 |
|
|
International Novices Signal New Era of BVM Membership
|
|
|
|
The Sept. 18 reception of three women into the BVM congregation—two from Ecuador and one from Ghana—marked the most recent step in an unfolding congregational journey. For this first time in its history, the community has embraced as members women from the Southern Hemisphere: Saskia Alquinga and Alegría Chunganá from Ecuador, and Catherine Odartey from Ghana. Ecuador Saskia is a Quito native who received her B.A. from the Salesian College there, and taught junior high school at the Working Boys Center for eight years. Alegria was born in Colombia. She moved to Quito where she finished secondary school and vocational training at the Working Boys Center, then worked there for eight years. BVMs have been ministering in Quito for 40 years, and in 1999 the four BVMs serving in Ecuador invited women who might be interested in religious life to a meeting at the Center. Representatives from other religious communities were also invited. On-going prayer and dialogue with women interested in the BVM congregation, let to the opening of a House of Discernment in 2000, facilitated by Luann Brown, BVM. Saskia and Alegria began an official year of residency in Quito in 2003. They also were part of an inter-congregational pre-novitiate there. Saskia says, “I identified with BVM values of justice, charity and freedom. When the Sisters first came to Ecuador, they came with love and simplicity, and they helped women achieve more dignity.” “I was attracted (to this community) by the strength of will and the energy with which the BVMs give of themselves to their work, and the diversity of ministries that BVMs have, and the freedom to choose the place where they want to work. They love each other as they would love themselves. I feel connected to this community,” said Alegria. Ghana Catherine Odartey was born in Liberia, then moved to Accra, Ghana with her family when she was a young adult. She studied Human Resource Management in college, and worked for Catholic Action for Street Children in Accra. During her year of residency she ministered at the National Catholic Charismatic Center and participated in pre-novitiate programs and theology workshops. She came in contact with the BVM community primarily through Mary Anne Hoope, BVM (Bernarde Marie), director of the Centre for Spiritual Renewal in Kumasi. She lived her year of residency at the Centre, where Therese Jacobs, BVM (Therese Carmelle) was also on the staff. “The freedom has allowed me to unfold at my own pace,” said Catherine. “This freedom is practical. You can see the happiness and free spirit.” Reception
“Wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live, I shall live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” This powerful commitment from the Book of Ruth was the theme/message of these three women at their reception. “They have responded to the deep call of the Spirit moving in our midst with courage and creativity,” said Theresa Gleeson, BVM of the Initial Membership team. The day was, said BVM President Joellen McCarthy, in the “long tradition of receiving one another to share in our lives, of companioning each other through presence, prayer and participation in good works… knowing that openness to relationship is mutually transforming.” During this contemplative year of prayer and study, the novices are living with the Loggia community at the Mount Carmel Motherhouse. About the author: Mira Mosle, BVM is SALT editor and director of communications for the BVM congregation. Return
to Table of Contents |
