The first day began with an inspiring Eucharistic celebration and an initial getting to know each other session in the Conference Hall.
Three priests celebrated the service with us in the morning: Fr Emmeram Stacheder OFM as the main celebrant, Fr Mathew Kozhuppakalam and Fr Phillip Steiner OSB from Einsiedeln Monastery.
At the beginning of the service, the Provincial and Vicariate Superiors and the Superior of House USA brought soil from their own country to the altar in a procession. “Today, as we come together from all corners of the world, we bring the soil from our respective countries – a tangible sign of our diverse backgrounds and the unique contexts in which we serve. This earth, diverse yet united, reflects our globally active community… It symbolizes our deep connection to our respective homelands, to our fellow human beings and to our mission.” (leaflet for the Eucharist)
In his short address, Fr Emmeram referred to the important contribution that religious still make today, quoting Paul Wennekes: ‘The religious orders have an important contribution to make to how God’s Church develops in the future. They will be the spiritual and intellectual centers of the future, although to a lesser extent. Connected in a network, and not sitting on the treasure chest of their own spirituality, but sharing it with all those who are on the way.’ Paul Wennekes.
The afternoon was characterized by the official welcome by Sr Marie-Marthe Schönenberger, Superior General, and a first round of introductions, during which our moderator, Anne Elisabeth Höfler, presented the working method for the congress.