On 14 November 2018, the 7th provincial chapter of the Holy-Spirit-Province, based in Cuiabá/MG, Brazil, was opened by the coordination team Sr. Elizabeth Alves da Silva,
Sr. Inés Buttini and Sr. Cleofa Marlisa Flach. The theme of the chapter is: "Connected with the fount, gratitude for the past, strength in the present and new steps for the future".
At the opening of the chapter, at 14: 00 hours, all gathered around a fount for a moment of prayer and the enlightening word of John’s Gospel (Jn 4,1-30) was read: "Give me to drink!"
Another significant gesture during the opening word of the General coordination, Sr. Márian Ambrosio and Sr. Christa Brünen, was the presentation of a lantern with the motto of the next General Chapter. This lantern is present in all provincial and regional chapters and was placed near the fount, while the invitation came to us to draw from this fount: "For with you is the source of life, in your light we see light" (Psalm 36, 10)
Then, the provincial coordination presented the report of the last five years. With that, they used different symbols and the themes were mentioned, which they had dealt with each year. The whole allowed us a glimpse of the reality of the province in this term, which comes to an end now.
The moderator, Olga Simone de Paula Lima, led us through a moment of integration to become present in the here and now: "I see you - I am here". This brought lightness, excitement, joy, love, life-giving energy, acceptance, new strength, gratitude and a sense of belonging to the Group.