Extended Council Meeting - 2022

The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, had the Extended Council Meeting from 5^th to 14^th December 2022 at Somarpann Generalate with the theme: UFS: In the Spirit  of Synodality. From 5^th to 13^th there was meeting with the individual Provincial/Regional/Delegate Superiors and Council and the from 13^th evening to 14^th 2022 there was input session by Fr Archibald Gonsalves OCD on the theme ‘Synodality’. Previous day in her inaugural address Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General had enlightened the members by explaining the meaning of synod with the understanding of Pope Francis. Quoting from the ‘Working Document for the Continental Stage’ she spoke about collaboration, inclusiveness, helping the youngsters to be more responsible for their lives, addressing especially addictions, LGBT, tech-based faith formation and care of the earth, lay leadership and diaconate and active participation of the Lay associations. She also highlighted on three main concerns that we need to respond to. They are-

1.      Emphasis on the New marginalized (the new poor)

Caring for those with special needs

Divorced and remarried

Embracing Refugees and Migrants

Engagement with the Real or Virtual

2. Ecological concerns

3. Incorporation of Sexual Minorities (LGBT)

For the following two days the Themes were: Journeying Together Through a Life of Communion in Communities and Journeying Together with the Spirit of Participation for Christ and His Mission

 

Holy Eucharist offered by Rev Fr Daniel Veigas OP, Episcopal Vicar for Religious- Mangalore Diocese. He spoke about Trinitarian God who has different activities and functions. The criteria to choose apostles are to be with him, to learn from him and to be sent forth. To learn how to peel off the shells and put on Christ. 

We had the input sessions by Fr Archibald Gonsalves OCD; He explained the meaning and understanding of Synod.  To make it clearer he narrated the story of the geese and comparing it to our community living. He also told us about how we need to function as a community, Province or Congregation and spoke of Jesus model of synodality in the light of Christus Vivit no. 29.

We are called to be in touch with one another as God himself is synodal. Reflecting on the days reading he said that Christ mission is proclaimed in the gospel and we are to do the mission of Christ. Referring the Acts of the Apostles he said that as apostles the mission of the clergy also should be to pray and to proclaim.

He also spoke about individualism and how it affects our community; synodality is rooted in the Trinity and sourced in Eucharist. Further he highlighted the concept of listening and explained about the 7 challenges i.e., 1. The challenge to listen   2. Speaking out   3. Being prophetic 4. Vibrant liturgy 5. Challenge to enculturate synodality 6. The challenge to empower women in the church 7. The challenge of creating a new leadership style.

At the end Rev Sr Milly Fernandes our Superior General gave us the concluding message; she thanked all the sisters for their commitment and attentiveness in attending to their various portfolios in spite of having additional responsibilities. She appreciated the leadership of the sisters and gave them the general guidelines needed in practicing their responsibilities as leaders. She emphasized on team work confidentiality, listening ear, availability, truthfulness, respectful, journey together, be a role models, uphold the good name of the Congregation and one another which are essential as leaders of the Province.