We have started the international meeting of economists of our Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence on September 22nd. It takes place at ‘Kloster Nette’ , Osnabrück / Germany.
There are 35 participants in this meeting: 28 Sisters of Divine Providence from Germany, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Malawi/Africa and Latin-America, as well as the Management Director of the Generalate, Mr. Thomas Plagemann. We are supported in our conference by other persons, such as the facilitator, translators and technical personnel.
At the opening of this meeting, Sr. Márian Ambrosio, the General Coordinator of our Congregation, called to mind the Greek etymology of ‘Economy’: oiko + nomos = house + rules/habit (customs, tradition). Therefore, „Economy“ can be understood as the art to manage the house, our house, in a good way. She invited us to be like, "an open house and a missionary community with an attitude of being ready to set out permanently". She said, quoting Pope Francis: "I dream of a missionary decision, which is able to transform everything, so that all the habits, styles, time-schedules, the use of language, and any ecclesiastical structure become a channel that serves the evangelization of today’s world more than the self preservation.
In the two following days, we took note of the reality of the provinces, regions, and the Dutch community. With the advice of Br. Broer Huitema CMM, we reflected on the theme "Solidarity and international responsibility". We dealt also with the Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, especially regards its message for our Congregation and the consequences for our lifestyle and our economic action. At the end, we deepened the decision No. 3.3 of the General Chapter 2015, concerning our apostolic service.
We will be gathered together until September 27, 2016 and count on your prayers and your solidarity. Thank you very much!