05 January 2025 was a great day in the history of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation for North East Province as it commenced the 10th Provincial Chapter. The 41 members of the Chapter stepped into five days of discernment, discussion and sharing after having spent months of intense study and preparation both at personal and community level on the theme ‘Repair My House in a Synodal Way’
05 January 2025 was a great day in the history of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation for North East Province as it commenced the 10th Provincial Chapter. The 41 members of the Chapter stepped into five days of discernment, discussion and sharing after having spent months of intense study and preparation both at personal and community level on the theme ‘Repair My House in a Synodal Way’
The Chapter began with a retreat from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, guided by Rev. Fr. Julian Fernandes S.J. The retreat served as a spiritual foundation for the Chapter's proceedings.
The grace filled event of the Provincial Chapter was presided by Rev. Sr. Milly Fernandes the Superior General and assisted by Rev. Sr. Lydia Serrao, the Councilor General. Chapter was formally inaugurated on January 5, 2025, with a prayer service followed by the inaugural address by the President, Rev. Sr. Milly Fernandes the Superior General.
The discussions and activities during the Chapter spanned several significant days, each guided by a unique theme and focus. On January 6, 2025, the theme was "Synodality: Walking together, listening, and discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit." The day was highlighted group discussions on policies and the presentation of reports on the triennial Province and finances, providing a comprehensive overview of the past three years. Discussions also delved into identity, charism, consecrated life, apostolate, formation and administration. The insights from these discussions were consolidated during a plenary session.
January 7, 2025, focused on "A call to encounter, to listen, to discern, and to serve (Leadership)." The President addressed the delegates, emphasizing the importance of leadership in the Congregation’s mission. The day’s highlight was the election of the new leadership team, with Sr. Juliana Pereira elected as Provincial Superior, Sr. Jesintha D Cunha as Assistant Provincial Superior, Sr. Matilda Cutinha as 2nd Councilor, Sr. Florence Lalrinpuii as 3rd Councilor, and Sr. Sunitha Miranda as 4th Councilor. This significant event concluded with a prayer service and the installation of the newly elected team.
On January 8, 2025, the discussions centered on "A journey together in communion and commitment (Synodality)." The draft policies for the Province were presented, and a plenary session provided an opportunity to review and refine them collaboratively. The focus was on fostering unity and strengthening the Congregation’s mission through communal discernment and commitment.
The final day, January 9, 2025, carried the theme "Facing the future together with hope." It was a day of reflection and forward-thinking discussions. Delegates shared their aspirations and strategies for embracing the future with faith, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Provincial Chapter was marked by prayerful discernment, collective decision-making, and a shared commitment to the mission and vision of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation of North-East Province. It concluded with strengthened relationships among members and a deepened dedication to live the values of synodality in their service and ministry. This milestone event reaffirmed the Congregation’s unwavering hope and faith as they continue their journey together.