International Centre of the Sisters of St. Joseph: Mission Effectiveness -- Closing Ritual and Good-bye

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Mission Effectiveness -- Closing Ritual and Good-bye

The week had been an intense and powerful experience and the sharings were honest, sincere, and heart-felt. Participants were largely confirmed in their own work as they realized they were a part of the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph. They were clearly determined to continue the mission of the sisters.

For the closing ritual, each person was invited to light a candle signifying their presence and then to express how they were touched during the week. Participants listened intently.

Water is a sign of the presence of God and a renewal of the Spirit, which is common in many religions. As they touched the water, each participant was invited to express his or her commitment to being one with God and others in expanding unity in our world.

In the final moments, everyone tenderly hugged and thanked each other for the incredible week. It was a true experience of international unity and love, something to carry forward with them and to remember as they returned to their countries.

Good-byes

The Brazilians and Italians, who were from the Chambéry Congregation, left together on a bus headed for Chambéry where they would spend a day before they left France. For many, it would be their first time visiting the city.

Others returned home in their cars or on the train while some made stops in Europe before going home. However, for all the participants, the bitter-sweet ending of the long but rich week of new friendships and new insights into their connections to the Sisters of St. Joseph had truly inspired them to continue "to move always towards profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction...in order to achieve unity...through works of charity in humility–the spirit of the Incarnate Word."