Life in Abundance

The Roman gremlins are still with us, infecting the sound system with great regularity and wrecking havoc with the translation equipment. One can either be irrititated or amused by the situation and it seems that most of us have chosen the latter response. Sr. Dierce, the Chapter secretary, seems to have developed a magic touch that generally sets things right within a few minutes.

A greater part of the past two days have been devoted to hearing Chapter reports from the various provinces. Yesterday we heard from our Polish Sisters and from our Sisters who live in Tanzania.

Both groups have great energy and enthusiasm. Our Polish Sisters mentioned the erosion of values that has taken place recently and the culture of death which pervades their society. In light of these challenges the Sisters minister in ways that meet the people where they are, moving into social work and ministries to the elderly as well as continuing educational and hospital ministries. Recently the Polish Province began a mission in Belarus, ministering to the very poor.

Our Tanzanian Mission Sisters are laying the foundation for a new group of Magdalen's Daughters. The seeds of Franciscan life planted 50 years ago by our Dutch Sisters are taking root and growing strong. St. Marguerite and Sr. Dilsa spoke in their report about the history of our presence in Tanzania, as well as some of the struggles and challenges that continue. But mostly they shared about the ministries, hopes and dreams of this vibrant mission that is attracting a number of Tanzanian women to live our way of life.

This morning we heard from our German Sisters. There are two provinces in Germany, Ludinghausen and Nonnenwerth. The sisters who came as missionaries to the U. S. were sent from Nonnenwerth, the first German province. But that is another story for another time.

Our German Sisters gave us a very informative presentation on the social, cultural, political and religious situation in Germany. Sr. Judith spoke very movingly about growing up in a Germany divided by the wall, and how, when the wall came down, it was beyond belief, truly a miracle that no one had ever expected to see.

As in the United States, our sisters in Germany live in tension with a society that no longer finds a primary orientation in faith. There are few young sisters and the median age of the sisters rises rapidly. Despite these challenges, the sisters are creating new opportunities to minister to God's people and to share our Franciscan Charism with youth and laity. The presentation concluded with a beautiful photo montage of life in the Ludinghausen Province that was based on the Canticle of St. Francis.

After the break our sisters from the Netherlands, the original province, gave their report. In the past five years they have buried 36 sisters. No women have eneterd the community since 1970 so there are 5 sisters under 70, all at least 60 years of age. In the face of their aging, the Dutch Sisters continue to trust in God's Providence, do what they can to build Franciscan community and financially support efforts throughout the world that aim to do the same.

Sr. Chretienne spoke of the lay Franciscan movement in the Netherlands which is comprised of various faith traditions and includes married couples and their children, singles, and some small groups that have chosen to live in common. There are about 3,000 of these lay Franciscans and they are organized into regions with a custos. (We would call this a minister.) They have a Council and membersof the movment meet annually in Chapter. Some of the Dutch sisters are also members of this group and support it with their presence, resources, and by sharing the deep wisdom of their lived experience of Franciscan life.

Great faith, trust, passion, creativity, and vision dwell in these, the eldest Daughters of Magdalen. They have much to teach the younger provinces about trust in God and honoring the Holy Ground of our being.

Pace e Bene,

Margie