Nano Aflame! Stoking our Passion … Becoming Fire … Radiating Love
The closing of the Congregational Gathering, today, was treated with utmost solemnity. To begin, (contrary to experience of less formal events) packing and preparing to leave did not, in any way, signal a premature distancing from the main tasks of the morning. All were in attendance at the designated time, dress was formal as before, and a sense of occasion pervaded the meeting space – evidence of the commitment which has marked this entire event. Read More ….
The end is in sight! Today was the day for final sign-off on the direction and decisions reached in the Gathering. We also selected the images which, in our view, communicate most powerfully the experience, the vision and energy which are here. Read More ….
Sister Aurea Dias pbvm, Sister Sharon Fagan pbvm, Sister Julie Watson pbvm, Sister Neneth Robledo pbvm, Sister Anne McDermott pbvm
This was the day when the election of our new Congregational Leadership Team was completed. We were then in a position to elect, also, the Assistant Congregational Leader. All this work proceeded in a spirit of communion and discernment. It was a day to remember.
We resumed our work towards our Gathering directions and decisions and then, faithful to long-standing Presentation spirit, at the end of the day we relaxed and celebrated together, giving thanks to God and one another.
This day began with a celebration of Eucharist with Fr. John O’Brien CSsP, recently returned to Ireland after many years of missionary work in Pakistan. His commitment to sharing the good news of the Gospel has included significant work in Christian-Muslim dialogue. Read More ….
Following our beautifully sunny ‘day of rest’, for which we were truly grateful, we delegates to Congregational Gathering 2018 reconvened this morning.
This was a ‘stop, look, listen’ kind of day, which we spent with Diarmuid Ó’Murchú MSC, well-known author.
The focus of Diarmuid’s talks in the morning was Religious Life in 21st Century. These provided much food for thought.
Most of today was spent doing further work on the proposals and recommendations that have been submitted to the Gathering from across the Congregation. While some of these will come, ultimately, to the floor for decision, others of their nature need to be passed on to the new Congregational Leadership Team or to the Units. Read More ….
Today we spent extended time with all the submissions to the Gathering – the ‘distilled wisdom’ from Contemplative Dialogue 4, as well as proposals and recommendations from communities, groups and individuals. Our facilitators are ensuring that nothing is lost … they inspire confidence in the process, and that all will be well.
An unexpected change took place today: all of us delegates were asked to arrange ourselves around the room according to age –and it caused quite a stir! Then we were invited to a focused conversation in peer groups. We had an interesting time.
We found that perspectives can be remarkably the same and remarkably different across generations as well as cultures. We were reminded to pay attention to recurring themes, but also to listen to the minority and solitary voices.
Today, as Delegates to the Congregational Gathering, we listened attentively as Sr. Mary Deane spoke to us in the name of the outgoing Congregational Leadership Team. Mary shared the Team’s reflections and concerns from the vantage point of their experience over the last six years. Read More ….