Edited from articles submitted by Sr Brigitte Ndione and  Sr Florentine Raharinirina of The Islands

Adopting the metaphor of a bridge, 38 sisters and partners-in-mission from seven Units of the RIMOA Circle embarked on a profound journey of formation when they met in Kenya for four days of sessions on the theme of Heritage and Mission.

In response to the Congregational Calls to Action, which urges us toward radical transformation, six partners-in-mission (two women and four men) actively participated in the session on stable heritage. Their involvement is a significant step forward in honoring the call to inclusion and full engagement of mission partners.

Organized by the Congregation, the sessions were accompanied by two members of the Congregational Leadership Team, Sr. Marie Françoise Mestry and Sr. Yolanda Sanchez, General Secretary Sr. Yvette Arnold, General Treasurer Sr. Martha Park, Accountant & Finance Controller Massimiliano Viatore and two canon law specialists, Waldery and Emanuele.

Events began with a presentation tracing RIMOA’s history from its inception 25 years ago. This was followed by meaningful discussions about the network’s life and vision for the future as we continue moving towards becoming a Region.

Over the four days, participants were guided through the intricate technical, civil, and canonical aspects of stable heritage (both movable and immovable assets).

Following these insightful sessions, each Unit—whether province, sector, or community—engaged in a practical exercise to assess its stable heritage and draft an action plan for the future.

This workshop represents a crucial step in our commitment to fostering a universal culture of justice built on the equitable sharing of resources and responsible management to ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission.

We were particularly struck by a letter from Sr. Joan Lopez, in which she reminded us:

“We are here to deepen our understanding of stable heritage and reflect on how this knowledge can transform how we live and serve… This is a call to rethink our approach and embark on a journey of transformation. ‘God loves us so deeply—should we not respond to that love?’“

Embracing a mindset of “abundance,” we recognize that sharing our resources—whether talents, gifts, or material assets—in a way that respects the rights of all is a powerful collective testimony.

As “custodians of a shared heritage,” we are committed to ensuring that our resources are managed with transparency and inclusiveness, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

After the sessions, participants were awarded certificates of completion, which were received with great joy!

Here are some key reflections shared by the participants:

Reflections from the Participants

“It was a very enriching experience for me. I learned a lot and now have a much better understanding of what stable and common heritage means. I felt deeply challenged, as there are many obstacles to overcome. Now that we have the tools to work with, we need to engage in conversations, share knowledge, set up committees, and develop an action plan. The Administration and Finance Committee has been very committed and has promised to support us.” Sr. Nicole (The Islands)

“The experience gained at the RIMOA meeting provided a clear understanding of stable heritage and its importance for the security and future of the mission. Today, for the good of the mission, the effective management of our heritage, whether common or stable, paves the way for the Congregation’s stability and sustainability, ensuring the continuity of the mission.” Partner-in-Mission Fernando Comba (Angola/Mozambique)

“It is crucial that all our properties are officially registered under the Congregation’s name—this is a necessary process. Inventory management is a fundamental step in any institution. As a Congregation, each community must maintain a detailed inventory of assets, which will help us assess and fully understand our possessions. This, in turn, fosters a deeper sense of belonging. Transparency is a core relational value that applies to all aspects of human activity. It is essential because it fosters trust, which must be at the heart of our mission.” Sr. Sabine (The Islands)

“The meeting that we had in Kenya on Stable Heritage and Administration was really an excellent foundation, a renewal of our training, and very beautiful experience. It was really admirable to see the teamwork amongst us even though we came from different countries, and the facilitation team was very supportive; it motivated and really woke me up and showed me how active the charism is“. Sr. Collen (South Africa)

“The training on stable patrimony was good and essential, as it made me understand properly the content for better management, protection, and care of the Congregation’s assets. It will also promote greater awareness among all sisters and partners-in-mission about the care to be taken with these valuable assets that the congregation has for the sustainability and future of the mission. ” Partner-in-Mission Eduardo Sebastião (Angola/ Mozambique)

“The session encouraged me to be responsible for our resources with wisdom, accountability, and compassion. Transparency is essential in all areas; everyone is included in this effort. We are all stewards of the heritage passed down to us by our predecessors, and we are responsible for protecting and preserving it for the sustainability of our mission“. Sr. Mirana (The Islands)