Laudato Si Reflection Day in Brussels

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1 Generalate News The General government team takes this opportunity to thank the sisters, friends, religious and former students who expressed words of thanks and congratulations at the time of our April 30 celebration for the 200 anniversary of our Bicentennial Celebration. Mention was made of the congenial welcome, beauty of the ceremony and the excellent organization of the day in Scherpenheuvel. Laudato Si Reflection Day in Brussels On June 6 th the first Laudato Si reflection day was organized by CCEE (Consilium Conderentiarum Episcoporum Europæ), COMECE (Commission of the Bishop s Conferences of the EU), Justice and Peace Europe and GCCM (Global Catholic Climate Movement) at COMECE Secretariat in Brussels. The theme was Sustainable finance in Europe and the Church in response to the call for action of Pope Francis in his encyclical letter Laudato Si. 70 representatives from the European Bishops' Conferences, Catholic institutions (dioceses, religious orders, banks, universities and civil society) attended to reflect and discuss the role of the Catholic Church in promoting sustainable finance and climate change. Sisters Bernadette, Nirmala and Bimla represented the Ursuline Congregation. In his opening speech, Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, Archbishop of Luxemburg and President of COMECE and Justice and Peace Europe exhorted the participants with the message of Pope Francis on Laudato Si which includes a call for a sustainable management of savings. Ursuline Sisters, Generalate, Rue Musin 1, 1210 Brussels 1

2 As a result of the discussion, it was suggested that the Catholic Church pay more attention to the social and environmental injustices caused by an economic and financial system solely based on short-term profit. Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si : "We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social. Strategies for a solution demand for an integrated approach to fighting poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature." (LS 139). As a concrete way to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, participants suggested that more Catholic organizations and movements commit themselves to start an internal process on fossil fuels divestment and, thus, join other Catholic institutions worldwide in taking a strong prophetic stand for «our common home». Sr. Sheila Kinsey, FCJM, Executive Co-Secretary of UISG Justice and Peace Commission presented a PowerPoint on Sowing Hope for the Planet - Everything is interconnected. Her congregation is taking an active participation in saving the planet. It was a powerful presentation inviting us to be part of the process in caring for the planet in response to Laudato Si. Through the UISG campaign Sowing Hope for the Planet - Everything is interconnected, she invited all the Sisters (UISG 1800 International Congregations, 800,000 Sisters) to be part of celebrating Laudato Si in some way. She said, We want to make a difference; we want to organize about it; we want to talk about it and walk about it! All the discussions were guided by the Catholic-Social Teaching approach See, Judge, Act. As a result of the discussion on climate change, sustainable finance and ethical investments, participants formulated a number of recommendations, which will be presented to the Laudato Si anniversary conference to be held in the Vatican in July Sr. Bimla Minj, OSU Ambikapur Province Closing of the Bicentennial Celebration On May 18, at 6.00 p.m. the celebration started with an inspiring enactment of the Rosary of Seven Sorrows. Students from Ambikapur, Dharamjaigarh, Jhingo, Kodaura, Pratappur and Candidates led the prayer. The next day at 8.00 a.m. the Holy Eucharist was presided by Rt. Rev. Patras Minj S J. DD. the Bishop of Ambikapur. He was accompanied by 3 bishops and about 70 priests. Prayer dance and Chhattisgarhi dance were performed by the Sisters and students. The students of Jhingo High School presented a small skit on the life of Fr. John Lambertz. Ursuline Sisters, Generalate, Rue Musin 1, 1210 Brussels 2

3 Many well-wishers and friends were present for the day. We thank God again and again for a wonderful day we had and the numerous blessings we received for our Congregation and the Provinces. Let us continue praying to Fr. John Lambertz that he may continue to act as mediator for us. The DRCongo Sr. Ursula Khalkho, OSU The Saint Ursula community in Goma invited the Bishops of Kivu for prayer and a lunch in commemoration of the 200 th anniversary. The Bishops were meeting in Goma. The Vice Province organized a 7 day period of contemplative prayer with nature centering on the palm tree which symbolizes endurance and perseverance of Ursulines since the foundation. Gumla Province Sr. Colette Mwami, OSU A Bicentenary Celebration was held on the grounds of the Ursuline Convent School in Gumla. May 11 th and 12 th were memorable days for all the Sisters of the Gumla Province. The theme Rekindle the Fire of Love has been realized in our lives. The celebration included a procession of around 250 Sisters and students led by Sr. Maria Swarnlata Kujur. Sr. Jacinta Baxla unveiled the new Statue of Fr. John Lambertz with Our Lady of Sorrow. On the occasion of the Bicentenary celebration, our Sisters composed hymns and songs which were released on two C.Ds. Sr. Marina Ekka the first Provincial of Gumla Province cut the ribbon to the Exhibition Hall. Firecrackers were lit and a dove was released to express peace, joy and gratitude. The Exhibition showed the long journey the Congregation has Ursuline Sisters, Generalate, Rue Musin 1, 1210 Brussels 3

