We began our third day here in the Philippines with a very meaningful Eucharistic Celebration. Our three Indian sisters, who animated the Liturgy, marked our foreheads with the tilak and kumkum, the third eye of the human being, which looks inward and brings every aspect of the person into harmony. The arati (doxology) was accompanied by flowers, incense and flame.
It was an excellent beginning to the program of the day, during which the General Councilors and Bursar General took the floor to offer us many points on which to reflect and many provocations to help us re-examine the various dimensions of our life so as to discern the new paths opening before us. Their talks covered the areas of spirituality, pastoral work for vocations, formation, community life, mission, the sharing of our charism with the laity, and our economy. Afterward, we took time out to reflect on all this input, followed by a comparison of ideas in the assembly.
At the end of the day, during evening prayer, an Indian hymn and dance helped us present the Lord with everything we experienced today.
In thanking him, we did not fail to mention how grateful we also are for the presence of the many sisters who continue to send us their greetings and best wishes, reinforcing the power of the communion that binds us together.