Sisters of Our Lady of Sion ConnecSion
Four members of the Province, Srs Brenda McCole, Phil Conroy, Therese Fitzgerald and Anne Lee attended the ConnecSion meeting in Jerusalem from 20th - 27th July.
ConnecSion was a meeting of 28 younger members of the congregation along with our General Council. Other members of the group came from Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Poland, Belgium, Romania, Congo and the Philippines. The meeting took place at Ecce Homo Convent in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Each day started with prayer together and a time of Scripture Study. During the day we had discussions together on Community life, Sion, Jerusalem, plans for the future etc. On one day we had a pilgrimage to the Sea of Galilee.
As well as the work of our busy schedule, we also had some beautiful Eucharists and a lively, funny party. There was plenty of singing, dancing, trying to have conversations in our various languages, and lots of laughter. I felt enthusiastic and encouraged for the future of our Congregation
ConnecSion Prayer
We bless you and raise you gracious God.
Our contemplative and apostolic life is characterized by a three fold commitment : to the Church, to the Jewish people and to a world of justice, peace and love.
We pray for the grace to continue to live this threefold commitmnet of love in fidelity, with courage and joy.
You Lord, give us your presence, you give us life and light, you give us justice and mercy. We pray and work for peace in our world and especially in Israel and Palestine.
We commit ourselves to an ongoing renewal of our consecration as 'we open our ears to hear the worked behind us saying 'this is the way, walk in it'' (Isaiah 30:12)
May we walk together as women of Sion, strong in the knowledge that God is loving and faithful always.
Amen