Silchar Province celebrated its first Provincial Chapter at Bethany Provincial House Silchar from August 6 to August 10, 2021.Thirty delegates including the ex-officio members and three invitees came to Silchar from all corners of the Province that covers the states of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and parts of Assam and Meghalaya, to participate in the Chapter which was initially scheduled for August 5-9, 2021, but had to be postponed for a day due to the untimely demise of Sr Neritta, a member of the Province on August 3.
The delegates prepared themselves for the Chapter with a day’s recollection on the 4th of August which was conducted by Sr Elizabeth Uchoi and Sr Chrisette. Sr Elizabeth Uchoi, the assistant novice directress at Barasat Novitiate gave a short but meaningful input session after which they spent time in personal reflection. In the afternoon the delegates watched the live streaming of the prayer service, funeral Mass and burial service of Sr Neritta at Lumding. It was a rare privilege- a gift of technology.
On August 5, the delegates had orientation input session from Bro Sunil Britto CFC via Zoom on the Chapter theme ‘Rooted in Christ, to build Eucharistic Communities and Human Fraternity’ which he beautifully incorporated into Bethany themes from the Bible.The input itself and the interactive session were enriching.
The Opening Ceremony of the First Provincial Chapter took place on the 6th of August. The inaugural Mass at 6.30 am was celebrated by Fr Joachim Walder, Episcopal Delegate for the Barak Valley Deanery of Aizawl Diocese. The opening prayer session at 8.30 am was meaningfully conducted by Sr Reshma and Sr Margaret Lalthlamuani. Keeping to tradition the Bible was enthroned in a prominent place in the chapter hall amidst singing of hymns and prayers. The Provincial Superior and Chapter President Sr Lucious delivered her welcome address and declared the Chapter open. Soon after the roll call conducted by the Province Secretary all the delegates took an oath of secrecy and loyalty which was followed by election of office bearers of the Chapter. Once the office bearers took charge of their responsibilities the business sessions took off and went on smoothly till the end of the chapter on the 10th of August 2021.
The delegates of the First Provincial Chapter of Silchar Province felt privileged to listen to the keynote address by Sr Lillis BS, the Assistant Superior General. Thirty years ago, Sr Lillis, as Provincial Superior of North East Vice Province had conducted the First Chapter of the erstwhile North East Vice Province in the same hall where this year’s Chapter was held. It was a very nostalgic moment for her as well as for the delegates who had come for the Chapter this time. Being unable to be present in person, Sr Lillis connected with the delegates on Zoom for a while. Then her recorded talk was played via YouTube and at the end Sr Lillis connected on Zoom again. It was the next best thing we could do and the delegates were quite satisfied.
Sr Lucious the Provincial Superior of Silchar Province and all the delegates thank the Superior General Sr Rose Celine, Sr Lillis and all the other councillors for their support and prayers. The Chapter was a unique and grace-filled experience and we are filled with gratitude to God for its successful conduct.
Newsby:Sr Mary Naulak BS,Povincial Councillor,Silchar
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