This issue of Echoes reaches you as we are already in the second period of summer, vacation time in France or elsewhere. Jacques Nieuvarts, in his July editorial of Prions en Église, wrote: “All of us will need to recharge our batteries, to catch our breath, the pace of a slow-moving life, simple relationships. Sifting through what loneliness and confinement have left in us, the heightened feeling of fragility, sometimes going through mourning, with too few words and gestures. Our inland lands have stored up a rich memory of emotions. Summer is more than welcome to allow us to assimilate them and also find spiritual clarity … “I encourage everyone to take a break to refill their energies.
Commissary
On Saturday July 4, given the absence of the Councilors, we organized a farewell and recognition meal for Sister Josette CERNOIS, whose departure from Montgeron was scheduled for July 11. Our prayers accompany him in his new obedience to Rue du Vollier in Angers. (photos will be on the site)
With the departure of Sister Josette CERNOIS, Sister Claudia NGEMA officially takes up her service as General Treasurer. I invite the provincials and / or their bursars to contact Sr. Claudia for all matters relating to economic or financial matters. It will be a way for both of them to get to know each other, to bond and to work together.
Evaluation
From July 17 to July 19, at the Annonciades monastery in Thiais, we took time to evaluate our first year in office. This review enabled us to measure the strengths and areas for improvement in our functioning as a Board. We took the opportunity to develop the calendar of the Council and of activities for the year 2020 – 2021. We are happy to have this time lived together in a climate of personal prayer, of exchanges in simplicity, in truth. May the Spirit continue to carry out his work in each of us, for the good of the Congregation.
Absences
– Sister Maria Andrée
From July 22 to September 7, I am away from Montgeron. Indeed, I will be visiting my family in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands. I haven’t been back since 2015. I will take this time to rest and take a step back after a busy year.
– Sister Monique Couture
From July 29 to September 3, Sister Monique COUTURE also went to the United States to visit her family and especially to spend time with her mother.
Welcome from Sister Monique Routaboul
Since July 1, Sister Monique ROUTABOUL joined the community group of Montgeron. We wish him good adaptation in this new living environment and assure him of our fraternal support.
West Africa
Defense
On June 22, after 3 years of study at the University of Lille, Sister Angéline CHABI defended her thesis by videoconference. She is happy to tell us that everything went well and that she received congratulations from the Jury. She is now working on the corrections reported by it, before taking a well-deserved vacation. To complete her training and for her to benefit from the status of Lecturer and thus guarantee her stable employment, she will have to present 2 other publications by the beginning of November.
France
Languages Mission
Sister Christinah KHAMBULE finishes her French learning at Mission Languages on August 15th. Already, she has acquired a good foundation and is happy to be able to speak in French. But she still needs to solidify her knowledge in order to better master the language. It was a goal to prepare young people from other provinces to study a new language. To do this, with the advice of the Board, I suggested that he continue to learn French at the Catholic University of Angers for the year 2020-2021. It was with joy that she accepted the offer. She will begin the academic year in October. Thus, his learning can be recognized by a signed certificate from this official body.
Republic of South Africa
– End of mandate
On July 31, Sister Beauty MKHANDLWANA came to the end of her first mandate as Provincial. She asked not to be renewed for a second term. Our thanks to Sister Beauty and her Council for the service provided from 2017 – 2020.
– Nomination
With the consent of my Council, I appointed Sister Joséphine MASEKO as Provincial Delegate from August 1 for a period of 6 months. Sister Joséphine MASEKO is a nurse by profession and head of the clinic at MATIKWE.
With the appointment of Sister Claudia NGEMA as General Bursar, Sister Patricia MPATANE was appointed Provincial Bursar. According to our Rule of Life, her mandate should end with that of the provincial.
With the favorable opinion of the General Council, his mandate as provincial bursar is renewed for 6 months.
– Recommendation
I invite everyone to follow the instructions of government or health ministries to avoid the spread of the virus, which is still active here and there, so as not to endanger the lives of others, nor his own.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, may we listen to the voice of Jesus calling us by our first name and let him guide our life. In a few days we will be celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. From Mary we receive the assurance of life. “From his yes sprang hope for all! In her humanity, she envelops us, welcomes us as a loving and generous mother. In Mary, we contemplate the work of the power of infinite love, the salvation that is promised to us. “Marie Dominique Trébuchet, director of the Catholic Institute of Paris
Sister Maria Andrée HUVEKE
Superior General