We begin this new day with Mary Magdalene, Patroness of the Order of
Preachers. Like her, we are invited to proclaim to our brothers and sisters we sow the Lord and He looked for us. The liturgy of the morning is organized to the Sisters of the Province of Italy.
At 9:00 a.m. we gather in the Chapter room to continue the discussion on the Recommendations of the General Chapter 2009 and the Petitions presented to this Chapter: the groups present their point of view, and then the whole assembly decides the approval or not. "St. Dominic was convinced that God speaks through the voice of the neighbors , so he wanted to organize his family so that each member could be listen to”.
We experience this today!
The process of discernment is long and difficult, but after the usual break needed to restore ourselves and translators, we get to have 'the comprehensive plan' of the Congregation for the next six years: we deserve a round of applause! However Sr. Ana Maria warns us: you have the plan, but who will animate it? And This is the question we have to preserve in the heart.
Lunch helps to find together in a different way: this is good for us!
At 3.30 p.m. we gather at the meeting. The chairs are arranged in a circle inside the large space that provides the room: we are closer to each other, as disciples around the Word. We begin our retreat listening to the Gospel passage of the meeting of Jesus with Nicodemus. We too, we are invited to go “on the night of our fears and false security" to meet Jesus so that we can change our lives as Nicodemus: from master in Israel to disciple of Jesus ... We must be born again!
This time of silence and listening to the Word will continue tomorrow - July 23rd - in preparation of the election of the General Prioress and her Assistants (July 24th and 25th).
We'll be silent till the announcement of the election.
