Towards final commitments
See the ceremony of the final commitment (text, photos and videos).
The group shares : the opening day
Click here for photo gallery
The opening liturgy
A very international group :
From the left (See below the details of names and countries)
Standing: Mary (team), Ania, Anita, Julienne, Maria Carmen, Olaya, Ribin, Karla, Blandine, Choi, Valeria, Diana, Immaculate, Kathy.
Sitting: Wivine, Amira, Dorothee, Antonella Aloisi (translator), Young Ae (team).
Province |
Name of Probanist
|
International Experience |
| Egypt | Amira Ishak Nessim |
Uganda-Kenya (communities) and Malta to learn English |
| Northern Spain | María Carmen Soler García | Chile |
| Southern Spain | Olaya Mayans Porras | Mexico-Nicaragua (communities) |
| India (communities) | Anita Nazareth |
Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
| India (communities) | Valeria Kerketta |
Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
| Korea | Choi, Sung Kyung | Indonesia |
| Peru | Karla Núñez Pezo | Malta to learn English |
| Poland | Ania Zamojda | England-Wales |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) (communities) |
Blandine Basosa – Madila | Malta |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.)(communities) |
Dorothée Nzuzi Lungu | Spain |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) (communities) |
Mansendi Mayamba Julienne (could not come to Rome last year because of visa problems) | Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.)(communities) | Nkusu Mbumba Wivine (could not come to Rome last year because of visa problems) | Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
Immaculate Ssiddamwebyo | India (communities) |
| Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
Ribin Musina | India (communities) |
| USA | Diana Wall | Uganda-Kenya (communities) |
| USA |
Kathy Mc Grath | Argentina (communities) |
The group shares :
“During the day the Lord went in front of them in a pilar of clouds to show them the way,
and during the night the Lord went in front of them in a pilar of fire to give them light
so that they could travel night and day.” (Ex. 13:21 )
The theme given by the Probation Team is the image of being on a pilgrimage. They invited us to interiorize the attitude of being active participants in these months of probation and to walk with this awareness during our whole lives. Each one of us comes from her country and culture, and has passed through many “ups and downs” in her life. Now, our paths converge here in this new “way”… and we are invited to walk accompanied by the entire Society of the Sacred Heart. In these first days we are missing Chabe (one of the three RSCJ who accompany our group), as she is in Chile because of the death of her father; we pray for her and the family and look forward to receiving her warmly in probation.
The official beginning of this “way” together was marked by the Central Team joining us and officially opening our Probation with the “Opening Conference” as traditionally given to the probanists by the Superior General. After Kathy Conan welcomed us warmly on their behalf, she invited us “to be in touch with our feelings” and open ourselves “to the loving gaze of our God.” Utilizing the image of a pilgrimage, she encouraged us to enter into this journey by three “holy” pathways: our relationship with the Lord, our relationship with the world, and our experience of walking in the same places where St. Madeleine Sophie and many probanists before us have been.
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Afterwards, each one of the Central Team shared with us her personal invitations for us during this time. Nancy encouraged us to walk “intensively alive…and with hope in one´s heart.” Carmen Margarita called us to “re-read” our lives with the eyes of the Spirit so we “may re-discover in a new way the Treasure we carry within ourselves in our pots of clay.” Cath hoped that we would “find the freedom to open our hearts and minds” to receive the depths of God´s love and fidelity. Hiroko shared with us that “probation became a turning point” in her own life and wished the same for us. She counseled us: “´think big´and especially ´dream big´; your dream must be of Jesus! I believe His dream is ‘to bring good news to the poor, and to bring freedom to the oppressed’”. Finally, Kathy invited us to enter into our pilgrimage - this time of probation – so “you may collaborate with the work of God in you!” Be assured of the love and prayer of the whole Society of the Sacred Heart! |
Sitting: Nancy Durand (General Council), Maria Carmen Soler Garcia (North Spain), Dorothee Nzuzi Lungu (DRC), Valeria Kerketta (India), Ribin Musina (Kenya), Nkusu Mbumba Wivine (DRC), Mary Cavanagh (Director, Scotland), Hiroko Okui (General Council).
Later in the evening, we were joined by the Villa Lante RSCJ community for a mass presided by Bill Oulvey, S.J. It was held in the “Our Lady of Sorrows” parlor with altar centrally located at the junction between the old probation rooms and the newly renovated area which is accommodating us. The liturgy was as diversified as our probation group with each represented in songs and readings. Several symbols of the image of being on a pilgrimage were in the offeratory i.e., world, sandals, a candle for each one of us and water. At the conclusion of the liturgy, we proceded to the Probation Chapel for the placement of the Blessed Sacrament where we received a blessing. Immediately following this, the Villa Lante community hosted us in a celebratory dinner. Their warm welcome was heart-felt by all of us – a true homecoming!
