| Japan – 75th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Charity |
| Japan – The Salesian Family meets Fr Bregolin |
The General Chapter, under the guidance of Mother Apollinaris Shimura , ended with a Mass at which F Adriano Bregolin Vicar of the Rector Major presided and at which Fr Aldo Cipiriani, Provincial of the Salesians in Japan and other Salesian priests took part.
In the early days of October the Sisters attending the Chapter made a retreat preached by Bishop Pedro Kan of Cheju, Korea. The official opening of the XIII Extraordinary General Chapter was celebrated with a Mass at Miyazaki, the place where they were founded.
Having moved to Beppu, the 37 Chapter members, as requested by the Holy See, worked on the revision of the Constitutions and Regulations with regard to what applies to the “service of Authority” and “prayer.” The Chapter, with the theme “Renewal based on the Charism of the foundation in order to live and transmit the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” was an important sign which showed the unity in diversity of the Congregation. The delegates came from Perù, Bolivia, Brazil, Korea and Japan.
In choosing the new name for the Congregation, approved by the Holy See on 4 November, the Chapter members wanted to express in a direct manner the model and the source of charity: Jesus. “This XIII General which we began as Sisters of Charity of Miyazaki we conclude with the beginning of a new stage as the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus, a title with which guided by the Holy Spirit we are reborn.” – one reads in the communiqué which the religious Congregation sent to all the Sisters. “With this holy and splendid title we commit ourselves to carry out our mission, so necessary in these days, as being those sent by Jesus Christ.”
The same communiqué announces that shortly the current Province of Korea will be divided into three and the current Region of Bolivia and Perù is preparing to become a Vice Province.
Published 17/11/2009
