PUNE, Shanti Ashram

October 24-28, 2025

The Provincial Chapter of Affairs of the Society of St. Ursula was held at Shanti Ashram from 24th to 28th October 2025, bringing together the Province in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and shared responsibility. The Chapter was guided by the theme "Empowered by the Spirit, Journeying in Hope," which set the tone for deep discernment and renewed commitment.

Ahead of the formal proceedings, forty-five delegates gathered for two days of recollection, marked by silence, prayer, and spiritual preparation. This sacred time enabled the participants to attune themselves to the movements of the Spirit and enter the Chapter with openness and inner freedom.

The Chapter began with the Inaugural Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Francis Puducherry SJ, who led the assembly in a profound reflection on the feast of Pentecost. Drawing parallels between the Exodus, a defining moment in the life of the Jewish people, and personal experiences of theophany, he described these encounters as sources of “living water” that nourish and sustain faith. He highlighted four key symbols of Pentecost—wind, bread, fire, and speaking in tongues—inviting the sisters to recognize the Spirit’s dynamic presence in their lives and ministries.

The opening session commenced with an invocation of the Holy Spirit, followed by the Message of the Superior General, Sr. Rita . She emphasized that the Provincial Chapter is a privileged moment to treasure God’s blessings upon the Province, especially upon the sisters and their ministries over the past years. She reminded the delegates that even weakness can be a grace, drawing the community deeper into the Paschal Mystery and enabling a journey of hope rooted in Gospel values. Highlighting the compassionate and discerning ministry of Jesus, she called the sisters to become messengers of hope in both thought and action.

Declaring the Chapter officially open, Sr. Rita wished Sr. Marina, the Provincial, and all the delegates a grace-filled Chapter. She encouraged everyone to be attentive to the interior movements of the Spirit and to grow in the art of discernment, essential for faithful leadership and mission today.

A significant focus of the Chapter was a deep reflection on the Charism of the Foundress, Mother Anne de Xainctonge, particularly her vision of the Christian education of girls and women. The delegates explored how this charism can be lived creatively and meaningfully in today’s context by reading the signs of the times and responding to emerging needs.

Recognizing the growing challenges of mental health issues, loneliness, media influence on youth, and social disconnection, the Chapter emphasized the need to go beyond traditional faith formation. Building relationships through listening, accompaniment, and presence was seen as transformative. Practical pastoral responses such as counselling sessions, motivational talks, prayer services, retreats, and sharing personal testimonies were highlighted as effective means of offering guidance and hope.

The delegates also reflected on wider areas of mission, including value-based education, interfaith dialogue, empowerment of marginalized women, care for those affected by climate change, and outreach to vulnerable groups. Suggestions included supporting job placements for the unemployed, counselling for substance abuse, engagement with slum children, and visiting families—especially the sick—to bring comfort and joy.

Several key areas were discussed during the Chapter, including:

• Ignatian spirituality

• Eco-spirituality, personal prayer life, and community life

• Apostolate in education, social ministry, and medical fields

• Formation

• Governance of the Society

• New ventures and future directions

As a fruit of the Chapter, the delegates formulated the Vision and Mission Statements for the Province.

• Creating an eco-friendly world

• Bringing hope to the marginalized, especially widows and the differently abled

• Inculcating eco-leadership

• Promoting healthy and sustainable communities

• Nurturing expansion with passion and competence

The Provincial Chapter concluded with renewed zeal, clarity of vision, and a deep sense of hope, as the Ursuline sisters committed themselves afresh to be instruments of the Spirit in today’s world.

Report :Sr.Theresa D'Mello