Assembly 2007 - Bangalore

Day 2 - 15 November

The day opened with prayer led by the Sisters from Ireland.

Each day groups are sharing symbols which speak to their ministries and history. In the morning, Lismore and San Francisco shared their symbols. Later in the day, England and the Philippines also shared.

The focus for the second day of the Assembly was listening to the voices of the Sisters through the sharing of information gathered as part of the IPA Review. Paula Ringuette PBVM, Consultant for the Review, presented the responses and analysis of the questionnaires sent to each member of IPA. She also presented the findings of the interviews she conducted with the IPA Leaders and Justice Contacts.

Grace Redmond PBVM, Bursar for the Union, presented the results of the Finance Review.

The Sisters in the Working Group who monitored and guided the IPA Review presented the summary of the findings together with proposals and topics for conversation that came out of the review. These will be considered by the participants in the days ahead.

Prayer in the afternoon was led by the Sisters from Canada.

During the afternoon, participants engaged in conversations around the proposals and conversation topics.

Reflections from Participants on Day 2:

Mary Kealy, United States Province, Union of Presentation Sisters: “What an enriching and graced day! We started with a beautifully prepared reflective Prayer Ritual led by the Sisters from Ireland. Then the reports followed – each unique, thoroughly prepared and inspirationally presented. I learned so much and my pride and gratitude to God for the gift of being part of Presentation has magnified. It’s been a truly wonderful day! I re-echo with Paula that if Nano were here today she would be walking this journey with us.”

Maureen O’Connell, Nagle Community, Ireland: “It was fitting that the theme Listen for our morning gathering ritual set the mood for turning into the basic ingredients – the realities – which provided us with the insights and inspiration for our work during the coming days. Our challenge, put so well by Grace, is to keep in mind the Talisman of Gandhi: ‘Recall the face of the poorest and weakest person whom you have met and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to her… Will it restore her to control over her own life and destiny? Will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melting away.’”

Maureen Watson, Wagga Wagga, Australia: “After hearing reports from the IPA Review and Finance Committee, I am happily challenged at the possibilities which arise from these factual presentations. We had time for clarification, for initial reactions, and later shared a conversation about possible recommendations. We have now been introduced to the essence of the content of the Assembly. I am energized by the thought of the possibilities of the coming days.”

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