Our day was blessed with the presence of Bishop Vincenzo Viva, of the diocese of Albano, who celebrated Mass with us. He welcomed us warmly to his diocese and encouraged us in the work of the chapter. His homily, which gave the tone for our day and perhaps for the entire week, focused on the theme of the chapter, encouraging us to let ourselves feel impelled by the fire of the Spirit in listening to humanity, so as to communicate the gospel of hope. “We are called to let ourselves be fired up by this spirit, to be a synodal church, capable of listening to the Spirit, courageous and daring in making relevant choices for our time. This fire of the spirit is not one that destroys, but one that renews and instills in us a missionary zeal.”
Enriched and enlightened by these exhortations of the bishop, we have finally arrived at the heart of the chapter work, under the guidance of Sr Tiziana Merletti, sfp, in which we engage with the content of the working document, which represents the hopes and desires of the sisters of the entire congregation. It is truly a time to listen, to listen first to the Spirit, and to the contemporary humanity, so as to see the path the Lord is tracing out for us as a Congregation.
A full week lies ahead of us—may the Holy Spirit continue to guide our minds and hearts so that this work will bear fruit for the people of God in the years to come.
