July 8 - Eleventh Day - Morning
We began with morning prayer prepared by the Portuguese Province.
Art by Maria Teresa Bock RSCM
Rita Arthur gave the news of the world.
Catherine Dolan distributed to Chapter members the list of names surfaced yesterday. During the next few days will pray with those named as they consider the call to leadership. Nominations will be formalized on later this week.
We were very conscious of the fifty-two Touching Base groups gathering around the Institute today.
Touching Base group (Ferrybank)
We considered the Proposal submitted by the JPIC network. Cathy Minhoto presented some background to the proposal. We had some questions and suggested a few changes in the wording. Then we unanimously accepted the proposal that:
| “The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary recognize the trafficking of human persons as a form of modern day slavery. We oppose this grave violation of human rights and dignity. We will work towards the elimination of human trafficking in all its forms.” |
The Coordinating Committee had linked several items of our agenda relating to international communities. We asked for and were given clarification about the various types of international communities, new foundations, and the priority of the Mother House.
We looked at the statement related to Institute Planning. We shared our initial thoughts, knowing that we would return to the topic for further discussion.
| Maria Flora Dunguza (Moz.), Veronica Brand (GC), Letizia Pappalardo (EAP), Helena Pin (B) |
July 8, 2007- Tenth Day - Afternoon
“Open Day”
Catherine Dolan welcomed the members of the SHM Extended Family, lay colleagues, and sisters from other congregations, the Chapter members and staff, and other RSHM who were in Rome. She explained the theme of the Chapter and the context of the “Open Day.”
|
|
Olga Georgina introduced the panelists
who spoke on inter-religious dialogue: Father Tom Michel, S.J. and Professor
Adnane Mokrani. Both men have had extensive experience educating Muslim
and Christian communities and students about one another through study,
teaching, and dialogue.
Father Tom Michel, S.J, Professor Adnane Mokrani
Speaking in a personal way, from their wealth of experience, they shared their insights with the group, especially concerning how such dialogue can be accomplished and be fruitful. They stressed the importance of patience and respect for the cultures and beliefs of the other and the necessity of helping the other to bridge the gap.
Father Michel spoke of the need to wait patiently until one is recognized as a good and respectful human person before any dialogue can begin.
Professor Mokrani spoke of the great difficulty a Muslim has with the concept of Trinity, much less the Eucharist, a difficulty he overcome only with the aid of the Christians with whom he was studying.
They also answered questions on a variety of topics such as how media affects our perceptions, the diversity of groups within both the Christian and Muslim worlds, the roots of fundamentalism and terrorism, and the role of women in Muslim society.
Our guests where asked to share with one another and to write down what they wanted to offer to us for Chapter deliberation on inter-religious, inter-cultural dialogue.
Our guests were invited to Eucharist and dinner.
Olinda Amorim (P), Helena Guilhoto (P)
Eucharist, prepared by the Portuguese Province, was celebrated by Fr. Michel.
© 2007 RSCM / RSHM