In English
Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres
January Events
3 January
Words of Thanks to Sr. Paola
This evening before suppertime, the community of the Casa paused a short while to offer some words of thanks to Sr. Paula MIOSSEC, local Superior of three years.
Assembled together in the refectory, they listened as Sr. Paulette RAZAZAROHAVANA spelled out the many ways Sr. Paula served the community: being available and attending to the needs of students, overseeing preparation for sessions\assemblies, caring for Sisters visitors and missionaries, animating community dialogues and meetings. For all these she said “thank You!” Living in an international community with differing cultural backgrounds, mentalities and ages however can bring about pains and difficulties... for these she begged
pardon. The students recognized the growth in personal responsibility and the wisdom gained from all these interactions. She finally extended the fraternal prayers, affection and well wishes of the community to accompany her in whatever new mission the Lord through the Congregation will confide upon her!
Sister Paola initially expressed surprise over this gathering. She then spoke plainly, with outright sincerity of what was uppermost in her mind, and kept close to her heart!
She immediately begged to be forgiven for whatever pain or sufferings she may have caused the community. While something inevitable, part and parcel of community living, they were never meant intentionally, nor done willingly!
She then recounted how Mother General offered her this leadership care of community, while confined in bed, under strict medical attention. Carrying out such heavy responsibility seemed incomprehensible under such circumstances.
Acceptance however, brought about wonders... she never felt sick in these last three years! Truly, a miracle of grace accompanies wholehearted faith and obedience!
The Sisters proceeded to offer her token of their appreciation and thanks, by handing her a pot of blooming orchid plant, accompanied by the singing in unison of:”Que Tes Oeuvres Sont Belles!”
Everyone then proceeded to sit at table, partaking of a meal with grateful hearts, filled with invaluable lessons culled from the authenticity of person’s inner being!
The Sisters posed for a souvenir photo to commemorate for always this beautiful, life-enhancing moment in fraternal living!
All then partook of a simple aperitif at the lobby before proceeding to the refectory for a communal festive lunch!
4 January
Arrival of New Superior of the Casa
Mother Myriam, the Council. Sr. Paola MIOSSEC (outgoing Superior) and the community welcomed Sr. Wildreda RIZANE, the In-coming Superior of the Casa, who came in from Ireland. With joyful hearts the Sisters greeted her with a warm embrace and a sisterly kiss! Sister Wilfreda in smart winter clothes, looked happily well herself, radiating an endearing quiet inner confidence!
Words of Thanks to Sr. Paola
This evening before suppertime, the community of the Casa paused a short while to offer some words of thanks to Sr. Paula MIOSSEC, local Superior of three years.
Assembled together in the refectory, they listened as Sr. Paulette RAZAZAROHAVANA spelled out the many ways Sr. Paula served the community: being available and attending to the needs of students, overseeing preparation for sessions\assemblies, caring for Sisters visitors and missionaries, animating community dialogues and meetings. For all these she said “thank You!” Living in an international community with differing cultural backgrounds, mentalities and ages however can bring about pains and difficulties... for these she begged
pardon. The students recognized the growth in personal responsibility and the wisdom gained from all these interactions. She finally extended the fraternal prayers, affection and well wishes of the community to accompany her in whatever new mission the Lord through the Congregation will confide upon her!
Sister Paola initially expressed surprise over this gathering. She then spoke plainly, with outright sincerity of what was uppermost in her mind, and kept close to her heart!
She immediately begged to be forgiven for whatever pain or sufferings she may have caused the community. While something inevitable, part and parcel of community living, they were never meant intentionally, nor done willingly!
She then recounted how Mother General offered her this leadership care of community, while confined in bed, under strict medical attention. Carrying out such heavy responsibility seemed incomprehensible under such circumstances.
Acceptance however, brought about wonders... she never felt sick in these last three years! Truly, a miracle of grace accompanies wholehearted faith and obedience!
The Sisters proceeded to offer her token of their appreciation and thanks, by handing her a pot of blooming orchid plant, accompanied by the singing in unison of:”Que Tes Oeuvres Sont Belles!”
