The day began with a heartfelt morning prayer led by Sr. Suany De Oliveira, setting a contemplative tone for the discussions to follow. Following the prayer, Sr. Hanna Dima, Regional Councilor, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, expressing gratitude for their presence and participation. Sr. Patricia Godoy welcomed Sr. Eliane Azevedo, the General Superior, along with her translator, Sr. Marinez Capra of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Sr. Eliane greeted us with warmth and shared insightful thoughts, wishing everyone a productive and enlightening meeting.
The morning session featured an engaging presentation by Fr. Raymond Manyanga SJ, focusing on the theme of Discernment led by the Holy Spirit. His presentation provided valuable insights and encouraged deep reflection. Through his presentation, there were some moments where we were invited to introspect and connect personally with the themes discussed, share our thoughts on our assigned tables and a plenary session allowing a broader sharing of thoughts and reflections from the group discussions.
The morning concluded with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. Raymond, providing a moment of spiritual unity and reverence.
The afternoon was dedicated to reinforcing the region's life and mission through various discussions: This involved personal reflection where the sisters pondered on how each could contribute uniquely to the region's mission, group sharing which reconvened to discuss personal insights and experiences and plenary sharing.
The day concluded with a poignant session titled Seeds of Hope, where the sisters were encouraged to write down: one hope/dream for the Region and one quality of a leader. This closing activity served as a powerful reminder of the collective aspirations and leadership qualities that would guide the region's future endeavors.
Our second day of the consultative meeting began with a solemn and inspiring opening prayer led by Sr. Patricia Godoy, our General Assistant. This spiritual start set a reflective and focused tone for the day's proceedings.
Following the prayer, Sr. Eliane Azevedo, our General Superior, guided us through the consultation process. Her presentation highlighted some fundamental points of consultation of the regional superior based on our Constitutions and Statutes. Immediately after Sister Eliane's presentation, Sr. Patricia continued by providing a brief orientation on the day's activities and how everything will flow. Her guidance ensured a smooth transition into the main events of the day.
Sisters were then invited to participate in the Eucharistic Adoration. This sacred time allowed us to pray and reflect, offering a moment for us to thank God for the leadership of Sr. Barbara and her council and to pray for the upcoming.
Our day concluded with a deeply moving Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Father Tamene Asaro Safato, the Regional Superior of the Consolata Missionaries (IMC) in Ethiopia. We also prayed for our current Regional Superior and her council thanking God for their services and dedication for our region in the past three years.
“Our relationship with each other matters, our spirituality matters, our closeness to God and to each other matters. Today's passage invites us to prioritize our relationship with God. This relationship will yield profound spiritual benefits. “ Fr. Tamene Asaro Safato, Regional Superior IMC Ethiopia.
The combination of prayer, reflection, and structured consultation created a day of unity and purpose, all focusing on the greater glory of God.
Gathering in God’s glorious presence, praising and thanking Him forever!
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