among the analysts and commentators is that the coronavirus is here to stay and that we better be prepared to live with it in an agreeable manner! If this is the case, we need to further sharpen our listening faculties to hear the “still, small” voice of the Lord from within this situation and be prepared to take new and untrodden paths.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord tells us, “I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  We hold on firmly to this promise of the Lord as we move ahead!

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Brussels

Belgium

The country was beginning to limp back to some kind of a normal life when in mid-July reports of new cases began to appear. As this began to increase, it was clear that the second wave has begun to sweep over the country. The average daily infections stands at 371, an increase of 62% per week. Right now, Antwerp is the epicentre of the virus, and Brussels is given out to be the next. As a result, the government has tightened precautionary measures for at least the next four weeks, with new limits on contacts and events: social contacts are limited to five people; organised events are limited to 100 people; masks are compulsory at all events; shopping must be done alone again and the maximum shopping time of 30 minutes has also been reintroduced. 

Rwanda

Rwanda too shares with the rest of the world the effects of Corona, though compared to other countries it is not too bad. According to the recent account, there are 898 active cases of corona hospitalized at present; 918 have already been recovered, and in all 5 deaths have been reported.

In some of the parishes there is daily Mass, but only for the religious. The Sunday Mass is for all with all the required regulations. Severe punishments are given to people who do not obey the rules. So there is obedience at least out of fear. The traffic is allowed on the road till 9pm and all shops remain open till the evening. Schools still remain closed. All other works continue as usual. Complete lock down and quarantine continue in areas where there are more fresh cases. The frontiers to our neighbouring countries still remains closed.

But in Burundi, where we have one community, people seem to live in another world. Life is very normal as if nothing has happened: no masks, no social distancing, and no restrictions. People do die, but no one talks about Corona.

Pakistan

As the pandemic has hit only the major cities, most of the people have not taken it seriously. Despite the Lockdowns in different areas of the country, the people go about without masks. In some places, the fine is imposed and there the mask goes up as soon as one sees a policeman. The life seems to be normal except for the educational institutions. They remain closed and every other day a new date is announced for the reopening. All the banks, government institutes and shopping malls and shops do not let people in without the mask and hands sanitized.

The closing of the Educational Institutions has protected our children from the pandemic. Schools in the cities are having classes on line. Besides, the Government has started TV classes for different levels. The private schools, including ours, are having many financial difficulties as the government does not allow any employee to be sent off or to hold back the salaries.

The churches are still closed though some allow a limited number of the faithful for the Sunday Mass. We the SCJMs are lucky to have the Eucharistic Celebration quite frequently. We pray that God may deliver the whole world from this deadly plague and let us enjoy the normal way of living once again.

Vietnam

The people of Vietnam got back to normalcy from April 30th. Churches, schools, shops, and services are following their usual schedules. People began to feel secure again after a period of time living in fear and worries. Talks, news, discussions about Covid-19 seemed to be lesser and lesser in the country.

The summer holidays are here and when all were in the mood of vacation and relaxation, suddenly on July 25^th, Vietnam’s first community transmission case was reported in Da Nang after 99 days without a new case reported. The patient who was tested positive did not have any travel history. It is still unclear how he contracted the virus. The latest eleven cases include seven patients and four medical staff linked to Da Nang Hospital. At the moment, the city of Da Nang is applying the strictest social distancing measures of lockdown. 

In other parts of the country, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, people are again cautious about the seriousness of the transmission of Covid-19. Masks are required in all public places. Local police are visiting houses and hostels to make sure that all measures are taken to prevent infection, including our communities. Social gatherings are once again banned.

Churches, religious communities and the faithful are in constant prayer for the healing of the world from coronavirus.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been efficacious so far in responding to early warnings of Covid-19. At present the country is in the process of closely monitoring the situation and strengthening preparedness to respond effectively to combat any incoming situation.

More than six months into this pandemic, Sri Lanka has made an enormous progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19. For the past four months, the Government, together with medical officials and the Tri-forces, have taken various measures to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is minimized within the island. The support given by the public by obeying the rules and regulations and maintaining the good order and discipline has been of great help.

It can be assumed that Sri Lanka is very close to victory over this pandemic. Schools are being re-opened in a phased-out manner after a closure of 115 days. The parliamentary elections will be held in August with strict health measures and guidelines.

Today, the total confirmed cases stands at 2,810 with 503 active cases. 2,296 cases recovery and 11 deaths are notified.

The changing lifestyles of the post-pandemic “new normalcy” may prove to be a challenge for many, especially where transportation, employment and day to day needs are concerned.

India

The Corona Virus pandemic still continues to rage its fury in the Indian sub-continent. There is a decline in new cases in certain states; however it surges on in other states. The southern states of India that fared well in controlling it in the beginning are now faced with local and community transmission. Delhi which stood almost at the top of the ladder is now seeing a decline in new cases. As of now, India has a total 1.5 million cases (1.583.156) with a death toll of 34.224. A good number of them are being cured as well. In spite of the lock down of selected areas and travel restrictions within the country, life goes on and all are trying to learn to live with it with necessary precautions. As far as education is concerned, online classes are going on in full swing. A few other activities are also resumed.

In all this, the poor are the ones who suffer the most with no work and having no means for sustaining their families. Many are stricken with fear, anxiety and worry, not only of the virus but about their future.

Ranchi city, the capital of Jharkhand, is one of the hotspots for positive cases. However, many private hospitals in the state have been closed down due to lack of facilities to treat covid 19 patients and some have been sealed off for treating the infected ones without taking adequate precaution. The Mercy Hospital in Jamshedpur was kept open for general patients and it was a respite for the people of Jamshedpur. Although we had prepared isolation rooms for covid cases in case of emergency, we were not totally prepared to treat infected ones. By mid-July, when hospital staff members started getting infected and patients tested positive, they had to be isolated and those who came in contact with them quarantined. This meant less number of staff members and closure of the concerned departments. Before long the hospital had to be closed down too - on 22^nd July. 

The entire hospital was cleaned and sanitised during this period of total closure. It was fumigated as per the government rule and is now ready to admit new patients. Sisters are confident that everything will go well when the hospital reopens although there is also fear and anxiety and a sense of uncertainty as the Covid 19 situation in the state is moving from bad to worse.

In a situation where we cannot do much, the SCJMs hold on to the Lord in hope. We continue to storm the heavens that the Lord may have compassion on our world. What gives us the impetus and confidence is the trust we have in God that without His knowledge nothing happens and He will take care of those who care for others.

Philippines

We are very much grateful to God Almighty who continuously take care of us and for His providential care, love and protection.

There are some 89,374 confirmed cases in the country today. Around 65,064 have been recovered; and the death toll is 1,983. Both the national and local governments responded to the pandemic with various declarations of emergency, closure of schools and public meetings, lockdowns, and other estrictions intended to slow down the progress of the virus. The challenges of each day keep reminding and creating an awareness in us to the reality of life around us, especially as we see how the poor are becoming poorer each day. The reopening of schools is postponed as new cases are being reported. Children have online classes though few are able to benefit from this. The sick are advised to remain in their own homes and be looked after.

During these difficult times, we are invited to face these challenges as an invitation for our own conversion and to renew our faith in God.

Congo

On 18 March, at midnight, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a state of health emergency because of the cases of Covid-19 detected in Kinshasa on 10 March 2020. He urged all his people to observe some measures to prevent the Pandemic.

The state of emergency was lifted on 21 July. On that date, the President announced the resumption of classes, starting with the final year of primary, secondary, high schools and university, from 03/08/2020, and from 15/08, the reopening of churches and places of worship, migration and interprovincial movements, the reopening of ports, airports, and all borders, and the reopening of discotheques, stadiums and theatres. For funerals, the provisions remain the same and are strictly enforced.

In addition, he stressed that thanks to the efforts of the response team, the mortality rate has fallen from 11% to 2.4%. The mortality trend is declining during this month of July. The DRC ranks 9th in Africa in terms of cases detected and 12th in terms of deaths.

The return to normal life is authorized, in compliance with the barrier measures and following the modalities set by the response team: temperature control at each entry, hand washing, mandatory wearing of masks in public places, regular disinfection of places of activity...

On 29/07/2020, the official media communicated the following statistics: 9,010 infected cases, 437 recovered cases and 215 deaths.

Mali

To date, Mali has reported 2520 infected, 75 deaths, and 1919 recovered cases. The state continues to trace possible infected cases in the country and directs its people towards remaining calm and respecting all precautionary measures. However, not everyone pay sufficient attention to this.

The schools are reopened. The public transport system was never affected. The airport is scheduled to open soon.

We continue interceding for our suffering world.

England

The current pandemic continues, and seems unstoppable here in the United Kingdom as elsewhere in the world. People, especially the most vulnerable, are genuinely and understandably frightened, since as yet there is no ‘miracle drug’ or vaccine available to combat this virus. The ongoing research in the various institutions, including Oxford to mention but one, gives some glimmer of hope on the horizon.

However, the anxiety about the potential spread of the disease is heightened, when on Thursday July 30th. the fact that the number of Corona cases in the Country was 28% more than on the first of the month. Our mortality is certainly thrown into sharper focus during this extremely uncertain period of time.

Following on from that, this morning’s news quoted our Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson as saying, he was “squeezing the brake pedal” on easing lockdown after infections doubled in a month. His statement really sums up succinctly the whole situation. This was the day many businesses were due to reopen; instead it seems that the country has probably reached near the limits of what can be done to return to life as normal for now. One wonders if life will ever again be what we understand as normal, or will we rather be talking about Covid-19 normal.

Ireland

According to the latest statistics, Ireland has 26,027 confirmed cases of C-19 and 1763 Covid related deaths. The latest figures show that the pandemic has re-emerged in the country. Over a two-day period the country moved from a relatively stable epidemiology to a significant pattern connected to outbreaks. All are advised to be really careful and adhere to public health advice so to avoid further spread of the virus. Vigilance and precautionary measures are to be observed. 

On the evening of 23^rd June, a climate of recollection was recommended. The next morning, we woke up in joy. Everything seemed beautiful to us, and the song of the birds invited us to praise, to sing, and to admire the greatness and love of God towards us, his creatures. The 24th of June, an important date for the SCJM Congregation, commemorates the death of Father Peter-Joseph Triest, our founder.

For a number of years, in the D.R. Congo, and more particularly in the Province of St. Bernard, this commemoration has been crowned by the first religious vows of novices who finished their formation and the renewal of vows of young sisters in different communities. Since the Congolese population is obliged, since 19/03/2020, to live in lockdown because of COVID-19, in order to avoid any risk of contamination by this pandemic disease, this Wednesday 24/06/2020 was celebrated according to the initiatives and realities of each community.

