During the IBVM General Congregation gathering some of the participants took part in a vox pop. Here are their responses.

The Sisters who participated in the vox pop were asked what it meant to be part of the meeting in Arricia and to name a gift from their culture which might benefit the Institute:

Sr Isabel Gortazar, Spain: I feel very much in touch with the whole body of the Institute and I experience a strong sense of togetherness as we take the last step in the process of the revision of our Constitution. As Spaniards we have a sense of humour even in tragic circumstances.

Sr Tina Farias, India: To be part of the Institute’s history is a privilege. For me this meeting is an opportunity to reclaim, reconnect, re-cherish what it means to have marvellous companions. India’s gift to the Institute at present is a tangible future and new life but also a readiness to receive the riches of the global culture. I think also we bring a naturally contemplative approach to life.

Sr Ellen Enright, USA: As a member of the former North American Branch it is important for me to be here as we have journeyed from Reunion to the present. I have a deep love of the Constitutions. The gift I think the US can offer the wider Institute is that we have a guiding principle, though not always practiced, of being an inclusive society.

Sr Ann O'Connell, (Irish Sister in Peru): It is a privilege to be part of all the interchange and experience as a member of an international gathering and to bring content from another Continent.There is a passion in the South American church for the ‘Option for the Poor’ and I am glad this was heard and included in this discussion.

Sr Noelle Corscadden, Ireland: This is a historic moment and it is a privilege to work with such a group of women shaping the future. Ireland has a strong historical connection with each part of the Institute and I hope we bring a sense of humour.

Sr Geraldine Moktan, Darjeeling, India: I feel privileged and grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to be here with so many of our Sisters from all over the world sharing and listening to each other and be part of this process. In the beginning it was challenging for me to enter right into the meeting, however as the days pass I feel energized and blessed. In our conversations and the process I have experienced that the presence of the Spirit is a reality and it is a real possibility to practice communal discernment for the sake of the Institute. It has also been a great time of bonding and companionship. People of my Culture i.e the Gurkhas are known to have the gift of courage and this was also a gift that Mary Ward had - courage to stand up for what one believes in.

Sr Lucy, Njoki Nderi, Ghana: It means a lot. It has been a graced moment. I have experienced the essence of the Institute as international and multi-cultural. The cohesiveness of the group brings alive for me the aspect of union of mind and heart. As I listen to us talking I can not help but see how the prophecy of Mary Ward that “women in time to come will do great things” being fully realised among us here and back at our Provinces. In my culture the value of sharing and minding the welfare of each other as reflected in Constitution 3.17 “…where there is a spirit of hospitality and a true sense of belonging”

Sr Kathryn Keigher, England: It is exciting to be part of something as historic, and the internationality of the group adds an immense dimension. An aspect of our culture is that we do not rush into things. We watch and wait and then act.

Sr Seraphine Oweggi, Kenya: I feel privileged and honoured to be part of the General Congregation. I say this because I am a young sister. It didn’t occur to me that one day I would be a participant in a gathering like this. I thought that only special people participate. I feel so happy that I am part of this very special body specifically elected by members of the Institute to represent them in this forum on decision making on behalf of the whole Institute. I am Kenyan and one of our special gifts is to offer hospitality and welcome strangers or visitors. This is a common practice that happens whether we have food to share or not. It is a very important gift because when a person is welcomed, he/she experiences a warm feeling that drives away fear and anxiety and creates a sense of belonging.