Sharing from Sheila Mae, rc

Part of the Reflections from the Young Sisters Meeting

It was an exciting experience of “firsts” for me: first time to travel abroad (and all the other firsts that came with it – including the blunders and bloopers); to see a “bigger” Cenacle and to participate in an international meeting – to meet, share and work with our sisters from different provinces and regions. The other firsts: seeing Rome (and a couple of places outside Rome) – breathing her magnificence and grandeur (including the pollens!) tasting gelato, the visits to the basilicas and the rooms of St. Ignatius —were a bonus!
My experience of being and working together Cenacle sisters from different regions and provinces— at least for five days, has broaden my Cenacle perspective — and has helped me see my own formation in the light of our congregation’s thrust “to be engaged in the world as one international, apostolic and discerning body”:
-of feeling the “pulse” of the young sisters of our congregation
In the many moments of sharing, I sensed that we were of the same “ mind and heart” – I was happy to hear my own concerns, desires, hopes and dreams articulated or echoed by others. It was touching to discover that we shared the same concerns, heard a common call, and touched based of where our energies and creativities are coming from and are moving us forth; dreamed with and for the congregation.
- of sensing our togetherness
I felt at home in the company of these sisters who have chosen to be in the Cenacle. It was like tasting what St. Paul said as “unity in diversity.” The difference in language was a difficulty. Yet, it never became a barrier to what I sense as “hearts communicating.” I was aware of my poverty – not be able to communicate nor understand fully. However, God always had a way of filling what I or the other lacked. In all the groups which I became a part of, there was always someone who could bridge the gap. I was never “lost in translation”. I was even surprised that as the days went by, my comprehension of French had improved. I was able to express what was in my heart, and was listened to. The spontaneous flow of the grace of openness and attentiveness from all of us was amazing.
I was grateful to have witnessed how the Spirit was able to find His way through us – gifting us with that docility which Mother Therese had always prayed for herself and for the congregation.
I appreciated very much the process used in the meeting. For the first time, I experienced what communal discernment truly entails– and I found it very life-giving. I had a glimpse of what it means “to stay faithful to our founding graces as we continue to “read the signs of the times”, to be witnesses of the reign of God in today’s world.
The meeting has left in me an imprint of love for the congregation and a growing sense of commitment for her vision, in what she stands for in the world today, in all she dreams of and hopes for in the future.
I feel God’s invitation to let this seed of love grow in those parts of my heart where fear still thrives; where selfishness, complacency and indifference wait to be released in the service of what and who I am called for in this congregation.
Many thanks to the general government, to Meny and all our sisters for affording me this experience at this stage of my formation!