4 made while realizing the achievements of making God known and loved through our mission. The exhibition included picture of Fr. Lambertz icon, province tree with list of sisters and photos, symbols of the communities, annals from each department- education, health, social-work. In the evening there was a cultural programme presented by our children from different schools and the documentary film on the life of our Founder Fr. John Lambertz. On May 12 th 6:00a.m Sr. Kumudini Tirkey welcomed bishops, priests, and all participants before Holy Mass. Sr. Phulrida Dungdung read a short history of the Congregation. Bishop Paul Lakra in his sermon said: We are grateful to all the sisters and appreciate them for their marvelous works in schools, hospitals, dispensaries, in the Church and society. Ranchi Province Sr. Jyoti Kiro, OSU Sr Suchita thanks all the sisters very much for the prayers being offered for Sisters Pulcheria, Gloria and Mercy who were injured in a road accident. It will take time for the Sisters to fully recuperate, due to the seriousness of accident. Bicentenary Jubilee Celebration The 2nd of June 2018 was indeed a Red Letter day in the life of Ursuline Sisters of Ranchi Province. On that auspicious day a big number of Ursulines, invited guests and staff gathered to mark the 200 years of the Foundation of the Congregation, to celebrate the joy of God s blessings and to honor our beloved Founder Father John Lambertz, a charismatic and humble servant of God. His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo D.D., was the main celebrant. He was joined by 5 bishops, and 46 priests. The entrance procession added to the solemnity, as our young sisters danced up to the altar. Sr. Helen Bara commented on the symbols, a welcome speech by Sr. Suchita our Provincial was given along with a presentation of a brief history of the Congregation. The Cardinal in his sermon spoke highly of the contribution of Ursulines in the building of the local church and human community at large. He blessed us with the statement of our Founder, Be patient and zealously move forward. After the Mass, a welcome speech was delivered by Sr. Suchita. Ursuline Sisters, Generalate, Rue Musin 1, 1210 Brussels 4

5 A glimpse of the life of Fr. John Lambertz was presented. In conclusion, Sr. Mary Grace Toppo proposed a vote of thanks to each and all for their valuable presence and blessing. The ambience was perfect and the whole programme was enthralling. Sr. Nirmala Samuel and Sr. Teresa Tigga were the announcers. The fellowship meal was a grand affair. From the Ranchi circular US Province Diocese of Brooklyn Jubilee Mass Sr. Catherine Gardiner, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Sr. Judith O Connor On May 20, 2018 Sr. Catherine Gardiner and Sr. Judith O Connor attended the celebration of the Brooklyn Diocese Annual Sisters and Brothers Jubilee Mass at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, NY. Sr. Catherine celebrates 65 years and Sr. Judith celebrates 60 years of religious life. Sr. Marguerite Torre was honored by the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York for her years of service in Catholic education. The event, A Night in the Bronx on Arthur Avenue, was held at the Arthur Avenue Market on May 23, The special guest speaker was baseball legend Joe Torre who introduced his sister, Sr. Marguerite. Sr. Marguerite enjoyed the Italian fare, live entertainment and sharing stories about her life and ministries. Joe Torre, Sr. Marguerite Torre and Sr. Joanne Callahan Sr. Joanne Callahan, OSU Ursuline Sisters, Generalate, Rue Musin 1, 1210 Brussels 5

6 The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (USA) Occasional Papers (Summer 2018) is a magazine with articles of importance for our times. This issue focuses on "Staying Grounded in a Time of Uncertainty," looking at how we might effectively thrive in the uncertain and difficult situation in which the world finds itself. Topics explored in this issue include: Living and practicing the call to work for a more just world, learning from Earth how to live interdependently and keeping our horizons wide and our thinking broad Copies may be ordered at: From the Ursulines of the Indonesian Province, Dear Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk, Congratulations on the Bicentennial of your Congregation on April 30. We praise and thank our most gracious Lord with you for all the graces and blessings bestowed on you these 200 years. Our good Fr. Jean-Corneille-Martin Lambertz must look with pleasure from heaven on the rich harvest of these two hundred years. We recall how Fr. Lambertz sent the first Ursulines to Indonesia. There were seven of them, arriving in Batavia (now Jakarta) on February 7 th, That small group has grown to the present Ursuline province, numbering 238 professed Sisters, spread over 37 communities in Indonesia. Some of our Sisters also serve in East Timor, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Rome. In spite of the decrease in vocations, a few days ago eight Postulants have been accepted in the Novitiate. Yes, there are many reasons to be grateful for. Dear Sisters, we wish you a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit as you start your Tercentennial journey. May our Lord and our Mother Angela Merici bless each one of you and your love, prayers and ministry yield a rich harvest for the Kingdom. With love and prayers from the Ursulines of the Indonesian Province. Yours in the Lord, Sr. Agatha Linda OSU Provincial Superior Ursuline Sisters, Generalate, Rue Musin 1, 1210 Brussels 6