Much of the first week was spent listening to the reports from the General Council and from the Provinces.

We met in the chapter room to listen to the reports from the General Council.

Work in the plenary sessions is in English and Portuguese. M. do Rosário Durães is one of oral translators who help us to understand what is being said.

Valéria Erneio's drumming, which can be heard on the three floors of the building, has become an effective way of calling us to the chapter room.

Exercising during stand-up breaks help us get ready for the next topic.

This is the third General Chapter that Jean Alvarez and Sr. Nancy Conway have facilitated for us. Their enthusiasm is one of the many gifts they bring to the chapter.