The long-awaited meeting of the Sisters from the Our Lady Aparecida Province with members of the Congregational General Government took place from August 16th to September 2nd. Sister Mary Ann Culpert, the Superior General, together with Sister M. Nonata Bezerra and Sister M. Prabha Jesudhason, members of the General Council, began their visitation by visiting the cities of Palmas and Paraíso do Tocantins in our mission in the state of Tocantins.
Their time with the Sisters and with people from the small base communities, as well as their visits to our ministries and different Christian groups supported by our missionary Sisters, took place in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude for their presence.
On August 21st, Sister Mary Ann, Maria Nonata, and Mary Prabha arrived in Canoas to continue their visitation to local communities and Notre Dame Schools. To reach the various locations, the three Sisters made several trips accompanied by Sister Shirle Maria, our Provincial Superior. Each school visit was marked by a spirit of joy and hospitality from the Sisters, principals, teachers, and especially the students. Some students even attempted to communicate in English with the visitors – a challenge that was beautifully overcome by presentations, messages, and countless other expressions of love and gratitude.
On August 24th, many Sisters gathered in Canoas to meet the members of the General Government and gain a deeper insight into their thoughts and experiences. A highlight of the gathering was Sister Mary Ann’s presentation on Pope Francis’ call for Synodality.
The visitation concluded on September 1st with a pilgrimage to the monument of Christ the Protector in the city of Encantado, RS. As they stood at the feet of the 43.5-meter sculpture and contemplated His heart, the Sisters expressed their gratitude to the members of the General Government for their visit and all prayed together for the apostolic mission of the Congregation in the two Brazilian Provinces.
by Dreamhost