November 14, 2015 was a memorable and an historical day for the congregation as it marked the beginning of a new journey. The incoming members of the apostolic and contemplative Leadership Team officially began their mandate during a Eucharistic celebration at the Generalate. Among the guests were the members of the two congregations residing in the Generalate: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) and Missionary Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception (MFIC), Sr. Angela Ricci, Province Leader of Italy/Malta, and the Provincialate community and the San Giovanni Eudes Community as well as the Eudist Fathers.
Entrance
We gathered at the main entrance where a beautiful center piece was set up with candles placed on a table. The Paschal candle was lit and from this candle, the outgoing team members lighted their candle. Brigid passed the Paschal candle to Ellen and the outgoing team passed their candles to the incoming team.
The celebration continued and the song “Energized by the spirit we risk together for mission” was sung in the three languages as we processed to the main chapel. The candle brought by the members of the incoming leadership team reminded us of the presence of Christ in our midst, Jesus the one who journeys with us…
Homily by Camilo Bernal Hadad, cjm
During his homily Father Camilo Bernal emphasized the theme of Mercy, the call to carry out a merciful shepherding mission, taking care of all the sheep entrusted to us. To do this he added, we must search, look after, rescue, gather, bring back, pasture, take care, bind up, strengthen... It is a service that demands the best from any congregational leader: it is necessary to give our own life for the sheep, for the sisters and the brothers, like Jesus the Good Shepherd did. This is the model of a merciful shepherd who gives up his own self-interests, his own life, so that the sheep entrusted to him may have life and abundant life! To be a good shepherd, our thoughts, words, actions, our whole being must be animated by a heart of mercy which is the very Heart of Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd because he shows mercy to all of his sheep, so that they can fulfill their mission in the world: to be as merciful as the Father!
Profession of faith and fidelity
After the homily we proceeded to the ceremony of installation. Sr Brigid Lawlor invited Sister Ellen Kelly to make her profession of faith and fidelity and then Ellen called forth the councilors who proclaimed together the statement (each group) in one language of the Congregation. (French , English and Spanish). Each commitment was interspersed by the song “Energized by the spirit we risk together for mission.”
The Sisters were then invited by Ellen as the new Congregational Leader to renew their vows.During the offertory song and presentation of gifts Sister Zelna Oosthuizen offered a liturgical movement inspired from the song “With open hands we offer you the world.”
Blessing of the outgoing Team
To conclude the celebration, Ellen led the assembly in praying a blessing on the outgoing Team: The assembly extended their hands toward the members of the outgoing leadership team to bless them as they listened to the song of Monica Brown:
We have been blessed by your loving presence,you will remain deep within our hearts and now we pray with hearts overflowing God’s blessing on you.
After the celebration we gathered in the dining room for a festive meal and continued to celebrate this historic day that God has given us.
We are missionaries of divine mercy, sent by the Father of mercies to distribute the treasures of mercy to those who are suffering, that is to say, to those who are lost, and to treat them with a spirit of mercy, compassion, and gentleness.
St. John Eudes
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