As we approach the XXII General Chapter of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, we invite all members of our Congregation to prepare their hearts and minds for a remarkable journey of discernment and renewal. This chapter, facilitated by Mr. Matthieu Daum and Sr. Małgorzata Książek, FMM (Sr. Gosia), promises to be both inspiring and transformative.
Mr. Matthieu Daum, who has over 20 years of experience facilitating religious congregations, shares his enthusiasm for engaging with our community. Having first connected with the Salvatorian Sisters during the pandemic, Matthieu expresses deep joy in his fraternal relationships with many members of our Congregation. He reminds us that this chapter is more than just a gathering; it is an opportunity to reflect on our Salvatorian mission and the charism that unites us all. As he aptly puts it, “I’ve shared life with most of the Salvatorian Sisters, and it’s been more and more an experience of joy and passion.”
Joining Matthieu in this sacred endeavor is Sr. Gosia, a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Connected to our Salvatorian family since her youth in Poland, Sr. Gosia feels a deep sense of belonging and is eager to walk alongside us as we discern our future together. Both facilitators encourage every member of the Congregation to engage wholeheartedly in this experience—physically and spiritually—with open hearts, ready to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
This XXII General Chapter, the sisters will be guided to step back and listen to the pulse of the entire Congregation and not rush to immediate solutions for the next six years. The process will include a mini retreat, guiding us to engage in meaningful dialogue and to listen deeply—to one another and to the Spirit. As we embark on this journey, we will seek clarity about where we are called to walk in the coming years.
Sr. Gosia emphasizes the power of “generative listening and generative speaking.” This process is about sharing the insights and reflections from each unit chapter, recognizing that every voice contributes to a larger, beautiful tapestry of our shared mission. As we come together, each piece of our individual experiences will form an integral part of understanding our collective path.
Both Matthieu and Sr. Gosia are hopeful that this Chapter will ignite a renewed sense of purpose and community among us. They envision this time of discernment as a space of “Walking together, rekindling the gift of the Spirit among us to proclaim the Gospel and inflame all.”
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...