We are grateful to the Society of the Sacred Heart for this opportunity to go deeper in our interior lives and share with one another our lived-experiences thus far on the journey, to commit ourselves definitively and together with the Lord, who is our “Way, Truth and Life” (John 14: 6).
Olaya Mayans Porras Southern Spain
and Diana Wall USA, rscj,
on behalf of the group.
Click here to see other RSCJ News...
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|2010-02-25 Christine Triay - Scotland
English : Dear sisters of the probation and your team facilitators and central council so good to have this news of you, and I hold you all in heart and mind as the time for your profession draws near. I renew my own commitment with you, and wish you the zeal and the joy of the Spirit as you journey with the Society of the Sacred Heart in Madeleine Sophie's footsteps and in those of so many many others of our sisters. With love Christine Triay rscj
Français : Chères soeurs probanistes, aussi à l’équipe de probation et au Conseil general: il est si bon de recevoir ces nouvelles de vous. Je vous porte dans mon cœur et ma pensée en ces jours où votre engagement définitif approche. Je renouvelle avec vous mon propre engagement, et je vous souhaite le zèle et la joie de l’Esprit dans votre cheminement avec la Société du Sacré-Cœur sur les pas de Madeleine-Sophie et dans ceux de tant et tant d’autres sœurs. Avec affection, Christine Triay rscj
Castellano : Queridas hermanas probanistas, del equipo probación y del Consejo General. Es tan bueno tener noticias de Uds., las probanistas, del Equipo de Probación y del Consejo General. Las llevo en el corazón y en el pensamiento al acercarse el tiempo de la Profesión. Renuevo mi compromiso con el de Uds. y les deseo el celo y el Gozo del Espíritu en este caminar con la Sociedad del Sagrado Corazón sobre las huellas de Magdalena Sofía y de tantas y tantas hermanas nuestras. Con cariño Christine Triay rscj
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|2010-02-25 Lulud - Indonesia
English : Time is coming to say "Yes" forever and ever. I will prayer for your at 31st of January, the sacred time for you all and for the Society around the world. Love you, Lulud
Français : Le temps approche de dire « Oui » pour toujours. Je vais prier pour vous le 31 janvier, temps sacré pour vous toutes et pour la Société à travers le monde. Je vous aime, Lulud
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|2010-02-25 Comunidad de Almeria - España
Castellano : Desde la comunidad de Almería os hemos tenido muy presentes en nuestra oración en esta temporada y sobre todo es vuestra experiencia de ejercicios. Os queremos y agradecemos con vosotras vuestra llamada y seguimiento al Señor Jesus.
Français : Notre communauté de Almeria vous a gardées bien présentes dans sa prière ces temps-ci, et particulièrement pendant votre grande retraite. Nous vous aimons, et nous rendons grâce avec vous pour votre appel et suite de notre Seigneur Jésus.
English : From the community in Almeria we have been holding you very present in our prayers during this time and above all in your experience of the Exercises. We love you and give thanks for your call and your following of the Lord Jesus.
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|2010-02-25 Margaret Wilson - England/Wales
English : Dear Each one, Thank you for such an insight into your probation. I hold you in prayer as you begin your long retreat. May it be a very special time for you all. With much love, Margaret
Français : Chère chacune, Un très grand merci pour cet aperçu de votre probation. Je vous porte dans la prière en ce début de votre grande retraite. Qu’elle soit un moment privilégié pour vous. Avec beaucoup d’affection, Margaret
Castellano : Queridas todas. Gracias por esa visión sobre su probación. Las tengo en mi oración al empezar el retiro largo. Ojalá sea un tiempo muy especial para todas. Con mucho afecto. Margaret
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|2010-02-25 Maureen O'Halloran - USA
English : Dear Sisters, This is a wonderful page about your probation. I have been thinking of you and praying for you and will continue to do so for your long retreat. Much love and prayer to each one.
Français : Chères sœurs, Quelle merveilleuse page sur votre probation. J’ai pensé à vous et prié pour vous, et je vais continuer à le faire pendant votre grande retraite. Avec beaucoup d’amour et en union de prière avec chacune.
Castellano : Queridas Hermanas: Esta es una página maravillosa sobre su probación. Me quedé pensando en Uds. y rezando por Uds., y voy a seguir haciéndolo durante el retiro largo. Mucho afecto y oración para cada una.
