Sunday, November 23d
We were woken by the bell: at 7.30 Morning Prayer, prepared by Peru and then breakfast. It had stopped raining and at daylight you could really see how wonderfully this "mountain" is situated. There are guest houses, a bit higher is another Chapel and the meeting/dining room can accommodate large groups. The fathers are very nice, as are the young lay people who help when there are groups like ours.
The bus took us to Santiago de los Caballeros, the second city of the Dom. Rep. the church there is not a Cathedral, but a "Sanctuary", a "Holy Place". And again: we were warmly welcomed. As we were quite early, we had some time to take in the environment. The church is a parish church; so many parishioners were also present. They knew we were there.
Eucharist was led by the Archbishop, together with Mgr. Plinio, father Tino of the MSC Generalate and all the fathers, present at the conference.
I will not forget this Eucharist easily: a fantastic choir, a heart-warming word of the Archbishop, also in French and English, the children who entered with our flags, the all assuming feeling that we really are one big family: goose pimples! I, who write this for you, had tears in my eyes.
After Mass the usual: some refreshments and snacks, meeting and talking to each other and all this in bright sunshine. God wishes us well!
And then back to Santo Domingo. What a surprise there: our last evening and how they worked for us: in the auditorium tables were set, a buffet prepared and all this under the caring guidance of Eleanor who supervises the household in the centre. We thanked her and her staff profoundly. It turned out to be quite a sociable evening: talking, dancing, saying thank you.
And the promises to stay in touch and to go on with our mission.
And that is what it is all about.
We did go a step further!
What a fantastic experience.
THANKS.
Saturday, November 22nd
Early rise and early breakfast. At half past 7 the 2 buses left for the north of the island, where we were to meet the lay groups that are working there.
First we went to Sanchez in rainy weather but through a wonderful nature park. Again you have to notice the poverty.
We were very warmly welcomed in Sanchez. With music and singing, with refreshments and snacks. The music was inviting to dance and the coconuts were eagerly accepted.
Far too fast we had to leave for Nagua. People there were cheering when we arrived at the church. It is so moving to see how happy these people are when we arrive and everywhere you hear Family. Yes, that’s what we are.
The Eucharist was festive and merry. Because of the bad weather we had to get back to the bus. It is a pity that there was so little time to really speak to the group members over there.
It was already dark and wet when we finally arrived in Moca, at the MSC centre “Monte de Oración”, the mountain of prayer. There supper was waiting for us and after some time talking we were accompanied to our guest houses. And it rained…..
Friday, November 21th
The day started in a very special way: Nick told us the story of Jesus, who wanted very much that his values would live on after His death. A wonderful story that Nick will put on the website. The story was concluded with the prayer that the Maya Indians used to pray when they greeted the day: to all directions of the wind and with the title Father and Mother God. Very impressive.
Then the representatives of the 3 Generalates introduced themselves: Sr. Barbara msc, Sr. Rinesa fdnsc, P. Tino MSC.
All 3 had a short introduction to say they were happy with the invitation, that they felt at home with us and grateful to attend this conference. We received the best wishes from the Generals and teams.
During the question/answer session it was stressed that the Laity asked for good cooperation, not to be forgotten.
Could it be possible that, when communities are being visited, a deputation of the laity is also invited?
It is good that representatives of the Laity is already invited to attend the general chapter and that, last year at the conference of P. Chevaliers 100th dying day, the Laity was considered as a full fledged branch.
Do accompany us, in cooperation, to a healthy autonomy.
Then it was time for closure. The evaluation sheets were handed out and filled in. a lot of “thank you” were being said.
The day ended with singing and dancing Korean songs. Father Joseph all of a sudden turned out to be a completely different person: merry and full of joy! A happy closure of a long day.
Thursday, November 20th
The day started with morning reflection, prepared by Cameroon and Congo.
Then msc Sr. Stephani Orlowski got the stand. Her lecture was about:
The Spiritual Path of the Heart - from Chevalier to today.
Not only is the love of God visible in the Heart of Jesus, but as his brothers and sisters this love can be made visible in the world.
This is more than devotion. It calls for the whole person who has to learn to see, accept and forgive his/her own shortcomings. Then you can move on and the power of God's love can penetrate our hearts. She taught us to be completely still. To listen to the silence, to the silence within us, and to feel it. To look into the silence of our hearts and to feel there Jesus' heartbeat merging with ours.
A wonderful exercise and experience.
The she gave us some advice in how to practise silence and she sent us away with the following questions:
1. How would you describe your own identity as MSC-Laity?2. How do you express your spirituality?
In the afternoon we had further discussions about the situation and future of the International Committee.
The participants were set in regional/continental groups. Countries that could or should have the possibilities to get to a more intensive cooperation. To look or ask for contact persons. It turned out to be good discussions, which we noticed when we got back to our plenary session. We went a step further.
As it was the European day, Mass was prepared by the Spanish delegation and after supper we had a European night. The Dutch in national dress - so funny! - and the Germans in the fishermen's shirts. We sang, we danced, and we distributed "flowers". The small presents we had brought with us were well appreciated.
Tired, but satisfied, we went to bed.
Wednesday November 19th.
