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RECOLLECTION Guide

PRAYING WITH OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS

                                  RECOLLECTION 2024

The Synod on Synodality has provided an opportunity for the Church to reflect upon various themes, one of which is “Participation, governance, and authority.” In the context of this theme, one of the key questions posed to working groups is, “How can we renew the service of authority and the exercise of responsibility in a missionary synodal Church?” This profound inquiry sets the tone for a deeper exploration of the dynamic interplay between authority, governance, and participation within the Church.

In resonance with this theme, the recollection module for this year is entitled “Praying with our Spiritual Leaders.” Throughout the rich tapestry of our Congregation’s history, we have been blessed by spiritual leaders who have served as beacons of inspiration, persuasion, motivation, and have, in their own unique ways, “lifted us up.” This recollection material endeavors to honor the indelible mark left by significant figures who have played an important role in shaping our Congregation. It contains insightful excerpts from the lives of our Founder, our first Sisters, and General Superiors, individuals who have not only safeguarded our charism but have also guided us with their words and exemplary lives all throughout our synodal journey as Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.

Through prayer, reflection, and faith sharing, we hope that this monthly recollection guide will help us remember and honor our spiritual leaders and foster a sense of gratitude for their valuable contributions. By revisiting their ideals and virtues, we aim to ensure that their memory lives on through our actions and daily lives, setting an enduring example for future generations to follow.

We express our deep gratitude to the Formation Team of the Philippine Province for their significant contribution in this recollection guide.

                                                                                                                                                                           SPC GENERALATE

                                                                                                                                                                            01 November 2023

October

THEME: The Fidelity of Mother Marie Paul BORD

GRACE TO BEG

Lord Jesus, I beg for the grace of fidelity, that I may embrace my vocation as an SPC Sister with joy and perseverance and so witness to your enduring faithfulness.

 Scripture Text: 2 Tim 2: 11-13

If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign withhim; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful–for he cannot deny himself.

Mother Marie Paul Bord

She was Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres from 1959 to 1971. It was during her second term that the Generalate was transferred to Rome, where she convened a General Chapter even amidst all the inconveniences of a transfer.

Mother Marie Paul was a woman of great courage, with a deep sense of justice and a respect for the poor.  Gifted with the pen, she has left us a rich legacy of the history of the different SPC Provinces. In the words of Mother Monique, “Mother Marie Paul’s life witnessed a humble and firm acceptance of joys and sufferings inherent in her own life. Her state of health was a long trial, surmounted by the will to accomplish her duties.”

POINTS FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING:

  1. Read prayerfully 2 Tim. 2:11-13 and Mother Marie Paul’s brief biography. What word or words struck you? Why these words in particular? 

 

  1. Enter into the mind and heart of St. Paul and of Mother Marie Paul Bord. How do their examples of fidelity challenge your own resolve to remain faithful in your vocation? 

 

  1. Thank the Lord for His enduring faithfulness.

PRACTICE:

During a vocation or mission awareness gathering, share your vocation story, highlighting specific moments when you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life as a Sister of St. Paul.