TSSF Begin Preparations for General Chapter

Last month, the TSSF General Leadership and Chapter Preparatory Commission Leaders from all TSSF  Provinces worldwide met in Rome to begin preparations for its General Chapter to be held this summer in Assisi. The General Chapter, the twenty-third in the history of the Tertiary Sisters, will run from July 13 to 30 and will focus on the theme Pilgrims of Hope.

The four days of planning were characterized by intensive work, with special attention given to the drafting of “Instrumentum Laboris” and the mapping out of the Chapter schedule.

During the planning, the Conversations in the Spirit approach was used, encouraging participants to listen deeply to one another. Rooted in the Ignatian spirit of discernment, this method fosters communal decision-making in faith, and the setting aside of personal interests for the good of the whole. Ground rules were established to guide discussion, and each day began with spiritual reflections centered on Scripture.

The working sessions were facilitated by: Sr. Stephanie Coughlan, Sisters of Marie Reparatrice and Sr. Olivia Umoh, Daughters of Charity. The facilitators emphasized that the General Chapter is an ecclesial event—a time of spiritual renewal and God’s visitation to the Institute. Sr. Olivia highlighted the Chapter’s key responsibilities: safeguarding the Institute’s patrimony (Canon 578), fostering appropriate renewal, electing the Supreme Moderator, and addressing matters of significant importance to the Institute.

During group discussions, participants examined key aspects of the Congregation’s Life and Mission, including Spirituality, Charism, Formation, Community Life, Leadership, and Governance Structure.

Though the process was intensive, participants left fulfilled and satisfied, having successfully drafted the Working Document, Chapter Programme, and Timetable.