The VIII Province Chapter of Mangalore Province was held from 17th October to 21st October 2018 at Shanthi Dham, Provincialate, Derlakatte. 38 delegates with 2 observers assembled together for this important and grace-filled event of the Province to discern Gods will for the Province to renew, revision, regain and re-articulate the life and mission of the Province.
From 11th October 2018 evening to 17th October noon, the delegates reflected together under the spiritual animation of Rev. Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ on how they can launch into God, self, others, and cosmos.
Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus, Rev. Fr Dolphy Pais OFM. Cap. Provincial Minister of Capuchins of Holy Trinity Province Karnataka, Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ- Rector, St Aloysius Institutions, Mangalore, Rev. Fr Joseph Martis, Rector, St Joseph Inter Diocesan Seminary Mangalore enabled the delegates to move in the right direction through the celebration of the Eucharist during the days of the Chapter. The Province Chapter was presided over by V.Rev. Sr Susheela Sequeira, Superior General, and Sr Lilly Pinto Councillor General was the facilitator. The hand of God was continuously guiding the delegates throughout the days of the Chapter; hence everything was successfully accomplished.
In the election held during the Chapter Rev. Sr Rita Vas was re-elected Provincial Superior and following Sisters were elected Provincial Councillors.
Sr Clara Menezes - Asst. Provincial Superior
Sr Leena Rodrigues - Provincial Councillor
Sr Susheela Monteiro - Provincial Councillor
Sr Leena D’Souza - Provincial Councillor
Realizing that the Province Chapter is the time for discernment, the Delegates utilized their time to launch deeper into the challenges of our times, discuss, reflect and focus on the following five New Ministries and unanimously agreed to implement them by all the communities:
1. Holiness through Joyful Community life
2. Disaster Management: Prevention preparedness and response
3. Formation and empowerment of Adolescent and Youth
4. Community-based care of the elderly in the families
5. Protection of the rights of the Migrants
On the last day of the Chapter Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore addressed the Chapter delegates and imparted his blessings.
