Triune God, Source of inspiration and communion,
We praise you for sharing your boundless love for us
through the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his whole life for humanity.
He leads us in his mission to be docile
to the creative newness of the Holy Spirit.
We thank you for our beloved Congregation which,
for 153 years, has been rooted in the passion for Christ
and his mission in the heart of Cardinal Lavigerie,
our founder, of Mother Marie-Salomé
and our sisters of all generations.
We thank you for calling and sending us as women apostles,
among the countless messengers of your Word,
to Africa and among its peoples everywhere.
We entrust to you our next 26th General Chapter.
May the breath of your Holy Spirit inspire us
during its preparation and lovingly guide our discernment
and our journey together.
Faithful to the Gospel and to our charism,
may our ears, eyes and hearts be open to listen
and read your signs in today’s world.
Grant us the wisdom and openness we need to discern your call
and welcome our mission following your desire.
May we experience the transforming love of the Risen Lord
who calls us to walk together without fear,
to deepen our charism in collaboration with others
and to enlarge our tent by giving birth to a new creation.
This is what we ask through the intercession
of Cardinal Lavigerie and Mother Marie-Salomé,
who believed that our Congregation had an important contribution
to bring to the Church and to the world.
We also entrust ourselves to all the sisters who preceded us
and took to heart our mission with courage and trust.
Our Lady of Africa, surround us with your tenderness and maternal love!
AMEN.