The members of our community of Notre Dame d’Afrique in Muanda-sur-mer celebrated a thanksgiving Mass to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of religious vocation in a special way. In this way, each Sister celebrated the number of years of religious life that is proper to her: 61 years for Sister Christiane KAPINGA, 53 years for Sister Elisabeth ONGADI, 36 years for Sister Scholastica NGALULA, 30 years for Sister Jacqueline MVIKA, 29 years for Sister Jeanne Claudine MBUYI, 12 years for Sister Marcelline MAMBWE, 11 years for Sister Marie Reine BOKWE, 8 years for Sister Ivonne KUNDJI, and 2 years for Sister Madeleine MBIDI who also renewed her vows for one year. Mass was concelebrated by three priests from our parish.

Immediately after the morning Eucharistic celebration, we were all invited for breakfast. At 1:30 pm, the community shared a festive meal with the priests of the parish and two hospital officials.

It should be noted that the entire organisation was done in strict respect of the barrier gestures to avoid the spread of coronavirus. We felt and observed the joy that inhabited each one of us. Here are some pictures of the event:

Sr. Marcelline MAMBWE

Dear Sisters,

Given below is a message for all of us to take to heart, pray, reflect and personalise. It is addressed to us by the presidents of the UISG (Union of Superiors General – women’s section) and USG (men’s section).

The message centres around three key points: listening, concern, and care – a Scriptural answer for our life today, during these pandemic times.

I would like to invite you to spend some quality time with this message and make an appropriate response to this call.

Sr. Lucy Jacob

Brussels

___

(Caught up in the web of the pandemic, our two student-sisters, one in France and the other in Rome, who were at a course on the formation of formators, share with us their experience of living with the C-19.)

France: Sr Béatrice Tshilemba (St Vincent, DR Congo)

All of a sudden, everything stopped, as if by the pressure of a finger on an emergency stop button, because of a virus. The machine of our lives came to a standstill and things took a completely unexpected turn.

In France, the travel ban as a health measure was introduced by the authorities as early as 12 noon on 17 March 2020.

I was staying with the Sisters of Christ the Redeemer, and shared the community life with the two Sisters there. Since freedom of movement was restricted, it was necessary to organize our prayer life according to the programs of the liturgical celebrations on KTO channel or YouTube. In addition, we adjusted our timetable to watch the news at 8 p.m. on France2 channel.

To respond to this situation, as a community, we stitched some gowns, donated bedsheets, participated in the action of sharing and drew up a list of people in difficult situations in our neighbourhood. Every day, at 8 p.m., we applauded the caregivers from our windows. We prayed for the sick, the care-givers, the scientists, the politicians, the Church and all its members and for the dead every day. One of our acquaintances, a 55-year-old doctor, died of Covid-19.

We had time to reflect on several topics, as the pandemic has highlighted social inequalities, the importance of human contact, the heroes of this time, the Eucharistic fast, a new Easter celebration, the equality of all men or the way of looking at the aftermath of the pandemic... These moments of mutual reflection and sharing led us towards a different vision of the world, with its contradictions and its possibilities. 

Yes, when the boat of our world was battered by the waves and the headwind, we could turn continually towards Christ (cf. Mt 14:24).

Meanwhile, the courses continued online by videoconferences. It was necessary to adapt quickly to the new way of working and to conform to it.

Rome: Sr. Lilly Pallipurath (Ranchi)

With great enthusiasm and anxiety I reached Rome, the eternal city, on 25^th January 2020, to attend a Formators’ Program, organized by UISG (International Union of Superiors General). As we have no convents in Rome, my stay was arranged in a convent of the Poor Sisters of the Divine Providence.

We began with an orientation session on 29^th January. We were 44 sisters of 27 nationalities, and representing 33 Congregations. The program was well designed with important topics like theology of religious life, intercultural competence, Discernment and Leadership, Digital culture & formation, and the like. We were very excited as we had a lot of interaction and sharing during the class and at break hours. We soon started living like a family with a lot of group activities, celebrations and daily chores.

Just one month into the program – everything changed! On 6^th March we were told we couldn’t go to the Centre for classes! The impact of the now familiar pandemic started coming home to us without warning or preparedness. Our coordinator informed us that our classes now would be held on Zoom. Consequently, the course continued without any break. What we missed was meeting each other and the connectedness, although we continued with zoom group sharing, zoom prayer, zoom celebrations, etc. 

The news of the pandemic affected us and each one went through different experiences. The spread of Covid 19 in Italy and the rise of death toll shocked me. The news and images of people infected and died in Italy were depressing and at times filled me with fear and anxiety. Many of us could not sleep and all that we could hear was the siren of the ambulance. The only consolation was prayer – prayer from the depth, a cry from the heart, a quest for an answer, a search for a meaning as an SCJM in this situation. With tears in my eyes, prayer became more real. We were blessed to have Holy Mass everyday even during the lockdown. We had whole days of adoration that continued till the end of June. Praying for the people and anointing the sick through spiritual presence were the only simple things I could do for the sick and dying.

Through all this, when I count the blessings and regrets of Covid19 and the lockdown, I count more blessings than regrets. I got more time to reflect, assimilate and pray. I appreciate Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, and all the sisters who called and expressed their concern and support. Sr. Cynthia, our coordinator, and Sr. Patricia Murray, the Secretary of the UISG, took great care to listen to us, to share our feelings and to be with us during this time.

With interesting topics, new insights and learning, I got used to zoom classes. Sitting before the computer for 5 consecutive hours was not that easy. The course was very much focused on formation and very helpful for me as a person and in the ministry of formation.

All that we wanted and longed for was to come together once as a group before we left Rome. Yes, the lockdown was lifted and we were able to go for a retreat, take trip to Assisi and celebrate the concluding day on 26^th June, with social distancing and respecting other rules and regulations.

The threat of the coronavirus has the whole world on a pause. So also with me, now held up in Rome! As I wait for the flights to resume, I try to make the waiting a joyful, meaningful and hopeful experience.

24 June remains etched in the heart of every one of us!

At the point of his departure for his heavenly home, Father Triest’s last message to us was:
“Give and it will be given to you!”

His own life was nothing but an enduring gesture of GIVING as is evident in these words of his:
“I owe you my waking hours, all possible efforts, my rest … every hour of the day or night, and even when the roads are long, difficult and muddy …
I am happy when I, in imitation of Jesus, my Master,
may sacrifice my rest, my health, and even my life for you.”

If Father Triest were to walk and work in our present context of the global pandemic,
what would have been his response?

As we celebrate 24 June 2020, let us keep in mind that
God loves a “cheerful giver”!

Today we celebrate the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

the feast of our Congregation!

May we be enriched by the treasures that are hidden in the Heart of Jesus

and be made channels of this wealth
to all those around us during this time of global crisis!

VIETNAM: WE ARE HOPE FOR THE WORLD!

When I think of hope, I think of a dark place, at the corner of the house, far from everyone’ the eyes, and there is a small ray of light. That is hope!

Life was moving smoothly. We thought ‘all is well and all shall be well’! There was joy and laughter everywhere. Suddenly, we got the news of a little virus called CORONA attacked our beautiful world and whole life came into a standstill. The pandemic did not spare any single individual; did not give any time to get prepared; but yes, life took a very unexpected turn. Everyone was left with their hands tied before this pandemic.

Surviving the virus, living in lockdown, rising unemployment, artificial price hikes and news about unexpected deaths from every corner of the world have already made the future seem very insecure.

In our country the story is entirely different. Truth is safeguarded under the carpet! An announcement was made in public places on taking precautions and to staying safe. At the same time, they left no stones unturned to attribute all honor and glory unto themselves, saying that the whole world is looking upon us and that only this country is CORONA free, and so on. Yes, the Government was alert from the beginning and did take action but what they say is not the whole truth.

Here we are not involved directly in any charitable work. During the period of social distancing we were at home. We were well provided with food, mask, sanitizer and other necessary things. The only thing we could do better was to pray: we prayed for the people affected by the virus and we sent vibrations of peace everyday as we spent time in adoration. We all stayed at home, made use of the time learning different things. Often we shared our thoughts and feelings with one another and felt enriched by it. We became a source of encouragement to one another. But how long?

We were shaken in our faith; fear started to grip us as we heard from different sources that the world population is diminishing; the economy is going down, and the like. No work, no food, many deaths, people can’t move, they die in a foreign land… without their dear ones - what is more painful than that? In this gloomy atmosphere, where is hope? Where is small ray of light?

There was a moment when we did feel low and hopeless.

We began strengthening our inner self. On one Sunday, our Placide community, had a meditation based on Deut. 6:3-9,13b (Listen, then, Israel, observe these commandments and put them into practice. If you do this, you will be well and you will multiply in this land flowing with milk and honey as Yahweh, the God of your Fathers, promised you. Engrave on your heart the commandments that I pass on to you today. Repeat them over and over to your children, speak of them when you are at home and when you travel, when you lie down and when you rise. Brand them on your hand as a sign, and keep them always before your eyes. Engrave them on your doorposts and on your city gates. Fear Yahweh your God, serve Him and call on His name.)

Believing in the power of Jesus’ name we drew and wrote the name of “Jesus” in different forms and figures and put them in and around the house, in the garden, on the trees, on our beds and all possible places. When we did that a thought came to me, “God loves us so dearly, surely He will save us. What we need to do is to have a firm faith in Him.”

All through we experienced the providence of God towards us as a little community. We also were inspired by our benefactors and being aware of the needs of our people around us, we kept a piggy bank and saved some amount from our pocket money and by skipping a meal. We were thinking how to reach out to the neediest.

One day Fr. Andy, an OCD priest, came to us and started narrating the struggle of the Philipino community residing in Ho Chi Minh City. Because of the lockdown they had no job, had no money to pay their rent, nothing to eat, no money for the last rite of a person who died with Covid-19, and many other different needs. We as a community decided at once that our little help would be a consolation to these needy ones, and so we joined Fr. Andy’s community for this purpose. We feel happy that we have become a drop in the ocean - that is, living love in a very practical way and bringing hope to others by helping them honestly and respectfully. No matter what the amount is, sharing it brings in double amount of joy. A small gesture but great meaning. It teaches me a big lesson of generosity. I feel blissful when I think of it. We are not able to do great charitable work but we can do a small acts of love in a great way.

