The Province Chapter commenced on 7th April, with the overall theme ‘SRA: Journeying forward as a beacon of hope’ and concluded on 14th April.The spiritual preparation for the Chapter 7-9 April, were days of reflection on the untold journey of the leaders (SRAs), evaluating their relevance across past, present, and future contexts, with a focus on doing God's mission and caring for individuals. The discussion encompasses various aspects of the mission's context, including social, cultural, and ecclesial dimensions, as well as addressing challenges such as disillusionment among modern youth and waning attraction to religious life. The objective was to discern the way forward for us to become beacons of hope by living our consecration with passion for Christ and His mission, ultimately bringing hope to the world through our outreach efforts.Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Marianus Kujur S.J, the director of XISS, Ranchi now and the Ex-Provincial of Ranchi Jesuits, was the moderator of the Chapter.Ex- officio members were 18 and the delegates were 20 who participated in the Provincial Chapter.

The entire Chapter experience of the Chapter in few words (‘gathering the fruits”).

In the course of our silence, prayer, reflections, inputs, deliberations, discussions, and discernment processes, the following points emerged for our consideration:

To bring the Kingdom of God here on earth in the context, where there is Peace, Harmony, Reconciliation and Justice so that all citizens of the country, particularly the tribals, Dalits, minorities, women, children, unorganized laborers, and other marginalized sections of society, are able to live a life of dignity and self-esteem.

A Journey of Communal Discernment undertaken-

1. Dive deep into our Context, Understand the Call of the Time & the Relevance of the Chapter Theme.

2. Journeying Forward, Journeying Together.

3. Being Beacon of HOPE Today.

4. Together Towards Tomorrow as a Beacon of HOPE.

5. Our life of Prayer and Consecration.

6. Renewal of life and Mission.

7. Governance and administration.

8. Thanksgiving & The Way Forward

 

OUR RESPONSE (The Way Forward)

• Strategic/Apostolic Planning of the Province

• Walking with the struggling people

 

Concluding Ceremony

The concluding ceremony of the Chapter was a touching and heartfelt moment. The Provincial Team guided the assembly in a prayer to express gratitude to the Lord for the successful and graceful event. Following the prayer, each capitulant was invited to light a small lamp from the Chapter Candle, held by Sr. Shobhita Topno, the President of the Chapter. Together, we sang the SRA anthem, 'To go where the need is great', while holding hands in unity.

 

The Province Chapter was brought to a close with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rt. Rev. Vincent Aind, the recently appointed Archbishop of Ranchi Archdiocese.He delivered a powerful message to the assembly, drawing from the readings of the day to highlight the courage of St. Peter as a missionary who spread the teachings of the Risen Christ. Peter exemplified fearlessness in sharing the message of Jesus with others. We are all called to be messengers of Christ, spreading his teachings wherever we go. As followers of Jesus, we are tasked with recognizing him in everyone we encounter, to offer healing and comfort through our actions and by partaking in the Eucharist, we carry with us the strength needed to fulfill our mission.With the exhortation “Be the messengers of Christ” the assembly dispersed.

The 8th province Chapter of 2024 thus remains ameaningful and successful event.