12th Day: XXII General Chapter_God knows the direction He wants us to take; we only need to place our trust in Him.

At the start of the 12th day, the capitulars gathered once again for faith-sharing and reflected on the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 6, verses 27-38. The Gospel is filled with challenging verbs that pertain to attitudes, and at this juncture of the general chapter, they were asked to choose one that resonates with them most, along with their reasoning. In the morning’s first half, there was an open discussion regarding past activities. The personal stories shared the previous day—both those that invigorate and those that drain one’s energy—manifested the current state of the congregation, highlighting a need for ongoing redefinition to manage the diverse realities within it.

Subsequently, the proposed election process was presented to the capitulars, who were invited to provide clarifications, additions, and suggestions to ensure the process would be acceptable and workable. Overall, the sisters expressed agreement with the proposed election process, although some clarifying questions were raised and addressed. To reconnect with the proceedings thus far, the facilitators encouraged the collective body to once again examine their situation through metaphors, aiming for a deeper and more embodied understanding.

In the afternoon, the capitulars were invited to reflect and share what elements could no longer continue into the future of the congregation and what they would need to release, allowing certain aspects to die for the sake of the congregation’s vitality. The plenary hall buzzed with life as the capitulars expressed their awareness of the necessity to let go, recognising that this act brings new life. There was a palpable desire for vitality, alongside the realisation that letting go is not a loss but, in fact, a gain. The challenge now lies in understanding the complexity of the whole and embracing the novelty of the Spirit; for in the shadow of the cross, new life is blossoming. God knows the direction He wants us to take; we merely need to place our trust in Him. The day concluded on a joyful note with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, organised by delegates from the Tanzania Region and presided over by Fr. Ferdinand Lukoa, SDS – General Councillor of the Society of the Divine Saviour (Salvatorian Fathers).