CANONICAL VISIT, “MAKE FRESH THE CONGREGATIONAL SPIRIT.”
All of us were so grateful to welcome the three council’s sisters (Sr. Asunta Hori, Sr. Fransisca Wakabayashi, and Sr. Anastasia Wio) in the community. To encounter each other was such an enormous joy as we believe that through this encounter we would have so many things to share and reflect upon. We started the meeting of canonical visit on January 11 up to 15 in the morning. First day, we came together to settle the agenda for four days meeting in order to make things easier till the last day.
On the second day, Sr. Asunta invites us to see the document of XVII general chapter. It’s really hypnotizing us to thank the Lord and our sisters who have worked hard to make this document. She also shared her experiences, impressions, and hopes during chapter. By the sharing, we could feel the good atmosphere and vibes of the general chapter. It also came out through the content of the chapter document.
On the third day, we came together to share all the impressions and concerns based on the chapter document. We were amazed how the chapter document speak directly to each one of us. We’re made aware of the charism of the congregation. It enkindles the missionary spirit within us to be able to leave the comfort zone and daring enough to get in touch with the reality without hesitation. As Pope Francis ever said that we are called as missionaries to go to the peripheries. It coincides with the invitation of chapter document, “Walking with the Church going forth.” We’re not called to stay in the place where we are, separating oneself with the facts of reality. But more than that, it’s urgent to rekindle the missionary, prophetic and apostolic zeal in each of us. We’re missionaries and we suppose to walk with others.
On the fourth day, Sr. Asunta informes us regarding some changes in the directory. In the afternoon, Sr. Fransisca shared about Maria Antonia Paris. The topic comes from the Chapter document regarding the words that Jesus gave to Ma. Antonia about the name of our congregation, “New Apostles in Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
On the last day, we listened to acta of Sr. Asunta for the community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much sisters for your presence.
As the chapter document says, “We’re heirs of the spirit of two great searcher, St. Anthony Mary Claret and Ma. Antonia Paris who were in love with the will of God.” Let’s be one in prayer to make Him be known and loved by all people.
