03 May 2023
40 members of the Irish MSC Province gathered on Sunday evening, 30th April in Mount Saint Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois to begin our first ever Open Provincial Chapter.
Provincial Fr Carl Tranter MSC, welcomed everyone and expressed his desire that the Chapter be a grace-filled experience for all as they discussed and planed a roadmap for the years ahead for the Province. Fr Carl and Tony Horgan led the Opening Liturgy, welcoming all present and thanked those who had travelled from near and far: from Ireland, England, USA, Southern Africa, Kenya, Venezuela and South Sudan and extended a huge welcome to our Superior General, Fr Absalón Alvarado MSC, who will journey with them for the week of our Chapter. Fr Absalón’s presence will be hugely enriching for everyone. Candles were lit representing the five continents of the congregation and the eight countries they currently have confreres working in. Fr Jimmy Mitchell, as the oldest member of the Chapter, lit the Chapter candle.
During the Opening Liturgy all members of the Chapter declared their presence and desire for the week ahead and the Facilitator ,Frances Heery, Secretary to the Chapter ,Paula Ryan-Kavanagh, Translator ,Jaime Rosique and Scrutineers Fr Giacomo Gelardi, Fr Alan Neville and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a, were prayerfully welcomed and formally approved.
The first day began by introducing the MSC theme through reflection on the Road to Emmaus. Members were invited to share their experience of life in two and fours inspired by the two disciples on the road. This was felt by all present as a profound experience of getting to know each other in a deeper way.
The afternoon session began by electing a Steering Committee, followed by input from the Superior General who offered his observations in the light of his visit to Ireland and England last year. Fr Absalón’s input was experienced as supportive, inspiring and affirming. The day concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Absalón.
The second day (Tuesday 2nd May) began in a creative way when the Facilitator ,Frances Heery conducted an interview with Fr Carl inviting him to share his experience of being Provincial. The highs, the lows and moments of inspiration were shared by Fr Carl and his honesty was greatly appreciated. Fr Carl’s sharing provided a springboard for group reflection regarding how members experienced the life of the province at the moment.
The day concluded with a short session introducing some of the suggested amendments to our Statutes.
Eucharist was celebrated by three of the confreres from Venezuela, Fr Yonys Mendoza, Fr Eliel Araujo and Fr Deiby Fuenmayor.
Wednesday (3rd May) will continue the process on reflecting on the Chapter theme of ‘Return to Your First Love’.
“Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road”
Luke 24:32