On the blessed Saturday of August 12, 2023, the canonical visit of Mother General Graciela Francovig and General Conselor Teresa Pinto to the Cebu - Mindanao community concluded with the community encounter held at Stella Maris Academy of Davao. Sisters from Cebu and El Salvador traveled all the way to Davao the day before for this momentous occasion. This is also the first community encounter after the changes in the composition of the sisters this year. Here are the impressions of the sisters of their experience of the encounter and visit:

“The family spirit permeated the whole encounter. Sisters were free to share their thoughts, experiences, etc. and the sharing of life & mission in other parts of the world extended even during the "sobremesa". The community encounter evoked among the sisters a great interest in what is happening in the congregation in other parts of the world and inspired us to strengthen the spirit of unity and sense of body.”

“The canonical visit of Sisters Graciela and Teresa was truly an “encounter.” I felt so blessed, inspired, and challenged as I listened to her words of wisdom both during the individual conference and community session. I am resolved to live my daily life striving to be a true hija de Jesus.”

“The community encounter has invited me to continue reflecting/ examining myself on how I am living my vow of poverty, on what kind of poverty the Lord has called me to at this moment of my life.”

“It was an amazing experience with Mother General and Teresa Pinto. They were welcoming and accommodating, making me feel at ease with them.”

“It was an encounter of the entire body-congregation that gave me hope and felt animated through the presences and different apostolic works where we are...the Congregation is full of life!!!”

“It was an affirming and encouraging encounter that helped us live better as Hijas de Jesus.”

Indeed, the encounter was full of joy, love, and hope and the presence of the two sisters from the General government gives animation to the sisters in collaborating in the mission of Jesus and uniting with the other sisters in the different parts of the world.

SEE THE PHOTOS BELOW...

The Cebu-Mindanao community took the opportunity to have their photo by residence: Davao Residence, El Salvador Residence and Cebu Residence