With all these I have realized that hope is within our heart. It shines out through our sharing and charitable work. In the community itself we create a ray of hope to one another by being a graceful companion. I have learned and practiced many good things during this time and so I dare to say: Hope sparkles when love and faith come together. I am a hope. You are a hope. We are hope for one another. All of us are the hope for the world. Let us keep our faith and trust in God that our hope will never be dimmed. Let us pray for one another that all may hear the whispering of the Lord: “I am hope for all who are hopeless. I am the eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light, come and rest in me!”

St. Bernard, Congo: "GOD WILL PROVIDE"

In D.R. Congo, on March 10, 2020, the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the capital Kinshasa and precisely in the Commune of La Gombe where our community is located.

On March 24th, the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, declared a state of health emergency. Three days were given to the population to get supplies because, for the Commune of la Gombe, the lockdown would begin on 06 April 2020, for two weeks. As the number of Covid-19 cases is increasing, the State has extended the lockdown to date.

Our ordeal began at the time of making purchases. The market was full of people and food was becoming very scarce and very expensive. We didn’t quite understand where all this would lead us or what we were going to do!

At the beginning of the lockdown, we had to go out to buy vegetables. On the way, we were stopped by the police at the central station of Kinshasa because we were two in our vehicle and we had only one access badge. After an hour’s exchange with the police, who would not let us go, we appealed to the mayor of the commune of La Gombe who came to our rescue. Because of this incident, we decided not to go out anymore and to be satisfied with what we could have at home.

The flame of Eucharistic fervor was not extinguished in our house. The Jesuit Fathers who are our neighbours did not hesitate for a single moment to continue to say Mass in our chapel in this time of lockdown. They took turns day after day so that we could have the Eucharist while respecting social distancing. During the daily Eucharistic celebrations, the lay people who are used to joining us are unfortunately deprived of access to our chapel.

During this confinement, the situation around us seems difficult: vulnerable people are crying with hunger and looking for food, including the police and guards assigned to guard the neighbouring offices, who have nothing to eat. They all head towards our community to beg for food. In solidarity with our people, we share what little we have with them.

Since we were more concerned about this situation, and since we cannot cope with it alone, we made a request for assistance to the Diaconia Service of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa which responded positively. We received some food.
In our turn, we made packets and distributed to each of these vulnerable people. The people were so happy and thankful to us for that gesture. Hope radiated on their faces. Part of the food received was also shared with the forty-five pregnant women and women in childbirth at our Mwinda Health Centre in Sanga Mamba and twenty malnourished children.

We experienced the words of our Founder, "God will provide". We saw how the faces that were saddened regained joy, smiles and strength. We also took the opportunity to sensitize them to the need to respect the measures taken by the Congolese State to protect themselves against Covid-19. We also encouraged the adults not to lose hope or become discouraged. All were in admiration.

This difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic had plunged us into sadness and stress. The annual retreat during this time was very beneficial for us and gave us the courage to move forward and do what we can while respecting the barrier gestures.

We have regained courage and strength. We are full of hope and ready to look for ways and means to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. We have begun to raise awareness among those who come to us, comfort them, give them hope and tell them to rely on Divine Providence because God will provide at all times.

SCJM in Ranchi help bring solace to Migrants

South Africa (Province of St. Vincent de Paul)

It was like a dream: we heard about a virus that causes a serious respiratory disease in China, in the city of Wuhan, and that killed many people, including a doctor. We had a feeling of fear and compassion for the Chinese people, without imagining that the famous virus was going to cross borders, without a visa, to reach other continents. A few months later, the news reached our ears: the virus had already landed in some African countries, including South Africa, our country of mission.

During this time of lockdown, we are in the house. We had the opportunity to pray a lot for the world, to do adoration in turn, throughout the day, to offer the whole world to the Lord, and more especially the people infected by Coronavirus, the health workers, the heroes who risked their lives to save the lives of others. This time of lockdown challenges us and invites us to always turn our gaze to the Most High, Almighty Master of life, and to think of the poorest who have nothing to eat at home.

At West Rand, in the house for pregnant girls, the Sisters accompanied the girls in labour to the maternity ward. We even saw the birth of a baby during this time of lockdown.

East Rand Brakpan is one of our homes for the elderly, sick and abandoned women. During the lockdown, all the workers were confined to their families, while the Sisters who work in this home remained in the Centre, serving the elderly women who are sick and abandoned by their families. The Sisters provide all the services: cooking, cleaning, daily care for the women and taking those who are sick to the hospital. During this time of lockdown, we even lost one of our residents, she was found dead in her bed in the morning. In spite of the work and fatigue, the dimension of prayer was not given up.

The Lord opened His Generous Hand by sending us donors in order to help the poor. We received food and went out into the streets and the shops around to distribute it to the poor. Or we would invite some poor families to come and get something to eat. We did this very carefully to avoid infection.

Miracles also happened: at the beginning of the lockdown, a catering firm that prepares meals for airlines sent two large refrigerated trucks to deliver food and prepared dishes. This helped us to feed people. Another time, a large truck full of nappies arrived at our Centre to deliver about 5,526 nappies for our residents, not to mention the other people who come every day to drop off something for the poor. The Lord really blessed us in a special way during this time of lockdown.

We experience the presence of God very tangibly in this time of crisis in the world and especially next to us where the cry of the poor is heard. God is there to comfort us and give us hope. We never cease to thank Him for the miracles of each day.

Region of Mali

On 16/05/20, the Minister of Health informed us of a total of 835 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 48 deaths, 479 recoveries, and 1838 people affected and lockdown was imposed. We, SCJM of the Region of Mali, stick to the measures of hygiene (hand washing, masks…) and social distancing.

And how do we experience this ’corona’ atmosphere? Schools are closed, but of course the Health Centre continues its work. The children talk about ’continuous strike’: for almost 2 years, the public schools have been on strike because of the teachers’ complaints.

On the radio, they talk about ’corona’ and they are silent about the war... However, more than ever, the attacks continue with many civilian victims... The macabre situation continues: Covid-19 victims, victims of banditry and terrorism. And already people talk about ’soon’: post-Corona victims, i.e. victims of famine, economic crisis, unemployment, insufficient schooling.

Never have we lived such a time of Lent... Even less a time of Passion and Easter without the faithful, without baptisms... In union with the whole Congregation, the Sisters of our Region made a retreat during Holy Week. Most of the Sisters had never experienced a retreat without a preacher. To their great surprise, they discovered the richness of Lectio Divina shared every day. The main theme for each day was: Jesus of Nazareth. Thus, together we shared the Passion of Christ, which is more than ever, now also, the Passion of our world: to follow Jesus in his suffering is also to keep all our suffering brothers and sisters in our prayer. To go through the Passion with Him is to know that at the end there is Life, because Jesus is Alive... It is an experience of faith that has marked us. What a grace to become even more aware that we are SCJM, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary... (The “C” of Charity prompted me to add: Companions of Jesus, the Living, the Risen One).

Yes, this is an unforgettable time for all of us. We continue to pray for the sick...

When the spread of the coronavirus began appearing in the media, we didn’t realize that it had an agenda of invading the world with devastating effect on the lives of everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our society. We kept ourselves tuned to news channels for more information and understanding. Within weeks, when Belgium reported confirmed cases in the country, we had more reason to get alarmed. The government imposed lockdown on 18 March. We had no choice but to change and adapt our ways!

• We first of all came together as a community to share with and listen to each other of our feelings and thoughts and what the Lord may be telling us through the situation that the world is encountering today. All of us were unanimous that the Lord is there and is inviting us to listen and to hear: to hear with the ears of our hearts to the ways of God speaking to us through the devastating events happening around us and to adapt to new ways of being and doing.

• Joining Pope Francis’ meditation on the calming of the storm (Mk.3: 35-41) set the tone of our praying during this pandemic: The Lord is in-charge; faith in this presence frees us from fear and gives us hope, he said. Growing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters the world over, we started praying for the infected, their families, the dead and the bereaved, the front-line supporters, our leaders, scientists and researchers… Prayer became part of our very life! The Holy Week and Easter celebration took on a very unique tone as we spent the whole week in retreat and prayed intensely for our world and humanity.

• Daily Eucharist is now virtual, except for one day a week when our parish priest joins us, carefully maintaining social distance. We spend much more time before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration; we nurture ourselves more frequently through Lectio Divina, and our daily prayers have their primary focus on the needs of our world today.

• The lockdown meant letting our lay-helpers stay home for their own & others’ health and protection. Everyone pitched in to make things moving: cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry, gardening, etc. Each one of us learnt something more, something new: ways of cooking – thanks to the YouTube, maintenance, use of the vacuum cleaner, how to use the different cleaning products, on-line shopping, kitchen gardening, taking care of plants...

• By the design of a Divine plan, to be sure, the general council members on mission were back in the Generalate before travel restrictions were imposed. The already scheduled meetings and visits for the months ahead had to be cancelled. However, they continued their regular meeting on matters related to the life of the Congregation. In some ways they were more occupied during the confinement than before: maintaining contacts with provinces/regions, getting connected and updated through social media channels such as WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom on the developing situation in each country of our presence, and changing, adapting & rescheduling events.

• In general, this lockdown situation gave us time to attend to things for which we had no time before: getting ourselves updated on various fronts, organizing files, tidying up cupboards and store rooms, clearing the house off cluttered things and the like.

• We have our moderate celebrations too: celebrations of Easter and Ascension, Labor Day, Mothers’ Day, Nurses’ Day, and birthdays of community members, including the birthday and Golden Jubilee of Sr. Birgit Goslain who was with for some days of the lockdown, adding joy to our life in community.

• There was also the daily visit to our garden of small groups of handicapped persons from an Institute nearby. During the lockdown, they were locked in too much that they needed a little fresh air and we were happy that they could walk in our gardens – maintaining social distance, of course.

• This week, responding to the invitation of Pope Francis, we live the “Laudato Si’ Week” and join in on-line some of the events organized by the Global Catholic Climate Movement. One evening, we were in the garden to pray with and in creation. The ducks in our garden, who have now become friendlier, joined us and even tried to use our prayer leaflet! The fish in the pond came up to the surface as though they wanted to say Hi! The birds seem to sing with greater clarity and depth!

• In the face of this pandemic we can do nothing much for the suffering humanity except turning to God in prayer for healing and protection. We are ever grateful to God for the blessings of life and the facilities we enjoy: a spacious house, spiritual nourishment, the support of a community, a beautiful garden, and food on our table, while many are suffering in isolation, fear, poverty and sickness. Each morning we wake up with gratitude for the gift of life and all the gifts gratuitously given to us.

• As the lockdown measures are being lifted gradually, the country today records 56511 confirmed cases, 14123 recovered cases and 9212 deaths. We pray with our Pope that the Risen Lord may “dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end”.

