PROVINCE OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

SOUTHERN INDIA

 DAY-1 – 28/12/2021

A DAY OF RECOLLECTION AND PRAYER

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thess 5:16-18)

The long awaited day has dawned for the Province of Divine Providence, Southern India. A day was set apart for Prayer and Discernment of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus began His Mission, He went up to the mountain to pray to His Father.  Likewise the Chapter members spent a day in prayer and reflection seeking the guidance of God.

The Provincial Superior Sr.Theresa Cherian introduced the Recollection Preacher Rev.Fr.A.J.Mathew Cap.  Deeper enlightenments were given by the preacher on the Chapter Theme “Family for Families”. Quite moments with the Eucharistic Lord were a time of Grace. The second session of the day was on Lineamenta followed by the Eucharistic Celebration. As the day came to an end the Chapter members were filled with the Holy Spirit to go ahead.

 Day 2 – 29/12/2021

Inaugural Ceremony of the Second Phase of the IV Provincial Chapter

The great event started with a Hymn to the Holy Spirit. Today is the most auspicious day for the Sisters of South India at 9.30am the Provincial Superior Sr. Theresa Cherian declared the Chapter Open. The office bearers were nominated and the names of the Capitulars were read out. A file enclosed with Chapter materials were distributed to them. Six commissions were formed. In the second session the Provincial Superior gave a  brief explanation about the Orientation and Dynamics of the 34^th General Chapter. Sr.Ursula enlightened the Capitulars about  the commissions works on Priorities and how to form the strategies on Three levels (personal, community, province.) Commission work began in the afternoon session.

 Day 3 – 30/12/2021

The Day well began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit and a short prayer imploring the blessings of God. The minutes of the previous day was read and after a few suggestions and deletions, the work in the commission continued at 9.45.am.The commission members were full of enthusiasm to draw meaningful strategies which is apt for our Province. In the afternoon, the reporting session of the commission work done on priorities was presented in the assembly by 3 commissions. The Sisters have worked to bring out the best with the vision for the future.

     Day 4 – 31/12/2021

The Day started in the presence of the Lord at 6.30am.with the Morning Prayer. The Capitulars gathered at 8.30.am for the session. Fifth Commission presented their strategies.

Today was the Red Letter Day for us the Sisters of South India because in the History of the Province the LASA members were present for the Second Phase of the IV Provincial Chapter.LASA members were present from 2 states and were welcomed by all the Chapter members. Eight of the LASA members expressed their expectations about this Association.

Sixth Commission presented their strategies at 5 pm. At.8.30.pm all the members gathered in the Chapel for the Thanksgiving Adoration followed by the Eucharistic Celebration.

Day 5 – 01/01/2022

The Bright Day of the New YEAR Started with all Joy and good wishes at the Temple of the Lord. The Capitulars gathered in the Chapel for the Morning Prayer. A meaningful Prayer Service was conducted on the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, followed by the Solemn Eucharistic celebration.

We began the First session of the Day with a hymn to the HolySpirit.The minutes of the previous day was presented to the assembly by the Secretaries. There after the reporting session on priorities by each commission continued till evening.

                    Day 6 – 02/01/2022

The sixth Day of the 2 nd Phase of the IV Provincial Chapter began in the Presence of God. At the start of the morning prayer Three Kings arrived to offer their gifts to the Baby Jesus. It was very significant as we celebrate today the Feast of the Epiphany followed by the Holy Eucharist. The first session of the Day was well began by imploring God’s blessings through a hymn praising God. After reading minutes, the Local Statutes of the Province with suggestions was brought to discussion and approval in the assembly. During the afternoon session the issues and problems of the Province was taken up for discussion.At 5 p.m.the Capitulars gathered in the hall for voting on strategies. It was done under the guidance of the Provincial Superior in a great silence and Prayer .The voting session got over at 11.15pm.we ended the day with a Hymn to the Holy Spirit.

  Day 7 – 03/01/2022

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thess 5:18)

The conclusion of the 2^nd phase of the IV Provincial Chapter was commenced with the Holy Eucharistic celebration. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Neethinathan was the main celebrant. His homily enlightened us wuth deeper reflections on the Chapter theme “Family for Families”. With his apostolic blessings, the capitulars moved to the chapter hall for the session. The first session started with a hymn of assurance followed by the reading of the minuets of the previous days. The voting of the Local Statutes for the issues of the Province was approved by the assembly. The chapter members moved forward to sign the chapter documents. Then the Provincial Superior invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit through a hymn, Sister declared chapter close and all the chapter members clapped for the same. Vote of thanks was proposed for everyone having our Founders and Blessed Mother Enichetta to bless every chapter member with their words. A memento and a copy of the group photo of the capitulars were given to each one. Thanks be to God for His constant accompaniment  and inspirations. We thank God for His mercy and love.