Day 4: Finishing the report presentations and Tents of Encounter

Sunday morning’s prayer invited the capitulants to ask themselves: “How would I like to see and hear today?” and to feel the beating of our hearts, the heartbeat of the world and how God is present in it.

The morning was devoted to reports from several international commissions: Education, Volunteering, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, and Vocations. A representative from each of these commissions presented her report from three angles:

• the key contribution that this commission/team has made to the Society
• what difference has the existence of this commission/team brought
• the challenges and/or recommendations you want to make

Following these presentations, there was time for exchange and dialogue.

In the second half of the morning, the International Planning Commission presented its report. After a question and answer session, the capitulants were able to explore with those at their table whether the Society seemed ready to take the next step, taking into consideration what had been shared by the IPC. This was followed by a plenary session.

In the afternoon, the capitulants were able to meet and talk with those in the proposed new provinces. These “Tents of Encounter”, with tables and boards decorated with items related to the cultures of their countries, featured important information about each new province.

It was a wonderful time of encounters, dialogue and celebration.

The day ended with the Eucharist, held outside with a view of the lake.