Recent Updates of Jesus Mary Joseph
Provincial Chapter 2023
JMJ Congregation – A Divine Providence
Founder Fr. Mathias Wolff, SJ is a
God’s gift who was providentially inspired to found the Congregation of Jesus,
Mary and Joseph. Think, about his context, especially the reality of girl
children and women which melted his heart. As a result, the congregation was
founded fundamentally “to educate the poor and the marginalized girls and to
strengthen the faith of the Catholic families.” This is the mission, he
experienced deeply in his heart. It was the mission in the church to serve the
poor and the marginalized girls. What type of women was he looking for who
would carry out the mission of God?
JMJ constitutions says, “Our founder
urged his first sisters that they were like the apostles sent out to administer
mercy. This message permeates the whole of our spirituality and missionary
thrust.”
The apostles were filled with the
power of the Holy Spirit which made them bold, courageous and wise. They were
obedient to the word of God who humbly submitted themselves at the service of
the Gospel.
What is expected of us is that we are
humble and love God. It is humility to do anything for God and not out of fear
or compulsion but with love. Love that emanates from the purity of heart. Heart
that loves God and loves neighbours. These two characteristics are charism for us
as the JMJ sisters.
“Synodal Solidarity Towards Universal
Fraternity”.
In the province chapter, we can see a
synodal event coming into being. The synodal events of discussion, discernment
and evaluation of the apostolates at some levels were executed in the
communities. The province in a decisive moment of its development is living out
its vocation in view of its mission, enlightened by the powerful presence of
the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit has been the guiding force in the life and mission
of the congregation. We can ask ourselves, what is the way forward to actualise
the theme to some extent in the real and concrete missionary life of the
Congregation?
INAUGURAL PRAYER SERVICE: 28.08.2023
The Provincial Chapter began with a
meaningful prayer service on 28.8.2023 at 6.15 pm. The chapter delegates were
led in procession with lighted lamps to the chapel while the provincial council
carried the Ark of the Covenant signifying the Ark of the Israelites in their
journey to the promised land.
During the prayer service the
entire Congregation, other provinces, region of Ghana and all the communities
of our province were offered symbolically with the Aaron’s rods placing in the
Ark of the Covenant.
At the end of the prayer, the delegates were
asked to pick up the lamps and exchange with each other wishing all the best
and imploring Gods blessings on all the chapter delegates.
INAUGURAL
HOLY MASS: 29.8.2023
On 29.8.2023 at 07:00am the
Inaugural Holy Eucharist was solemnized by Most Rev. Victor Henry Thakur,
Archbishop of Raipur Archdiocese, con- celebrated by the Chapter Guide Fr.
Santosh Minj SJ,
Fr. Joseph Vaipamadam the Parish
Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tatibandh and Fr. Vinod Anant the director
of Seva Sadan.
INAUGURAL SESSION: 29.8.2023
The inaugural session of the
Provincial Chapter commenced at 9:40 am in the conference hall with a
meaningful opening prayer invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Later,
Sr. Marykutty Antony Pottananiyil, the president of the Chapter, Rev. Fr.
Santosh Minj SJ, the Chapter guide, Sr. Valsa Koreth and Sr. Mary
Karickakunnel, the observers of the Chapter were introduced, felicitated and
welcomed to the Provincial chapter 2023. Thereafter
the President of the Chapter delivered a powerful and stimulating presidential
address which was rightly set the group in the spirit of the chapter.
Thereafter, Sister officially declared open the chapter for the year 2023 by
rolling down the scroll. Indeed, it was a moment of joy for all of us as a
province. After that the delegates introduced themselves and each one was
offered a flower with their own photo
and was honoured with a Gamchha and a green plant. The plants were placed in
the middle of the conference hall in front of the Holy Family. Fr. Santosh Minj
SJ, the Chapter Guide, delivered the keynote address based on the Chapter theme
“Synodal solidarity towards universal fraternity”. In his message he has
deeply touched upon the context of religious life today. He said, that the
focal point of the theme is dialogue, collaboration, decision making to ensure
human dignity, respect, well-being and protecting human rights to build up a
peaceful and harmonious co-existence.
