Today, April 7th, marks the beginning of the XV Elective Provincial Chapter of the Province of Saint Raymund of Peñafort (Catalonia, Menorca, and Asia), held at the Mother House in Vic.
Yesterday afternoon, after the arrival of the capitular sisters, Sr. M. Rosa Masramon welcomed everyone in a spirit of joy and fraternity. A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the sisters from Asia. For some of them, it was the first time setting foot in these lands of origin—an experience that deeply touched them. Joining us for this gathering is Sr. Ana Belén Veríssimo OP, Prioress General, whose presence is a sign of communion with the entire Congregation.
Today, the days of spirituality have begun, led by Fr. Jesús Díaz Sariego, OP, Provincial Prior of the Province of Hispania. He was introduced by Sr. Maria Rosa as a close and fraternal person, a true brother in the Dominican charism. She thanked him for his availability and willingness to accompany us during these days, despite his many responsibilities.
As he began to share, he referred to the theme of the Chapter, which, as he said, would serve as the guiding thread for his reflections. Luke 24:13-34, the story of Emmaus in a paschal key, was the focus of his message. The disciples were speaking along the road, dialoguing, discussing the events; Jesus drew near and questioned them… In the same way, He often questions us—personally and communally. He walks with us, and invites us to look within and understand what we are living. It is not about having all the answers, but rather about asking ourselves how and where we are on the journey.
Along the road… we walk with the Lord, both personally and communally. The journey is made with others—it is a strength, a help, a gift. These are different times. In the past, religious life could sustain itself, but today the paschal journey shows us that we need one another. We must remain connected to both tradition and newness. It is essential to maintain “the axis, the pivot point” of the Congregation. What is new also needs reference points—those origins that nurture what new generations live, with their sensitivities and cultures in diverse latitudes and contexts.
The Lord walks with us; He is present, though we may not recognize Him… In 1 Corinthians 14:20, St. Paul outlines some requirements for continuing along the path: personal maturity and balance, the ability to create bonds, trust to make shared decisions, and the cultivation of healthy and fraternal relationships, with a unified vision of life. Life is a project in progress.
These are just a few strokes from the richness of what he shared with us, and which we now in turn share with all of you.
We will continue to stay in touch.
Capitular Sisters
