PDDM Irlanda-USA: The Delegation of Ireland / United State of America were delighted to welcome the 2 General Councilors, Sr. M. Giovanna Uchino and Sr. M. Clementine Kazadi to visit from 12th November until 6th December 2022.
The busy schedule embraced the visit to our 5 communities. Boston, Los Angeles, Fresno, Athlone and Boston. We were blessed to have the Councillors with us for the opening of the preparations for the Centenary which gave the opportunity to launch this significant event for our Congregation in communion with our Congregation throughout the world. The Sisters on visitation also had the opportunity to meet with some of the Bishops in the places where we minister- reaffirming our mission at the heart of the Church and in collaboration, with a synodal vision which seeks to walk with hope through the brokenness of our Church and our world.
Each community is distinct in its outreach and mission and they are truly an intercultural group. The nations they come from are as follows: USA, the Philippines, Italy, Ireland, México, Nicaragua, Holland, New Zealand, South Korea, Western Samoa, Scotland, India, Colombia, Vietnam, Japan. From the youngest to the oldest, there continues to be much life and energy, especially with the pastoral outreach to priests, our Liturgical Centres, places of prayer and Adoration Chapels, our mission to and with the Pauline Co-operators, and the ministry of prayer and service through Lectio Divina and catechesis. Key to all this outreach is the ongoing prayers and support of our elderly members who sustain everything with their intercession.
It was a time of welcome for the Councillors where we experienced the light and grace of God! As one sister said: “It was good to be together: sisters among sisters and share with simplicity and respect.” As we journey towards the 10th General Chapter, we pray for an abundance of grace so as to continue our journey as Women of the Gospel, as we seek to live together in unity of strength and purpose.