DAY 2 OF THE SECOND PHASE OF THE MALAWI PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

(By Bro. Gasper Kalisto FIC)

The day at Venray Cottage in Mangochi started with a cold weather in the morning hours as the level of the water in the lake was high. We had morning prayer service, from Maryview community at 7 o’clock, to open up the events of the day. The theme of the prayer service was: Transformation of our Apostolic and Community Life. Chapter Delegates from Maryview community shared that transformation is a journey and a process of deepening our faith, healing from past wounds, and embracing positive change in other areas of our lives. It holds the promise of growth, renewal, and a closer connection with our true selves and with God. For this journey to be fruitful, then, a paradigm shift in our apostolic and community lives is need. An emulation of the early Christian community described in the Acts of Apostles and the life of our Founders is paramount. Their virtues transformed their lives and attracted others to the faith. Through this time of Provincial Chapter, the province needs to decide on how the brothers can embody the qualities that our Founders had in their own apostolic and community life. The reflections on the prayer service were guided by readings from Acts 2:40-47 and FIC constitution articles 6, 9 and 15.

During the first session, the chapter delegates reviewed some of the proposals which were presented in the first phase of the chapter together with new proposal which were not presented. The delegates commented and seek clarifications on the proposals presented in the chapter. It is encouraging that delegates have been open in presenting their ideas. Enough time was given to have thorough reflection on the steps being suggested as they will pave way for the Province to be self-reliant. The second session which came in the afternoon was more about a consolidated financial report from the Provincial Bursar. The chapter delegates shared their comments, observations, suggestions on the presented report.

In conclusion of the sessions of the day, the facilitator, Fr. Charles Jester Banda OCD thanked the delegates for their openness. This was also echoed by the Provincial Superior in his closing remarks of the day. Some of the proposals and suggestions which were not conclusive during the day are to be brought again in the next session after thorough reflection on them. After the sessions, we finished our day with Holy Mass in the conference hall of Venray Cottage.

Fr. Charles Jester Banda leading mass in the Venray Cottage’s Conference Hall

Some of the Chapter Delegates during mass. From Left: Bro, Trustful Mwachande, Bro. Thomas Chikoti and Bro. Pascal Mtuwana