The day was dedicated to reports from the provinces, regions and delegations, and it began with Holy Mass during which Fr. Martin pointed to Zacchaeus as an example of conversion. Jesus does not instruct Zacchaeus, he does not reproach him because of his sins, he does not say what he should do. The simple meeting with Jesus, who becomes his guest, changes Zacchaeus, who from that moment on knows well what he should change in his life.
The morning session started with information provided by the press committee. Greetings and pastoral blessing were sent by: Fr. Leszek Gęsiak, SJ, spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference; Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś, Metropolitan of Łódź (Poland); Bishop Jerzy Mazur of the Diocese of Ełk (Poland); Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki, Metropolitan of Lviv (Ukraine). Further greetings and prayers reached us from M. Samuela Werbińska, Superior General of the St. Elizabeth’s Sisters, and Fr. Derry Murphy, SAC.
The first report was presented by Sr. Astrid Meinert, Provincial Superior of the German Province. The report concerned the communities in Germany. Joys and challenges create a rich image of the oldest Province, from where the first missionaries went almost all over the world. The missionary spirit is still the hallmark of the province. Sr. Maria Landsberger, Provincial Vicar, presented the situation of the communities in Brazil that belong to the German Province. Persevering in apostolate among the poor and needy is invariably moving. The Sisters also told the Capitulars about the Pallottine collaboration with the Sisters of CSAC.
The second report was presented by Sr. Basilisa Jacob, Provincial Superior of the Queen of Peace Province (England/Tanzania). The province is developing very dynamically and undertakes various apostolates: education, medical care, parish ministry, and service to the needy in various fields. The Sisters’ pride is service among the Maasai tribe. The Sisters also opened a community in Zambia where they take up work in a school, medical center and social service. Tanzania is also the place of the International Novitiate.
At noon, as every day, the Sisters assembled in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The afternoon session began with a report from the Province of Mary, Queen of Apostles (USA) by Sr. Mary Grace Barile, Provincial Superior. The sisters are especially active in cooperating with the laity. The joy of the province is the international community of Laurel. The sisters are involved in various apostolic ministries in hospitals, in the school and in pastoral work.
The following report was presented by Sr. Clara Teul, Provincial Superior of the Province of Our Lady of Guadelupe (Belize). A characteristic feature of the Belize Province is helping the poor and needy, especially the regular preparation of large-scale meals. The sisters run a school, teach catechism, and they are involved in pastoral ministry; they are also actively involved in the UAC. The joy of the province is the new Provincial House.
The last report in the afternoon session was presented by Sr. Helen Lourdusamy, Provincial Superior of the Mother of Beautiful Love Province (India). The province has recently opened two communities in Tripura. The sisters run a nursing home for the elderly, hostels, and homes for girls. They work in education as well as in social, educational and pastoral work. The province has a close relationship with the CSAC Sisters and the UAC communities.
We finished the day by praying Vespers together.
