Missionaries of the Assumption Holds 7th General Chapter

The Missionaries of the Assumption held its 7th General Chapter from April 21, 2014 to May 9, 2014 with the theme: Joy and Hope in Formation, Celebrating Mission. The focus of the Chapter is Formation as essential in shaping the character of the missionary towards being solidly grounded in the Person of Jesus.

In the opening liturgy, Archbishop Romulo E. Valles. D.D. reminded the Sisters that Jesus is the fire that lights the darkness and urged them as well that “Beyond our resolutions and plans, let us see that it is the Lord…we are in congress with the Lord.” As the Chapter was held within the Octave of Easter, Fr. Eugene Cañete, MJ, the Chapter facilitator, stressed that “The the gift of Easter is having an enkindled heart and an awakened hope so we may truly see what the Lord is pointing to us.”

Driven by these challenges, the Chapter as concluded was an outpouring of the Spirit gleaned from the Sisters’ renewed hope for New Life in Formation and deepened by Fr. Cañete in his inspiring message, “It is only through the Bread of Life can we see the signs of new life for us to fully become alive.” The spirited conversations and discerned resolutions are embodied in the following Summary Statement of the Chapter.

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF THE 7TH GENERAL CHAPTER OF THE MISSIONARIES OF THE ASSUMPTION

“Behold I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5)

There is cause for rejoicing as the Missionaries of the Assumption savor the joy of their Silver Jubilee Year since their foundation as a missionary Society.

The changing landscape of the peoples of the world and the devastating realities of the earth push people to struggle and yet continue to live a humane and decent life. The world is shrinking due to the effects of globalization, horrendous destruction of the different parts of the earth, climate change and abuses of the powers that be. Those who own most of the resources of the world are also the major decision makers of the destiny of humankind and the universe. At the onset of technological advancement, many have been dehumanized by its irresponsible use, downgrading the integrity of the human species and undermining the quest for life-giving relationships among living creatures.

Amidst the above conditions, the Missionaries of the Assumption, a Society of Apostolic women, has embarked on holding their 7th General Chapter, with a joyful note, to discern their life and mission, vis-à-vis the kind of formation they intend to experience. Their wish is to have them and their candidates be transformed into new persons brought about by their experience of the God-in-Jesus who has risen to bring newness of life.

As the theme of the 7th General Chapter says –Joy and Hope in Formation, Celebrating Mission – the members of this Society affirm that theirs was a formation which was joyful and hope-filled and had prepared and empowered them for mission. There is awe and wonder in seeing how their lives are made new, impelling them to dare and share the Good News to others, particularly the marginalized sectors, and to the devastated universe.

This grace-filled event is marked by deep and intimate sharing of their formative processes and consequent transformation as individuals and as a community. They firmly believe God called them first and God remains their companion and formator in this missionary journey.

Realizing that they are still a work in progress, they resolve to continue to be formed according to the dream of God as women missionaries today, and so commit to these goals, to wit:

o    To re-invent their formation rooted in a deeper relationship with the Person of Jesus

o    To exude at all times the joy of the gospel

o    To permeate the spirit joy and hope in their local communities and missionary endeavors, and

o    To intensify their ministry of presence.

As Pope Francis exhorts, “the joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept His offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born new. In this exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.”

In cognizance that the Promise of Poverty is rooted in the Gospel value of joyous dependence on God, they affirm their commitment in witnessing the incarnate Christ’s option for the poor. With Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, their Mother and Inspiration, they joyfully acclaim that this is their resolve and pledge to be open to the transformative action of the Holy Spirit at all times. So be it!

Signed this 10th day of May 2014 by the 22 Chapter delegates: