INTERNATIONAL SESSION OF YOUNG PROFESSED SISTERS
“Companions of hope in times of fragility”
We feel as though we are on the same path as Ruth and Naomi, when one worries about the future of the other, while both are on their way and their future is uncertain. “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? (Ruth 3:2)
We also had the same wishes as those that Naomi had for Ruth during the training sessions that the Congregation offered us, and we are very grateful to each of you who have accompanied us with your prayers.
Between the 17th to 21st July, 2021, we were thirty-two young professed sisters from different mission countries who convened via a Zoom meeting from Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso, Vietnam and France. Here, it was possible to recognise how the Spirit continues to work, as this time the number of temporary-professed sisters increased: Our charism is alive and well!
The joy of this meeting was immense, even though it was restricted by the lack of physical contact. A significant difference between the physical and the virtual was noticeable, but still, we felt that the joy of reunion knew no boundaries. It was a very enriching moment.
The session lasted five days, with two and a half-hour sessions per day, during which we were accompanied by the members of the EIFI (IITI – International Initial Training Team) including Luz Miryam, Colette, Patricia and Charo. Lola Arrieta – Carmelite Vedruna and María Martínez, from the Ruaj team, were among us, as well as Lucía Uceda LSA and Antonio Molina, a lay person and friend of the Little Sisters.
The first day,
was a time of mutual discovery of sharing and welcoming each other’s experiences in our respective location of residence and mission service, just like the disciples in their encounter with the Lord. Being organised in small groups, it allowed us to create a friendly climate. This day was animated by the EIFI (IITI – International Initial Training Team).
Thérèse, Thrin, Florence, Josiane, Lan, Perpétue, Minh, Irène, Tuyen, Hà, Bernardine, Van, Sarah, Juliana, Phuoc, Agnès, Nho, Hong Van, Hao, Marie-Claire, Thuy, Amélie, Hien, Gina, Hoaï, Patience, Ruth, Oanh, Emilienne, Nam, Fanny, Huong, Clerita, Muoi
On the second and third day,
We were accompanied by Lola and María; the programme revolved around the subject of affection and sexuality, starting with the synthesis of the work of the 2018 session. The third day ended with a discussion on “the triangle of Love” during which they spoke to us about passion, intimacy and commitment, as sources of dynamism that help us continue on this journey of the integrity of our person as female apostles and missionaries.
On the fourth day
Lucía and Antonio (a lay person), helped us to reflect on our social network profiles and our identity as Little Sisters of the Assumption. It was a time to increase our awareness of how we communicate about ourselves and the Congregation.
The last day
Was dedicated to meeting and having a dialogue with the sisters of the General Council. It enabled us to address our concerns through the questions we asked.
At the end of each day, a time was set to “harvest” what we had received, and I might as well tell you – the harvest was abundant! We had a deep and beautiful experience that gave us valuable elements for our training.
We are truly grateful for your prayers, and we now feel like Ruth and Naomi on this ongoing journey following Jesus, our Servant and Saviour in our daily lives.
Yours sincerely.
Clerita Lowala et Thérèse Vonjisoa (Little Sisters of the Assumption)