The Guadalupe Province Assembly 2023
Missionary Sisters, Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs), and lay collaborators hailing from eleven countries gathered this week in New Jersey for the Guadalupe Province Assembly with the theme, “Embracing the Future with Hope”.
Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, opened the Assembly by sharing the greetings of MSC General Superior Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC, who offered the image of a mosaic, each person being a vibrant part of the Institute, saying that we express the charism according to the gifts we each have received.
During the Assembly, each session had a distinct focus such as Encounter/Re-Encounter; Sharing Ministry; Co-responsibility; Our Call to Live the Charism. Each session was presented with its own interactive dynamic.
Prior to the sending forth of the lay collaborators, in addressing the Assembly, Sr. Diane said that those present were “attracted by the charism and that our understanding of the charism develops over time.” She went on to say that we have made a choice to respond to the call to be women and men who share love, that we are called to live love which has to do with healing and reconciliation. She said that we are called to be a healing presence in the world.
Sr. Diane noted that those of us present at the Assembly have a sense that ‘I belong [here].’ That I fit. That we complement each other and that we are so much better for the presence of one another; that we should build on that sense of belonging – having a co-responsibility for the charism and mission.
She concluded by saying that we journey together, that we are sent by God and to go forth with courage.
The Cabrinian lay collaborators departed the Assembly midday yesterday. The Sisters will conclude their session tomorrow at noon. Continue to pray for the MSCs.