The General Chapter 2020 was for all capitulars an experience of faith and international solidarity that made our hearts burn. We left the "House of Bethany" in Curitiba and were sent back to our provinces and regions. In us was the great desire to communicate our experiences and the results of the General Chapter to all sisters immediately.
So we organized and planned to meet the sisters of the province in small groups. But then everything changed. We were surprised by the Corona virus, which called for social isolation and did not allow the planned meetings.
Only the houses of the older sisters and the mission areas in the north and northeast had the opportunity to experience an initial communication about the chapter.
We never got tired of expressing our gratitude for the grace and happiness that we still had been able to carry out the General Chapter, which included also the approval of the updated Constitutions and the Directory; and we were also grateful that all participants were able to travel back to their countries and provinces/regions with safety and tranquility. Soon after the chapter, at the end of February and especially in March, the Covid-19 pandemic spread around the world, preventing international travel.
In order not to let the fire that still burned in our hearts be extinguished, we had to think creatively about how we could "infect" all the sisters of the province with the living experience of the General Chapter. At that time, the idea was born to do this via a live broadcast, to which all communities were invited. Since they had already received the chapter document, we took the opportunity to present it.
We organized the exchange for July 18 and 19, 2020 in three one-hour meetings:
The capitulars gave a presentation and reflection on the topic, always open to questions and clarifications. It was a very enriching and enjoyable experience. We were very happy and grateful about the great enthusiasm and participation of the communities. Thus we continue the movement that begun in the General Chapter.
In the midst of the current isolation, a consequence of the pandemic, we continue to look for ways to connect with each other in our international congregation. We also pray for light so that we can overcome this difficult situation that affects all of humanity.
May the Mother of Providence be our advocate and inspire us on our journey and in our decisions in the service of life.
(Sister Lucia Weiler)