– Trecate –

November 2021

Conclusion of the 110th General Chapter

In the morning, common prayer and the Eucharistic celebration preceded the last assembly in the Sala del Capitolo.

Following, the Rosary of entrustment to the deceased Sisters at the Trecate Cemetery.

Let’s thank the Lord for this time of grace!

The work of the Capitulars continues, the Synthesis Commission is also at work.

Finally, the Peruvian Sisters were able to participate in today’s work from the Sala del Capitolo with the other Sisters.

The newly-elected General Council.

(from the left) sr. Monica Loro, Sr. Giovanna Saporiti (vicaria generale), sr. Lorena Garau, madre Laura Ramella e sr. Graziella Milani

Day of the election of the General Council; also today the Peruvian Sisters participate from a separate room, the scrutineers collect their ballots papers. The vicar is first elected, sr. Giovanna Saporiti, then the councilors: sr. Monica Loro, sr. Lorena Garau and sr. Graziella Milani.

At the end of the elections, the Sisters gather in the chapel to take the oath of the newly elected.

In the afternoon the first meeting of the new General Council.

We welcome Mother M. Laura Ramella with joy!

The morning was guided by Mother Viviana Ballarin’s reflection on the theme of “Serving Today”, with a look at “good governance”: a government that creates freedom. Followed by a time of personal prayer.
At 3.00 pm the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit presided over by Don Franco Giudice. The capitulars, singing the Veni Creator, went to the Sala del Capitolo. Voting took place in an atmosphere of silence and intense prayer (which was also attended by the Sisters of Peru, from the room where they are in quarantine).
At 4.45 pm the festive ringing of the monastery bell announced the election of Mother M. Laura Ramella who, in a spirit of service, accepted the question posed by the dean.
Again in procession, the Chapter members went to the chapel for the oath of the newly elected Mother, then the thanksgiving with the Te Deum and the entrustment to Mary.
Following a moment of celebration with the Sisters of the Monastery, the Sisters of the other communities brought their greetings to the newly elected Mother.

In the morning, the economic report from India presented by sr. Shiji with the underlining of good teamwork and systematic collaboration in Palarrivatom.
Following the report of the Delegation of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus (also the economic one), in video link with the sisters who finally arrived from Peru, presented by Sr. Carmen.
This was followed by extensive discussion on all the reports heard so far.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Tomorrow the elective phase of the Chapter begins, with the spiritual retreat in the morning with Sr. Viviana Ballarin and at 15.00 the s. Votive Mass to the Holy Spirit to precede the elections.

Holy Mass with the parish community of Trecate.

In the morning, the report of the Delegation of St. Vincenzo de Paul.
Experiences and proposals were shared; the main themes:
* Human Formation Development;
* Psychological Intervention;
* The Constitutions translated from Italian into English (of great help in understanding meaningfully the identity and charism of the Congregation);
* Personal encounter with God;
* Religious Life Inner Journey.

The only journey is the inner one.
– R. Bilke –

After the community prayer in the morning, with the celebration of Lauds and St. Mass, the day’s work has begun.
To begin, the detailed report of the Treasurer, sr. Monica Loro, who presented:
* Assets and Liabilities
*Receipts and Disbursement
*Other properties’ renovation and restoration.

The Treasurer ‘s introductory words are significant:
“Cash is not the primary concern or necessity of the Congregation however for a sustainable mission, apostolate, programs, projects and health care of the sisters Cash Funds are in need.”

The reflection and exchange of experiences of the Chapter members expressed their trust in the Divine Providence that guides everything.

In the afternoon the report presented by the Phillipine Delegation: the action of the Holy Spirit allowed the assembly to participate with interventions that led to mutual enrichment.

Grateful to God for having guided the thoughts and the fraternal exchange, we conclude with the evening prayer, placing everything in Him.

In the presence of don Franco Giudice, episcopal vicar for the religious of the Diocese of Novara, the 110th General Chapter of the Sisters Handmaids of Charity opened with the Eucharistic celebration.
Later, in a prayerful procession, invoking the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Sisters entered the Sala Capitolare.
Then came the joyful greeting of Mother Marilena with her “FINALLY” … It means that the Chapter, after two years of waiting due to the pandemic, has begun!
After having appointed the commissions for carrying out the work, the Chapter Regulations were updated and approved.
In an atmosphere of fraternal and cordial union, the afternoon was the moment for relations. First Mother Marilena, with a message of thanks and reflection on the last 6/7 years. Following the report of the General Secretary, sr. Lorena Garau, who presented detailed statistical slides with bar graphs records and functions in mission of all the sisters in every nation of the Congregation.
Meals were also moments of joyful fraternal conversation.
The day ended with prayers together in the monastery chapel.
We are grateful to God for what this day has been.