FIRST DAY OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER MALAWI

(By Bro. Bonaventure Kasiya FIC))

The first day of the third Session of the Provincial chapter Malawi at Venray Cottage in Mangochi began with a solemn opening prayer service led by Maryview community at 7 :00 A.M, on 17th October,2024.

The theme of the prayer service was: Healing and hope in the hurtful memories towards transformation. The prayer set a reflective and hopeful tone for the proceedings, involving guidance and wisdom for all delegates. Special attention was made for unity and discernment throughout the prayer from FIC Constitutions (Article. 72).

The Provincial Superior, Bro. Lawrence Sitima delivered the opening remarks, welcomed all delegates and facilitator Fr. Jester Banda, and emphasized the importance of this phase of the chapter, in shaping the future direction of the province. The remarks highlighted the chapter’s theme of Transformation and Growth in the spirit of our founders. The Provincial Superior also acknowledged the duties and responsibilities of each brother in the province towards the transformation and growth of our province.

The Provincial Superior also stressed on the tasks set before this chapter as to elect the Provincial Council 2024-2030 and to vote on the proposals submitted, that will chart the direction of the province in the coming years among others.

May Mary, patroness of our congregation, shower her blessings on us, that we may successfully carry out the tasks that we have set before ourselves, as Brothers FIC and the mission entrusted to us by our founders.

The delegates also were informed of goodwill messages from General Council, Chile Province, RHN and Bro. Seregeous in Ghana

Following the opening remarks, the minutes from the previous phase were reviewed. Delegates were given the opportunity to do corrections. After thorough review on corrections and matters arising, the minutes were accepted with minor amendments. This process ensured that all records were accurate and reflective of the chapter’s discussions and decisions.

The Chapter delegates during the discussions of the first day

Time was given to the delegates to share their expectations on this last phase, these were in addition to the expectations that were shared in the previous session.

During the second session, enough time was given for the presentation of the General Chapter fruits; that is Chapter Message, Resolutions and recommendation. The Provincial Superior and Bro. Trustful Mwachande did the presentation. In total, there were 21 resolutions and one recommendation. Soft copies of the presentation had been shared to the brothers well in time.

After the presentation, came few areas that needed clarification, and the two brothers did respond to the questions, and requested the delegates to use the soft copies for further reflections on the chapter message, resolutions and the recommendation.

Finally, the Provincial Bursar and his assistant presented a financial report. After clarifications on some parts of the report were made, we concluded on this report.

In conclusion of the sessions of the day, the facilitator Fr. Jester Banda thanked the delegates for their participation and spirit of sharing. This was also followed with the provincial superior in his closing remarks of the day. Finally, we had holy mass to conclude the day at 6:00 PM