La Roche-sur-Foron – From 29 April to 3 May, young European sisters gathered at the Provincial House for a very fruitful meeting. From the moment they arrived on 29 April, there was great joy at being together, even though we had to wait until the evening of Thursday 30 for everyone who had been invited to arrive.
With a mix of personal and group time, each day struck a balance that allowed everyone to progress on their own journey.
The gathering took place in two languages: French and Italian, a beautiful unity in diversity as we come from Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malta, Pakistan and Vietnam, which never prevented us from understanding one another. Rather, it allowed us to explore the Gospel, the charism of our Congregation and the life of Saint Jeanne Antide from diverse and enriching perspectives.
A highlight was our reflection on “How to live obedience in the contemporary world?”
The discussions in small groups were rich and at times passionate. Yes, talking about obedience today is by no means easy. Little by little, a common conviction emerged: obedience is a journey. A journey that invites us to listen truly, to discern together for the common good, to dialogue in truth, to collaborate in trust, respect and friendship. In other words, a spiritual and deeply human adventure.
A day of recollection allowed us to reflect anew on our consecrated life. In that silence filled with God’s presence, each of us was able to write our own letter for the annual renewal of our Four Religious Vows, which will take place this summer in Sancey. A precious time to return to what is essential and to allow ourselves, once again, to be touched by God’s immense love for each of us.
At the end of this session, each of us left enriched, with a more open heart and ready to continue our daily mission in joy, hope, trust and peace. As if something within us had been deeply renewed. We give thanks to God for this beautiful experience which has brought new things into us and sown inner peace.
We thank the sisters responsible for organising this wonderful gathering: Sr Christine, Sr José, Sr Donatella, Sr Anne Geneviève, Sr Dorina and Sr Dung Dinh. And of course, a huge heartfelt thank you to Sr Sabina, the Provincial Superior of Europe, for her presence and her message on 1st May, as well as to the sisters of her Council who joined us.
Christ is alive; he dwells among us. We are not afraid; we have only trust.
The junior sisters of Europe
