Assembly of Provincials, Namugongo, Uganda
Welcome to Chekalini, Kenya
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Offertory Procession,
Shrine of the Martyrs of Uganda |
Clare Pratt rscj and Ursula Bugembe rscj
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Group at work
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plenary session
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rscj from the region of Asia
photos: Lolín Menéndez rscj |
The provincial, area and district superiors of the Society of the Sacred Heart have gathered with Sister Clare Pratt, Superior General and the members of her Council at the Comboni Retreat House in Namugongo, Uganda, for the second Assembly of Provincials to take place between the General Chapters of 2000 and 2008.
The setting: Uganda, small fertile and landlocked country that straddles the Equator... our hosts, the rscj of the Uganda-Kenya province, its members deeply one in a rich diversity of two countries, many tribes, and many nations... on the holy ground of Namugongo, where at the end of the 19th century several young men were put to death for their joyful acceptance of Jesus Christ.
Opening day: November 2nd. The first event of this Assembly was a challenging, informative and inspiring conference given by Fr. John Mary Waliggo, one of Africa’s leading theologians. He reminded us that human life originated in Africa and that “you are all our children, coming back home.”
Later on in the morning, the participants and many rscj from Uganda and Kenya processed to the Basilica of the Martyrs of Uganda to celebrate the opening Eucharist of the Assembly. Drums, songs, dancers, all draw us into a prayer that engaged all our senses. Different symbols in front of the altar – animal skin, bark cloth, spear, hoe, drum – brought the reality of daily life in Africa into our midst. We celebrated our ancestors in the Christian faith: Charles Lwanga, Kizito, Madeleine Sophie, Philippine… Festive celebration of our “living dead”, in the context of the world and of the communities that we represent. It is in thanksgiving that we lived this Eucharist prepared with such care by our sisters from Uganda and Kenya and which speaks so much of their warm welcome.
In the afternoon, Ursula Bugembe, provincial of Uganda-Kenya, welcomed the participants with a small packet of coffee beans wrapped in banana leaves, the traditional gesture of welcome.
Clare Pratt then formally opened the Assembly by reminding us of the first two objectives of the Assembly: to have an experience of the Society in Africa and to strengthen the Community of Provincials and the General Council, at the service of the Society.
Work has begun in earnest. Members of the General Council presented an Overview of experiences and insights since the Assembly of Provincials that took place in Korea in 2003.
Mieko Shinjo rscj, Bursar General, shared her reflections and insights in a presentation “The community of Goods in the Society of the Sacred Heart”, within the Gospel framework, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mt. 6:21)
Different moments alternate each day: prayer, both personal and of the whole group, rereading of the day in home groups, and reflection exchanges in work groups, as well as meetings by regions or combinations of regions – all a part of the endeavor of the Society to respond to the cries and challenges of today’s world as we seek to manifest the love of the Heart of Jesus in places where we live our mission.
The Assembly will close on November 18, feast of Saint Philippine Duchesne.