23th Day: XXII General Chapter_Newly elected General Councilors (Salvatorian Sisters)

Congratulations to our Newly elected Councilors for the next 6 years.

Grateful to their readiness and Gods abundant blessing on them.

1st Councilor and General Vicaress: Sr. Jacqueline Mwakasu Kona (Congo)

2nd Councilor: Sr. Brigitte Thalhammer (Austria)

3rd Councilor: Sr. Suneela Polimetla (India)

4th Councilor: Sr. Ellen Sinclair (USA)

Today started with a faith-sharing on the gospel according to St. Luke, chapter 8, verses 16 to 18. The capitulars related this gospel reading to the stage of the election process.

In the morning, the capitulars were again guided to share in groups and create further constellations that would comprise the new generalate team for the next six years. This time, the constellations became clearer and the sharing became deeper and closer to realistic. After the morning break, the plenary resumed and the facilitators asked the re-elected General Superior to share to the plenum the some of the competencies and skills that would help her in her role and that she looks for the new Generalate Team. Some of which are the following; love for the congregation, loyalty and confidentiality, and a love for community and prayer life.

After the sharing, a time for silence and reflection took place. The capitulars once again glanced at the constellations posted on the wall of the plenary, in silence.

In the afternoon, the formal voting for the first until the fourth general councilor took place. After deliberation and counting of votes, Sr. Jacqueline Mwakasu Kona from Congo was re-elected as General Councilor and as the first voted councilor, she became the General Vicaress. Sr. Brigitte Thalhammer, SDS from Austria became the second General Councilor, Sr. Suneela Polimetla, SDS of India became the third General Councilor and Sr. Ellen Sinclair, SDS from the USA became the fourth General Councilor.

The plenary was filled with rejoicing and jubilation, thanking God for the gift of each one, as they say “yes” to their mission that they will be facing in the next six years in the Generalate.

At the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Agustin Van Baelen, SDS, and organized by the delegates from the USA Province, the new generalate team was especially blessed by the capitulars. He reminded them that as a new Generalate Team, they have the responsibility to carry and to be the light, without fear, knowing that the Lord himself always accompany them.