Installation des neuen Provinzrates

Am 12. Februar 2005, am Vortag zum Fest von Vater Job, hat der Provinzrat im Rahmen einer feierlichen Vesper seine neue Amtszeit begonnen. Sr. Karin, Sr. Verena und Sr. Antonia haben als Motto einen Ausspruch von Vater Job gewählt: "Das Evangelium muss verkündet werden!". Mit diesem Leitmotiv möchten sie ihren Dienst in den nächsten vier Jahren überschreiben, denn aus dem Wort Gottes zu leben ist für sie eine grundlegende Haltung.

Anschließend feierten viele Schwestern im Refektor des Mutterhauses mit dem neuen Provinzrat und Sr. Peggy, die Mutterhausoberin, gab ihnen folgende Worte mit auf den Weg:

In the name of the motherhouse community I wish to present you with the symbolic gift that is on your table - and what is the meaning of the symbol?

Let me begin by saying:
When you presented your report of your first term, you used the symbol of music and asked: “What is the melody we have heard?”
That was a beautiful presentation, because faith comes through hearing and it indicates careful listening.

Today’s symbol has more to do with the sense of sight - with light - and color. The color is magenta. When I looked for a translation of magenta in my Internet dictionary I found several possibilities, but the one for which I was looking was Purple-Red. Purple is appropriate today as this is Lent and it is a time of penance, but perhaps only those who have been in leadership know how difficult the job really is, and how much penance is involved. Despite this all three of you have said, “yes” to a second term. And that is where the red comes in – for red is a symbol of love and courage.
I believe it is your love for this province, your love for each sister in the province, which has given you the courage to say “yes” to another four years.

The symbol is a candle, because in burning it gives light, but is itself consumed in the process. So you too, give of yourselves daily in order to bring the Light of Christ into this province – the Light of the World into each sister’s ministry.

This candle has three wicks – one for Karin, one for Verena and one for Antonia. You will notice that the wicks are positioned close together – just as the Council must work closely together. That working together is both a blessing and a penance – it is both purple and red. Each comes with her individual personality and opinions. There must be constant compromise which of itself is a penance and requires courage.

Lastly - the candle came in various forms, but this form was chosen because it resembles a cake with three candles, which means celebration. I hope during this second term that you take the time to celebrate with one another on a regular basis, and occasionally with the sisters of the province.

Thank you for the last four years, and God bless you in this ministry during the coming four years. Congratulations!