Everyone then proceeded to sit at table, partaking of a meal with grateful hearts, filled with invaluable lessons culled from the authenticity of person’s inner being!
The Sisters posed for a souvenir photo to commemorate for always this beautiful, life-enhancing moment in fraternal living!
All then partook of a simple aperitif at the lobby before proceeding to the refectory for a communal festive lunch!
4 January
Arrival of New Superior of the Casa
Mother Myriam, the Council. Sr. Paola MIOSSEC (outgoing Superior) and the community welcomed Sr. Wildreda RIZANE, the In-coming Superior of the Casa, who came in from Ireland. With joyful hearts the Sisters greeted her with a warm embrace and a sisterly kiss! Sister Wilfreda in smart winter clothes, looked happily well herself, radiating an endearing quiet inner confidence!
6 January
Installation of the New Superior
Today the star of Bethlehem manifested Christ to the 3 Wise Men! Today Christ had manifested His will in the appointment of a New Superior! With the Magi, we welcomed and rejoiced over this announcement!
The Generalate Community assembled at the Crypt at 12:30 pm for the Para-liturgical rites that celebrates the Installation of the New Superior in the Casa, for the Year 2011-2013.
Sister Wifreda RIZANE is named New Superior for a First Term of 3 years. The Casa is not altogether unknown to her as she already had cared for the Sisters and managed the house for one-term in the year 2003 to 2005.
Mother Myriam in her welcome address expressed thanks to the Lord for having made possible her presence amongst us in community! She likewise thanked Sr. Wilfreda for her availability and generosity at responding to this call, putting herself at the service of the community that truly welcomes her with the same joy that the Jesus, the Emmanuel, has gifted us with, by dwelling within us!
Wishing her a Good and Happy New Year, she asked the Lord to safeguard her health, to grant her all the grace she needs to accomplish this new mission. She ended with the assurance of fraternal affection and prayers!
Sister Paula MIOSSEC, the outgoing Superior in her short farewell address, thanked Mother Myriam for the confidence given her the past three years. She expressed how she tried to fulfill this responsibility with the best of her ability but asked pardon if she had caused pain or dissatisfaction. Know, she added, that these were not intentional, but outcomes of misunderstandings.
She presented the entire Generalate Community to Sr. Wilreda, who welcomes her with joy and whom she had known in the past. Sr. Paola added that Sr. Wilfreda’s knowledge of the languages and her known gentility will enable her to create unity in community! She made mention that she still remains a member of the community, but assured her of her being in-charge! She ended with a wish of a New Year ahead and throughout her remaining years with us!
Sister Wilfreda’s response was simple and short but full of meaning, out-lining the vision she had for the community!
She started with thanking Mother and the Council, for this trust confided upon her, which she humbly accepts with awareness of weaknesses and limitations, yet trusting in the Lord and believing that the Spirit will guide and enlighten us all the way! She called on the support and collaboration of every Sister who she believes, “has a sense of co-responsibility in enhancing and furthering the growth and development of fraternal life as each one contributes to the serene climate of sharing life: in mutual understanding, acceptance, respect and help.”
As we start a new phase of life at the beginning of the New Year, she encouraged the Sisters to be more communicative in sharing joys and pains and offering gifts and talents at the service of others!
She concluded by saying that, “as we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, let us journey together in our search for Jesus; like the 3 Kings, let us follow the light that guided them to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus!”
These beautiful thoughts remain etched in the minds and hearts of the Sisters as they concluded the assembly with an Intercessory Prayers. In a spirit of thanksgiving, with one voice they lifted to the Father petitions for Sr. Paola for the devoted service rendered; for Sr. Wilfreda, for graces to accompany her in guiding the Community in a spirit of charity; and for all Sisters, that they may all live in harmony enabling them to address God as “Our Father”.
Offering all these wishes and petitions into one, the Sisters concluded with the song:”Mon Dieu, faites l’Unite!”
Installation of the New Superior
Today the star of Bethlehem manifested Christ to the 3 Wise Men! Today Christ had manifested His will in the appointment of a New Superior! With the Magi, we welcomed and rejoiced over this announcement!
