The 2024 Senegal Area Assembly of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor was held from January 19 to 21. It was a magnificent time to welcome the blessings and graces received during the General Chapter celebrated in Lourdes with the theme: “With Mary, let us walk together in hope and trust toward the source of compassion and healing.”
The assembly stirred many emotions as we welcomed new leadership members Sr. Sophie Emilie Dioh, the Councilor responsible for the Senegal area and the Philippines mission, and Sr. Mara Bellutta, Congregational treasurer, who flew from Italy for the occasion.
This Assembly was notable in that it was the very first after the Chapter, during which a new team took up the torch of leadership for the next five years. The sisters were invited to build the future of the Congregation in co-responsibility by setting out with Mary to discover the paths of sharing. While overcoming difficulties, it is the beauty of being a sister of Mother Frances that was expressed. The Assembly also allowed us to dance and laugh together.
Sr. Mara led the assembly through a rich, deep meditation taken from the reflection by Lidia Maggi, a pastor of the Evangelical Baptist Church, titled The Room in Nazareth. This deep reflection allowed our Sisters and Associates to discover that the richness of our faith reminds us of that room, which is nothing other than heaven and earth, the divine voice and human needs, the map for travel, and shoes for the journey. It can be the place of a mystical union with God through contemplation with Mary, who questions and seeks to understand her call and takes time to think and talk with God.
There were also moments of witness and gratitude from the Sisters on their participation in the General Chapter, including Sr. Sylviane Boissy, Sr. Jacqueline Compaoré, Sr. Geneviève Ndécky, Sr. Sophie Emilie Dioh, and Sr. Anne Claire Kaboré, as well as from Associate Salomon Manga.
This Chapter was, for me, of unique richness and beauty reflected by our internationality. It was also a time for synodality spent with sisters and associates, during which we had some positions and recommendations and shared our various experiences and the challenges to be taken up. The Virgin was present and accompanied us. – Sr. Sylviane
Seeing the crowd in the procession with flaming torches, I felt the Virgin was physically present. St. Bernadette’s words inviting us to witness what we experienced in Lourdes revived my love for the Blessed Virgin. – Sr. Jacqueline
The Chapter was a rich experience of God and his Love. Lourdes is a special place of grace. The torchlight vigil was lively and very prayerful, and the bishop blessed us after each vigil. During times of fraternal and joyful sharing, even though we did not speak the same language, we managed to understand each other somehow. And that was a miracle for me. The most striking point was the three gestures made at the Grotto. It was a unique moment of faith and hope filled with meaning. It was an opportunity to pray for the entire Congregation and those who requested our prayers. – Sr. Geneviève
The Chapter was an appointment I had been waiting for since 2005. Though it was the third time I had been to Lourdes, it was as if it were the first because I experienced it with such enthusiasm. This is the same place where Mother Frances wrote the Prayer of Saint Mary. We felt faith there, even though people say France has become a pagan country. We were all present in Lourdes because we carried all of you in our prayers. – Sr. Sophie
I was impressed by the opening of the Chapter under the gaze of Our Lady of Lourdes. The choice of location was not a coincidence. There, I received the moving news of our brother Gilbert’s call to God and entrusted his soul to the holy Virgin’s care. – Sr. Anne Claire
After receiving the invitation to participate in the Chapter, many questions popped into my mind. Then, as soon as I set foot in the Centre Assomption, I felt a silence whose secret I wanted to discover: the Massabielle Grotto. There, I contemplated what I had only seen on television. The beauty of the landscape in Lourdes signals that everything God created is good. Prayers are whispered in every language, and that feels wonderful. Lourdes is a place of communion because, after whispering prayers throughout the day, people sing together a universal Hail Mary when the evening comes. – Sfp Associate Salomon
After these beautiful testimonies, all the participants felt tremendous joy, and tears ran down their cheeks as they looked at the sisters and associates present.
On the afternoon of the second day of Assembly, a ceremony for the Permanent Covenants of our Associates Pascal Ndour and Aniz Vaz was held. Our Congregational Councilor, Sr. Sophie Emilie Dioh, accepted their covenants.
The ceremony was rich in spirituality and faith-bearing witness, like that of our Associate Pascal Ndour, who stated: O, day of joy and happiness for this definitive commitment to follow in the footsteps of Blessed Frances Schervier! I feel further called to serve poor and suffering humanity. Thank you, members of the outgoing Leadership, for your prayerful support and advice. Welcome to the incoming team. May the spirit of God continue to guide you in your mission. Fair winds may carry you all!
