The capitulars reflected on the gospel of the day from St. Luke, chapter 6 verses 39-42. “Taking out the plank in our own eye first”, is an illustration of not forgetting our one’s tendency to be self-righteous, a reminder that all ungodliness is a cause for concern, whether it be in ourselves or in others.
In the plenary, the capitulars joyfully sang a birthday song greeting S. Maria Whelita Mendoza on her birthday. At the same time, they offered a prayer for the eternal repose of the soul of S. Beatrix Gumpoltsberger from Austria who died today. The irony of life sets the tone for this day for a while; a life here on earth that is to be explored and lived with trust and confidence with the Lord and a life offered in eternity, where there is no more suffering but eternal joy and bliss.
After which, the capitulars were led to an experience of surrendering before God in stillness and silence, to listen to what the Lord is telling them in this stage of the general chapter. In an atmosphere of stillness, the capitulars are invited to arrive at a state where they can find something beyond what they can only comprehend, but what God is telling them.
Before the day ends, the delegates from the India Region solemnly organized the Holy Eucharist with Fr. Agustin Van Baelen, SDS – General Councilor and General Secretary of the Society of the Divine Saviour (Salvatorian Fathers). Fr. Agustin reminded the capitulars that Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles continually invites them to keep searching, to know God’s will and to make Him known by others through their witnessing.
19th Day: XXII General Chapter_ Salvatorians are blessed with the private audience with the Holy father, Pope Francis.
Today will be a day to linger in our memories for a long time. We had an important and intimate encounter with Pope Francis, who closely models what Jesus wishes for all Christians, particularly religious, to follow with fidelity and courage—listening to His voice in...
18th Day: XXII General Chapter_ May the Salvatorians be attentive to the creative Suprises of the Savior.
The gospel of the day from St. Luke, chapter 7, verses 31-35 guided the capitulars as in relation to the on-going general chapter, each one is asked on what messages we might not be hearing or responding to? With this disposition, the general chapter proceeded. The...
17th Day: XXII General Chapter_ Deep into the Salvatorian key elements.
The morning started with a faith-sharing in groups on the gospel of today, from St. Luke, chapter 7: 11-17 and also from the first reading of today, from 1 Corinthians 12: 12-14; 27-31. They were led to reflect on these two beautiful readings of today in relation to...
16th Day: XXII General Chapter_ Go beyond the familiar and take a risk of the unknown.
The capitulars started the day with faith-sharing from the gospel of St. Luke, chapter 7 verses 1-10, where the centurion being from a foreign nation is recognized as friendly to Jewish people and Jesus recognizes the great faith outside Israel. The general chapter’s...
15th Day: XXII General Chapter_ Recalling our Salvatorian Foundation at the Chapel of St. Brigida
Today was a significant day for us as we visited the site of our Salvatorian foundation, the Chapel of St. Brigida, co-patron of Europe. Sr. Natanaela Szczurko gave us explation of this place and its historical importance to our Salvatorian family. Here, our founder,...
14th Day: XXII General Chapter_God’s works can only prosper in the shadow of the cross.
“The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and the text of today’s Gospel, leads us to a statement that accompanied Blessed Francis Jordan throughout his life and which he even wrote in his spiritual diary (I/163): God’s works can only prosper in the shadow of the...