The General Chapter is a celebration of our communion. Today, with our lay associates, we listen with intent to what they say as we move forward towards the future in the footsteps of St. Marie Rivier.

 

A well-prepared prayer began the session. It was a reflection on the grains of seeds and its innate power to produce fruits. The process of its growth was likened to the Word of God in Mark 4: 26-29:

He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

The prayer of Marcelo Múrea Vive comme des graines concluded the opening prayer.

Sr Marian Murcia, our General Chapter facilitator immediately invited Mother Maria dos Anjos’ to give her welcome address.

In her welcome address, she expressed her joy of being together through this meeting and, of being together in sowing the grains of peace, hope and love so that the world may grow in harmony and peace.

United with Jesus, our shared mission, she said, is to make Him known and loved, according to the desire of Marie Rivier. This virtual meeting would renew us all in this commitment. Mother also confirmed that this meeting is in solidarity with the spirit by which the Church desires to lead her people: Synodality. In the same spirit of listening, meeting and dialogue, this meeting becomes a valuable reference as the Congregation prepares herself to its 29^th General Chapter. 

Sr Marian gave the orientation for the sharing. Each speaker was given a 5-minute reporting. There were three moments of sharing to answer the question: What do you wish to say to the Chapter as group of Marie Rivier Associates so that together, we can move towards the future on the footsteps of St. Marie Rivier.

The feedback of the shared reflections showed that the Associates have grown profoundly in their identity and love for St. Marie Rivier. Her charism and mission are precious in their lives as lay people.  There were new insights gained from different realities. There is also that common desire to make Jesus known and loved in the world.  Marie Rivier’s wish is happening. We are the grains that can produce the thousand lives!

After the words of gratitude of the Superior General the session was concluded with the hymn: Ave Maria. The Blessed Virgin’s motherly guidance accompany us as we desire to move forward on the footsteps of her daughter, Marie Rivier.