In the history of the Sacred Heart Province Tinsukia, 02 July 2017 was a great day with the commencement of the Provincial Chapter X. The Chapter started off on a very pious note with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, Bishop of Dibrugarh Diocese. In his homily, he exhorted the Chapter members to be courageous witnesses to face problems and challenges that may occur when they venture into new missions. He then wished the Capitulars God’s blessings.
At 8.30 am ninety Chapter members assembled in the Chapel to invoke the blessings of the Lord before beginning the inaugural ceremony of the Chapter. Sr. Rose Sharon the Provincial councilor for Formation led them into prayer. In a prayerful recollection the Capitulars invoked the gift of the Holy Spirit through the hymn – “Send forth your Spirit O Lord.” The Capitulars made an act of entrustment of themselves and the province to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The members then walked in procession to the Chapter Hall led by Sr. Philomena Mathew, Superior General, who held the lighted lamp which symbolized the light of Christ, while the choir sang the hymn, “O help of Christians, my mother.” This was followed by the lighting of the lamp and the reading of the Word of God from the Gospel of St. John 15: 5-10. Then the hymn to the Holy Spirit – ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ was sung.
Sr. Daisy Jacob, Provincial Superior welcomed officially the dignitaries and the Chapter members. The dignitaries were then honored traditionally with a Phulomgamucha. After which she declared the Tenth Provincial Chapter opened.
After the inaugural ceremony, the moderator introduced the procedures of the proceedings. It was followed by the presentation of the messages by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind Bishop of Dibrugarh Diocese, Sr. Philomena Mathew, Superior General, Fr. Nester Guria, Salesian Provincial of Dimapur and Sr. Jessy Nedumala representative of the Provincial of FMA, Guwahati Province.
The rest of the days were spent in studying, discussing and reflecting on the theme: Radical Renewal in Consecrated Life and Mission according to the Vision of our Founder. Those four days were indeed days of deep reflections where the Capitulars put their hearts and minds to bring out their best for radical renewal in our committed life and mission.
Meditations, Morning and evening prayers and adorations were animated by the Sisters very meaningfully. During the Chapter days Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind SDB DD, Bishop of Dibrugarh Diocese, Rt. Rev James Thoppil DD, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, Rt. Rev. George Palliparambil SDB, Bishop of Miao Diocese, and Rev. Fr. Nester Guria SDB Provincial of Dimapur Province. The Capitulars appreciated their well prepared and inspiring homilies.
The assembly was to elect 7 delegates and 7 substitutes to the General Chapter IX. The election went off smoothly. Sr. Phelomena Mathew, Superior General in her concluding note congratulated the Capitulars for remaining open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. After the election, Sr. Daisy Jacob, Provincial Superior formally declared the Tenth Provincial Chapter closed. In her final message, Sr. Daisy Jacob thanked each and everyone for their co-operation, prayerful support, sacrifices, thought provoking reflections and practical suggestions to make the Chapter a success.
At 8.00 pm. after the supper there was a family gathering as a gesture of gratitude to the Superior General and the General Council who were with us all along the retreat and Chapter days. A few entertainment programmes were staged by the capitulars and the candidates.
