This month of October we share with you the reflections of Sr Maria Teresa Pomar from the contemplative sisters’ community in Cebu on the visit of the Congregational Leadership Team
The visit of the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) is over. Sisters Joan, Josita, Yolanda, Marie Francois and the 3 contemplative councilors: Cristina, Sadhani, Edith have gone back to Rome or to whichever countries they’re going next. What does my heart hold of their visit?
The Mystery of Encounter! How did I experience that?
Certainly, the closeness of accompaniment was evident; that is, the willingness to walk with and mutually adjust to the recommended pace of inner transformation leading the way first, then followed by external (governmental) structures.
As frankly as we could and honestly as we are capable of, we shared our thoughts, stories and commentaries on the topics for discussion the CLT offered: The Call to a Universal Culture of Justice in the Context of our Original Call; Spiritual Leadership; Partnership; and The Contemplative Dimension of the Human Being.
The Asia Pacific Contemplatives (Korea, Sri Lanka, India, and their respective Provincials) had an added 6 days during which sacred space was devoted to topics on: Forms of Prayer; The Contemplative Vocation and Our Search for the face of God (Enclosure); Safeguarding /The Position Papers of the Congregation; The Cosmic Christ and Updating of our Theologies; and, Mary Magdalen, our Model for the Contemplative Life.
What does my heart continue to hold after the CLT’s memorable visit? Yes, gratitude. But also, a line from Joel 2:28 comes to mind: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your elders shall dream dreams …”
As we celebrate the Bi-Centennary of the foundation of the contemplative sisters and having Mary Magdalen as our Model, to what Resurrection newness are we being called to? Where will the shifts of consciousness bring us to? What is the New Life that our new governance structures will be of service of?
The Mystery of Encounter – Sprit of God, come show us your Face and renew our Places in the Sun!
