In the late afternoon of the 24th November 2018, the Chapter Assembly of the region Mineira da Providência was closed in Montes Claros/MG, Brazil, which had begun on the 22nd.
During these days, the sisters could bring to their mind the preparatory process of the chapter with the help of Sr. Márian Ambrosio and Sr. Maria Rita Xavier Mendes, of the General coordination, and with the Advisor, Brother Írio Conti, msf; they reflected also over the current economy in Brazil, on our internationality and on other general topics of the congregation.
After much prayer and intense dialogue, listening, and the discernment of spirits, the sisters "harvested" and celebrated the results of this 4th regional chapter. Their "main fruits" can be perceived in the priorities, the decisions and in the new Regional Coordination team for the next five years.
Into the Regional Coordination were elected: Sr. Pureza Madalena de Jesus, Regional Coordinator, Sr. Letícia Aparecida Rocha, Deputy and Sr. Alenice Moreira da Silva, Councillor.
With a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration, presided by Archbishop of Montes Claros, Dom João Justino, and the words from Sr. Márian and Sr. Pureza the chapter meeting was closed. Then, there was still a pleasant get-together with the sisters and with invited friends.
In her final words Sr. Márian pointed out the basic attitudes, which were very evident in the sisters and which had contributed to the good experience in the chapter process: the simplicity, joy and confidence.
The thankful contemplation of the past five years, the common search and striving in these days had led to three priorities that will stimulate and promote the life and mission of the Sisters in the Region. The three priorities reflect key focal points: Formation, the Mission-tasks among the people and the re-organization of the Region.
Sr. Márian expressed gratitude for the commitment of the region and the interest for the entire congregation. She underlined also the mysticism that was felt during the regional chapter and which was clearly seen at prayer, at the various services and the discernment process.
At the end, she voiced a recommendation: the sisters may create new methods in the
"Vocational Apostolate", using social networks, to come closer to the Youth, to bear witness to the charism. In other words: to wake up the world...!
The Sisters of the Region say thanks and are very grateful for the greetings, prayers and signs of solidarity, which have come in these days from all corners of the four continents where Providence sisters are present.