Time passes quietly, and after several days of serenity and reflection, April 10 arrived — the day which, since the call to the Chapter, we have known to be its official beginning. We are among sisters, many of us accustomed to experiencing these gatherings, yet there was a noticeable sense of reverence in the atmosphere for the event we were about to begin, which always carries a sense of newness.
The chapter sisters, after being called by name, took their designated places in the hall, which had been arranged for the occasion. The opening prayer began with an introduction referring to the Word of God, the light, and the congregational charism—symbols that were placed next to a vine branch, reminding us of the Chapter’s theme and guiding principles. The prayer continued with a hymn to the Holy Spirit, a psalm, a prayer, and a hymn to Mary, asking for her help and protection.
Sr. Ana Belén Verísimo, president of the Chapter, gave the opening address in the four mother tongues of the sisters—a gesture of empathy and closeness. She began by referring to the Chapter’s theme, which she expanded upon and applied to the present moment.
She went on to remind us:
“You know that the great protagonist of the Chapter is the Spirit of God. It is He who guides you and leads you along the way… it is the Lord who walks by your side… and as you walk, the eyes of the heart, of faith, of the charism, will be opened. Therefore, like the disciples, you will narrate what you have lived—the beautiful stretches of the past four years, and the challenging parts of the journey. The fruit of the Chapter will not depend on what you did or did not do… nor on strength or creativity… but rather on the ability to listen and the courage to respond to the questions that arise, allowing yourselves to be enlightened by the Word. Jesus is here, with us… at our side… discreetly… without invading… without imposing… although at some moments, we will probably hear His voice asking us: ‘What have you come for?’ The goal is to seek what is best for the Province, and therefore, for the Congregation. It is about listening, dialoguing, searching, discerning—not alone, but together.”
She concluded by saying:
“The Chapter is a time of hard work for the good of the Province and the Congregation. And even more so because we know that our charismatic reference is found in these lands of Father Coll. It is here, in this Province, that all the sisters of the Congregation must come with their eyes, their feet, and their hearts to be strengthened and nourished by our charismatic sources. Therefore, the Province of Saint Raymund of Peñafort has a charismatic and congregational mission with a universal character that transcends its borders.”
The rest of the day proceeded with the initial tasks required to begin such events: the election of the secretary and scrutineers, followed by the reading of the “Memoria”, beginning with that of Sr. M. Rosa Masramon and continuing with the same dynamic in the afternoon.
With the commitment to continue informing,
The Chapter Sisters
