From August 3-10, 2022, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate from Christ the King Province (Canada) met for Chapter at Mount Mary Retreat Centre in Ancaster ON. This was a gathering of 27 Sisters from across Canada.
Our facilitator was Fr. John M. Malazdrewich, OMI, who provided compassionate leadership during our deliberations. We re-elected Provincial Superior Sr. Christina Syrotynska for a second 5 year term, and also an entirely new Provincial Council consisting of Sr. Patricia Lacey, Sr. Anne Pidskalny, Sr. Laura Prokop and Sr. Patricia Besko.
For this special time in our Community we prayed, at Chapter and at home, a prayer stemming from our pre-Chapter discernment: “We are called to be born anew in the Spirit, surrendering to God, going deeper in prayer and strengthening our relationships with one another, and in so doing bearing witness with a specific focus on our people.”
Fr. John shared a reflection about the nautilus, a sea creature with a chambered shell. It was also mentioned by Sr. Ursula Witkowska, IBVM, our Chapter secretary. Integral to a nautilus’ structure is a series of ever-larger shell chambers. The nautilus lives in each chamber for a time until it begins to outgrow its space. It then enlarges its shell by the addition of a new chamber suitable for the next stage of its life.
As the nautilus moves into its new home, it seals off the old chamber. This is not because it is no longer needed and therefore to be forgotten. Rather, the old chamber serves as a buoy, helping the nautilus as it lives and grows in the sea.
This great metaphor sparked various discussions. We embraced the Chapter’s theme “Behold, I make all things new,” with emphasis on empowering (especially younger Sisters), downsizing, transparency and deepening Community life. There were also home reports, a report on the state of the Province and a financial report, as well as a good deal of fun and friendship.
We pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to help us in following Blessed Josaphata’s path-to serve where the need is the greatest.
