Society Report General Chapter

SOCIETY REPORT 2016 - 2022

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REFLECTION Lessons from nature tend to be most convincing. The compelling image of the seed from John’s gospel speaks to us of our charism in living the paschal mystery. Before we move into the details of our Society story of the last six years, let us pray: Mindful of each other and our world, in the presence of our God, may we be attentive and open.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

John 12:24

Farmers and gardeners (including Cornelia) know that seeds need a rich, healthy environment: good soil, water, sun and cultivation – and also that there are weeds, insects and so on to contend with. Similarly, for us as disciples there must be nourishment and security, challenge and inspiration – and that some things, often good in themselves, can hinder what we want to achieve.

Development from seed to full grown plant or tree often occurs at chaotic rates.

Some of our initiatives thrive immediately and others take time to establish themselves. Later they may need pruning and eventually reach the end of their life span. The artist Van Gogh wrote about one of his paintings: “the study is all yellow … the subject was beautiful and simple. I then saw the image of death in it, in this sense that humanity would be the wheat being reaped … But in this death nothing is sad; it takes place in broad daylight with a sun that floods everything with a light of fine gold.”

A seed contains within itself the genetic code from the past for the future. It responds to the cycle of the seasons calling us to remember the sacred, interconnected nature of death and rebirth. Seeds are prolific and their methods of germination and dispersal amazing and, if all were successful, vegetation would over-run the earth. We know that discernment is necessary about what we need to sow and tend in service of the gospel at any particular time.

Obviously there are many ways in which the Society’s story since the last general chapter can be viewed through the lens of this seed/plant metaphor but let us take some moments of silence to contemplate our personal God-given situation and response: Where am I in this gospel image?

What has been happening in me during these last six years?

In what am I deeply rooted and sustained?

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Part 1 IMPLEMENTATION: GENERAL CHAPTER ENACTMENTS 2016 For this part of the report you need your copy of the Enactments.

The general chapter re-examines the Society’s life and mission, gives orientation and sets policies for the future.

Constitutions #201 In consultation with her leadership team the Society leader is responsible for the practical interpretation of the constitutions and decrees of the general chapter. #156 The Society extended leadership team carries forward initiatives within the Society in response to contemporary needs and the call of the church in fidelity to our apostolic spirit and mission. #186

The first part of this report will take each general chapter call, reminding us of what was put in place according to the direction the Society set for itself in 2016, and what has yet to be developed. Let us notice where goodness sprang up and is flourishing and which seeds maybe have yet to find the right soil.

This account builds on the mid-chapter report (2019); information included in various province communications, and reports from SLT and SELT. It complements the province reports to the general chapter in retelling important components of the story of the last six years.

The scope of the 2016 chapter directives was huge and we, Cornelia’s “small Society”, are just 333 professed members, plus 6 novices and 12 candidates. We live in 11 countries: 4 in Chad, 1 in Chile, 46 in England, 1 in France, 51 in Ghana, 7 in Italy, 8 in Ireland, 6 in Kenya, 126 in Nigeria, 96 in the United States of America and 2 in Wales. A small international group of Society members withdrew from the Dominican Republic.

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MEET THE WANTS OF THE AGE (GCE p 2) 1.

Explorations to expand beyond our current geographical borders to new fields of mission continue only in the African province. In consultation with the PLT, SLT drew up guidelines which include: • consideration of where are the greatest needs combined with opportunities for ministries reflective of our charism and mission; • clarification of expectations and conditions, and assessment of the linguistic and cultural challenges; • discernment in the light of current and planned province commitments.

In the chapter conversations during this last year important questions have been raised about what we understand by our internationality and future expansion.

2. – 3.

The last six years have been marked by rapid and difficult developments affecting all three provinces: continuing political instability; frightening consequences of escalating global warming and, linked with both, the ever-growing numbers of migrants and refugees trying to escape violence and poverty. All these have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the intensity of clashes between different religions shows no sign of abating.

We know from their reports that each province has found focused ways to share the gifts, energies and commitment of its members as well as its financial resources. Funds have been disbursed according to the priorities of the chapter enactments, for example, a Wants of the Age Fund in the African and American provinces, and a Grant-Making Fund in the European province.

Increasingly, partnership with religious congregations and other groups is the best ‘soil’ for our contribution to a more sustainable global future. The Society supports or works with many organisations that share our ideals and values.

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4.

The call of Pope Francis to nurture a synodal way of proceeding, that is, walking together, invites us to develop best practices of dialogue and consultation with all the People of God. The recent Society reflection about the Synod illustrated again a deep concern for the church and its fidelity to God’s mission.

Encyclicals and statements, especially Laudato Si’ (2015) and Fratelli Tutti (2020) have influenced our thinking and action. Commitment by all of us to the 7 goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform could make our efforts more fruitful and help us ‘tread more lightly’ on our planet.

Life within the church community is also challenging because of deep divisions; numerical decline in some parts of the world; violence against Christians, and the misuse of power, especially the toxicity of sexual abuse. All of these continue to attack the very roots of the church. Much has been done to put in place the necessary safeguarding policies in each province, which must be displayed in the public domain.

5.

We are privileged to know from visitation and other conversations that personal and communal striving towards conversion of heart is happening. Members of the Society are prayerfully aware of, disturbed by and actively responsive to what is happening around us, no matter our age or context.

As referred to earlier, the political situation in all parts of the Society has evoked much anxiety and there is concern and effort to make our voices heard, especially in terms of advocacy for those most vulnerable. Many SHCJ have participated in awareness-raising, online campaigns and protest events.

The need for continuing conversion, to think and live in a different way, was highlighted by the crisis of the pandemic. We are probably only at the beginning of the impact and multiple consequences of climate change for the planet.

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GROW IN ALL WAYS INTO CHRIST (GCE p 3) The Society rightly emphasises the importance of nurturing both initial and lifelong formation for the sake of our life and mission. We all know that human flourishing is a witness to gospel values, to joyful discipleship. Various international Society groups have supported initial and lifelong formation: the archivists, Cornelian promoters, the formation commission, tertianship and jubilee renewal teams, and the theology project group.

1.– 3.

In addition to what has been provided in each province: • material for some Epiphany retreats was made available, also a reflection process on the church (prior to the recent one on synodality). The Retreat in Daily Life Together during our 175th anniversary year, helped many of us, alongside our associates and friends, to renew our sense of call and mission as disciples in the 21st century; • the Society Handbook: Formation for Mission was revised; the curricula for candidates and novices, was updated and candidacy in the African province was lengthened to 18 months. International tertianships took place in Philadephia (2016), in Rome and England (2018) and online (2021). There was a renewal programme for silver jubilarians (2019) and one planned (2020) is postponed because of the pandemic; • workshops (2018) for African province community leaders focused on the Review of Experience c/f Society Handbook: Formation for Mission; resources were provided for formators and, currently, 2 SHCJ are participating in the UISG formators’ course in Rome; • a workshop on archives took place in Jos (2018) and another in Oxford was postponed because of the pandemic; much Cornelian material has been digitised; an online course in Cornelian history & heritage was piloted for novices (2018); the virtual tour of Mayfield is available and it is hoped similar ones for Grand Coteau, Philadelphia and Rome will follow.

4.

In 2017 $4m was transferred from the Unity for Mission Fund to the African province investment account so that it could be disbursed by the African PLT for formation and studies over the following ten years.

5.

Each province took responsibility for the implementation of the directives regarding human development and intercultural competency. The rise in racist violence and discrimination makes this even more important.

6.

Quite quickly it became obvious that no one person could fulfil the role of director of programmes and studies. Each province is taking responsibility for what happens according to its own situation.

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SHARE OUR CHARISM AND MISSION IN NEW WAYS (GCE p 4) 1. – 1.

