On 13th January 2020 was the beginning of the second phase of the general chapter. We were invited to enter the House of Bethany, the place of life and love. With the guidance of Fr Leonello, the Canonical advisor from the order of the Passionists Religious, we contemplated on the revision of the Constitutions of the Sisters of Divine Providence. This process led us through the importance and challenges of updating the constitutions of an institution.
This 2nd Phase of the General chapter gave us full insights whereby the Chapter members were asked to re-read and discern individually on the Constitutions for better understanding, centralising and deepening of it. Thereafter, those who had some questions concerning the input from Fr Leonello and the Updated constitutions were requested to put them forward for clarifications.
It was with the great honour to receive enlightenment from Sr Annette ism, our theological advisor for the General Chapter Process was cherished by the Chapter members. On this day, the sisters of Divine providence were challenged on how to go about their Constitutions. It was understood that both Old and the updated Constitutions are rich and they have to be understood and fall in love with them. It was also of great importance to come to realise that none of us has a mission. Every Mission is for Jesus Christ and we are all sent by him into his Mission. Therefore, we must be always ready to carry out this mission.
The fourth day of the week appeared to be special in the history of the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence. It was the day for voting for some of the Chapters of our “book/rule of life,” the Updated Constitutions. Some proposals were taken into consideration and voted for if accepted personally. However, the Capitulars were also sent for further reading of the updated constitutions and bring forward some questions if at all there were some.
Finally, the Updated constitutions were adopted by all the Chapter Members. Then the whole house expressed the joy towards God who made it possible for the updating process. Most importantly, the house was very grateful to the Commission which worked tiresomely for the Updated Constitutions to be successful. We are yet to vote for the directory as well.