As part of the journey of all the Sisters of Charity towards the 2026 General Chapter, the Religious Province of Central Africa opened its Provincial Chapter in the capital of Chad, N’Djamena, on 22 March 2026.
Twenty-five Chapter members took part, comprising 21 elected Sisters from the Province and four guests: two junior Sisters and two lay Friends of Saint Jeanne Antide.
The Chapter opened with the celebration of the Eucharist, the source of all life; this was followed, in the first part, by a spiritual retreat and, in the second part, by the plenary assembly in the afternoon.
Taking as his starting point the text chosen for the journey towards the General Chapter (Jn 17:17–23), Father Yves Djofang (Jesuit) introduced us
“this foundational text, which is an urgent prayer invoking cohesion and harmony. The primary path to sanctification is listening to the Word of Jesus. Unity is offered freely, with joy, sincerely, and not amidst turmoil.”
From the opening address by the Superior General:
Mother Maria Rosa urged us to listen to the Holy Spirit who, through us, brings us together to propel us towards new horizons.
It is the action of the Spirit that will lead us to choose out of love, with the certainty that God is with us.
It is the Spirit who urges us to place our consecration at the service of the poor. A challenge of visibility in welcoming today’s young people.
From the address by the Provincial Superior, Sister Paola Nelemta
Following the Mother General’s opening address, the Provincial Superior took the floor in turn to welcome the capitulars and guests to the provincial house.
The essence of this brief address will be simply a reminder of the place from which we set out on this capitular journey.
For, as a proverb so aptly puts it:
‘If you do not know where you come from, it will be difficult for you to know where you are going.’
Looking back, Sister Paola led us to retrace what we have experienced over the last five years, which should spur us on to leave Bethany and go forth to bear witness to what we live with Christ.
But paying attention to this passage from the Gospel, it is not a matter of leaving the house of Bethany. We are invited to remain there to discover more deeply that ‘better part’ which Jesus himself reveals to us in his prayer for us, his disciples.
Wishing us a fruitful provincial chapter, Sister Paola invited us to step away from our daily routine so that we might be more attentive to what Christ wishes us to discover during this time of grace.
And indeed, every day of the chapter unfolded in an atmosphere of prayer, communion and unity that flows from Christ.
