The opening of the 36th General Chapter of the Sisters of St. Gildas

During a Eucharistic celebration that took place on July 4th Sister Marie-Thérèse, Superior General opened our 36th general chapter.

A chapter is an important time of the Congregation, when the delegates from the whole congregation come together to look back and reflect over the past 6 years and prepare for the next 6 years to come.

The Chapter has the responsibility of electing a new Superior general and her councillors whose task will be to implement the decisions that are taken during the chapter. 

A chapter is not a holiday. It is a time where Sisters from the order, lay members of the Gildasian family, friends and co-workers come to join the chapter delegates and encourage each other through friendship and prayers.

During the Eucharistic celebration, symbols were brought in, representing the many countries where we are present and working: Ghana, Burkina Faso, France, England, Ireland.

The opening ceremony is always a time where a lot of emotion can be felt, especially when the delegates answer “Here I am” in response to their name being called.