Keeping up with the Chapters – this time Irish Province.
Incoming Provincial, Joe McGee with Abzalon - and a souvenir from India (see below)
40 members of the Irish MSC Province gathered on Sunday evening, 30th April in Mount Saint Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre, Portarlington, Co. Laois to begin our first ever Open Provincial Chapter.
Provincial Fr Carl Tranter MSC, welcomed everyone and expressed his desire that the Chapter be a grace-filled experience for all as they discussed and planed a roadmap for the years ahead for the Province. Fr Carl and Tony Horgan led the Opening Liturgy, welcoming all present and thanked those who had travelled from near and far: from Ireland, England, USA, Southern Africa, Kenya, Venezuela and South Sudan and extended a huge welcome to our Superior General, Fr Absalón Alvarado MSC, who will journey with them for the week of our Chapter. Fr Absalón’s presence will be hugely enriching for everyone. Candles were lit representing the five continents of the congregation and the eight countries they currently have confreres working in. Jimmy Mitchell, as the oldest member of the Chapter, lit the Chapter candle.
During the Opening Liturgy all members of the Chapter declared their presence and desire for the week ahead and the Facilitator ,Frances Heery, Secretary to the Chapter ,Paula Ryan-Kavanagh, Translator ,Jaime Rosique and Scrutineers Giacomo Gelardi, Alan Neville and Peter Ng’ang’a, were prayerfully welcomed and formally approved.
The first day began by introducing the MSC theme through reflection on the Road to Emmaus. Members were invited to share their experience of life in two and fours inspired by the two disciples on the road. This was felt by all present as a profound experience of getting to know each other in a deeper way. The day concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Absalón.
The second day (Tuesday 2nd May) began in a creative way when the Facilitator ,Frances Heery conducted an interview with Carl inviting him to share his experience of being Provincial. The highs, the lows and moments of inspiration were shared by Carl and his honesty was greatly appreciated. Carl’s sharing provided a springboard for group reflection regarding how members experienced the life of the province at the moment.
Eucharist was celebrated by three of the confreres from Venezuela, Yonys Mendoza, Eliel Araujo and Deiby Fuenmayor.
On Wednesday 3rd May, Each group presented a guidepost for the Province and work will continue on these in the coming years for the good of the Province. Some of the main themes discussed were, laity, environment, healing past hurts, mapping the future for Venezuela and Southern Africa and the Missions as a whole.
Chapter participants
On Thursday 4th May the first session was dedicated to conversation and sharing on the qualities and characteristics required for the role of Provincial Councillor. Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC were elected and both accepted their election.
The day continued with an input from our MSC Safeguarding Manager, Ms Mary Tallon.
On Friday 5th May, Provincial, Fr Carl Tranter MSC, gave an update on new formation project being set up in Kenya and a possible new mission with the Indian Union for Ireland/UK. The Chapter indicated their desire to encourage the incoming Provincial Leader Team to explore this option with the Indian Union. Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, Provincial Bursar, and Mrs Mary Kelly, Finance Manager, presented a Finance Report. Election of two Delegates to attend the General Chapter – Fr Julius Katjipa MSC and Fr Carl Tranter MSC’
The final day, Saturday 6th May, involved table conversation on the following question: As you return to your particular Jerusalem, what are you taking back with you from the experience of walking together this past week? This was followed by a time of sharing.
Fr Carl Tranter MSC, Provincial, proposed to the Chapter that Fr Joe McGee MSC take over as Provincial on 1st August 2023. Fr Carl will finish his term as Provincial on 31st July. This was approved unanimously.
The work of the Chapter concluded with final words from Fr Carl. He said it has been a historic week as we had our first ever Open Chapter. It had gathered nearly half of the Province together in conversation and sharing. He is deeply thankful for the sense of brotherhood in their time together which has been strengthened. As we come to the end of the Chapter we are ready for the Return to Jerusalem. We return to our place and hopefully discover something new about it. Return with the fruits of our journey and the desire to continue conversations, to engage deeply and live our MSC commitment and brotherhood more fully. It has been a rich week. Please God we return changed and wishing to grow.
The Chapter concluded with Eucharist led by Fr Joe McGee MSC, Fr David Nixon MSC and Fr Manus Ferry MSC (members of the incoming Provincial Leadership Team).
Fr Absalón MSC presented Fr Carl Tranter MSC,
Fr Joe McGee MSC
and Fr Peter Ng’ang’a MSC with symbols from India representing hope for the mission ahead.
Fr Carl Tranter MSC as President of the Chapter then blows out the Chapter Candle to conclude the Chapter week.
