ORIENTATIONS FOR 2007-2012
What is a general chapter?
Theme of the 2007 General Chapter
2007-2012 Orientations
What is a general chapter?
The general chapter, while it is in session, constitutes the highest authority in the Congregation. Ordinarily, the General Superior convokes and presides over the General Chapter, which takes place every five years. It is composed of the General Superior, the General Councilors, the Provincial Superiors and the delegates elected by each province.
The first task of the General Chapter is to preserve the spiritual heritage of the Congregation. In light of the mission and the spirit of the Congregation, the Chapter determines the overall religious-apostolic orientations that will guide the Congregation for the next 5 years, taking into account the needs of the Church and society. If necessary, it also revises the Constitutions and Rules of the Congregation.
Through a process of discernment, the General Superior and the General Councilors are elected to carry out the Orientations determined by the General Chapter.
Because the future direction of the Congregation is determined by the Orientations identified by the General Chapter, this is a gathering of great importance for the Sisters of Providence and for those whom they serve. In the presence of the Holy Spirit and the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a general chapter is a time for deep reflection and communal conversion lived in an attitude of simplicity, prayer and charity.
2007 General Chapter:
« Dare to live our charism in an evolving world »
As Sisters of Providence, we believe that God is alive and active in the reality of today’s evolving world. We are called to deepen our understanding of this reality and to discover anew the meaning and relevance of the Providence Charism in the world in which we find ourselves.
In our ministries, we are challenged to work for justice by eliminating the root causes of poverty.
The courageous women who were our founders placed their confidence in Providence and, moved by compassion, were led to concrete actions in favour of the poor and society. Consequently, they became prophetic signs of God’s love in their respective milieus.
Orientations of the 2007 General Chapter
Faithful to our Charism and spirituality, a legacy from Mother Emilie Tavernier-Gamelin, and in continuity with previous General Chapters, we affirm:
- We are an international, multicultural and intergenerational congregation.
- We live in a world of communications which facilitate networking and collaboration with laity, the Providence Associates and organizations which share our objectives and values..
On the strength of this, we commit ourselves to living the following orientations during the next five years:
- Deepen and enrich Providence spirituality with spirituality of creation.
- Give renewed energy to initial and ongoing formation by incorporating our international, multicultural and intergenerational realities.
- Adjust our governance at all levels to respond to our evolving realities, while continuing to develop circular leadership.
- Promote reconciliation by engaging in concrete actions for healing, justice, unity and peace.
- Respond actively to the cry of the poor, especially women, children and the Earth, in light of the Earth Charter and our Constitutions.
