Gathering in Rome

From Oct. 14-29^th I am at the General Assembly of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.  We gather once every five years as a congregation to set direction for the next five years.  Delegates are sent from all of our regions: Africa, Brazil, Austria, Germany, the US, the Caribbean and, of course here in Italy.  Today, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, upon whom we call every day and perhaps every hour of each day to enlighten us, open us up to hear the Spirit speaking through each person, each culture and each area of the congregation. It is a rich experience and a busy time.  Today, for instance, we spent the morning listening to each of the 29 delegates give her input on the proposed Congregational mission statement. The goal is that this statement resonates in each member and one that will be understandable to all who  see it in our offices, our places of ministry and our living spaces.  We want this statement to be one that “rolls off our tongues,” guides us in our everyday activities and motivates us to remain faithful to who the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother are, why we are and what we are called to be in the church and in the world of today.

To follow us go to www.ssmgen.org. There are pictures there as well as a video of the opening liturgy.

So please pray for us, as we do for you!