The participants in the Europe post-capitular chapter in Köln, Germany. Sr. Gosia Popławska of the General Council was present as well as the two leaders; Sr. Jeanne d’Arc Ouattara of the General Council and Sr. Marcelline Nemeyitora, new leader for Europe participated on Zoom.
It was a great joy for all of us, coming from so many different parts of Europe (Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, England, France) to meet in
the beautiful setting of the diocesan centre in Siegburg, just outside of Köln, to experience this special time of the post-capitular chapter.
After a good night’s rest, we began the meeting with a time of recollection. We were invited to allow ourselves to be transformed,
to rise to new life (Ez 37:1-14: The dry bones) and
to trust, even in the midst of the storm by fearlessly facing and accepting our vulnerabilities (Mk 4:35-41: the storm calmed).
The brief presentation by the delegates to the General Chapter of how the Chapter had gone helped us to become more aware of the
“transformation”, the change of mind that they had experienced during the Chapter.
We were then invited to follow a similar path, to experience “conversations in the Spirit”, to create safe spaces in small groups where each of us could freely express her thoughts, with the certainty of being listened to with respect, without judgement, as “equals”. We were able to speak about our fears in this chaotic, uncertain world of ours, to confront our wounds and talk about our vulnerabilities.
As the days went by, through this beautiful experience of sharing, exchanging and listening, I really understood better what I had heard from the capitulants when they were in the Trentaprile community, at the end of the General Chapter. Yes, the Holy Spirit was there among us, transforming us, giving us new life and hope!
I give thanks to the Lord for all these life-giving exchanges, for our ability to tackle “sensitive points”, for the contagious enthusiasm and
commitment of everyone, from the oldest to the youngest, each with her own talents and dynamism, on the path of transformation to which the Lord is inviting us.
I also give thanks when I see how this path traced out during the Chapter is that of the whole Church, if I am to believe the testimonies of those who took part in the first Session of the Synod on Synodality in Rome.
May the Lord give us the grace to live in depth, all together, this great transformation to which he invites us and in which he accompanies us.
Sr. Marie Christine Rousseau, community Trentaprile, Rome
