A message from Sr. Joan Marie Lopez, Congregational Leader:
“The Congregational Chapter is a collegial assembly and the highest authority within the Congregation. Representative of the Congregation, it is a sign of unity and an expression of the participation and interest of all the members in the progress of our mission. It is a spiritual event, a time of corporate reflection and conversion” (Const. 116)
Dear Sisters and Partners-in-Mission,
With a joyful heart, I convoke the 32nd Congregational Chapter
of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
It will be held in Angers, France, from 1–21 November 2027.
Our theme, One Heart, Ablaze for Justice, carries something of the fire that has always burned within our Congregation—the fire of the Gospel, the fire of our charism and mission, the fire that burned so brightly in the hearts of St John Eudes, St Mary Euphrasia and others who came after them.
There are moments in the life of our Congregation when we are required to pause, to listen more deeply, and to remember who we are and why we are called to this Congregation and mission.
This is such a moment.
The Chapter is a significant experience of coming together as one, carrying the joys and wounds of our world: the poor who still cry out, women and children who suffer violence and human trafficking, people displaced from their homes, creation wounded, and so many who long simply to be seen, heard, included and treated with dignity.
Through the Chapter process, we will listen, discern, make decisions and entrust ourselves to a future with hope and readiness to walk the paths that God leads us through. As we take this synodal journey together, there is something deeper that we need to be conscious of: the Spirit of God is already moving and working among us; breathing life into our Congregation.
Can we take time to search our hearts and before God, ask:
‘What are You asking of us now and into the future?’
May each of you, sisters and partners-in-mission, know that the Chapter belongs to you. May all our hopes, prayers, listening, conversations, discerning and our decisions become part of its preparation. When we gather at different points in this process, may we come with hearts that remember, hearts that reconcile, hearts that hope and above all, may we become one heart, ablaze for justice.
With gratitude and blessings,
Sr Joan Marie Lopez
Congregational Leader
Download the Chapter Reflection Guide II
Download Sr. Sr Joan Marie Lopez’s Convocation of the 32nd Congregational Chapter Letter
Would you like to receive news and updates specific to the Congregational Chapter? Subscribe here to receive the Chapter 2027 e-News straight to your inbox!
