Saturday is such a beautiful day to continue reflection in ambience of silence end recolections. During the Eucharist, Father Felicísimo, drawing on the Gospel passage of the day, pointed out certain attitudes, like those of the Servant of Yahweh, that we should imitate in our religious lives. In his talk after breakfast, he focused on the theme of “Living in the Truth.” According to him, a Provincial Chapter should be based on an exercise in sincerity directed toward the common good of the Province. Unfortunately, the truth has many enemies, such as the cultivation of personal and institutional image, political correctness, the ideological contamination that contaminates even the most sacred truths, the predominance of private interests, passivity, and the general atmosphere of lies that surrounds us and is transmitted especially by the media. Today’s religious life is at stake in its transparency, especially in the areas of accountability in finances, communications, a sense of belonging, and sincere dialogue. Because truth has a theological dimension: what is decided in a chapter is not a matter of politics, sociology, or economics, but a matter directly related to our religious profession.

The time of silence ended at lunchtime when we had the joyful birthday celebration of our Provincial Animator Teresa Vives. We greeted her with songs and fraternal hugs and (of course!) simple but sincere gifts accompanied by dancing by our African sisters. We would love to know what her wishes were as she blew out the candles on the delicious cake we then shared with everyone. It was also the time to say goodbye to Father Felicísimo.

After a break, we began the serious work of the Chapter Assembly with Provincial Animator Teresa Vives Pertusa’s report on the strengths, warnings, and horizons to consider when designing the future of the Province of Francisco Palau of Europe and Asia. We then continued the reflection in the small discernment communities, presenting the fruits of the dialogue in the assembly and seeking clarification of our doubts and concerns. We ended the day with a prayer of thanksgiving to God and to the sisters of the Provincial Animation and Government Team for their love and generous dedication to each of the sisters and communities.