The third General meeting of the Poor Clare Association of the Holy Spirit was held at St. Paschal's Aitape, May 3-10. The Association, established in 1998, consists of the Communities of Campbelltown (Australia), Par (Enga Province), Yenshui (Taiwan) and Aitape.
It was the first time for Aitape to host the meeting, and also for the first time that the Communities of Pacet (Indonesia) and Hong Kong sent Sisters as observers.
Those present were: Campbelltown: Sister Colette, President to the Association, Sister Annette, Abbess, and Sister Diana, Delegate and Treasurer; Par: Sister Benedicte, Abbess and Acting Second Councillor of the Association, and Sister Clemence, Delegate; Aitape, Sister Regina, First Councillor, Sister Jo, Abbess, and Sister Therese, Delegate, with the rest of the community as observers. Yenshui was not able to send a Sister so were represented by the observer from Hong Kong, Sister MaryAnne, who had been involved in the foundation of both Yenshui and Par. Pacet was represented by Sister Bernadine, Abbess, and Sister Margaretha.
As they were not confident about their spoken English, Sr. Regina had arranged through Br. James Coucher CP for his Chimbu confrere in Vanimo Diocese, Fr. Jacob Kuman, who speaks fluent Bahasa Indonesia, to come as translator. As Sr. Bernadine had done part of her formation in Holland, at Pacet's founding monastery, our Dutch Sister Ebelina also became an interpreter.
The main purpose of Associations and Federations, according to our Constitutions, is mutual sisterly help, promoting harmony of heart and generous cooperation, encouraging ongoing formation and renewal in the spirit of St. Clare, and when needed helping in difficulties of individual monastries or Sisters. Although our member monasteries are far apart in place, and of different cultures, we found ourselves with the same family spirit and the meeting was a pleasant and helpful experience for all.
The general theme was the mystery of the Eucharist, so central to the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis.
Fr. Jacob celebrated with Bishop Austen for the opening Mass. And again with Fr. Greg on Thursday 5th at the lively and colourful cultural liturgy prepared by several of the Presentation Sisters and the PNG Poor Clares. At the concluding Mass on 11th with Fr. Chinua, we recited in turn the Our Father in nine languages. Deacon Joe Tungi who had attended most of the Masses showed he had understood the meaning of this by giving us to "go in peace, in our unity in diversity."
During the meeting, Fr. Greg gave us a conference on the history of Franciscanism in the diocese, and Fr. Eduardo gave one on Franciscan-Clarian Vision and Mission, both very interesting and inspiring. Fr. Eduardo also presided at the elections for President and Councillors. Sister Colette had completed two three-year terms as President and we all expressed our gratitude and appreciation for the work she had done in getting the Association started. She was succeeded by Sister Regina (Aitape), with Srs Grace (Par) and Catherine (Campbelltown) as Councillors.
Between sessions the visitors were able to explore Aitape. The Par and Pacet Sisters went to Ali Island with Br. Capistran, who's knowledge of Bahasa Indonesian was a pleasant surprise. Sisters Annette and Diana accepted Bishop Austen's invitation to the opening of the Pou Church on 8th May.
They went off at 6:30am by truck in pouring rain in the expert care of the Presentation Sisters and driver Brian. As well as the inspiring liturgy, they experienced flooded rivers, engine troubles, muddy tracks, rough roads, etc, etc, returning after nightfall saying they wouldn't have missed it for anything!
The typed programme for our meeting began with St. Clare's words: "There's no limit to His gifts" (Ltr 3:16), and ended with St. Francis' words: "Let all of us wherever we are at every hour give thanks to God" (Rule 1221:23:16).
As well as thanking God for the blessings of the gathering (though the visitors would have liked cooler weather), we are very grateful to everyone who helped us in so many ways.
Tenkyu tru!