Extraordinary Chapter of the Sainte Angèle d'Afrique Group

11/01/2024

From 27 to 29 December 2023, the Group of Saint Angèle d'Afrique met in the community of Thiès for its extraordinary chapter. Some sisters had arrived from Cameroon the day before and others from communities in Senegal.

The chapter began at 5.45pm with the opening prayer. Bernadette Diouf, Superior of the Group and President of the Chapter, declared the Chapter open. After Vespers, she called the capitulants. All the sisters of the Group were present except for 3 sisters who are currently away from the Group: for health reasons, for the tertianship and for studies.

The capitulants were actively involved and each member was filled with great joy. The Group translated into the life of the Chapter the words of Saint Angela who said "... if, according to the times and the needs, there are new arrangements to be made, do so prudently and with good advice".  The sisters adapted to the realities of the Chapter and lived it with a great disposition of heart. A peaceful atmosphere prevailed throughout the Chapter.

The process used during the Chapter to elect the delegate to the Extraordinary General Chapter was followed. After her election, the members of the Chapter elected the substitute for the superior of the group and for the delegate.

During the chapter, the sisters worked on draft 1 of the Constitutions and had a rich exchange of ideas.

The chapter ended with a beautiful closing celebration in the community chapel, led by the liturgy group of the day. During this beautiful celebration, Sister Bernadette gave a lighted votive candle to each sister, symbolising that each one should keep it burning so that this fire never goes out.

At the end of the celebration, Sister Bernadette thanked everyone and declared the chapter closed. Everyone left thanking God for the beautiful time they had spent together.

29 December 2023

Sr Marie Noël Ngom, osu