The third day of the General Chapter began with Liturgy planned by the Region of Mozambique.

Preliminary Work

The chapter members spent the morning working on the topics of Extended RSHM Family and Interprovincial Initial Formation. Interest in these two areas has been very strong since our Jubilee Celebration and the meeting of Formation Personnel in Sete, France in November 1997.

Province Reports

In the afternoon, the Zambezi Region and the Region of Mozambique gave their reports in front of their sharing walls, located in the tea room.

Virginia Mullane, regional superior of the Zambezi Region, reminded everyone that the Region, although only five years old, was rooted in the nearly 50 years of dedicated service of EAP and EIP sisters.

Carol Schommer pointed out that questions of Initial Formation led to the creation of the region and formation issues continue to be central to the ongoing life of the Region. There are now four Zambian women in temporary profession, two second-year novices, and two pre-novices. She spoke of the collaboration among all the RSHM in Africa and of the twinning between the EAP schools in Europe and the missions in Africa.

Phillippa O'Sullivan spoke of the struggles and suffering of the people of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Funds intended for health, education, and development are diverted toward political ends and as a result the people suffer. HIV/AIDS has affected every aspect of life. There has been a great increase in the number of single headed families, child headed families, and whole communities composed of the very young or the very old. 80% of hospital beds are occupied by HIV/AIDS patients and health workers are demoralized. Coffin making has become big business. The sisters of the Region have decided to focus this year on justice–seen as an attitude of loving tenderness that constantly affirms the dignity and sacredness of all.

Olga Georgina, regional superior of the Region of Mozambique, began by thanking everyone for the moral, material, and missionary support received from all parts of the Institute, particularly for their generosity after the devastating floods. Since 1995 there has been much collaboration with lay people, some of them former students, in the hostels, in organizations such as Caritas and other non-governmental agencies to eradicate poverty in rural areas. Sisters in the Region minister in state schools, hospitals, and parishes. Two RSHM are directors of state-owned student hostels.

 

Vocation awareness and initial formation are two important aspect of the Region. Sisters are involved in diocesan vocation work. The Region has formal programs for pre-candidates and their parents. Candidates are personally accompanied and spend time in local communities. There are currently two candidates, three pre-novices, three novices and three sisters who will make perpetual vows in September.

The Region has been enriched by the presence of RSHM from other provinces. Marilia Bellini (B) and Ana Maria Gago (P) were invited to speak of the time they spent in Mozambique and Valéria Erneio spoke of her International Experience in Mali.