When a person reaches the age of 18, they are considered an adult in most countries around the world. Children "fly the nest", away from their parents or from children's homes. They become independent, can vote and are legally responsible for their actions. And they should already know what they want in life and from life, or at least start to look for it responsibly and prepare for it.
157 years ago, the first community of the Niederbronn Sisters, founded on 28 August 1849 at the age of 35 by the now blessed Mother Alfons Maria Eppinger (1814-1867) in Niederbronn (France, Alsace), reached this age of majority - 18 years of existence. However, when it came of age, the young community had neither left its "mother", its founder, nor had it "flown the nest". It was the other way round. Blessed Alphonse Maria, whose real name was Elisabeth Eppinger, died. On 31 July 1867, two weeks after the death of co-founder Abbe David Reichard, she too was ready for eternity at the age of 53. The young saint, gifted with grace and inconspicuous, although almost dead, did not abandon her work on earth, but accompanied it from an eternal perspective. She left an adult, viable community on earth, for they were already eighteen years old... and they could have been left without her. The sisters of the young community did not succumb to the fears and worries, the grief and sorrow that normally follow the loss of a loved one. They grew up and took it upon themselves to live the mystery of salvation and to bring the fruit of it to others. In their prayer, the Sisters of the Divine Saviour have included the memory of this memorable day in the programme of the current General Chapter.
The General Chapter of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer - Niederbronn Sisters - was opened on 29 July 2024 at its headquarters in Oberbronn (France, Alsace) by the current outgoing Superior General, Sr Monika Heuser, in the last year of her term of office. A total of 52 members of the Chapter were present, coming from 8 countries and 4 continents, i.e. 4 provinces, 2 delegations, 1 region and the current General Government. They gathered to evaluate the life of the Congregation during the Chapter and to shape the future reorientation according to the motto: "With faith and hope, let's revitalise our charism in our changing world!”
The events and developments during the 169 years of the Congregation's existence, which followed the foundation of the full-fledged community, are now known to all. They can be seen from the above figures alone, wherever they are active. In these days of the Chapter, the sisters only look back on the last 6 years. In total, the work of God has been going on for 175 years. The sisters listen to the reports, analyse the challenges, look for hopeful impulses for further development, answers to questions and solutions to difficulties that do not escape them.
The election chapter will also take place in the next few days. After the past six-year period, a new General Leadership must also be elected. All the more reason for the Chapter's programme to focus on invoking the Holy Spirit, serious discernment and prayer with the Word of God. It also invites all the sisters of the communities throughout the world to intensify their prayer, having already begun this spiritual preparation in their provincial chapters in their home countries, which took place in the months before the convocation of the General Chapter.
Two facilitators will accompany the members of the Chapter through the working part, the discernment before the election and the spiritual renewal: Mr Jean Fumex, a member of Esdac (a lay organisation for Ignatian spirituality dedicated to spiritual accompaniment and discernment) and Fr Oscar Mponzenzi SJ (Burundi).
The Sisters will be engaged in presentations by Sr Anneliese Herzig, theologian, Missionary Sister of the Most Holy Redeemer, Austria, on the principles and challenges of the redemptive charism of the religious community and how it can be perceived and lived today.
From the first moments of the Chapter, the sisters were invited to confirm their presence with "Here I am!", "Presente", "Yes" and to light a small candle, which they placed on a globe. This symbol with which they "brought the light to the world" was to accompany them on their chapter journey and beyond. They did this on behalf of all the sisters they represent in the General Chapter.
There is reason for celebration and gratitude after the general chapter: the maturity of an adult community that is passing on the founder's legacy to the next generation. The 175th anniversary of the foundation will take place in Niederbronn on 18 August.
"Do everything you can and do it for God!" - Blessed Mother Alfons Maria.
