This summer from August 12 to 19, the European Professed of Temporary Vows (PTVs), Alejandra (ESP), Alicia (ESP), Françoise (BFN), Gaëtane (BFN), Timi (CEU), Cili (CEU), Kata (CEU) and Ula (POL), had their initial formation meeting in Joigny, France.
Throughout the year, we had reflected on the Vow of Obedience, and during this week we were able to share our reflections, experiences, different perspectives and approaches (including Sophie’s), in order to continue learning about this vow, which is an expression of the way we wish to live as Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
We were accompanied in this meeting by the Initial Formation Team: Alicja Borońska (POL) Carmen Diaz (ESP), Joanna Moś (POL) and Judit Paal (CEU) and our guest, Steph Romaine (ENW), who guided us with regard to the content and dynamics throughout the week.
We began the meeting with a leisure and recreation day among the PTVs, which we experienced as a gift and a good way to begin weaving the our relationship and create a climate of trust and closeness.
Our days began with community prayer; some days we joined the General Chapter prayer, and other days we celebrated the Eucharist. Then Steph (ENW) gave us the points and contents for the day’s reflection in a very creative way, after which we had time for personal reflection and prayer. At the end of the morning, we shared with the group.
In the afternoons, we took part in a variety of activities and dynamics: we toured Sophie’s house guided by Małgorzata (POL), who helped us to relish the environment and atmosphere in which Sophie grew up and lived with her family. Another day, Agnieszka (POL) led us on a visit to the vineyards of Joigny. Using the metaphor of the vine and branches, she helped us enter into the experience of learning to “remain in the love of Jesus”, in order to give life in abundance.
Another day we had a very enriching round table where sisters from different countries and backgrounds, Christine (Congo-Tchad), Eva (Evangelista) (UGK), Ula (POL) and Steph (ENW), shared their own experiences of the Vow of Obedience under different life circumstances.
We ended the meeting with deep gratitude for having had the opportunity and the space to share, to grow together, and to get to know each other better. We are convinced that by strengthening the bonds and relationships among all of us, we will be able to build the Cor Unum in our International Society.
“Obedience is the bond which united us all in the Heart of Jesus
as we seek to fulfil God’s plan of love” (Cons. 53)
Section |International News|Vocation & Youth Ministry
Province |Belgium/France/Netherlands|Central Europe|Poland|Spain