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!

St. Francis de Sales Province held the first part of its Provincial Chapter April 20 – 23 in Covington, LA. Sr. Dot Trosclair, OP did a magnificent job as facilitator and Ms. Louann Hood quietly and lovingly took wonderful notes for all the meetings. Various sisters prepared prayer services from our first meeting until the end, and all helped to inspire us to leave all to the Spirit. Our meetings dealt principally with looking at ways to reorganize our provinces in the Americas, to respond more fully to the needs of immigrants, to better use the internet as a tool for Teresian teaching, and to protect our Mother Earth. A spirit of peace prevailed through all our conversation and decision-making.

In between the meetings we had time to share with each other, renewing bonds with those we had not seen for some time. Meals provided more sharing of friendship and (scrumptious!) calories, thanks to Mrs. Paula Guzman, our amazing cook, and kind Associates who sent added goodies for us to enjoy.