EUROPE/ITALY - Comboni Missionary Sisters fully immersed in general chapter: the vitality of a charism which continues to unleash the power of the Gospel as it becomes part of different cultures.

Wednesday, 8 September 2004

Rome (Fides Service) - The Comboni Missionary Sisters are now fully immersed in their 18th General Chapter, the first of the new millennium, which opened in Rome on 22 August under the protection of the Founder, Saint Daniele Comboni. The 64 chapter members called to reflect on the theme “Women of the Gospel for Mission ad gentes today” represent 1,659 sisters all over the world, they are of 14 different nationalities and come from different continents: 4 from Africa, 3 from the United States, 7 from Latin America and 50 from Europe. The average age of the chapter members is 53.
In the first part of the Chapter a series of presentations illustrated the Comboni Sisters’ presence in Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East. Each presentation described the relative social-political and religious contexts and emerging situations marked by war, violence, extreme poverty, lack of education and health structures, as well as situations in local Churches mostly in mainly Muslim societies and some where religious freedom does not exist. Signs of globalisation are everywhere evident (mixing of ethnic groups, immigrants, displaced persons) the presence of all those people who are of no interest for the globalised world of today. In the diversity of so many contexts there emerges the beauty and uniqueness of the different peoples, their culture, their joy, solidarity and love of life. Passion for mission and the variety of the situations shows the vitality of a charism which continues to unleash the power of the Gospel as it becomes part of different cultures.
Mother Adele Brambilla, outgoing Superior General, presented the General Council’s report on the Congregation’s activity of the past six years. The report, inspired by St John’s Revelation and seen in parallel with the Daniele Comboni’s plan for the regeneration of Africa, is structured in four parts. Part one speaks of lights and shadows encountered by the congregation on its path. Part two illustrates progress made, prophetic inspiration and intuition which have opened new paths. Part three deals with major questions regarding mission today. Lastly the fourth moment is an call to listen to the Churches of Africa, the Americas, the Middle East and Europe in order to understand ever more authentically and deeply their voices and needs.
The Chapter is now entering the “heart” of its discernment in view of discussion on three fundamental themes: evangelisation, spirituality and consecration. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2004; Righe 27; Parole 364)


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