After the three day retreat, the participants are all physically and spiritually  envigorated  to begin the  29^th General Chapter. Fr. Dario Pedroso has trully set the tone and mode to enter into the journey of the General Chapter 2023. On behalf of the sisters all over the world, Reverend Mother Maria dos Anjos Alves expressed her gratitude for his wisdom in leading the sisters to encounter God. In response, Fr. Dário also thanked Mother Maria dos Anjos for inviting him. 

The Opening Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. Pedroso was simple and solemn. It led us gradually to sense a beginning of another stage of our coming to Nemi, Italy. It was transporting us to the realm of realities. Being fortified by the graces we have received in the past three days, we have the confidence to walk together on the footsteps of our Beloved Foundress.

Today’s invited speaker was Sr. Nadia Coppa, ASC. Sr. Kelly Connors introduced her to the capitulants. She was the Superior General of her Congregation and president of UISG. Sr Nadia’s profile showed her rich experiences of ministry in the Church and in her own Congregation. She declared that she is a woman in love with Religious Life and her experiences in this vocation have blessed her with growth in her passion.  

She spoke on the Newness that Religious Life can bring to the Church and in the World. Her initial question on the topic was, What Newness can we offer to the Church? This can be asked to each of us and as a Congregation. She stirred our hearts with powerful words that brought us to searching questions on the credibility, radicality of Religious life, and of the Church; she encouraged us to rediscover the gift of our prophetic vocation amidst the tension of the already and not yet.  In a world of self sufficiency, devalued dignity, Godless-ness, do we still believed in the newness that we are capable of and we can offer as Sisters of the Presentation of Mary today?

The speaker gave us time for questions and clarification.

Sr Samuelita Enriquez thanked Sr Nadia Coppa, ASC for her availability, her wisdom coupled with her expertise.

In the afternoon, we were in another level…The Opening Celebration which signify the official opening of the 29^th General Chapter. (to watch the livestreaming video) The colorful procession of flags gave a vibrant atmosphere, uplifting emotion and a strong sense that YES, the Chapter days begin… The conclusion was held in the Capitular’s room where Mother Maria dos Anjos Alves delivered her message addressed to the Capitulars and to the PM world. (to read her message please click) She also gave with these thoughts:  God will pass this hall to inspire each capitulant in discerning His will for the Congregation  and to reflect on the mission of being a capitulant at this moment of our history.   The whole celebration was concluded with a hymn to our Mother and Guardian.

It was a long day, indeed. As we officially opened the General Chapter, the Moderator of the Chapter, Sr. Marian Murcia, SFB had asked the body to approve the Rule of the General Chapter Handbook and other procedures necessary before the start of the 29^th General Chapter 2023!

We signed off and it was dinner time!

(For more photos click here: https://soeurs-de-la-presentation-de-marie.org/pom/opening-celebration/)