"The General Chapter of 1960 granted all Sisters who had been transferred to another Province 'a home visit of several weeks.' We can only imagine what it meant for Sisters, often after decades, to return home and visit elderly parents or siblings, to visit the Motherhouse that had been a second home to them during their formation, to experience the old that they treasured and naturally also to see the changes. . . . 'Again and again one noticed how happy the Sisters were with their impressions of their homeland and, on the other hand, how valuable it was for the Sisters in Germany to learn firsthand about the activities of the Congregation in foreign countries.' During the years from 1960 to 1963, 126 Sisters from South America and 56 Sisters from North America visited their homes in Germany. The number of German Sisters in America decreased sharply during the following years. A few Sisters from the USA who were serving in South America also visited their home Province during these years" (141).
"The Second Vatican Council [1962-1965] had a far-reaching effect on the Church and religious Congregations, including ours. . . . The decree Perfectae Caritatis, concerning the renewal of religious life, which was of great importance for Orders and Congregations, was issued on October 28, 1965."
. . .
"During the Chapter of 1966, Mother M. Augustilde Giesen was elected Superior General, the first North American to hold this office. The delegates spent much time in extensive deliberations to determine how the decisions of the Council could be carried out in light of the decree, especially regarding the renewal in the spirit of the Founder and the adaptation to the circumstances and challenges of the times. . . . Emphasis was [placed] on spiritual renewal through the deepening of prayer life, faithful living of a vowed life, the support of a 'healthy family spirit' and a 'new appreciation of the individual's share in the responsibility for the spirit and activities of our Congregation.' This renewal was supported by the changes undertaken by the Chapter in regard to prayer, vows and government. With the reduction of so-called vocal 'obligatory prayers' in favor of deepened personal spirituality, a development began and continued in the years that followed. The recommendation to plan sufficient time for personal spiritual reading and especially for the daily reading of Sacred Scripture led to a greater appreciation of the Gospel as good news. Various changes in daily life became evident in the effort to adapt to the changing times. In response to the decree, an extraordinary Chapter was planned in three years to evaluate and analyze the results. Until then 'the Sisters were given the opportunity to make suggestions regarding changes, approval or omission of the provisions, as well as in regard to the revision of the Constitutions and the Community Prayer Book, which would be addressed in the next Chapter'" (134-135).
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The Sisters of Christian Charity of the North American Eastern Province will hold our Provincial Chapter from February 14-18, 2019. Please join us in praying the prayer for our Provincial Chapter.
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