Anglo-Irish Region

In the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic - Covid 19, we experienced a period of shock, disbelief and fear, as we began to hear through the media the horror that this tiny, invisible piece of matter was causing throughout the world and especially when the first death in Ireland was reported.

We were asked to stay at home in Ireland from mid-March and keep social distancing. We therefore closed our doors to all who come to Suaimhneas for therapies, meditation, and courses. This shock took days to settle as we watch and listened incessantly to all news and media coverage that filled our community. It took some days to reconcile that this virus was here and will visit many places through its stay. How we respond to this new visitor is important for our survival as a human family.

In the midst of the initial fear and uncertainty, our leaders in Ireland set the scene. As a community, we began to feel the influence of their leadership and their capacity to convey a sense of calm but measured response. We felt ‘held’ in what seemed an impossible situation. Their honesty, transparency and lack of political rhetoric gave us hope. We were all in this together was the constant message. Their request to us was to actively participate in our own context, to stay at home, keep safe, maintain social/physical distance, to support one another and to give a sense of hope and encouragement in the small but essential ways. People throughout the country are responding to this in many unique and admirable ways.

With the security that we are being held in hope and trust, we see this time as an opportunity for us to be practical and creative. We began to reorganise our lives around this new experience

• We began to engage with the fear that family, friend and SCJM community of contacting the virus in a more constructive way. To find new ways of supporting and feeling supported in our physical distancing through technology. Remaining connected while staying apart.
• Suaimhneas that was once filled with activity, was now busy on the phone, WhatsApp or Zoom, connecting to others in support.
• We continued our mediation program through video recordings of the sessions.
• Supporting people on the phone who are finding this period difficult and arranging professional referrals as appropriate.
• Supporting the frontline staff in hospitals and care areas by our prayers, letters and cards of thanks.
• Through Networks we were able to support an initiative that provided the local hospitals and nursing homes with well-deserved and needed practical items to make life a little easier for staff; e.g. kettle, sandwich makers, etc.
• We are full of gratitude for springtime that we can have this time in the garden, to plant, to weed and to tend to the soil. We have the time to observe and listen to the daffodils and tulips speak to us of its fragility and essence, reminding us of the cycle of life.
  

Many had been asking the question where God is in all of this. God is suffering with us and speaks to us in the helping hand, the sacrifice that one is making to make another safe and in the promise of spring as is revealed to us through nature every morning. God is in the invitation to look again at our priorities and how we value life at all stages.

Perhaps this is the opportunity afforded to us to listen to the Earth and enable us to experience the God of Love, Compassion and Tenderness in and through the whole of humanity.

Kathleen O’Meara, in the poem below, seems to capture the opportunities contained in our present situation:

And people stayed home and read books and listened
and rested and exercised and made art and played
and learned new ways of being
and stopped and listened deeper
someone meditated, someone prayed
someone danced
someone met their shadow
and people began to think differently and people healed
and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways,
dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
even the earth began to heal
and when the danger ended
and people found each other
grieved for the dead people
and they made new choicesand dreamed of new visions
and created new ways of lifeand healed the earth completely
just as they were healed themselves.

Ranchi

I was on my way to a medical shop a few days ago when I was stopped by a poor lady who looked worn out and troubled. She told me that she had two children and had no means of running the family during the lockdown. She also told me that there were many people around the place who did not have any work and so no money to buy food for the family. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she narrated and I felt moved. On my way back I kept thinking how to reach out and help them. Back in the convent when I shared my experience with my sisters in the community, they were moved too and suggested that with the help of the local people we could make a survey of the area where the most affected people were staying and thereafter we could do something for them to fight this pandemic during this lockdown period.

There were people living in small, dingy, rented rooms without even basic necessities of life, including the lady who had spoken to me before. With the help of some local business men, we made packets of basic food items that would help a family to survive. It was mandatory to inform the local police/civil authorities before distributing food material to the people in the villages. The police were very happy and supportive when our plan of helping the people was told to them. So after completing the formalities, some of us went to the villages and distributed the packets among the neediest. People came rushing towards us from every corner as they were waiting for food. On the following day, I saw many children and ladies gathered outside our gate. I knew it was for food as they had heard about it from others. I felt sorry for them for none of them had a mask or gloves as their concern was food; the threat of coronavirus did not matter to them. It was very difficult for them to keep the required social distancing as they were preoccupied with the thought of getting food. I could sense the anxiety on every face as they waited for the food packets. Then I saw the smile on their faces when they received what they were waiting for and the look of relief. More people started coming; the need was more than what we had calculated. The issue is to be addressed and resolved and I felt the need to work harder.

Later in the evening, as I recalled the day’s experience I marvelled at how a small act of charity brought such joy and happiness in the lives of some of our people. That smile on those otherwise worried faces is enough to keep going!

Dutch-speaking Province

While Covid 19 is raging through our country, leaving a devastating trail of death, suffering and sorrow, we can discern smaller and greater signs of hope and generosity in our communities and surroundings.

First and foremost, all of us are grateful for the manifold initiatives taken to provide us with spiritual nourishment and succour while liturgical celebrations are so badly missed. Most of our communities have learnt how to deal with “livestream”, You Tube and websites projected on TV. We are extremely grateful to the Belgian bishops and the staff of “Kerknet” (the website of the Flemish church), who provide us with manifold initiatives, thus proving them to be extremely good shepherds. Our own mini site on Kerknet has also given some input so as to lighten the effects of solitude and anxiety. We experience that the “virtual” world is not meaningless!

Besides caring for the physical and psychological needs of our fragile sisters, our community coordinators are offering spiritual input and information, especially for those confined to their rooms under quarantine. Srs. Sushila & Noreen, members of the international community to-be, are generously offering their loving services to the sisters at Melle and in the process of picking up some Dutch.

Several communities have taken initiatives to lighten the burden of isolation, experienced by people living in a retirement home. They make greeting cards for residents. One community gave them the message: “Keep courage, all will be well sometime” and inserted homemade cookies. Sisters, being residents themselves, have experienced manifold gestures of attention: sweeter than sweet!

We notice that we religious are not the only ones to give small signs of kindness, solidarity and generosity. First and foremost, we see and are grateful for the never-ending toil and work of our collaborators: nursing staff, people helping with maintenance needs, administrative staff and community coordinators. They witness to great compassion and amazing creativity to solve all practical issues to keep sisters safe and at “social distance”. We are in awe for the zeal of medical personnel, scientists such as virologists, epidemiologists, not forgetting journalists and politicians.

These are the prominent “heroes”, but ordinary people and even youngsters offer their smiles and readiness to help: “Are you in need?” “Can I help you in some way?” were the messages found in some mailboxes!

We join in with the local population showing appreciation and gratitude for those toiling at the service of the sick: we display white sheets on a balcony, we join in clapping hands with our neighbours, we make phone calls and send “whatsapp” messages, or even ring the chapel bell at 8 p.m. in keeping with what the bishops requested from the parishes.

Many women and even some men have started sowing facial masks and some of our communities have been the recipients of these so badly needed items. Some of our sisters have also started sowing masks (especially for our own members and collaborators), as “Corona” is likely to be with us for a very long time.

Finally most of us have noticed that people are more readily smiling and nodding while meeting in the street.

We need to mention – not collateral damage, but collateral gain - in the absence of noise, so that bird singing can be heard. Surely this atmosphere of quietness is an invitation to reflection and prayer. Even nature has fared well with this crisis: pollution is noticeably reduced and wildlife is prospering. Children can once more be heard playing in the open, though we are aware that not all have the luxury of a garden or even a terrace. We are concerned about the homeless and the “gardenless”! For them confinement to the house is more trying than for most of us having a spacious house and a garden!

Yes, signs of hope we do discern!

Belgian South Province

Some experiences of our Sisters:

• From the bedside of a dying man:

May you be blessed, Mr. Adrien!
You are among our elders. It’s not long since I met you and we’ve had some important moments together. You came to the dining room not knowing how to express yourself very well, but your eyes radiated kindness. You did not come any more and, passing along your room, I saw you very slimmed down. Afterwards, looking at you from afar, I realized that your eyes were already turning towards the unknown. Your breathing was panting. I sat down next to you. My gaze went from your face to the sheep grazing in the meadow, they just had to lower their head, look down and there was fresh grass under their feet. A ray of sunshine, and peace was complete. Your eyes looked down at me, and I was overwhelmed … Then it came to my mind to turn to our Father.
And I said: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Spirit who unites them, I forgive you all your weaknesses.”
I dared, yes! There are no more priests. There has been a return among us to simplicity, to truth.
You are gone, Mr. Adrien, do not forget us, neither your wife nor your two children.
See you soon.

• While scrupulously respecting to all the instructions, one SCJM made a large poster and went to hold it up in front of a Nursing Home that she used to visit and bring communion to the elderly. In this way she wanted to spontaneously thank and encourage all the staff so heroically devoted to the vulnerable. Several caregivers expressed their gratitude for this fraternal sign.

• Two SCJMs, residents of a Rest Home, are concerned about the overworked staff and try to support them as much as they can. They participate and animate moments of conviviality, help a few residents who can no longer eat on their own and try to spread good humour around them. In these difficult days, they are gifts for this House which they consider as their own.

• Two SCJM communities have joined a popular initiative: every evening at 8:00 p.m., they ring the bells of their chapel as a sign of thanks to all those who take risks to relieve and care for the victims of Covid-19.

• The telephone has become a precious and irreplaceable channel for meetings. It allows the Province to live more concretely a fraternal communion already lived in prayer. It brings courage and hope to the Sisters and to those relationships that suffer most from confinement. It is a remedy against depressing solitude, strengthens bonds and allows us to live joyfully the solicitude that each one needs.

Sri Lanka

As 2020 began to blossom, the news that kept coming from Wuhan was disturbing. Yet none of us thought that it would cross the borders. So, we were shocked to realise that Covid-19 did cross and made its entry into our own country and has already started making its claim on our lives. We were puzzled not knowing how to handle this new situation. There were more questions than answers. News coming from the European countries was disheartening. The world had come to a stand-still.

As we were journeying during the season of Lent, we were reminded of the journey of Exodus. The faith deep within us was strengthening us to walk forward to the promise land but the reality just in front of us tend to make us lose our hope. Houses, villages, towns and cities were locked down. Life became so hard, especially for the very poor.