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|2010-02-25 Lulud - Indonesia
English : Dear Sister, the power of prayer of our RSCJ sisters around the world is like ring never ending and give us feel unite as a sister and friends. hope you all in a good place. love, Lulud
Français : Chères soeurs, la puissance de la prière des RSCJ à travers le monde est comme un anneau qui ne se termine jamais et qui nous fait vibrer comme sœurs et amis. En vous espérant en forme, avec affection, Lulud
Castellano : Queridas Hermanas, el poder de la oración de nuestras Hermanas RSCJ a través del mundo, es como un anillo sin fin, que nos hace sentirnos unidas como hermanas y amigas. Esperándolas bien preparadas, con afecto, Lulud.
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|2010-02-25 Aideen Kinlen - Ireland
English : Dear Sisters, I have been praying for you during these months. Now that I know I am to have the privilege of helping with the music at your final profession I must let you know that I am delighted that I shall be meeting you. May the precious days of your retreat be deeply blessed.
Français : Chères soeurs, J’ai prié pour vous ces mois-ci. Maintenant que je sais avoir le privilège de pouvoir aider avec la musique lors de votre profession perpétuelle, je dois vous dire que je suis si heureuse à la perspective de vous rencontrer. Que les précieuses journées de votre retraite soient abondamment bénies.
Castellano : Queridas hermanas, He estado orando estos meses por uds. Ahora se que tengo el privilegio de ayudarles con la música de la liturgia de la Profesión, Le digo que estoy feliz pues las podré conocer. Que los días de retiro estén llenos de bendiciones.
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|2010-02-25 Mary Pat Rives, rscj - USA
English : Dear Each One, Thank you so much for sharing with us your very special time. Some I know, others I have met but each of you will be in my prayers.
Français : Chère chacune, un très grand merci de nous partager ce précieux moment. Je connais certaines d’entre vous, j’en ai croisé d’autres, mais je porte chacune dans mes prières.
Castellano : Queridas todas, Gracias por compartir con nosotras este tiempo tan especial. Algunas las conozco, otras no, pero cada una estará en mis oraciones.
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|2010-02-25 Rose Banura rscj - Uganda
English : Dear all Probanists, This account of your beginning of Probation is the most interesting show I've ever enjoyed. How wonderful it is to see each one of you looking so different. Specially those I know, like Diana Wall, Anita in her new look, other than the India style of clothes. Immy and Ribin you look younger. Keep up the good journey you have began on this "Pilgrimage". May the Lord of great gazing eyes keep you all happy in His Vineyard. Lots of Prayers and much love, Rose Banura rscj
Français : Chères probanistes. Le récit des premiers jours de votre probation est celui qui par son intérêt me réjouit le plus. Comme il est merveilleux de voir chacune de vous, si différentes, particulièrement celles que je connais, comme Diana Wall, Anita dans son nouvel atout (différent des styles de vêtements indiens). Immy et Ribin, vous paraissez plus jeunes. Continuez le beau cheminement que vous avez commencé en ce pélerinage. Que le Seigneur en son regard attentionné vous garde heureuses en Sa Vigne. Toutes mes prières et mon affection, Rose Banura rscj
Castellano : Queridas Probanistas, He gozado con el recuento del comienzo de Probación. Es maravilloso verlas a cada una tan diferente, especialmente las que conozco: Diana Wall, Anita con su nuevo vestido, distinto del estilo común de la India, Immy y Riben parecen más jóvenes. Mantengan ese camino que han empezado en este “peregrinaje”. Que el Señor con sus ojos puestos en nosotras las tenga gozosas en su Viña. Oración y cariño, Rose Banura rscj.
Castellano : Un saludo para cada una, las probanistas y las del equipo, me uno a ustedes en este tiempo de preparación en “peregrinaje”. Somos peregrinas en el camino de la vida, donde cada día vamos aprendiendo a construir el Reino de Dios y a la manera de Sofía, manifestando los sentimientos del Corazón de Jesús en todas nuestras relaciones. Un abrazo; mi cariño, oración y amistad para cada una. Pamela (Pvt - Perú)
Français : Un bonjour à chacune des probanistes et de l’équipe. Je m’unis à vous en ce temps de préparation en « pèlerinage ». Nous sommes pèlerines sur le chemin de la vie, où nous apprenons chaque jour à construire le Royaume de Dieu, et ce, à la manière de Sophie, en manifestant les sentiments du Cœur de Jésus en chacune de nos relations. Je vous embrasse, mn affection, ma prière et mon amitié à chacune, Pamela
English : Greetings to each one of the probanists and the team. I am united with you at this time of preparation, of “pilgrimage”. We are all pilgrims on the road of life, where each day we learn how to build the Kingdom of God and, like Sophie, make known the attitudes of the Heart of Jesus in all our relationships. I send a hug, my love, my prayer and my friendship to each one of you. Pamela (Pvt- Peru)