News Archive 2005

It was with a spirit of joy and expectation that sixty-four Sisters of Compassion and their support team, gathered at the beautiful and spacious El Rancho at Waikanae on Monday 11th April for the 2005 General Chapter of the Congregation.

The General Chapter is held every six years and includes both ongoing business and the election of the Congregational Leadership Team for the next six-year period. Its purpose is to look at the present works of the Congregation and what the future might hold, and to discern a direction for the next six years.

The Chapter opened with a Maori welcome from the local people followed by Sister Rae’s opening address and the introduction of Father Brian Keogh, Cistercian religious community of Kopua, Hawke’s Bay - the facilitator; Sister Mary Jackson Kay, Cenacle Sisters and Sister Cecily Finucane, Sisters of Mercy (secretary of the Chapter).

Father Brian Keogh celebrated Mass for us each day except on the closing day when Archbishop John Dew was the celebrant. The Liturgies, prepared by various Sisters’ communities were innovative and prayerful and were enhanced by the homilies and prayers of the Mass. Father Brian’s summaries of the discussion sessions and his spiritual talks were much appreciated by all.

We enjoyed very much the appetising meals prepared for us and served in the well-set out dining room with a great view. The fine, if somewhat chilly weather, allowed us to take walks around the grounds and as far as the sea during the breaks. After the hard work of the day, time was also found in the evenings for some relaxation and fun.

Saturday, 16th April was Election Day for the Leadership Team. After Mass the voting began. Sister Rae was re-elected Congregational Leader; with Sisters Margaret Anne Mills, Annette Green and Josephine Gorman being re-elected to the Leadership Team. Sister Jane Williams was newly elected to the Team. Our sincere congratulations and expressions of support were offered to Sister Rae and the Leadership Team for their stewardship of the Congregation over the past six years, which had seen some significant changes to services offered by the Congregation. These included a new home for Compassion Centre, the purchase of 100 pensioner units in Upper Hutt for the new works of Compassion Housing, the closure of Compassion Home and Hospital at Island Bay, and the exiting from St Vianney’s Home at Timaru and Loreto Home at Wagga Wagga.

As the General Chapter closed on the Monday afternoon, we looked back over the week past and gave thanks for all the blessings and graces received as we looked forward to the future with considerable confidence.