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More From The CGP, October 16, 2009

The meeting of the CGP (Conseil General Plenier) continues in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Monday, October 12

After our return from our ‘immersion’ we talked about the experience in our language groups. We all felt the three days had been immensely worthwhile, allowing us to come closer to the lives of the people than we would have imagined possible. We had visited schools, health centres, parishes and had met all kinds of people. We were aware of the struggle that many of them had to bring up their children and live decent human lives. The fervor of Catholics was striking - so was the warmth of the welcome in the communities where we stayed.

In the afternoon we studied the evolution of Assumption Together : it is growing out of the Foundation stage to those of Animation and Support. Giancarlo Ricci from Italy spoke of the detailed planning for the International Congress at Leon, Spain: 4th - 8th August 2010 and the finance involved.

Tuesday, October 13

This was JPIC-S (Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation and Solidarity) day. We looked at the progress of the International JPIC Secretariat and its still informal, but valuable, links with VIVAT (an NGO at the United Nations). Our partnership with Little Sisters of the Assumption (LSA) was described and the new JPIC website which will be popular - information from the provinces will be vital here ! Three sisters described how JPIC is integrated into their provincial projects in the USA, Philippines and Central America. This gave us valuable insights which were discussed. A highlight of the day was a video conference with Sr. Cecile Renouard, RA who spoke more on the LSA partnership : there was a fruitful discussion going to and fro. Later, examples were prepared and brought to the Assembly to illustrate JPIC in action. We saw how interconnected the countries of the world are, especially in times of crisis : all are affected. We all began to think what JPIC structures were appropriate within our provinces and that these would vary.

Wednesday, October 14

Finance and Solidarity Day. While we looked at accounts from the Mother House we considered four topics : Accounts of the Mother House ; International Fund ; Contribution of Provinces to the Mother House ; Long Term Planning. After discussion we were able to put our questions and concerns personally in a video conference with Sr. Nicole, RA. This was clear, lively and helpful ! The afternoon was spent on Solidarity : reported by Sr. Pilar, RA and her assistants. The discussion that followed in our language groups ranged from the severely practical (money!) to the more spiritual aspects (the solidarity of friendship and prayer).

(original from the congregation's website)

How You Can Become A:

Sisters Costa (East Africa) and Ana Catalina (Central Africa) on immersion with their new friend

Sisters Mary Ann (USA), Costa and Ana Catalina with their immersion hosts, the Salesian Sisters

Provincial House of West Africa, site of CGP 2009