The Generalate Community assembled at the Crypt at 12:30 pm for the Para-liturgical rites that celebrates the Installation of the New Superior in the Casa, for the Year 2011-2013.
Sister Wifreda RIZANE is named New Superior for a First Term of 3 years. The Casa is not altogether unknown to her as she already had cared for the Sisters and managed the house for one-term in the year 2003 to 2005.
Mother Myriam in her welcome address expressed thanks to the Lord for having made possible her presence amongst us in community! She likewise thanked Sr. Wilfreda for her availability and generosity at responding to this call, putting herself at the service of the community that truly welcomes her with the same joy that the Jesus, the Emmanuel, has gifted us with, by dwelling within us!
Wishing her a Good and Happy New Year, she asked the Lord to safeguard her health, to grant her all the grace she needs to accomplish this new mission. She ended with the assurance of fraternal affection and prayers!
Sister Paula MIOSSEC, the outgoing Superior in her short farewell address, thanked Mother Myriam for the confidence given her the past three years. She expressed how she tried to fulfill this responsibility with the best of her ability but asked pardon if she had caused pain or dissatisfaction. Know, she added, that these were not intentional, but outcomes of misunderstandings.
She presented the entire Generalate Community to Sr. Wilreda, who welcomes her with joy and whom she had known in the past. Sr. Paola added that Sr. Wilfreda’s knowledge of the languages and her known gentility will enable her to create unity in community! She made mention that she still remains a member of the community, but assured her of her being in-charge! She ended with a wish of a New Year ahead and throughout her remaining years with us!
Sister Wilfreda’s response was simple and short but full of meaning, out-lining the vision she had for the community!
She started with thanking Mother and the Council, for this trust confided upon her, which she humbly accepts with awareness of weaknesses and limitations, yet trusting in the Lord and believing that the Spirit will guide and enlighten us all the way! She called on the support and collaboration of every Sister who she believes, “has a sense of co-responsibility in enhancing and furthering the growth and development of fraternal life as each one contributes to the serene climate of sharing life: in mutual understanding, acceptance, respect and help.”
As we start a new phase of life at the beginning of the New Year, she encouraged the Sisters to be more communicative in sharing joys and pains and offering gifts and talents at the service of others!
She concluded by saying that, “as we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, let us journey together in our search for Jesus; like the 3 Kings, let us follow the light that guided them to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus!”
These beautiful thoughts remain etched in the minds and hearts of the Sisters as they concluded the assembly with an Intercessory Prayers. In a spirit of thanksgiving, with one voice they lifted to the Father petitions for Sr. Paola for the devoted service rendered; for Sr. Wilfreda, for graces to accompany her in guiding the Community in a spirit of charity; and for all Sisters, that they may all live in harmony enabling them to address God as “Our Father”.
Offering all these wishes and petitions into one, the Sisters concluded with the song:”Mon Dieu, faites l’Unite!”
6 January
3 Kings Celebration
This is day that the Lord has made! Let us Rejoice and be Glad!
Psalm 118:24
Three Kings’ Celebration do come and go in the Casa but today seemed especially alive, full of fun and laughter!
Lunch in terms of food served remained altogether simple, but the Sisters’ vibrant spirit spoke of oneness in charity! This charity was markedly felt as they started the joyful activity of finding the Kings and Queens of the Day!
The lot fell on Sister Mary Clare Samran THONG IN (from Thailand) who took the new Superior, Sister Wilfreda, as her Queen! ” There could be no better Queen than the newly installed Superior!” quipped one of the Sisters! With these, all participants hurried to start the fun-fare!
This year was different from other years, inasmuch as we have not only one King but three based on Biblical accounts, and likewise inspired by the Father’s Homily at Mass. The tradition of 3 Kings representing all of humanity: one African, one European and one Asian was brought to life! The entrance of the Kings however added many other visitors from all over the land giving their homage to the newborn King- Jesus!
So the Sisters beautifully garbed in native costumes representing the various
countries making up the community came in to the tune of gladsome music! How lovely they all looked coupled with their smiles and quiet pride at sharing their home country even in this fleeting stance!
