- svd-general-chapters
- / 19 General Chapter /
- Newsletter /
- July 12, 2024
Centro Ad Gentes, Nemi
July 12 update
Insightful Sharings Highlight July 11 Afternoon Session
The Chapter witnessed an engaging and insightful session led by Sisters Jaisa and Racquel, our esteemed SSpS observers. They shared their expectations and observations, underscoring the significance of the Chapter’s theme. Sister Jaisa highlighted the spirit of family prevailing throughout the discussions, while Sister Racquel addressed the challenges of interculturality and emphasized the need for closer and equal participation with our lay partners, particularly in decision-making processes.
Adding to the session’s depth, lay partners Blanca, Thandi, and Leonardus expressed their gratitude for being part of the Chapter. They shared their observations and conveyed how their involvement has fostered a stronger sense of belonging within the family.
Laughter and Bonds: Anecdotes from Our Chapter Days
Over the past several days, our time together has been filled with countless opportunities to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether we were in the Chapter hall, gathered in our basic groups, or mingling informally, these moments created memorable shared experiences. There were lighthearted instances that brought smiles and laughter, and curious encounters that sparked our interest. Here are a few of those memorable anecdotes…
The Tale of Tim’s Syllogism
Timothy Lehane, the proud Provincial of IBP, leaned over to one of the Capitulars and quipped, “Check out Brian Lawless, an Irishman representing China. And look at Cyril, he’s from China and he’s representing Ireland.” It’s like they swapped passports for fun!
EUROPA Zone’s Boozy Bash
At the EUROPA Zone’s Intercultural Night, the real stars were the snaps and spirits from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany. Our confreres, playing bartenders, offered drinks like seasoned pros. One mysterious herbal concoction raised eyebrows, but don’t worry – no one ended up wandering the halls asking, “Which room is mine again?”
Latecomers vs. Eager Eaters
Chapter participants noticed a trend: some capitulars always arrived late. This was tricky during votes when the headcount mattered. One innocent Capitular remarked, “In the dining room, folks are seated well before the food arrives. Clearly, when it comes to priorities, food trumps votes!”
The Undisputed Samba King
Picture this: During the PANAM Cultural Night, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd was unanimous in their decision – the title of Samba King had to go to none other than Cirineu Kuhn, the BRC Provincial. His moves were mesmerizing! Cirineu’s Voltas, Bota Fogos, and Samba Side Steps left the younger Brazilians in the dust. The ovation he received was deafening. Who knew that the real secret to being a Samba King was a little more life experience?
Gelato Greetings in Nemi
Nemi, a picturesque village near Rome, usually sees a lot of Italian visitors. But during the Chapter, the locals noticed a multicultural parade. The gelato stand owner at the corner became a favorite, always smiling and waving at the SVDs. Maybe she was saying, “Come back for more gelato!”
Singing Sisters of Via Cassia
During a visit to the SSpS on Via Cassia, delicacies and sweets were in abundance. One Capitular noted, “The Sisters are cool.” When asked why, he replied, “They love karaoke and line dancing, and they never get tired!” No wonder Sister Miriam and her team were showing off their Indonesian line dance skills at ASPAC Zone’s Intercultural Night.
The General Councilor’s High-Tech Election
When it was time to elect the General Councilors, Father Superior General made the official proclamations. As soon as the chosen Councilor accepted, the news hit WhatsApp and other platforms instantly. Someone asked, “How do they do it?” Well, it turns out they prepare announcements for the frontrunners in advance. One click, and voilà, the news is out!
The Wake-Up Call During the Vote
During a voting session, a clear discrepancy in the number of attendees in the hall became apparent. It seemed that one or more members were not confirming their presence, possibly dozing off or in a brief deep slumber. In an unexpected turn of events, the Chapter Secretary announced, “Those who are sleeping will be recorded in the minutes.” The ensuing raucous laughter was loud enough to wake up the concerned individuals.
Beware: It Can Happen – Withdrawal Syndrome
One Capitular gave a hilarious observation: after returning home, don’t be surprised if you find yourself or a fellow Capitular in the throes of withdrawal syndrome from the 19th General Chapter. Symptoms might include dreaming about or even shouting out phrases like, “Please confirm your participation!” “Voting starts now!” “Voting is about to end!” “Voting ended!” Seems like the excitement of the General Chapter sticks around longer than we thought!