The Associates, women and men, desire to grow in and share the charism of Cornelia and the spirituality and mission of the Society through their own various responsibilities and works. They express being Associates in different ways in the three provinces and, indeed, within each province. Like Society members, they strive for unity in their diversity. The bonds between themselves and with the Society continue to be grounded in trust and zeal.

The Associates are independent and have their own structures of coordination, including an international core team which met in Rome in April 2019 to identify ways to move forward. Regular news updates about their many activities are circulated, including the monthly gathering for prayer on zoom, and they participated wholeheartedly in the Society’s 175th anniversary celebrations.

1. – 2.

There have been conversations in provinces and at SELT about possible new forms of commitment. To date nothing has been proposed that could not be accommodated within our current structures.

DIRECT AND SUPPORT THE SOCIETY’S LIFE AND MISSION THROUGH ON-GOING PLANNING (GCE p 5) 1. – 4.

Much of our purpose and life as a Society, our sharing in Christ’s mission from the Father, has to be carefully financed and sustained. The Society Plan is a crucial tool, demanding much time and effort by the planning committee, the international finance committee, the PLT, treasurer and finance staff in each province, the project managers in the African province and SELT. The Society Plans (2014 – 2019 and 2020 - 2025) were developed in accordance with the general chapter directives and more details are provided in regular reports. In terms of the seed/gardening image, the Plan is flowering and needs constant tending.

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ENHANCE COMMUNICATION IN THE SOCIETY (GCE p 6)

1. – 4.

It is said that communication is information received. In terms of both sending and receiving information, the four directives continue to be a challenge. Improved internet connectivity in the African province is expensive and can still be erratic because of interruptions in the provision of electricity. Some older sisters have stopped using electronic devices and we need to become more aware of what is available generally to ensure their digital inclusion.

The most used channels of communication are the province news bulletins and Constant Contact. It is time to upgrade the website, acknowledging that other social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, are less expensive and preferred by newer generations.

Regular communications (which also meet some of the goals of lifelong formation) include suggestions in province news bulletins of books, articles or courses and links to webinars organised by UISG in Rome as well as by many other groups; monthly reflections on the website; frequent Facebook posts, and writing and sharing sisters’ necrologies.

Increased familiarity with the use of technology, especially Zoom, was forced on us as a consequence of the pandemic. Handling meetings online is a skill to be further developed.

Interest in one another and the Society as a whole is the major incentive to communicate.

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ADAPT SOCIETY GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES (GCE p 7) 1. – 4.

Province and general chapters continue to be the main instruments to promote Society thinking about life and mission.

The expertise of many members of the Society has been called on through the ongoing work of interprovince committees, particularly in the areas of archives, communication, finance, formation, planning and, more recently, synodality. They contributed to SLT and SELT meetings primarily through their reports. SELT meetings, the ALTM (in person 2018 and online 2021) and meetings of SLT with each PLT included the practical implementation of the general chapter enactments.

Preparation for leadership positions happens mainly in provinces. When considering sisters for leadership roles or committees, age and experience have been balanced with an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills. All the international committees have included sisters for whom it is their first experience.

An increasing number of sisters in the American and European provinces cannot undertake the work and/or amount of travel involved and this is an issue to be addressed.

Participation in international meetings faces us with a dilemma. We know that growth in interprovince understanding happens best in face-to-face meetings. On the other hand, long-haul travel is expensive in terms of our carbon footprint and money, energy, time and stress obtaining visas.

Conversation about governance structures has sharpened leading up to the general chapter.

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The former generalate house on Via della Maglianella was sold and the new, more accessibly located house on Via Francesco Nullo was renovated. The whole process required two years of intensive work.

There were several changes in staff at the generalate in the areas of finance, secretarial assistance and housekeeping. Religious congregations increasingly depend on lay people to provide the services (sometimes highly specialised) once undertaken by its members. The Society’s business is subject to Italian law and bureaucracy and it is essential to have staff familiar with the system. Consultation with experts regarding finance, legalities and planning is vital. Such collaboration is enriching for the Society and so too, they say, our co-workers in mission.

