XXIV GENERAL CHAPTER
Chapter 2015
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth are requesting your prayerful support for the Congregation’s XXIV General Chapter, which will be held in Rome, from July 3 to 26, 2015.
The theme of the Chapter is: “As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” (Jn 20:21) – Nazareth facing the challenges of New Evangelization among families and the poor.”
This is a Chapter of Affairs, which is held during the fifth year of the General Administration’s term of office. The General Chapter sessions will be preceded by a three day retreat (3-5 July) under the direction of Father Andrew Wodka, CSsR. Father Wodka will also be the Principal Celebrant at the opening Mass on 6 July. Cardinal George Pell will be the main celebrant at the Closing Mass of the Chapter on 26 July.
It is our desire that the forthcoming General Chapter will be a blessed time for each Nazareth Sister to be renewed in evangelical joy, the joy of a disciple who has been sent by her Master “As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” This message is spoken in every age, in every geographic region. It is constant. That is why again and again, generation after generation, we must make the effort to discern God’s plan for the Congregation and for each of us.
Forty delegates and 3 observers, representing all 13 countries in which we minister will be participating in the Chapter. They will be assisted by Sisters who will be involved as support staff working as secretaries, translators, clerical assistants, Sisters responsible for the liturgies. As always the entire local community of Sisters at the Generalate will provide hospitality and assist in every way possible.
We sincerely thank you in advance for your prayers and spiritual support during the time of our deliberations, so that they may bear the fruit which God desires for our Congregation, the Church and the world.
The Heart symbolizes the message of the New Evangelization which inspires us to renew the foundations of our faith in all people. “This is love: not that we have loved God, but that God has loved us and sent His Son as expiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)
The Holy Spirit ignites our missionary zeal and urges us to go forth into the world to proclaim the good news. The Holy Spirit enables us to listen to God’s plan for the Church, the Congregation and for each one of us.
The Holy Family expresses our Congregation, our charism and each individual Sister. Placed against the background of the Church and the World, as Mother Foundress wrote, the Congregation is the watchtower from where we see and respond to the most urgent needs.
The World Globe represents all people to whom Jesus is sending us to continue His mission.
The five colors of the logo symbolize the continents on which we serve: Red – North America; Green – Africa; White – Europe; Blue – Australia, Oceania; Yellow – Asia.
(words and music: s. Lidia Hałas, CSFN)
Lord – is you who’s leading us
Lord – because the time has come
We pray so the Holy Spirit can blow the wishes
Lights and leads us and change our hearts
Like Father has sent me so I send you
Go and offer my life to the world
To all who suffer – your brothers and sisters
At all times and in all places
The Faith will spread its wings around.
With joy, love, mercy and with heart
in poor families, wherever you grow it
Lord – you send each of us
with passion of love into the world
Help us to say „yes” to your call
to joyfully aim for your Father’s goal
Lord – we want to bless you always
in our simple and everyday service
Through the Mother Frances we ask you today
To let as spread your Kingdom every day