Many of us made a spiritual journey through an online retreat during the Holy Week. It was a different Holy Week from any other we had in our life time. In spirit, we embraced the whole world, especially the victims of coronavirus, their families, the medical personnel and hospital staff, the leaders of the country, security forces, and so on. We found courage in the Divine Providence and felt strengthened by the moto ‘Give! It will be given to you’. We shared with the poor what we could afford. We heard the cry of the poor and we were urged to embrace them in Charity. We shared dry rations and vegetables with the needy. This act of charity brought smile on their faces and hope in their life. Assistance was offered over phone to those who were in fear and panic; consolation to the family members who had lost their loved ones. As Pope Francis tells us, “In hopeless situations of pain and suffering, God never abandons His children but rather remains close to them”. We are happy that at least in some small ways we too could bring some hope to the victims of COVID 19.

Anglo-Irish Region

The hospital management where I work as a Chaplain began its preparation for the possible devastating impact of the Coronavirus in January 2020.

In February I began to realise the seriousness of this disease when all staff, including myself received training in the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). It was this training, together with news from the WHO that I began to realise the seriousness of the disease.

We all had to help each other during this time. Waves of fear were palpable among all staff including senior consultants. Many felt that they would rather be anywhere else but working in the hospital environment. However, in a strange way there is power in this fear and we helped each other in confronting this fear. … The words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu written in 1931 were inspiring. “All of us experience fear but when we confront and acknowledge it, we are able to turn it into courage. Being courageous do not mean never being scared; it means acting as you know you must even though you are undeniable afraid.”

As a Chaplain I received many requests for prayers. When a very dedicated staff member who got infected began to recover, many expressed their renewed belief in the power of prayer and gave thanks.

All staff now wear Protective Clothing Equipment (PPE). These suits are incredibly difficult to wear and work in. We have to help each other to dress and even more importantly help each other to undress out of them. The fear of picking up infection or passing on infection is a big worry and challenging.

My role at this time is very varied: visiting the ward each day, organising the sacrament of anointing for patients, supporting relatives and staff, helping staff dress in PPE... we are all in this together, colleagues supporting one another.

Communicating a caring, compassionate presence is a vital role for nurses, doctors, social workers and chaplains in caring for patients and family. The inability to do so in the usual manner when wearing this PPE ‘goes against the grain’. This caring presence can and is so difficult when dressed in this way. Simple eye contact is difficult when goggles being worn are all steamed up. How the patients and families are experiencing this and what the patients think of us has not yet been revealed. But it must be one of great fear.

In the midst of this very stressful situation, small act of kindness and concern for staff working on the front line here at the hospital goes a long way to brighten the otherwise very difficult day. The public are so generous to us at the hospital, giving money, bring food, supplying PPE, providing toasters, kettles, coffee makers, bottled of water. The staff feel their support and all these acts of generosity help to make life a little easier for staff.

Prayer has become a much more important part of the support and healing within the hospital. The small prayer team I invited to pray in our hospital oratory includes our local Priests, Church of Ireland Minister, our Bishop and myself was a response to this need. Each of them felt privileged to be invited to help the staff who feel supported and held in prayer. For the seven days each week, one of the prayer team is in the oratory praying for those affected by the virus.

A candle of staff solidarity remains burning night and day for all those whose lives we touch in the course of our work at this difficult time. Many staff have commented on how they feel supported in this prayer.

Visiting to the hospital is limited now to those in the final hours of life and now part of end of life care. We can only allow two visitors per family at the moment. All family members visit in the knowledge that they could pick up the virus. They all must also wear full protective equipment, which adds to their distress.

I spend time each day making contact with bereaved families, whose loved ones have died as a result off Covid-19. Most report on how sad they felt about not being able to say goodbye. This and the lack of ritual of a funeral and the customary support from other family member and friends make this time very distressing indeed. They experience a lonely and isolating time. This makes the process of grieving very difficult and complicated.

I question myself: What is this virus communicating to us? Will we understand the lessons we have to learn? Maybe our wonderful environment is speaking to us now loud and clear.

To conclude, I try to stay in the moment because if I look to the near future where scientists are still struggling to find a vaccine and our people are dying … I do feel fear.

However, I do feel that our government leaders and medical personnel are showing great leadership in their management of our country. They keep us informed each day of what their plans are, the direction and decisions that they were making in the light of what is best practice and what the WHO is recommending. This kind of leadership has been so welcomed and respected by the people of Ireland. We feel we are in safe hands and all citizens are being cared for with great respect.

The support I feel from my Sisters in the Region is just wonderful. This is a great strength for me in my ministry. I feel proud to be a Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary as I stand in solidarity and hope with all our sisters around the world at this time in history in the congregation united together in prayer and love.

In response to an initiative taken by the UISG for sharing stories of hope, our provinces and regions were invited to send in such stories. Presented in the form of reports, not stories in the real sense of the term, they are very enlightening, encouraging and inspiring. They speak to us of an integral part of our life in the Congregation today. So, we will post them here, one by one. The following is the account that came from the province of Delhi, the first one to arrive.

Challenges to live our Charism

The Corona Virus entered India on 30th January 2020 when a student who returned from Wuhan in China was tested positive. Just before its arrival, the country was already going through a terrible time due to the recently enacted amendments in the parliament: the CAA (Citizens Amendment Act), NRC (National Registration of Citizens) and NPR (National Population Registration). As these were interpreted as discriminatory, people rose in revolt, resulting in much violence and bloodshed, even riots.

Against this background, the country was suddenly gripped by the pandemic, which called for immediate attention and action. Overnight, the Central Government announced 21 days of lock down which left countless people helpless. However, God did not abandon them to despair. There were hundreds who reached out to them as torch bearers with a ray of hope.

The SCJMs of the Delhi Province have their own stories to tell of being such rays of hope for those who are groping in darkness.

1. The riot victims: The riots were primarily seen in Delhi, the national capital. The provincialate community reached out to the suffering humanity who were driven away of their homes. We joined hands with the archdiocese of Delhi, the Conference of Religious India (CRI), NGOs and other volunteers who came forward to alleviate the situation.

• Along with other priests, religious, social activists, journalists and religious leaders, some of our Sisters expressed their solidarity by joining a sit-in-strike in the capital,
• Some of us personally visited the camps and spent time with the riot victims. They listened to their heart renting experiences and counseled them.
• The province offered financial help for those in dire need.

Though what is done is like a drop in the occasion, our presence must have definitely been a ray of hope for the victims of inhumanity.

2. The Corona Virus Pandemic: We were aware of the virus spreading but never thought that it would become a global crisis. Gradually the country realized the need for preparedness and to take preventive measures to ward off the virus from spreading. The national lockdown declared for 21 days caused many problems, particularly for migrant & construction workers, daily wage earners and others on the margins. We were witnessing heart-rending sights on the roads in front of the provincial house where crowds of migrant-workers were on foot, trying to reach their homes, hundreds of miles away in most cases. There were still thousands left behind without shelter and food. To this suffering humanity we could reach out in some ways, we thought.

Some of our communities had already started reaching out to those who had nothing much to eat. Soon all other communities also found their own ways of being a ray of hope to the helpless. 26 communities sprang into action to help in all possible ways, such as:

• Distributing ration or offering financial help for treatment.
• Joining hands with those who were providing food in sheltered facilities.
• Making our school buildings available for quarantine purpose.

We were trying to be Good Samaritans to all those who were in need without distinction of caste, creed, religion, age or gender. These gestures of generosity, empathy, and solidarity with the affected people were sowing seeds of hope for the hopeless.

3. Solidarity with our “Lifeline”: Adhering to the words of Fr. Triest who said, “always accomplish your works of Charity in a spirit of faith, with your eyes fixed on God” we turned to God, our Lifeline. The last month had been a time of intense prayer, not only for the victims of corona but also for asking God for mercy upon us and the whole humanity for our sins, failures and short comings which have caused our Mother Earth to mourn under its weight. We are sure the Lord who labors with us during this world-wide crisis will enable us to continue to be a ray of hope.

In the depth of darkness when God seems concealed, the transforming light and hope of God is revealed through the committed and dedicated services of all health care supporters, government servants, NGOs, volunteers, priests, religious, donors and others whom our Fr. Triest would consider as “ gods on earth, and angels of God ”. May God, our Lifeline, continue to inspire us to walk in solidarity with the distressed people at this critical time of humankind!

St. Vincent, Congo (sent by Sr. Marie Céline Bulungu)

In the Province, so far, no Sisters have been infected by Coronavirus. Thank God.
In Haut Katanga: The Governor has authorised the sale of food products so that the population can get them. Barriers are being erected in different places to check the number of passengers allowed on public transport during this time of pandemic. In front of the food stores, shoppers are queuing up while respecting social distancing. Alcohol-based gel is given to people to disinfect their hands.

The situation does not seem too difficult for those who have a little money; while the majority of the population, who live from day to day by selling small items, is going through a difficult time.

In Kasai and Lomami: The population is on the move, people are only asked to respect the rules of hygiene. So far, only Kinshasa, North - Kivu, South - Kivu, Ituri and Kwilu in Bandundu have confirmed cases.

Overview of cases:
Kinshasa: 241 confirmed cases, 20 people cured, 20 deaths.
South Africa: 2272 confirmed cases, 410 people healed, 27 deaths.

In this alarming situation that the whole of humanity is going through, the Province of St. Vincent de Paul has chosen to have adoration every day in all our communities to implore divine help on our humanity in distress.

Mali (sent by Sr. Marguerite Tubale)

This, in brief, is the situation of COVID 19 in our country:

The Minister of Health and Social Affairs is responsible for keeping national and international opinion regularly informed of the epidemiological situation in Mali. He communicated the following:

On 12/4/2020 the health services registered 11 new cases of COVID 19, no deaths; 3 patients were cured, including a 15-year-old child.

To date, the number of positive cases registered in Mali is 116, including 9 deaths for a total of 25 patients cured. The care of the other patients is continuing. Other cases found in other cities are quickly sent to Bamako to avoid contamination.

The population is invited to remain calm and to respect preventive measures. We don’t leave our homes to go to the city and don’t have much news.

Easter was celebrated in intimacy, only with consecrated women, priests and a few lay people. All consecrated women are asked to stay in their communities: priests come to celebrate Mass every day.

England-Ireland (sent by Sr. Elizabeth Roche)

We are truly living in strange and bewildering times. We have begun our fourth week in lock - down, a term with which we have become very familiar since the COVID-19 has taken control of our lives. This silent, unseen and deadly enemy has caused and continues to cause hundreds of deaths daily. So much of life has to be put on the back burner, and the one thing we are all longing and hoping for, is a return to normality, whatever that new normal will be. As someone said recently, ...it’s also a pandemic of human disappointment...a lot of grieving on top of sickness, many deaths from the virus, and so many dying alone in hospital, without a loved one present to hold their hand and give some comfort at such a critical moment. Social distancing demands being apart at a time that closeness is most needed. Then there follows the equally stringent restrictions on funeral services and burial. So lives, families and communities are in trauma here, as indeed they are all over the world. It is certainly the strangest of feelings, even surreal. There is a deep heart rending sorrow and struggle that many people are going through at this time, especially those who are ill; ill with COVID-19 and those ill in other ways, as well as those who are mourning their dead.

