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Formation
for Renewal in Rome
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Hello, my name is Jocelyne Morin, I come from Canada. I have been a Missionary Sister of O. L. of Africa for some ten years.
You are welcome to read what I can say about myself:
My religious family is offering me a beautiful gift: a 3-month-session of Renewal at our General House in Rome. I have been here for 2 weeks already, it is so great suddenly to have time for inner work, for longer chats with Jesus, for long walks in the beautiful parks around here, time where I can stop "doing" and allow myself just "being". I seem to have been so busy during the last 17 years...where was I? I think I gave the best of myself to the mission in Africa, but I did not take much time to reflect on what was happening in me. Now, here I am, with a space where I can spread out pieces of the puzzle of my life which do not seem to fit any more, and just look at them with the help of my sisters.
We started with looking at our past, telling each other our story, sharing what seems to call for more integration with the understanding of ourselves we have developped right now, trying to be true to ourselves and compassionate to each other. I realized that I am not alone with my questionnings: Who am I really? Are there not other ways to express my religious consecration in 2002? How can I continue to be a prophet of hope, while looking at the heavy challenges faced by the African countries where we are working. How could I keep open a conversation with Islam, with all that is going on in the world today? Can our present activities in Africa fit with the dreams of the young women who join us these days?
This brought us to the history of our religious family. I was very touched by our visit to the archives: I saw photos of these first young women (among them Mother Salome) who left their dear Britany to join the venture of Cardinal Lavigerie in Algeria, I read some moving letters Mother Salome wrote to the young Sisters who went to start the work in Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Mali, etc. She was telling them that their only treasure is the love of God for them, and their attachment to Jesus through which they can become truly sisters for one another, and this desire they all cherish: coming very close to the people, learning their language, honoring their culture, etc. These young women had come together because they wanted to love more and to live to the full. I feel very proud to be member of that family where me also, I can live my deepest dreams.
We started also a Bible session where we are trying to meet Jesus, and understand from within what his passion for the Kingdom was all about. We looked at his background, the history of his people, his humanity.
During these last 4 days, we have been completly immersed in Mid-Life challenges and tasks trying to let go and welcome messages from the unconscious part of ourselves, we have been trying out some tools that we might continue to explore when we are back in busy life in Africa: journalling, imaginary meditation, fantasis, free drawing, symbols, dance, etc. This is surely a good preparation for the 30-day-retreat which is coming soon.
Well! This is all for now, I might come back with a
few more words after the retreat.
But before sending this bit to the net, let me ask each
participant to tell you something about herself.
Beatrice
Miburo (Burundi). In Tanzania, I am journeying with women coming
from several countries/continents who have discovered that our way of living,
as religious, has something of what they want to live themselves as Christians.
I help them come closer to Jesus Christ, and become aware that the meaning
of our life, as the one of the whole humanity, can be found only in Him. If
you feel the same desire, you are most welcomed to join us.
Prosperine
Samba (Congo-Kinshasa). My work in Ghana is quite interesting. I
try to befriend the young people wherever I find them. We interact and dream
together about a better future. Why not offer what is dear to me, a life without
discrimination, just as Jesus'Christ showed us the way, a life that takes you
beyond the boundaries of your heart to be ALL to ALL. Why would you not try
it with our congregation of MSOLA?
Domenica
Ciliberti. (Malta). I am working in pastoral ministry in Mombasa
(Kenya) where I am in direct contact with inter-religious groups. Through
all that I am living when visiting the sick, giving communion, councelling,
giving seminars, ...etc. I try to bring the Love of God present to these people
and the surroundings. At the end of the day, I am always surprised with the
amount of blessings and joys I go back with at 'home', which I share in my
small MSOLA community.
Revocate
Kabahuma (Uganda). I am living in an intercultural community, working
together with the local Church in Mozambique through different ministries.
I am involved in the Pastoral activities which are in line with catechesis
and Formation of Leaders through Training for Transformation.
Maite
Sanz de Pablo. (Spain). I have been sent to Poland, because we believe
that the gift we have received for Africa is so precious that we want to share
it with others and to invite them to join in this great venture. In my contacts,
I share my experience of Jesus in my life and tell them about the 12 beautiful
years I lived in Africa.
Vicky
Munyerenkana (Congo-Kinshasa). I spent 5 years in Uganda as a nurse,
working in a rural area for the promotion of basic health for everyone. Then
I was sent to Tanzania to help new members find confirmation in their missionary
vocation for Africa. Now, I am working with 2 others to support our sisters
sent to Burundi, Congo-Kinshasa and Rwanda; we carry the mission with them so
that they may give their best in our particular context of war.
Jocelyne
Morin (Canada). I have spent the last 7 years with the women of
Mwanza, Tanzania, helping their leaders to prepare and give a Human and Spiritual
formation program for all the parishes of the diocese. I enjoyed especially
the weeks we spent together in the villages; with these women, I met a part
of myself which was still unkonw to me. And right now, I come from Quebec
where I had a good rest.
Jocelyne Morin
&
Sr Monique Bonnefoy, our leader
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