The Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame will be represented at the Amazon Synod which will take place in Rome, Italy from October 6-27, 2019. A Brazilian sister, native from the Amazon Region, Sr. Maria Nonata de Aguiar Bezerra, was invited to participate in the Synod which will have as its theme, “The Amazon: new paths for the Church and for integral ecology”.
The representative from the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame which serves in 19 countries, Sr. Maria Nonata is also a member of the General Council, the governing body of the Congregation. She is also the coordinator of an internal commission that debates, proposes and caries out actions regarding Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Her effective participation in UNANIMA INTERNATIONAL, an NGO with representation in the United Nations (UN), proves Sister Nonata’s dedication to issues related to human sustainability and social development.
The Synod, chaired by Pope Francis, is an ecclesial event attended by Cardinals who specialize on the subject, invitees from different religious congregations and bishops from nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana.
Reflecting on the her being selected, Sister Maria Nonata states: “For me, participating in the Amazon Synod is a joy, a kairos and, at the same time, a great challenge with a great deal of responsibility, hope and commitment to the lives and history of all the peoples in the Amazon Region. I believe that through my participation and involvement in the synod activities, I will be able to contribute through reflection and sharing of experiences.”
She describes her participation in the Synod as an opportunity to be a link and a voice for those who will not be physically present but have participated in the preparatory activities and will remain in communion with the group in Rome. “I am aware that my commitment will not be limited to the days of the Synod rather, it implies the persistence in post-Synod actions. So far I used to say “I support the Synod!” Now, I have the blessing to say “I am in the Synod!” I thank you in advance for all the demonstrations of support, affection and prayers for the success of the Synod”, concludes Sr. Maria Nonata.
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