Against this backdrop, which seems almost unstoppable, until a vaccine is found, there emerges a depth of human kindness, goodness and neighborliness which stands in complete contrast to what is happening. It’s as if our common humanity comes together in a gentle and caring way to show us how to be together, at a time when we are asked to stay at home and to observe social distancing from each other.

Regarding the A/I Region, to date Sisters remain virus free, as we each observe the measures demanded by the Governments and Health Authorities in England and Ireland. As 30 of the 33 Sisters in the Region are in the 70 plus age range, it means the majority are restricted to remain housebound, going out only for essentials such as medication, and some daily exercise. Communication by the various means of modern technology is of course a tremendous asset at this time, making contact to lessen the sense of isolation and loneliness. There is a lot of availability of live streaming of Mass from various places, which is very helpful, and during Holy Week the various services were accessible, allowing us to draw strength and hope from our Faith during this very difficult and challenging time. We, as Religious, are now experiencing the help and thoughtfulness of our neighbors who offer to bring us food supplies, and we in turn assure them of daily prayer, so we thank God that we are discovering what it means to belong to the one human family.

Sri Lanka (sent by Sr. Anastasia Perera)

Christ is risen! The Day after Easter all of us Sisters of Charity can look back in thanksgiving for the Grace of the on-line retreat which we had the opportunity to make together to discover everyone and everything anew in the Lord, and to grow in solidarity with the victims of Coronavirus.

The first confirmed case of the virus reported in Sri Lanka was on 27 January, a 44-year-old Chinese woman from Hubei Province in China who had arrived as a tourist. On 10 March, the first Sri Lankan local national, a 52-year-old tour guide working with a group of Italians, had tested positive. Thereafter, the reported cases, infected persons, and quarantined areas began to multiply and spread rapidly through the island. Wearing face masks became compulsory. The TV and radio issued instructions regularly about the necessary precautionary measures people had to take. Fear and uncertainty were evident everywhere. So many questions and no seeming answers! We were challenged to remain peaceful, supportive, and confident that the Lord would protect us!

Many travelers had neglected the quarantine procedures. This meant that they would spread the virus around. And they did! By 25 March, over 14,000 people were quarantined. Travel restrictions were introduced: suspension of visas and international flights. On 27th March, curfew was declared. It meant the inability to go out. Panic buying and long queues! We were challenged to return to a simpler life style, to question ourselves, to learn to do with less and to be thankful for the essentials. It was also a call to turn to our Mother Earth: cultivating home gardens for the future and listening to the gospel message, “look at the birds of the air and the lilies in the field”. In many of our communities Divine Providence was experienced in undreamt of ways when the larder was found empty and many mouths to feed!

Responsible behavior was called for: avoiding crowds, social distancing, frequent sanitization, refraining from abusing of social media, not violating the curfew restrictions… (to date more than 20,000 have been arrested for violations). Liturgical prayers, including Holy Week services, were cancelled and this was a blow until one reflected and saw that God is in our hearts!

In all our convents the sisters watched, prayed, encouraged others and hoped that the epidemic would soon come under control. However news coming in from the European countries left us aghast. We had recourse to many forms of prayer and supplication. Some of our smaller communities and homes for elders with residential priests or chaplains nearby continued to have mass and embraced the rest of the province and the Congregation in their prayer.

Day today spirituality and faith is now a living force, not just among the sisters but in the nation as a whole. People, though confined to their homes, are closer and more concerned. There is more sharing and caring. People gather around their televisions to follow mass and other services. Every little home and family is now a living church and a sanctuary of God’s love!

Vietnam (sent by Sr. Suman Anima Toppo)

According to the Ministry of Health, the country totally has had 265 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders since the virus first became known, some of whom have recovered. Today the total number of people quarantined amount to 75.291.

From 1st April, we have strict nationwide social distancing rules, restricting movements only for essential things. In this context, the Church in Vietnam live-streamed daily masses and other services during Triduum and Easter Vigil. The churches, which used to be full for daily masses, witnessed emptiness and great silence during the crucial time of Easter 2020. However, in families and communities, thousands of believers attend online masses daily with much love and devotion.

As responsible citizens of the country, all of us in the Region contribute our share to the nation by strictly adhering to social distancing, making sacrifices, and daily praying for the victims and sharing what we can with the poor.

For some of us this became a given opportunity for togetherness, our Cor Unum Anima Una. It is also a time to give expression to some of our God-given gifts and talents: art and handicraft, tailoring, painting, and the like. We have taken it also as an opportunity to study the Word of God and Congregational documents. We also have sessions to improve our knowledge of the language.

Some of us were anxious, including our aspirants and postulants. So, at times we sat together and talked about our experience during this moment of uncertainty and everyone shared their thoughts and reflections. We try to be channels of grace to each other. The formees were given the option to go back to their parents if they so wished; but their answer was striking: “Sisters, we have come here; we will face these difficulties together.” This beautiful response strengthened each one of us.

During this time, our benefactors were more concerned about our needs. Without entering the house, they would leave food items for us! We lack nothing! We are experiencing the providence of God. According to the available facility, communities plant their own vegetables and manage with whatever is available. As much as possible, we reach out to the poor in the neighborhood and share with them what we have in the spirit of Easter.

One of the communities had the privilege of having the Eucharist during the holy week, and the Easter day. Thanks to the parish priest who chose our house to celebrate the holy Eucharist and it was live-streamed for the parishioners.

United in prayer, the whole Region offers the mercy Rosary daily and spend an hour in adoration to pray for the healing of our world from corona virus. Walking together with others, we joined the Lifeline retreat with the same sentiments and intentions. The quiet time of social isolation has helped each of us to grow deeper in our relationship with God, self, one another, the people in the world and the whole of creation.

All of us lived through a very unique experience of the Paschal Mystery this year. The Lord met us, renewed and empowered us in and through the virtual world!

During the Holy Week, we had an exceptional experience of communion within the congregation and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the world, confronting the realities of Covid-19, through our retreat on the theme of the Week. In a world that is severely being tested, the message of this Easter rings out loud and clear, dispelling all anxiety and fear. In the words of Pope Francis, at this Easter “we acquire a fundamental right that can be never taken away from us: the right to hope” (Easter Vigil Homily).

Expressions of interest and concern keep coming from various parts of the Congregation to know how we are, both here in the Generalate and in Belgium. Always, the power-bank of prayerful support accompanying every message, letter or call!

The situation in Belgium still remains critical with 30589 confirmed cases and 3903 deaths to-date (13th). The lockdown in force is likely to get extended and we continue to find ways of making the best out of it. Our Sisters, the infected cases, are making good progress and, thankfully, no new cases are reported. However, the casualty seems to be on the rise among the health care supporters.

In other parts of the Congregation, the situation seems to be gaining alarming proportions. We have a glimpse into it through the following accounts that have come in; others will follow:

Ranchi (from Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal)

The coronavirus that has taken the world by storm has India in its grips. Having the second highest density of population in the world, social spread is one of the dangers the country is faced with. Out of the 29 states in India, some of the affected states include Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. According to eminent doctors and social analysts, it is a matter of time that this virus spreads its lethal wings to other parts of the country. The death toll so far has gone up to 200 and the confirmed cases too are rising alarmingly. The people are living in constant fear and anxiety. The timely steps, especially the lockdown, obligatory social distancing and other strict measures taken by the Centre as well as state governments have been beneficial to a certain extend in preventing the rapid social spread of the virus so far. Some of the state governments have taken commendable steps in identifying the affected in the early stage itself and setting up isolation centres, screening facilities and appropriate treatment, community kitchen, distribution of necessary materials and the like.

One good thing that is happening now is that, cutting across boundaries, people are realising the need for God and many are extending their help to the needy in spite of the lockdown and other restrictions. SCJMs of Ranchi province are actively involved in taking care of the migrant labourers during the lockdown. It is initiated by the Arch diocese of Ranchi in co-operation with the Government of Jharkhand. One of our schools in Hulhundu has been converted into a shelter home for migrant-labourers. The place is prepared to accommodate 200 people with all provisions for their stay. They will be brought only after the mandatory tests and screening done. The same set up is done in Chinaki and in Abadganj to meet any emergency situation. Besides helping the diocese to combat this crisis, we also hold sessions to make people aware of the dangers of corona and on how to keep oneself and family safe from contracting the virus. Meanwhile the communities of the Provincialate, Nirmala College and Chianki have distributed food items to around 400 needy families in their respective areas. Sisters are willing and happy to help the needy whichever way possible and as we see the signs and symptoms around today we feel that we need to prepare for worse situation in the days to come.

In the midst of all this fear, anxiety and uncertainty we turn to God, with trust and confidence in His merciful love!

IAN Philippines (from Sr. Fatima Peiris)

As of today (April 12) there are 4,648 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country. The death toll stands at 297. The entire country of more than 104 million people is under quarantine.

The country’s healthcare system is facing this added strain of the coronavirus along with tens of thousands of TB patients. The Philippines remains one of the few countries where TB cases continue to climb annually. Today, an estimated one million Filipinos have active TB infections. These now face the added threat of contracting coronavirus due to their weakened immune systems. As the hospitals are jam-packed now with COVID-19 patients, the TB patients are advised to stay at home.

Few supermarkets are open but only limited items are available. The people are going through a very hard and a difficult time: no jobs, no work and poverty.

As a community we have decided to make our life style very simple. Thank God we have some vegetables and fruits from the garden. We remain united with the whole world and spend more time with the Lord. The Holy Week retreat was a wonderful experience for all of us in the community to work for our own conversion and transformation. Each day, we are learning and experiencing many things for our life.

Pakistan (from Sr. Sophia Patras)

As many as 13 localities in the provincial capital of Lahore were partially or completely sealed on Saturday due to a sudden rise in cases of coronavirus. While Lahore remains among the worst affected areas in the province, the areas sealed are old and densely populated, a situation that could potentially lead to these sealed localities becoming virus hotbeds of mass infections.

The total number of countrywide Coronavirus cases stands at 5,015 with 86 confirmed deaths.
A majority of COVID-19 infections in Pakistan are pilgrims who returned to Pakistan from Iran earlier this month.

