Meeting with Unit Leaders

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30/09/2016 - General House

Meeting of Unit Leaders and General Team:18-30 Sept 2016

As you know there were five Unit Leaders at this meeting - Innocence Bakhoum (West Africa), Lavinia Henry (Fiji), Marta Elena Chica (Mexico), Sheila Manalo (Philippines) and Solange Moura (Brazil). What these leaders have in common is that following General Chapter 2015, their Units chose to function more closely with the General Leadership - without a Unit Council and with certain authority delegated to them according to a specific Decree of Erection. They also happen to be the Units with the greatest percentage of younger members as well as a small but continuing stream of new life.

The days have passed swiftly since we gathered on Sunday eveing 18th September. Throughout our meeting we have been very aware of our belonging to one Congregation - our parts make up a precious Whole.

Our journey began with the Sower (through Anthony De Mello's inspiring thoughts on The Kingdom Parable).

On Day 1 we listened to the sharing of each Unit Leader on her "field".
On Day 2 Sr Eileen Plunkett OSF led us from being in the boat with Jesus into the Marketplace where we noted what we needed for our leadership.

Day 3 was led by Grace who helped us reflect on the significance of "holding the Whole" and on ways to develop this more strongly.
Following a delightful day out in Viterbo we moved along further with Sylvette addressing the areas of Formation and Self-Care.
Grace then opened up the meaning of Delegated Authority.
Next Maryanne took up the topic of Finance and Stewardship.
From there Viv led us on an exploration of the world of documentation including a tour of our Archives.
Anne - who had been attending a UNANIMA International meeting - returned to facilitate a day on JPIC - she also told us all about the working of UNANIMA.
Our final day was a time of "treasuring" and "pondering" with Mary as we looked back over our time together. The day culminated in a sharing of the "treasures" gleaned and the ongoing issues to be pondered as each Leader returns to her Unit.

Grace presented each Leader with a special image of Mary, signifying the constant companionship of the one whose name we bear and our continued solidarity with one another - we are sisters - none of us is alone!