After the election of the new Superior General, which took place on 10 August 2024, all participants in the General Chapter had a day off. The programme on Sunday was dedicated to an excursion to Germany. They visited three important places near Bühl. The first was the Peace Cross, which was erected in 1952 on the initiative of Christians as a monument to reconciliation after the Second World War. At the cross, the sisters held a prayer of reconciliation, in which they prayed for peace in our hearts, in our communities and in the whole world. They then travelled to the Marian pilgrimage site of Maria-Linden and finally visited the sisters' community in the Maria Hilf convent in Bühl, where they were welcomed with delicious cake and coffee. After praying vesper with the community in the convent church, they travelled back to France. After a plesant barbecue evening and a relaxing entertainment programme, they were able to resume the official chapter programme in the following days with renewed energy.
In the spirit of synodality and internationality, the capitulars worked on the conclusions of the chapter's work, which all communities will receive in thefuture in the form of ‘orientations’ for the next six years. The General Chapter dealt with specific topics inspired by the main theme: ‘With faith and hope we want to revitalise our charism in today's changing world’. The main focus was on deepening the mystery of redemption with a view to creation, listening to the signs of the times, the needs of the poor in a spirit of solidarity, together with the communities and co-workers, as well as the important aspects of basic and continuing education.
Another election followed on the Feast of the Assumption. For the next six years, the General Leadership team will be made up of three existing and two new General Assistants:
Sr Chantal Parmentier - Region France (re-elected)
Sr Lissy George - Province India (re-elected)
Sr Floriana Ndamonaonhenda - Province Angola (re-elected)
Sr Klara Sexlinger - Province Germany/Austria
Sr Cécile Nanga Mvogo - Delegation Cameroon
An important task of the new General Council will be the appointment of the new General Econom and Secretary General. At the end of the Chapter, the General Council announced the appointment of the General Economist, Sr. Sara Thiel (Germany-Austria).
At the solemn Holy Mass after the election of the General Council, Sr Margita presented her new colleagues with a bouquet of herbs as a symbol of the various gifts and abilities with which each sister is endowed. Together they should contribute to the joy of our redemption and radiate the fragrance that emanates from the servants of God to the whole world.
The newly elected Superior General, Sister Margita Tušanová, closed the General Chapter of the Sisters of the Divine Saviour on 17th August 2024, but the participants will remain in the General Motherhouse in Oberbronn to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the foundation day of the Congregation in Niederbronn on Sunday, 18 August.
