Malo, malo, thanks be to God!

Today, Wednesday, was a day on which St. Francis Province led morning prayer. The prayer invited us to pray with the image of the tree. The tree, sustainer of life, planted in the earth, and rooted deep in the mystery of God's Life in us. We sang together: I'm a branch of Catherine's tree; rooted deep in mystery; her life alive in me. Images of trees from each of our Provinces throughout the Congregation were imposed on the screen for reflection. There was also movement accompanied by Ruffino's music Sacred Creation. Some days ago Holy Name Province led us in prayer mindful of Sister Water, useful, cleansing, pure. Images of water were used to assist our reflection on how water sustains, quenches, and supports all Life. Sacred Heart Province, on another day, accompanied us in prayer to the heights of soaring mountains, to awesome majestic beauty where eagles fly free and the highest peaks touch the clouds. Our mid-morning Eucharistic liturgy today was prepared by all three of our U.S. Provinces. After a simple, joyful celebration many Sisters emerged from chapel singing the closing song's refrain: Malo, malo thanks be to God! The work of the sessions this afternoon was to vote on the Chapter Directive Statement and several proposals. The Chapter Directive Statement was celebrated by the gathering of all the Provincial Ministers and Mission Minister (of Tanzania, Sr. Margie) around the San Damiano Crucifix. Around the crucifix were placed large images of Francis, Clare, and Mother Magdalen with colorful ribbons extended to and held by each Provincial Minister. Each led the reading of the statement in the language of her Province. Malo, Malo, Thanks be to God! Pace e bene! Janet (for the U.S. Provinces of Holy Name, Sacred Heart, and St. Francis)