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1. – 4.

Even though accommodation was provided in the American and European provinces, the option of team members living in their provinces was not taken up by the current team because of the nature and amount of work and the networking opportunities in Rome. Maintaining the balance between SLT taking its rightful responsibility for the whole Society while supporting the appropriate ‘independence’ of each province for its decisions is a delicate operation. A team member cannot be involved primarily in a province’s affairs.

Part of prioritising SLT responsibilities was active involvement in such organisations as UISG Union of International Superiors General; SEDOS Service of Documentation and Study on Global Mission; AEFJN Africa/Europe Faith and Justice Network and Talitha Kum, an anti-trafficking group; LCWR Leadership Conference of Women Religious; AEFSGT Association of English and French Speaking General Treasurers and RCRI Resource Center for Religious Institutes; Solidarity with South Sudan; the UISG Formators’ Course, and UNANIMA, One in Mind and Spirit at the United Nations. Through maintaining links with other congregations and formal and informal meetings with individuals and groups in Rome, we kept aware of developments in religious life and mission globally.

ACCOUNTABILITY (GCE p 8) Implementation of the enactments of the chapter continues to be planned and assessed largely in consultation with SELT and accounted for in its twice-yearly reports. It is clear that there is constant need for adjustment.

2022 GENERAL CHAPTER (GCE p 8) The formula for the number of elected delegates was calculated to reflect the altered demography of the Society. This time SELT determined there would be four elected delegates from each province, plus another elected delegate for every 40 or part of 40 province members.

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Part 2 FURTHER ACCOUNTABILITY CORNELIA’S REMAINS There was, of course, no mention at the last general chapter of an issue which demanded much attention. The unexpected invitation from Archbishop Chaput to translate (transfer) Cornelia’s Remains to Philadelphia came in October 2017 and, following consultation with all members of the Society, was accepted in 2018.

Complicated circumstances resulted in the decision not to proceed in March 2021.

These four years echoed controversies in Cornelia’s life and relationships. The new Memorial to Venerable Cornelia Connelly and the Shrine of the Holy Child at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia is ensuring that Cornelia’s legacy will continue to be known in the city of her birth.

175th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIETY SELT decided in 2019 that the arrangements to celebrate the anniversary year would best be organised in each province, according to its energy and situation.

The plans drawn up enthusiastically had to be scaled down especially at the beginning (October 2020) because of the pandemic. However, creative ways of marking the year evolved and were a successful tribute to all the past and present members of the Society, Associates, friends, colleagues and students in education and other ministries.

PROVINCE LEADERSHIP DISCERNMENT In 2017 there was a province leadership discernment process in each province and again in 2020 in the African and European provinces. Because of the pandemic, the whole of the discernment in the African province was conducted by Zoom or WhatsApp – a first in the Society. Sisters ask a lot of province leaders and their teams and are grateful for their service which requires generosity and elasticity of spirit.

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VISITATIONS

The discernment processes were combined with visitations throughout the Society.

Meeting each sister usually where she lives and hearing about aspects of her situation is a highlight of SLT ministry. We are grateful for your warm hospitality and we have enjoyed the moments of celebration which are often part of these encounters.

In the European province we were encouraged to see how peacefully its older members have accepted personal diminishment.

The province as a whole continues to be realistic about the future and to remain zealous and outward looking. Some negative consequences of withdrawing from the European Union (the ‘Brexit situation’) are becoming evident.

A similar picture of gracious acceptance of a changed demography is evident in the American province. Recent years coincided with unprecendented political turmoil and a dangerously divided country as well as deeply institutionalised racism exposed in the death of George Floyd. The extreme positions of many of the bishops is another symptom of what is affecting national unity.

The considerable expansion in terms of numbers and ministries in the African province provides creative opportunitiess. The sustainability of various projects requires preparedness and hard work. The political and financial corruption gives rise to frightening insecurity and violence, based on both the history of colonialism and current ethnic and religious factions.