Pakistan’s Health Ministry has issued directives for the masses on how to protect themselves from the Coronavirus. The government has urged people to avoid public gatherings, wash hands regularly and keep a distance from the virus patients. Despite these public messages, which are being propagated through mainstream media, many people seem to ignore these instructions. Poverty is rampant in the country, with many people unable to make ends meet. They view coronavirus as the least of their problems.

To enforce ‘Social Distancing’ the army has been called in to help the police. At certain places, people breaking ‘Social distancing’ are being punished by the police. The mosques, Churches and all worship places are ordered to close for larger gathering. Only a few persons (4-5) can join the prayers on Fridays or Sundays. People are told to pray at home.

In big cities, the private hospitals are without doctors, and patients with usual sicknesses find it difficult to get treatment. The markets for eatables are open for a certain period of time. Many people of goodwill are taking care of the poor through distributing eatables to them.

Rwanda (sent by Sr. Mary Paul Vadassery)

Rwanda too has its share of painful experiences that the world is going through on account of the pandemic. The Lockdown which was introduced earlier for two weeks now will continue for another two weeks. Both civil and Ecclesial authorities regularly send us specific instructions asking us to observe them very strictly. In case of indiscipline, severe measures are taken by the authorities. In the beginning, people found it very difficult to stay in without meeting and greeting. But now it seems to have become part of their lives. We feel that Corona virus has taught people to be disciplined. The vigilance on the part of the authorities is really to be admired. Even the very uneducated, poor people get worried at the sign of simple cold and cough and run to health centres for a check-up. Ordinary check-up is done for the symptoms and many of them are sent back home after giving assurance and counselling. Only the very doubtful cases are referred to big hospitals for a complete check-up. Bottles of sanitizers are kept everywhere.

To-date, we have 118 cases but they are all mild cases, being segregated in government hospitals. Few of them have already recovered. All the hospitals do the initial check-up of everyone who enters. All private hospitals and health centres are asked to keep places ready to receive patients of Corona in case of necessity. It is quiet and calm everywhere. The big crows which used to come to eat everything we plant in our garden are nowhere to be seen now.

The poor people and the daily workers are the people who suffer the most in our country at this time with no work and no other means of income for their daily living. We do not forget them and try to share whatever we can to help them. This has taught us the spirit of sharing and caring for those in greater need.

Our sisters of Burundi, our neighbouring country where we have one community, are living in another world. So far they have five cases of corona. The frontiers and the airport are closed since two weeks and it continues to be so. For the rest, life continues as usual; there is no lockdown and people move around freely within the country. All institutions function as usual.

The holy week was a special time for us to be in closer union with the Lord with all our sisters of our Congregation. The calmness and quietness around helped us to pray better for the whole world and remember our brethren who are suffering in the various continents. We are extremely happy with our Holy Week retreat experience.

Delhi (sent by Sr. Teresa Attupuram)

As this is being written, India has recorded 16999 confirmed cases and 331 deaths due to COVID 19. The good news, however, is the recovery of 1086 positive cases. Delhi records the second highest infected cases with a total number of 1154 confirmed cases and 24 deaths. A national lockdown was announced on 24th March for 21 days and now it is reported that it could be extended up to 30th April. The government has also imposed travel bans and all the tourist sites, schools, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs and other public spots are closed temporarily. The lockdown has affected mainly the migrants and the poor, especially the women, children, differently abled, the marginalized and the displaced. They have no work, no money, no food and no proper place to stay. The number of vehicles on roads has reduced drastically and so the pollution too has come down.

Many Christian and Non-Christian NGOs have come forward for distributing food packets, groceries, medicines and other essentials for people to survive. All our communities in the province are involved in identifying the needy ones and offering help to the extent it is possible in the given situation. In remote areas food items are not easily available for purchasing. Nevertheless, our Sisters are laboring hard and are trying to reach out to the victims of the pandemic with the help of shop owners, the police and government officials. Both central and state governments have also taken a lot of measures to help the poor, such as providing with make-shift houses, shelter homes and rations for all. Besides, medical professionals are being trained to manage Covid-19 cases and testing facilities are augmented by roping in both private and public medical colleges, along with 14 mental health institutes across the country.

In the Province all the Sisters, helpers and our collaborators so far are protected from COVID 19. For many of us living indoors for such an extended period of time is a new experience. Many of our communities do not have Holy Mass and we missed the Holy Week and Easter Services. However, we are finding new ways to share and celebrate faith creatively during this pandemic. There is a thirst in everyone to remain connected with the lifeline / God.

St. Bernard, Congo (sent by Sr. Angèle Benabiabo)

The Covid-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is documented in the country from 10 March 2020, when the first case was confirmed in the territory.

On 19 March, Felix Tshisekedi announced the closure of all schools and universities in the country.

On the evening of 24 March, President Félix Tshisekedi declared a state of emergency during a televised address, and the isolation of the capital, Kinshasa. Panic gripped the inhabitants, and supermarkets were stormed with queues several hundred metres long.

On 27 March, the governor of Kinshasa finally decided to postpone the lockdown of the capital to an undetermined date, citing a problem of soaring prices for basic necessities and a risk of insecurity.

On 2 April, he announced new lockdown measures for the capital, which would eventually affect only the commune of La Gombe, Kinshasa’s administrative and commercial centre, for two weeks from 6 April.

As of 12/04/2020, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 235, since the beginning of the epidemic declared on 10 March 2020. In total, there have been 20 deaths.

Five provinces are affected. These are Kinshasa with 223 cases. North Kivu has 5 cases. There are 4 cases in South Kivu, 2 in Ituri and 1 case in Kwilu.

Since 2018, DR Congo has been fighting the worst Ebola epidemic in its history, described as an "international health emergency" by the WHO. However, in early March 2020 (when the presence of the coronavirus is beginning to be documented in the territory), new cases of Ebola detected are becoming increasingly rare, and the official announcement of the end of the epidemic is envisaged by the authorities for 12 April. DR Congo has also been fighting a major measles epidemic for more than a year, with the WHO having identified 335,000 infected children, including 6,300 deaths, particularly in the north of the country.

It is a touching poem about coronavirus by Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan living in Ireland.

As we prayerfully enter the season of the Holy Week, united with our sisters and brothers the world over in the Spirit, this poem is a powerful invitation to see our life today from another perspective!

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.

But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.

So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.

Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
04.04.2020

All of us had our wonderful plans for the months and the year ahead; but we now realise that the Lord had another one!

The coronavirus forces us to stop, to think, to reflect, to listen, to change… The silence that envelops us and the restrictions on movements and outdoor activities oblige us to remain inside – an invitation to go deep within, to turn inwards…

The SCJM family, as also our brothers and sisters, the world over today is living through the impact of lockdown, enforced by our governments and civil authorities, to control and contain the pandemic of Covid-19. Nevertheless, according to the reports coming in from our provinces and regions, the cases of Covid-19 are on the rise and everyone is required to meet this pandemic head-on:

• The lockdown continues here in Belgium and we do everything possible to protect ourselves and others from the disease. Outing continues to be limited to get the essentials: food, medicine….
  • Of the two confirmed cases among our elderly Sisters reported earlier, one is getting better and while it is a fluctuating situation for the second one. Now, we have a third confirmed case who is also hospitalised.
  • Among the health-care supporters of our Sisters, there is an increasing number of confirmed and suspected cases. This is an alarming situation for obvious reasons.
  • As you know, during the last one week two elderly sisters here in Europe and one relatively young sister in Congo have left us for their eternal abode. I wish to add here that these deaths are unrelated to Covid-19.
  • As of today, Belgium reports a total of 10 836 Covid-19 cases and 431 deaths.

• Our student sisters in Italy and France report that, though their surrounding situation is disturbing, their studies continue on-line and that they are as well as can be in the given situation.
• Africa seemed relatively free from the virus but, apparently, it was only a matter of time. According to the information coming in from our sisters, the number of cases is on the rise. Restrictions issued by the governments do not seem to have the desired effect as people continue moving about, particularly in market places, which is the life-line for the majority of the people in each country. A shoot-at-sight order in Rwanda of anyone disobeying the orders of the government keep people in out of fear. Even then, there are reports of aberrations.
• Our sisters in the Asian countries witness a rising number of cases in their respective countries and stricter measures are being introduced to curb the spread.
  • The two student-sisters from Sri Lanka at EAPI in Manila are stranded. Manila being cut off from the rest of the country and world, they have neither any means to get out nor to be brought out by anyone else. Fortunately, the Institute lets them stay on and they are well.
  • In Sri Lanka, curfew is in force and anyone violating orders can be arrested.
  • A nation-wide lockout in India seems to be creating a kind of exodus of migrant workers in the cities rushing back to their villages on foot. The labourers living on daily wages in the cities and towns, and the home-less are the worst-hit by this lockdown in the country. Given the density of the population, the authorities are overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. What is worse, the country is far from being prepared to address a pandemic disease such as Covid-19.

In this prevailing situation of ‘darkness’ what is getting stronger in the Congregation is the spirit of solidarity. I feel touched by the calls and messages coming in from various parts of the Congregation inquiring about our sisters in other provinces / regions and countries. Besides, there is a concerted effort everywhere to intensify our appeal to the Lord in various forms of prayer, personal and as a community, who alone can change the course of events unleashed by the virus. Let us remain united in the Lord during these difficult times!

Let us also make use of this occasion with its inherent potentials:

• To focus on the essentials of life
• To use the means we have at our disposal (e.g. the smart phone) to send / forward only messages that can be proactive and up-building as signs of our solidarity and support
• To acknowledge, value and appreciate the front-liners of this pandemic and pray for them:
  • Our health-care supporters who risk their lives to protect and save those of others
  • Our government leaders whose alertness and wisdom can steer the course of events
  • Our medical professionals, researchers & scientists whose hard work and insight can create a treatment to stop the virus
  • Our spiritual leaders whose intuition and discernment can strengthen us during this time on insecurity and uncertainty
  • Our civic leaders for inspiration, courage and strength to meet the needs of their communities
  • The employees of stores that are still open to us, providers of transport, law and order forces, volunteers…

May God help each one of us SCJMs to display courage, hope, generosity, and kindness to all those around us!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
29.03.2020

The coronavirus is making its mark on an increasing number of people here in Belgium. As of today, there are 3401 confirmed cases and 75 deaths in the country.

With us the SCJMs, all of us are quarantined and all group activities banned, including liturgical celebrations. Any outing is limited to essential needs. Food markets admit one at a time only and purchasing is controlled to avoid panic-buying.

Despite all possible precautions, there are two of our elderly Sisters confirmed of the infection, one of whom is hospitalised and the second one, remaining in the Home, is given out to be improving. There is also one suspected case, under treatment.

