Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Mt 11:28.
The Central Assembly, yet another milestone of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters was organized by the General Council via Zoom from 25 – 29 January 2021. For the first time in the history due to COVID–19 Pandemic, the Provincials/Regional/Delegature Superiors were connected virtually to discuss numerous Congregational matters. The theme for the Assembly was “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Mt 11:28. Our meeting began with a warm welcome and the reflection by the Superior General. Sr. Izabela Świerad said: we are living in a difficult time and we need to strongly place our trust in God and learn to live in the present – our now. We can’t only long for the past, neither fear for the future. The most important thing for us is to reflect here and now the present reality of the World, the Church, and our Congregation in the eyes of faith and face the challenges in order to bring new life.
Provincial/Regional/ Delegature Superiors presented their reports and updated the assembly on the present reality of each entity, commission reports enlightened us with information of the activities of the entire Congregation. Though we were grateful for many things, yet some matters called our attention to be concerned. With great admiration we listened to the report of the International Novitiate in Tanzania presented by Sr. Agrippina Mmassy, Novice mistress. She placed before us the progress, joys, and challenges in formation today.
On the 27th, we dedicated time to listen to the brief history of the process of Re-Unification from the beginning. For this day, the invited guests were Sr. Ivete Garlet CSAC, Superior General of the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate and all the members of the Commission ‘Bridge of Unity’. All of them presented the reports on the meetings and activities that are implemented in their respective places and put before the assembly the joys and challenges. Later Sr. Izabela Świerad, Superior General presented the topic of our XXI General Chapter through a power point highlighting the date, theme, logo, prayer, nine-month novena and other topics.
On the 28th, Fr. Pier Luigi Nava SMM, Sub-Secretary of the Congregation for the Institute of Consecrated life and Societies of Apostolic Life was a guest speaker who spoke on the topic: Consecrated Life in the light of the current events in the world and the Church. He brought out the important elements of credibility, accountability, looking beyond the vision, listening, trust and facing the present in order to be the instruments of evangelization bringing Christ to others.
On the final day in our deliberations, we returned to our concerns of the Congregation emphasizing the topic of Spiritual renewal, collaboration, formation, OWL (Constitution) and mission. In her concluding message, Sr. Izabela thanked the Provincial/Regional/Delegature Superiors for their truthfulness in sharing, listening, and understanding the needs of each other. Together we serve, together we grow. All the sisters expressed their deep sense of gratitude to the Superior General and her Council for organizing this memorable and productive meeting. The Central Assembly was indeed a great opportunity to know the sisters all over the globe and their mission at this time of crisis and uncertainties.
Sr. Prabha Varghese SAC/ Provincial Superior of South African Province
