Day 8: A day of listening

On Thursday, after a refreshing break, the work of the Chapter continued with the morning prayer, in which the capitulants prepared themselves to welcome the conversations of the day in a tone of openness, listening, honesty, truth, compassion, and mercy.

The morning session started with reflections in smaller groups, according to the countries the capitulants originated from. The questions were: “What gift are we to the Society? … We feel hurt when… What do we want you to know about us?…  As a (country in the society), we recognize that we need healing in…” After listening to each other, the group decided what they wanted to bring as a country to the new province group.

After a break, the capitulants of the planned new provinces met to listen to the sharing of each country, which was followed by a personal time of reflection: “How has what I have heard affected me? Is there something that has particularly moved me? Where have I experienced a feeling of hope and gratitude?… An opportunity to nurture new relationships?”

The afternoon continued with the capitulants meeting in the groups of the new provinces, with a personal sharing followed by individual reflection on what had been heard.

The day ended with a plenary to collect points for future dialogues in the Chapter.