Climax came when at the beating of the drum, the Babe Jesus was brought in, and lifted high in the arms of Sr. Theresa PUNNACHET, (Junior from Thailand) who exhibited a youthful charm all her own! Every “foreign visitor” was invited to dance around the Infant Jesus!
Merry- making continued when an impromptu entertainment was offered to the Kings! Sr. Magdalena Supaporn DAODEE (Thai) and Sr. Paulette RAZAZAROHAVANA (Madagascar) joined Sr.
Josefa ALVES de MELO ( Junior from Brazil) came in dancing to the surprise of many! Everyone thereafter, joined in dancing, taking partners from among the on-lookers!
Another high-point was the presentation of wishes to Mother General. This year the community asked to go to Loretto and to a snow-mountain for skiing! Both were allowed to the joyful glee of the Sisters!
In response, the Sisters who were initiated previously by Sr, Magdalena on the four ways of giving homage or due respect the Thai manner, now bowed in thanksgiving with clasped hands on the foreheads, before Mother General!
The community joy would not be complete without pictures to live-by, so everyone had so much fun and joy posing before our generous photographers: Sr. Marie Raphael JEANNELLO (Antilles-Guadeloupe), Sr. Marie Bernadette HWANG Jeong (Daegu.Korea) and the other Sisters as well!
How truly beautiful when Sisters of varying cultures live as ONE! This moment was concrete embodiment of Mother Myriam’s words:
“It is in community that we can be all together responsible for the unity and the future of the Congregation!”
3 Kings Celebration
This is day that the Lord has made! Let us Rejoice and be Glad!
Psalm 118:24
Three Kings’ Celebration do come and go in the Casa but today seemed especially alive, full of fun and laughter!
Lunch in terms of food served remained altogether simple, but the Sisters’ vibrant spirit spoke of oneness in charity! This charity was markedly felt as they started the joyful activity of finding the Kings and Queens of the Day!
The lot fell on Sister Mary Clare Samran THONG IN (from Thailand) who took the new Superior, Sister Wilfreda, as her Queen! ” There could be no better Queen than the newly installed Superior!” quipped one of the Sisters! With these, all participants hurried to start the fun-fare!
This year was different from other years, inasmuch as we have not only one King but three based on Biblical accounts, and likewise inspired by the Father’s Homily at Mass. The tradition of 3 Kings representing all of humanity: one African, one European and one Asian was brought to life! The entrance of the Kings however added many other visitors from all over the land giving their homage to the newborn King- Jesus!
So the Sisters beautifully garbed in native costumes representing the various
countries making up the community came in to the tune of gladsome music! How lovely they all looked coupled with their smiles and quiet pride at sharing their home country even in this fleeting stance!
Climax came when at the beating of the drum, the Babe Jesus was brought in, and lifted high in the arms of Sr. Theresa PUNNACHET, (Junior from Thailand) who exhibited a youthful charm all her own! Every “foreign visitor” was invited to dance around the Infant Jesus!
Merry- making continued when an impromptu entertainment was offered to the Kings! Sr. Magdalena Supaporn DAODEE (Thai) and Sr. Paulette RAZAZAROHAVANA (Madagascar) joined Sr.
Josefa ALVES de MELO ( Junior from Brazil) came in dancing to the surprise of many! Everyone thereafter, joined in dancing, taking partners from among the on-lookers!
Another high-point was the presentation of wishes to Mother General. This year the community asked to go to Loretto and to a snow-mountain for skiing! Both were allowed to the joyful glee of the Sisters!
In response, the Sisters who were initiated previously by Sr, Magdalena on the four ways of giving homage or due respect the Thai manner, now bowed in thanksgiving with clasped hands on the foreheads, before Mother General!
The community joy would not be complete without pictures to live-by, so everyone had so much fun and joy posing before our generous photographers: Sr. Marie Raphael JEANNELLO (Antilles-Guadeloupe), Sr. Marie Bernadette HWANG Jeong (Daegu.Korea) and the other Sisters as well!
How truly beautiful when Sisters of varying cultures live as ONE! This moment was concrete embodiment of Mother Myriam’s words:
“It is in community that we can be all together responsible for the unity and the future of the Congregation!”
