The Adventure has begun ... Manila: June 14-28th, 2005


			In June 2005, Sister Katherine Mary, general superior, invited all the FCJ sisters in temporary profession to a meeting at the Betania Retreat Centre in Quezon City, Manila. The meeting was facilitated by Judith Routier fcJ supported by the General Council (Frances Kennedy, Susan Donohue and Claire Sykes.)

	The title of the meeting was The Adventure has begun… The logo for our meeting featured a woman with a backpack, on a journey. Here Rosalia Listyaningsih fcJ, is a living logo’.
		We gathered from around the world. Here some of the group are ready for a journey into the hot Manila sun. Back row left to right, MaryAnne Francalanza fcJ (from Malta and teaching in Liverpool), Claire Sykes fcJ (from England), Katherine Mary O’Flynn fcJ (from Ireland), Judith Routier fcJ (from Jersey, CI and serving in Maasin) and Francisca Yohana Sri Winarsih (Inez) who is from Indonesia and is serving in Manila.


We received greetings from our FCJ sisters (faithful companions of Jesus) around the world. We took our time to read and enjoy the cards and letters.


			Our meeting began with a beautiful Opening Ritual. Here, the group moves into the conference room from the Betania garden. Luminiţa Popescu fcJ from Romania is nearest the camera and immediately behind her are Wati Irene fcJ (Irene) and Francisca Arti Setiati fcj (Sisca) both from Indonesia.
		During the meeting there was plenty of opportunity for group discussion.

Here, Laurentia Yunitri Moelyowardini fcJ (Yuni) is sharing some ideas.
			In this group are, from left to right, Emiliana Beta Suryawati fcJ (Beta) from Indonesia, Annabelle Delos Santos fcJ (Bing) from the Philippines, and Wati Irene fcJ (Irene) from Indonesia.

			For those who liked the hot sun there was plenty of opportunity for discussion outside too. In this picture are Wati Irene fcJ (Irene), Francisca Arti Setiati fcJ (Sisca) and Lidwina Tri Ariastuti (Wina) all from Indonesia and Luminiţa Popescu fcJ from Romania.

	We made sure the meeting ran smoothly and signed up for different service groups such as …..for preparing liturgies, getting socials off the ground, taking care of the environment and planning for the free day….

During our time together we had input and shared insights on several topics. The majority of information presented to us was given by Katherine Mary, Claire, Frances, Susan and Judith. Some of the topics presented were: FCJ identity, Marie Madeleine, Membership and leadership, Transition, Reverence Christ in All Creation.

Our guest speakers were : Sr. Joy Luz RSCJ whose topic was Relationship and Sexuality in the light of the feminine, Sr. Emelina Villegas ICM whose topic was culture and interculturality and Sr. Paola Terroni FCJ who spoke about her awareness of culture in her own personal history. We reflected on some aspects of the life of Marie Madeleine de Bonnault d’Houet, the Foundress of the Society of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. Claire Sykes had prepared simple sketches of some scenes from her life. This sketch shows Marie Madeleine looking after the cotton pickers, the children of the textile workers in Amiens. It is a good example of how Marie Madeleine responded to the immediate needs in her area.

We took time daily for both personal and group prayer. In our prayer we used music and also movement. Sometimes we used art.

Here Rosalia Listyaningsih fcJ, (Rosa) practices some music for the liturgy.

Here Lidwina Tri Ariastuti (Wina) paints and reflects ….

Here the group does a circle dance in the Betania garden.

The beautiful labyrinth in the grounds of Betania, is based on the Chartres design.

We had the privilege of experiencing some of the reality of the Philippines in its beauty...

and in its struggle ...

We also had fun ...

Going up in the sunshine are Cindy Hayden fcJ (from the USA and serving in Canada) and Emiliana Beta Suryawati fcJ (Beta) from Indonesia and serving in the Philippines.

The umbrellas are for sun protection and carried by Susan Donohue fcJ and Laurentia Yunitri Moelyowardini fcJ (Yuni).

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