The first Provincial Chapter of Ferrando Province, Guwahati was held from July 15 to 20, 2017 at Bethel Prayer Centre, Barapani. It provided an amazing, fruitful time to start afresh, laying a solid foundation for the new Province which was inaugurated on 29 January this year. The theme of the chapter, “Radical Renewal in Consecrated Life and Mission according to the Vision of our Founder” was seen most befitting for the occasion to get to the root and to plan for the future of the Province. 

The inauguration of the First Chapter was held on 15 July evening, seeking God’s blessings and His guidance. The Capitulars after a brief moments of prayer in the Chapel at 4.30 p.m. went in procession to the Chapter Hall led by Sr. Philomena Mathew, the Superior General who held the lighted candle, followed by Sr. Jane Francis, General Councillor for Education and Sr. Ancila Jose, Economer General with flower bouquets, Sr. Mary Thdavanal, Provincial Superior with the Holy Bible and Sr. Mercy Luke, the Moderator of the Chapter with the Constitutions. The inaugural session comprised of welcome note and declaration of official opening of the Chapter by the Provincial Superior, message by the Superior General and an audio visual on the Founder’s vision that set the tone for the Chapter days. 

The Chapter days were spent fruitfully, delving deep into the theme of the Chapter. The paper presented by the Superior General, sessions by Fr. Thomas Manjaly from Oriens Theological College, Shillong and the presentation of report on the state of the Province by the Provincial Superior followed by discussions in groups helped the members to have a renewed understanding of their life and mission. The last two days were spent for pastoral planning guided by Dr. P.J. Lukose from Assam Don Bosco University.