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« Back to Formation News Listings Turning to One Another in Providence . . .
Last year, at the suggestion of the Provincial Leadership Team, the Vowed Membership Team (VMT) initiated a gathering for all sisters who were either in some stage of Initial Incorporation, and their mentors, or any sister who had been perpetually professed for five years or less. The VMT invited all those sisters who met these criteria to join them at Providence Villa, August 7-9, 2005. The VMT chose the book, Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future, by Margaret J. Wheatley as a guide for the discussions the group would have. Of those eligible, twelve sisters came to join the VMT. The group began Sunday evening with prayer ritual and some initial sharing. Like true Providence women, trust was evident as the sisters spoke from their hearts about their experiences, their faith, and the journey that our Provident God has called them on. All present were asked to create symbols that spoke of where they felt they were on their Providence Journey at this time. The following morning, after liturgy and breakfast, the group began again to share from the many questions Margaret Wheatley poses in her book. Some of the questions that were discussed were:
While all of the sisters participating knew one another, the depth of sharing in conversation, revealed and strengthened their bond. Margaret Wheatley says of conversations, I find it takes just one person to have the courage to begin a conversation. We develop courage for those things that speak to our heart. Our courage grows for things that affect us deeply, things that open our hearts. Once our heart is engaged, it is easy to be brave. (p. 25) Not only were the sisters' hearts engaged, but there were also things for their hands to do as well. Canvas tote bags were provided, along with craft supplies, to give the sisters opportunities to be creative and design a keepsake from the experience. The beauty of these simple bags revealed the blessing of artists in the group. While the VMT prepared for the time together, no one can prepare for everything. Because Sr. Mary Stephen died shortly before the gathering, the sisters all attended her wake on Monday evening. However, not to let the gathering be focused only on the serious, the sisters went out for ice cream and spent the remainder of the evening playing games, with laughter that "raised the roof" at Providence Villa! The gathering came to a close on Tuesday, before lunch, as the sisters each shared a blessing for one another. Bonds having been deepened, dreams and laughter having been shared, the group created a mandala to reflect the spirit of their experience together. This is being passed around during the next year, to those who attended, to remind them of the gathering and rekindle the passion of Providence they felt. If you would like to see pictures of this gathering, be sure to check out the Province website! Next year's gathering has already been scheduled for June 30-July2, 2006 at Providence Villa. That gathering will expand the list of those invited to include all sisters age 50 and below, as well as any who were invited this year. Many thanks to all who helped get this gathering off the ground, especially the staff at Providence Villa.
If you would like to read the book, Turning to One Another, it can be found in the personal development section of the bookstore. Here is the publishing information: Title: Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future
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What follows is news about what has been happening with the newer members of the Sisters of Divine Providence .
