II GENERAL CHAPTER IN INDIA 2006-2007
A sacred, historical and crucial event in the life of the Congregation…A time of grace…A time of inner renewal and transformation… A time of critical analysis for a newer and wider horizons…A time to set on new dreams, visions, orientations and priorities…A time of soul searching to identify the strengths and flaws, the successes and failures of the Society… The theme “Sisters of St. Ann with Passion for Christ and Passion for Humanity” on par with our motto “For Jesus, for His Love”streamlines the members.
It was a different chapter…Steps were taken to ensure more effective and systematic celebration of the chapter; it was a turning point in our inward and outward journey. Rooted in the past, concerned with the present and looking forward to the future with hope and courage, innovative action plans were drawn with passionate love for God and for His people.
Thrusts of the chapter:
At the Congregational level:
To recapture, rediscover and relive the Charism and Spirituality of the Founder; To build up personal resourcefulness and to promote the psycho- spiritual well being of individual Sisters.
Mission: With the leading motive ‘passion for humanity’, the action plans were oriented towards Centenary Year. Lay collaboration is introduced at all levels.
Health care: Holistic health care for the marginalized: adopting 5-100 poor families, free units in the name of our Founder, earmarking a soaring percentage for the poor, free clinic, family ministry, care of the HIV/AIDS infected / affected without discrimination, value based and person oriented nursing education etc.
Educational Apostolate: Ensuring 100% literacy in the locality with strategic plans, setting up ‘Meyer’s home’ for the education of orphans of HIV affected and infected children, reaching out to the marginalized in a significant way, earmarking a greater percentage for the poor etc.
Social Apostolate: Taking up a creative new ministry in each Province/Region, involving in Social Action, initiating insertional community in each Province, Model village with integrated approach etc.
Evangelization: Setting up a community exclusively for evangelization; educate the lay Catholics and strengthen the faith and Biblical formation of the faithful in collaboration with lay/ parish and diocese; setting up an Evangelization cell in each Province etc.
Outcome of the Chapter:
The new wine of the chapter is expressed in attitudes, spirituality, target, clientele, strategy and decisions. There is a challenge to give expression of our deep desire to live fully our vocation. Gripped with passion, there is tremendous outflow of energy and enthusiasm to create a better world irrespective of age. There is a transition from the present way of living and serving to a passionate way of living and serving; there is revival; there is a paradigm shift; there are new vistas, new ventures, new wells, extra miles and new roads. Something new is emerging… something beautiful is happening in our Society and to our wounded humanity through this eventful General Chapter. |