SPR Province Chapter - Day 1

10 minutes ago

2 min read

Sr Thuy-Linh Nguyen FMA

The South Pacific Region (SPR) Province has started the Chapter on Friday 2/10/2026, facilitated by Fr Phil Gleeson SDB, and moderated by Sr Rochelle Lamb FMA. This is an important event in the life of the Province, happening every 6 years.

Delegates from all three countries - Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Australia, gathered together in Melbourne to pray, discuss, discern and deliberate responses to important questions from the Generalate to prepare for the global General Chapter XXV of the Institute.

The day started with a beautiful and meaningful morning prayer prepared by the Leadership Team of the Province with the theme Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt: 5: 3. ). On hearing the sound of the conch, representing God's calling, Sisters proceeded into the hall. Symbols from all three countries were then brought into the sacred space as we carried in our hearts all Sisters and the people we serve in each of our realities. The songs, psalms and readings brought us deep into the realm of the Holy Spirit. We all felt inspired...

We followed Pope Francis' Conversation of the Spirit that allowed everyone to have deep prayer with God personally, before we gathered in group to actively listen to each other and shared our own thoughts and inspiration. It was a moving experience to listen and be listened to by our Sisters from the heart.

The Eucharist was another highlight of the day, where we felt God's presence concretely. Lunch and dinner were lovingly prepared and everyone enjoyed with much joy. We were blessed with the presence of Fr Pascual Chavez SDB, who are in Melbourne to give a retreat to the Salesian confreres. Fr Greg Chambers also came with Fr Chavez. Although not prepared before, Sisters from Samoa and the Solomon Islands were very willing to perform some lovely cultural dances to welcome Fr Chavez among us.

It was a day of hard work, but very joyful and inspiring.