Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The point of departure for the 9th general chapter of the Consolata Missionary sisters held in São Paulo in Brasile in May (see Fides 24/5/2005) was to define the characteristics of “the Consecrated Woman Consolata Missionary today”. The chapter confirmed Mother Gabriella Bono as superior general. A statement sent to Fides summarises the objectives and prospects for the next six years and underscores that from the point of view of organisation priority will be given to de-centralisation: “each of our missionaries is called to walk in communion and co-responsibilty and to exercise discernment in interpreting the situations of today and indentifying charismatic-missionary answers in a process of inculturation”. In order to grow in the spirit of the founder Blessed Giuseppe Allamano each community will strive to find the best ways to make the riches of diversity bear fruit, strengthen the spirit of family, increase fraternal obedience and nurture interpersonal relations based on mutual trust, listening and respect.
The Chapter agreed on the need to continue along the different paths chosen by the Institute on different continents as opportunities to deepen knowledge of local realities and common challenges and to develop a “continental mentality” in order to bear witness before the world to a path of solidarity and collaboration and to create spaces for communion and participation in the life and mission of the Institute.
The Chapter reaffirmed the importance of Missionary and Vocational animation and commitment for justice and peace and protection of creation. In particular the Consolata missionary Sisters taking up the challenge represented by “today’s deserts” are determined to make their communities places of hosptiality and listening, oasis of peace, love and consolation, to interpret situations in the spirit of the Gospel and undertake new commitments to help exploited women. They also decided that the Institute’s centenary in 2010 will be an opportunity to give new impulse to inculturated mission ad gentes. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/7/2005, righe 26, parole 320)