We are aware that sometimes an individual or community goes through a difficult period.. Living and/or ministering together makes huge demands on a group and we work hard to build community. We see that getting older can mean having a wiser perspective on what would irritate earlier in life. Most SHCJ comment on the realities of life as described in paragraphs 75 - 77 of our Constitutions, particularly “in times of hardship and in times of joy” (#75).

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INVITATIONS IN OUR CURRENT SITUATION

The pandemic-related restrictions on visits to each other experienced by everyone in the Society were hard. The whole situation evoked a lot of fear, questions about what has been lost and what have been the deep learnings for us. Consequently, we need to re-articulate our active response to what is described as this “VUCA time”, characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.

The most striking ‘internal’ aspect of the last six years has been the impact of our changing demography, alluded to several times already in this report. Everyone knew about it but there was a degree of denial, a hope or conviction that somehow it would be reversed. We have heard from sisters in the African province that they, too, grieve the completion or fulfilment of the European and American provinces in the coming decades. These responses are identical to those in many international congregations. Academic research on religious shows there is no simple reason for the situation – or ‘solution ’ to it. The conversations during the last months indicate that Society members need to find ways to understand better the situation in each province.

In his book ALIVE IN GOD, Timothy Radcliffe OP, former Master General of the Dominicans, writes about the unity in diversity in the church – and, by extension, among us in the Society. “We are one in the flourishing of each … unity is a fragile, fractured sign of God’s very life … a unity that is more than institutional. It is organic, appropriately for the Body of Christ, and ecological Christianity has a delight in difference. It is in its DNA. Difference is fertile.” Radcliffe quotes Pope John Paul II saying to an Anglican archbishop: “You know, affective collegiality will lead to effective collegiality” which echoes the words in our Constitutions: “We recognise that the quality of our personal relationships directly affects government” (#81)

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BEGIN AGAIN A general chapter is a major opportunity for us to ponder realistically and talk at a deep faith level to discover what is being asked of us by the critical wants of this age. Like Cornelia, who said that “humility is the ground which is to be cultivated” (CC 8:45), we need to let go again and again, be cracked open in the depths of our personal and collective being and pushed towards the light, trimmed and harvested. “Yes… it is necessary that you should be buried in the earth … but after this … you will reappear laden with the fruits of true life. By means of this death you will have become the salt that preserves, the light that illumines, the food of souls, and the wheat of Christ”. (D64:67) Let us trust that the Society’s work is still germinating, that we are being invited to live out the secret of some seeds to the end, letting go of what was or seemed fruitful in many ways and turning towards the as-yet-unrevealed promises of the risen Christ. Again, like Cornelia, we cannot know in advance what such a personal or communal resurrection might look like, what seeds could suddenly spring up.

The theme chosen for the general chapter, that of the grain of wheat, begins with the pivotal word for the Greeks who want to see Jesus, “unless”. This particular “unless” is not alone in John’s gospel: “unless someone is born again …

(3:3);

unless someone is born of water and spirit …(3:5);

unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man…

(6:53);

unless you believe that I am he…

(8:24);

unless I wash you … (13:8); unless you abide in me” … (15:4).

One commentator suggests the unless statements are describing the ways, the means or the process of seeing Jesus in the rhythm of dying and rising within each of us and in a whole community or institution, such as the Society. Ultimately these statements point to life in its abundance. They widen our vision about what truly nourishes and feeds us and enlarge our world view, realigning us in grace.

Generosity continues to be a hallmark of the Society. Mindful that everyone contributes to the life and mission of the Society, in this report we have deliberately not mentioned the names of individuals. Let us be grateful to each other and to those with whom we minister for all that has been fruitful in the last six years.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

John 12:24

Veronica Openibo, Pauline Darby, Cecilia Nya and Marie Ursino Society leadership team 2016 – 2022 February 2022

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