Mnagalore Province: 27.02.2017 : The Province Assembly of Mangalore Province was held from 9th eve to 11th eve of February 2018 at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor. Fr Baptist Menezes, the Spiritual Director of St Joseph’s Seminary, was the resource person who spoke on the topic Spiritual Discernment and religious life. Speaking on the theme he said, ‘ Discernment is an attitude of the mind, a way of being a Christian and a consecrated religious, which requires them always to act according to the Will of God under the guidance and action of the Holy Spirit. Openness to God is an essential element of discernment. Speaking on the various aspects of discernment, he said that we strive to discern at the personal level, communitarian level and apostolate level. All the decisions are to be within the parameters of the Bible, teachings and traditions of the Church, within the realm of constitutions of the Congregation and mandate of the local Church.
Discernment is not between what is apparently good and apparently evil. But between 2 or more good things out of which one is according to the Will of God. Data gathering from reliable sources enforces discernment process. Ultimately when one discerns the Will of God, she is left with peace and tranquillity.
The Provincial Superior Sr M CiciliaMendonca BS in her keynote address invited the Sisters to discern the Will of God and to make it a pattern that we walk by the Spirit. Deep silence enables one to listen to God and his promptings. The Coordinators of different apostolates of the Province shared the different activities undertaken during the year. The annual plan of the year was evaluated during the Assembly. Greater focus was emphasised on the accuracy of learning the financial matters so that it facilities our recurring budget and audit account of the year.
Silver Jubilee celebration marked the climax of this programme. The Golden Jubilarians and the Silver Jubilarians were present; they were greeted by the members of the assembly and a Thanks giving Eucharist was offered on their behalf by Rev. Fr Joseph Cardoza, the Asst Director of SJEC.
Indeed the entire Assembly enabled the Sisters of the Province to get backs to the roots of our Charism, rejuvenate our spirit and above all our wills were motivated to recommit ourselves in the service of the Lord and make our life of consecration in the garden of Bethany bloom, increase and flower and yield abundant fruit.