Renewal Program places German Sisters in their own “Rootedness”

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                                                                           Left to right:
Schw. Maria Egina, Schw. Maria Regina, Schw. Marie-Theres Hasenbeck, Schw. Maria Paulitta, Schw. Maria Almuth, Schw. Maria Julindis,  Schw. Marie Theres Heuvelmann, Schw. Maria Irmentrud, Sr. Mary Joell, Schw. Maria Hubertine, Schw. Maria Marcella

Sunday evening, August 19^th marked the beginning of the third congregational renewal course on our SND spirituality as eight sisters from Maria Regina Province, Coesfeld, gathered in Haus Ludgerirast, Gerleve. On hand to welcome the group were facilitators of the renewal program: Sister Maria Julindis Melis, Assistant General, Sister Maria Almuth, member of the original planning group, and Sister Mary Joell Overman.

The interest of the group to delve more deeply into our spiritual and historical roots was obvious.  Through usage of various prayer forms, especially Bible sharing, pondering the many power point presentations, listening to meditative music, group sharing and self-expression through artwork, the participants imbibed the theme of each day. Being born and raised on German soil, each sister added to the richness of group discussions from stories she heard from our older sisters.  The final day of the workshop and retreat concluded with the group being missioned to incarnate the love of our good and provident God.

An added spiritual impact on the renewal group took place in the participation of the August 24^th Province Day. On this occasion, Bishop Felix Genn of Münster, blessed the new heritage exhibition in Kloster Annenthal. This important event reenacted for the sisters much of what they had already been reflecting and discussing in the previous days of the workshop. It also put reality into action as evidenced by the support and appreciation of the Bishop of Münster, Bishop Genn, (Bishop Johann Müller) in his homily; the enthusiastic participation of the dechant from St. Lambert’s Church (Fr. Theodor Elting), and the spiritual bondedness of our sister cousins from Namur and Amersfoort by their joyful presence.  Later in the day the sisters received much encouragement from Sister Mary Kristin, Superior General, to continue today in the spirit of what has gone before.

As the three week program ended, each participant spoke of the personal transformation that took place within her.  As one participant said, “I already knew much about our spirituality and history before coming to the renewal program. Now, I treasure and love our Congregation much more and want to live out our spirit more intensely and share it with others.”