5th Day: XXII General Chapter_Feast of Bl. Mary Apostle and the sharing of the Salvatorian family

On this day, the feast of Blessed Mary of the Apostles, the capitulars were led to a personal experience with her. If she is with her Salvatorian Sisters in this general chapter, what would she be saying to each one personally, and to the whole BODY (congregation)? And in turn, as a capitular, what we would like to say to Blessed Mary of the Apostles?

The morning session, though heavy it was, was enriching with the sharing of the two other branches of the Salvatorian Family – the Society of the Divine Savior and the International Community of the Divine Savior (ICDS). The presence of Fr. Miton Zonta, SDS – General Superior; Fr. Agustin Van Baelen, SDS – General Councilor/ Secretary and Fr. Ferdinand Lukoa, SDS – General Councilor of the Society of the Divine Savior and Mr. Christian Patzl – ICDS Coordinator is a proof of their good will and brotherly love to collaborate as one family under the inspiration of our founder Blessed Francis Jordan and co-foundress, Blessed Mary of the Apostles. Joint Salvatorian Family recommendations were presented and the capitulars were asked to reflect on them and in the course of the general chapter, deliberation and decision will be made. Before this part of the session ended, it is quite inspiring to end by this words of Fr. Milton, “In nourishing the roots of our unity, we have to be reminded of our founders’ words: If we want to follow the holy apostles, we must have great charity, and among us, there must be mutual love and peace”.

The day would not be festive without visiting the chapel of Blessed Mary of the Apostles. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Milton Zonta, SDS at the Motherhouse Chapel in the afternoon. The joy of “walking together” towards the Motherhouse to celebrate together this day’s feast was truly a manifestation of joy. The guided historical tour around the Motherhouse, the very Salvatorian liturgy, the lively and festive songs, the angelic voices, the joyful camaraderie among the sisters of the Motherhouse, the capitulars, the Salvatorian Fathers and brothers was indeed a true manifestation of a familial spirit which Blessed Mary of the Apostles wishes for all. It is but just right to end the day with this words from the homily of Fr. Milton, “My dear Salvatorians, in this time of chapter discernment, do not forget these essential aspects of Blessed Mary of the Apostles; her search for a deep spiritual life, her search to grow in holiness and her making mission the logic of our life. In short, let us choose to live our identity and our mission today, not in isolation, but in the footsteps of Blessed Mary of the Apostles. Go forward with a shared apostolic mission in communion with the other branches of the Salvatorian Family and in unity with the whole Church. Let us reveal the beauty of the charism we have received!

Happy Salvatorian Family day and Happy Feast Day, Blessed Mary of the Apostles!