The Province of St. Francis de Sales met in Covington, LA during Thanksgiving week to celebrate the last half of our Chapter. Facilitated by Sr. Dot Trosclair, OP, it was an exceptionally peaceful and meaningful gathering. Our main theme was the XVII Chapter Document, just printed in English, Assuming the Ethics of Care for Our Common Home, based on Pope Francis’s encyclical. Sr. Giselle Gomez, who just finished 9 years serving on the General Council, gave excellent presentations on “Theory U” , a new way of looking at organizations and how they can better interact with reality to help bring about desired changes; she also spoke to us about the reorganization process that is envisioned as we search for our own pathway in the Americas.

Reflection, creative prayer times together, group discussions, looking concretely at the kinds of care called for by the Gospel, by our General Chapter, and by the world we live in today, were all directed towards formulating a vision to lead us through the next 3 to 6 years. In the midst of our meetings, it was very natural to celebrate Thanksgiving with great gusto, as we were indeed grateful for all that God has done through us and for us.

Finally a new Provincial Team was announced: Sr. Marina Aranzabal as Provincial, Sr. Bertha Montiel as Vice Provincial, with Srs. Gina Geraci and Clarice Suchy as councilors. We give thanks for their availability, and we ask all to join us in praying for them as they assume leadership of our province. We returned home feeling inspired and enlightened, challenged and determined to live our All for Jesus!