Breakfast at 7!! And at 8 o'clock the buses departed to the town of Santo Domingo, where we went to visit the old colonial part.
We got off at the city walls, where guides for the different languages were waiting for us.
We started at the Alcazar de Colon, the palace of Columbus' son, who lived there: he was the Viceroy of the area. 500 Years old and still in very good shape, although it needed restoration in 1957. History is so very interesting!!!!
Then we walked past the sundial from 1753 to "Ladies Street" to the Pantheon, where all important Dominicans are buried and where the changing of the guards still attracts people. The Calle des Damas is a beautiful 17th-century street with beautiful old buildings. Highlight was the visit to the Cathedral: the 1st catholic church of the Americas: gothic vaults, 14 side chapels, one of which was Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
The cathedral was also much known for its refuge: someone who had to flee, could enter the church, touch the cross at the entrance and know he was safe.
And then it was time to go back for lunch.
At 2 o'clock the buses left for the beach. Straight through the traffic chaos and beautiful scenery we arrived at Beach Resort Naco Cabamar, where we were warmly welcomed with songs by the Santo Domingo Laity. We were family!
The Caribbean Sea was delightfully refreshing, which we enjoyed to the full. And we were spoiled with snacks and drinks. And we talk with hands and feet and built bridges.
At home another surprise was waiting for us: eating outside. Everything was prepared: Dominican pancakes, little sandwiches, pizza and refreshments. And the meringue music invited to dance!
The day ended with the Eucharist: prepared by Australia and Papua New-Guinea. A colourful and impressive service.
A wonderful closure of a wonderful day!
Report of Tuesday, November 18th.
We started the day, as usual, with the morning reflection by the Colombian delegation. And again a slide performance. This takes a bit longer, but it also does give you something to think about. The reflection ended by praying the rosary.
Norma Salgado from Brazil gave a lecture on: "The place of the Laity of the Chevalier Family within today's church."
A strong woman with a strong lecture, which told that the lays should contribute to the strengthening of unity, that in cooperation with parish priests they can work on formation and dialogue. That the calling of lay missionaries is situated in the world.
Noticeable is that she sees that women can have a strong place within the church. And she gave us, and those who read this, something to reflect on:
Knowing that the lay missionaries of the Chevalier family are called to be united, how can we make this happen?
In the afternoon we went on with the charter. After an introduction by Mimi, Rita went on to read the 2nd part of Louis' letter: how we work in Europe, what are the financial consequences, why we have statues and that we assume that working on a continental level should be started.
We showed the slides that Sr. Giuseppe made during the meetings of the lays from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. To show that one can start on a small level and that one can build on that. That contact via the media, as father Peter Malone already explained, can be of great help.
Then the groups discussed the questions: Can you see a possibility or necessity to work on a continental level? Do you think you can find or know a person who could/ would be the official contact person? We noticed that we stirred quite a lot; that the participants were forced to think about these issues; but that they also were willing to go on.
After Eucharist and evening meal we enjoyed a very merry and sparkling evening, prepared by "all the Americas". Lots of music and dance and small presents. En then off to bed, because tomorrow morning we have to get up early for our day out!!!
Report of Monday, November 17th.
We started the day with the morning reflection by the Korean delegation.
We learned and sang 2 Korean songs, and knowing that language is a problem, there was a slide performance with the theme: Love is….
We saw wonderful pictures of people, nature that spread a special feeling. Then some pictures of the lay groups in Korea. Impressive!
Sister Merle from the Philippines held a fantastic lecture on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. She told about Mary's life as a young and Jewish girl in rural Nazareth. Of her "task" as Jesus' mother and that she was Jesus' first disciple. And time and again she let us see Mary's life in today's life. She also declared the images we know of Our Lady. She was speaking so enthusiastically that her voice broke down! And she gave us quite some questions and reflections that we partly discussed plenary.
In the afternoon we talked about the charter. Rita read part of the letter that Louis Joly had written with explanation about the works of the European and international Committee. Everyone got the charter in his/her own language to read again and there were questions for discussion. Nick and Rita formed language groups and there came a lively discussion.
Eucharist was led by father Germaan. The first part in the auditorium because of the languages; then in silence to the crypt. Again very impressive.
After diner father Peter Malone explained about the necessity and use of media. There are so many, many possibilities to contact each other and to stay in touch. CHEVCOM should be able to grow, thanks to the power of the laity.
Report
of Sunday, November 16th.
The Sunday
started with the usual domestic information, the translating system and Morning
Prayer.
Then there
were 3 tasks we had to perform, in order to get to know each other better.
And if you cannot speak the language, then use your hands and feet! In the
mean time we had to run inside to avoid the heavy rain showers. During these
“games” you suddenly realise how much you depend on a language you know, but
it also has its advantages: it is quite funny to try to start a conversation
and the satisfaction when you succeeded….! Oh yes, we are quite number some
here, and colourful with many nationalities.
In the afternoon
Mgr. Plinio msc gave a lecture. He explained about the beginnings and the
works of the Laity in the
We ended
the day with Mass, lead by Mgr. Plinio
and the padres off the
And whilst
I am typing this, the rest is being entertained with typical