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Day #2 |
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Wednesday 13 August
The World Exco present a report of their work over the five years since Nairobi.
Much has been done to respond to the needs and challenges of the community in Formation, Leadership, Presence in the Church, CLC-SJ collaboration, Apostolic work and Membership.
“We cannot stress enough the value of communications with the national communities…It is this information sent and received which fertilizes the ground of our being as CLC – it is from here that we glean the Spirit’s calling as we continue to grow and deepen as a discerning community for mission.” Daniela Frank
The delegates go outside to take their breaks in the garden.
The afternoon is a time for reflection on what we have done and taught so far. “Ecclesiastes 3 provides a perfect statement of our unfolding history. ‘There is a time for everything… a time for dying and a time for giving birth’.” Edward Warrington
The delegates pray in silence on the stories and symbols shared so far.
The diversity of colour. Red for the flame of faith, blue for God’s love, Green for living Hope. Earth for where we are rooted, Fire for Christ’s burning mission, water poured out in service. Pots - we who are moulded and easily broken. The delegates store up these things and ponder them in their hearts.
In small groups the delegates share the fruit of the prayer and the themes that emerge: What is the Holy Spirit telling us through the assembly?
The assembly welcomes two new communities as full members Rwanda and Hungary accompanied by their godparent communities Kenya and Germany.
In Rwanda, CLC is rising from the ashes of the genocide which claimed many of its members. The community has grown from 32 to 400 people in just four years.
“After the genocide it wasn’t possible to believe people could dance again but through CLC we have helped Rwandans to hope and to smile. When I meet a woman raped who has been helped to regain her confidence and reconcile her pain I say let CLC come. When I talk to a woman who has lost all her children but comes back toGOD I say let CLC come. When I see Hutu and Tutsis together in the same groups I say CLC is a hope for Rwanda. Through CLC, Rwanda will come back to hope.” Jean Baptiste Ganza Gasanana S.J.
The seed of CLC Hungary was planted 20 years ago while the country still had a communist regime. The first CLC retreat was offered in secret in the loft of a parish priest´s house.
The sounds of nature, and a Native American rite of cleansing begin the evening Eucharist led by the North American delegates.
After dinner, the delegates enjoy traditional Portuguese Fado music provided by three members of CLC Portugal.
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