(ANS – Krishnagar) – Between 1 and 12 October at Krishnagar there was the Eighth General Chapter of the  Sister Catechists of Mary the Immaculate Help of Christians – better known as the Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) – the 17th group in the Salesian Family. In addition to electing the General Council, the Chapter identified the areas the Congregation needed to focus on more to meet the modern day challenges to serve women and children.

Held at the Mother House of the SMI at Krishnanagar, in West Bengal, the Chapter was attended by 49 Sisters representing the 5 Provinces and one Delegation in five different countries. The theme of the programme was– “SMI set on fire with the Word of God in our life and mission, especially in our ministry to women, girls and children of today.”

An year-long preparation, which preceded the event with special prayers and a spiritual orientation course was followed by a spiritual retreat animated by Fr. Anil Dev of the Indian Missionary Society.

During the work of the Chapter areas were identified in which the Congregation needed to focus on more to meet the modern day challenges. The participants pledged to make the Bible the basis of their life and mission and to intensify the teaching of catechism in all spheres of their apostolic activities.

They also agreed to be agents of reconciliation and peace with the power of the Word in their apostolate of home visitation and encourage the laity to actively take part in building a participatory Church and a harmonious and eco-friendly neighborhood.

The establishment of an intercessory prayer centre to promote evangelisation was one of the areas which needed special focus. Need was also felt to venture into new apostolic fields to counter trafficking, migration of girls by networking with other Congregations and NGO. The participants also deliberated on the need to reach out to the poorest by ensuring that 30 per cent of the beneficiaries in their institutions are from that section of society.

At the end of the Chapter, the General Council is composed as follows: Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam re-elected as Superior General for a second term; Sr. Dina Vellamaruthunkal as the first councillor, Sr. Daisy Andrade as second councillor, Sr. Jaisy Varickamthotty as the third councillor, Sr. Jessy George as the fourth councillor and Sr. Mina D’Costa as the fifth councillor.

Published 21/10/2011