This July, we Xaviere Sisters, will have our General Chapter (as we do every 6 years). Although only 29 sisters (capitulants) – elected and by right – will participate in the general chapter, all of us are involved in its preparation.
The goal of the chapter is first to elect a new Superior General and her leadership team of four counsellors and second to discern and name apostolic orientations for the next six years. So, this time is very significant for our congregation and its preparation is carefully done throughout the year.
Last Thanksgiving weekend, we discerned and surfaced three questions that would be discussed during the Chapter. Then, we received reports from similar gatherings that took place within the entire congregation.
During Christmas time we gathered in Montreal – the seven of us living in Canada – to once again discern and choose three priorities from the reports. We organized listening circles following the steps of spiritual conversation. We were invited to listen to each other with respect, to pay attention to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and to find resonance as we journey together. This is the process of synodality.
In January and February each of us participated via Zoom with 5 other Xaviere Sisters of the same generation from Tchad, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and France.
In March, our Superior General asked us to reflect on three topics: our charism, authority and co-responsibility, and integral ecology as themes that emerged from previous gatherings. Our sharing was very profound, and the process was very engaging. Each community was encouraged to submit the fruits of their conversations.
This content will be initial working material for the capitulants during the Chapter. Sr. Claire and Sr. Laurence from our community will be capitulants.
Now that we have done our part, we pray that all of us may be at the disposal of the Holy Spirit as our foundress wrote! This is our strength!
Passionate about Christ, Passionate about the world!
Please pray for us as well!
For those our French speaking readers or those who would like to practice their French, you could follow and receive updates through our main La Xavière website.
Xaviere Sisters in Toronto 
Powerful process and a true model of synodality. You are certainly in our prayers. Love from Margaret and Phil