Among the health care attendants in the Homes of our elderly sisters, we have three confirmed cases and two suspected cases.

It is the hope and prayer of every one of us that we see better days sooner than later!

On a different note, Sr. Sushila and Sr. Noreen, our two INC members, who are now in the community of Melle for language study appear to have integrated themselves well and feel happy and at home there. The community too is happy to have them. During these critical times, when everyone is required to remain in her respective room, when there are both confirmed and suspected cases among the Sisters, they have opted to remain with the Sisters to help them out in whatever way possible, even though the language is a barrier. This is SCJM spirit and really laudable!

In general, it is quiet and calm everywhere: the roads are clear and markets are empty; no sound of the airplanes or speeding vehicles; the hustle and bustle of the city is gone… But the skies are blue and clear, winter is giving way to spring, and the nature is beginning to put out its annual show!

And life continues under the loving gaze of the Almighty! We remain united in prayer with and for our sisters and brothers the world over, suffering and in pain!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
22.03.2020

In the light of WHO declaring COVID – 19 as a pandemic disease, a question that comes to the mind of each one of you, I presume, would be “How are our Sisters in these critical times?” My immediate answer is: so far so good! There is no report of a SCJM casualty from anywhere in the Congregation.

However, as reports of more and more confirmed cases and mortality reach us from across the globe, we have reason to be concerned about, not only for ourselves but also for our sisters and brothers everywhere. Including Italy and France, where we have student Sisters, we are spread out over seventeen countries and the situation appears grave in some of these countries.

Italy, where we have two students (Sr. Nathalie Mayang Ntambw of St. Bernard, Congo and Sr. Lilly Pallipurath of the province of Ranchi, India), is declared a “red zone” – meaning people should stay home except for work and other emergencies. Both our Sisters report that they are well inside their homes and their studies continue on-line.

Sr. Beatrice Tshilemba of the province of St. Vincent, Congo is in France where all gatherings are banned and schools are closed among several other measures taken to avoid spreading the disease. However, she reports that her classes continue on schedule.

The elderly being the most vulnerable, in England and Ireland, besides other restrictions, everyone is advised against visiting the Homes of the elderly sisters. In both the countries, many restrictions are in place.

Here in Belgium, the National Security Council has declared a state of emergency over the entire country. Consequently, all recreational and sporting events are cancelled or postponed. Public places like restaurants, bars, and cafés are shut; schools remain closed… The Conference of Bishops has decided to suspend all liturgical celebrations, gatherings and meetings.

Consequently, practically all of us are ‘quarantined’. Both for the Generalate and Belgium provinces, celebrations, meetings and similar other gatherings are cancelled or postponed; those scheduled for the coming weeks/months are to be reconsidered. Over-seas mission trips of the General Government are to be rescheduled…

All the Asian countries of SCJM presence report cases of infection. Vietnam is stepping up measures to stop the virus from entering the country and spreading within the country. Our Sisters are quarantined within their respective communities, as reported earlier. Scheduled events in the Region may have to be postponed.

As of now, the situation seems mild in the Philippines, though the number of infected cases is rising. People are advised to stay home. Our IAN community, just out of the volcano-crisis - will they have to brace up for another crisis?

India reports a rising number of infected / suspected cases. The Union Government has declared COVID – 19 as a ‘notified disaster’. Our Sisters are on the alert and adopting precautionary measures to ward off the disaster.

Pakistan has confirmed cases of the pandemic and, according to WHO, is faced with a great challenge of containing it. Borders are sealed and public events are cancelled. Obviously, a serious concern for our Sisters.

As new COVID-19 positive cases are being reported in Sri Lanka, the province remains alert to meet up the eventuality. The government has imposed a ban on public gatherings and issued restrictions on travelling; educational institutions are closed.

Congo, which has already been facing an Ebola epidemic for more than a year, is preparing to face the pandemic of COVID - 19. The risk is great and the government has already initiated certain measures to arrest its entry and spread. Our Sisters in both the provinces are genuinely concerned.

The number of infected cases is given out to be on the rise in South Africa, a situation inviting our Sisters to be cautious.

According to the available information, while Rwanda reports one confirmed case today, Burundi, Mali & Central Africa have no reported cases. May our Sisters enjoy this relative sense of relief and security!

In summary, as of today, 15.03.2020, we have the following picture!

No doubt, it is a situation that calls for a concerted effort to bring this pandemic under control. In the words of the Director General of WHO: “This is not just a public health crisis; it is a crisis that will touch every sector – so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight … we’re in this together (and together) this virus can be suppressed and controlled,” he asserts.

Let us, during this time of lent, do everything in our power for the amelioration of this pandemic disease. In particular let us pray, personally and in community; let us pray for the sick, for the care-takers of the sick and for all those involved in controlling the situation and finding a remedy. May the Spirit of wisdom enlighten and guide all those who are to take decisions in response to this outbreak!

Sr. Lucy Jacob Palliam Pallithura
Brussels
15.03.2020

– On 27th February, the community welcomed members of a commission who were to have a meeting at the Generalate with the objective of finding ways and means of fostering unity and communion within the European provinces and region. As
participants of this commission (named Unity Commission), there were two members from each of the three units. Co-ordinated by Sr. Roshni Barla, this was their fourth meeting from its inception in November 2018.

– A stage performance of the Passion of Jesus was organised by a group of health workers and patients of Beau Vallon, Saint-Servais on 01 March. Some members of the community went to see this play. It was a very creative and meaningful performance, staged in the auditorium of the hospital which was packed to its capacity.

– While we wait for the arrival of the two members of the International Community from Africa, the two others who are already here are now busy learning Flemish. The Community of Melle has happily welcomed them and Sr. Martine Krichel is spending some valuable time to initiate them into a new language. Inserted into a Flemish speaking community, they are having a wonderful chance to pick up the language. Both the teacher and the students seem to be very serious and hard-working while the Sisters of the community accompany them lovingly and warmly.

– On 7th March, the community had the joy of welcoming some of the Ursulines of Tildonk: the Superior General, Sr. Bimla Minj, and community. They spent a few hours with us and their presence was a source of much life and joy. A meal together and a walk in the gardens added much vigour to the visit.

– News from Vietnam: Sr Suman Anima, Regional Superior of the Region of Vietnam gave some information on the situation in the country. The population lives in fear of the coronavirus. Schools are closed, churches are almost empty during Eucharistic celebrations. Our Sisters do not go to work, they stay at home to read, do some gardening or tailoring...
We entrust to the Lord this great scourge caused by the new coronavirus and all its victims.

– The Generalate Community had the joy of welcoming Sr. Kim-Chi Duong’s mother on 15/02/2020. She came from France to visit her daughter and spend some time with the Community. During her stay, she visited the Grand Place in Brussels. The Community spent a good weekend with her before her return on Monday 17/02/2020. We thank her for her short stay with us as a kind, gentle and attentive mother. We wish her a safe return to France.

– Delegated by the Superior General, Sr. Deepthika Silva, General Assistant, left for the Philippines on 20/02/2020 to visit the novices at the Inter-Asian Novitiate. She will come back on 26/02/2020. We wish her a good mission with the youth which is the future of our Congregation.

– Arrival of two members of the International Community at the Generalate:
Sr. Noreen Fazal from Pakistan arrived first on 21/02/2020, followed by Sr. Sushila Toppo from Ranchi on 23/02/2020. They were warmly welcomed by the Generalate community who is happy to spend some time with them while waiting for the arrival of the other members. We give thanks to the Lord for the realisation of the dream of the existence of an International Community in Belgium. We welcome them and wish them success in their mission.

– Sr. Shama Nasreen Chan was given farewell from Generalate community on 1st February. A meaningful prayer service and Holy Mass were offered to express our gratitude for her selfless service. She left for Pakistan on 6th February. Our good wishes and prayers are for her future ministry in Province of Pakistan.

– On 5th February, Fr. Michel Christiaens, the parish priest of St. Gilles, had arranged a get together for all the religious priests and sisters in the parish, including:

• The servants of Our Lady of Fatima
• The Carmelites
• The Missionaries of Charity
• The Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary
• The Daughters of Mary
• The Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters
• The Consecrated Sisters of the Community of the Word of Life
• The Community of Most Holy Providence (priests and sisters)
• The Secular Institute of St. John the Baptist
• The Spiritans
• The Xaverian missionaries of Yarumal
• The Scheutist missionaries (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary)
• And a consecrated virgin.

About 45 were present for the occasion. It includes religious sisters, priests and lay people who help in the parish or in the mission. There was Holy Eucharist followed by festive meal. It was a very intercultural gathering as we are from different countries. All the participants were happy to meet and to know one another.

– Sr. Lilly Pallipurathu from Ranchi Province is in Rome, following a program for formators which is arranged by UISG. The course began on 3rd February and will finish by June, 2020. We wish her a very fruitful stay in Rome.

– In Kimpese, Congo novice Sophie-Vianney Kaj made her first profession on 2nd February, 2020. Congratulations dear Sophie and best wishes for the years ahead in religious life!

On Wednesday 22/01/2020, Sisters Fatima Peiris, Sushma Tirkey and the novices returned to IAN from Manila and found their house and garden covered with ashes from the volcanic eruption.

Immediately, they started to clean up the house and called some workers to remove the ashes from the roof. Though four men worked for the whole day, they did not throw away the ashes collected on one side of the roof. Sunday night, there was a heavy rain. The gutters were blocked due to the ashes, causing the mud and water from the roof to fall inside the house. The laundry, novices’ toilets and bedrooms were dirty with the mud. The laundry roof has come down a little.

There is a lot of damage that needs to be attended to immediately. Sr Fatima is trying to contact the contractor who built the house to get the roof and house repaired and painted.

Please continue to support our Sisters and novices by your prayers. Thank you!

Taal volcano, a volcano in the Philippines, has begun spewing lava, triggering earthquakes and emitting huge plumes of ash that have spread across the island of Luzon and beyond.

Ash began falling on Sunday, with 8,000 people being evacuated from the area near the Taal volcano which is located on an island south of the capital city Manila.
Scientists think a bigger eruption could happen soon.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology has warned that 450,000 who live near by are in danger if the volcano erupts as predicted.

Our Inter Asian Noviciate is about 15 km from the Taal volcano. Our Sisters and novices have evacuated this Wednesday 15/01/2020 afternoon to Manila. They will stay with the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception of Casters (CIC) there until the situation is better.

We kindly request your prayers for our Sisters and the people affected by the eruption of this volcano.

IAN garden covered with ashes from the volcano: