On Monday, July 1, the capitular sisters from all corners of the congregation climbed the Escorial mountain to begin the introductory Spiritual Exercises to the XVII General Chapter under the theme “Disciples and missionaries on the synodal path”.

Firstly, in the school chapel, at the time of the Vespers prayer, M. Isabel Moraza, Superior General, welcomed the sisters and with great fervor, presented the icon of the Annunciation of the Lord and the “Fiat” of Mary . In her words she encouraged us to contemplate Mary and like her, let ourselves be guided by the light of the Holy Spirit, symbolized in a lit candle that would accompany us throughout the entire chapter experience. That same night we started the spiritual exercises, accompanied by María Dolores López Guzmán, a laywoman, wife and mother, who gently led us through the experience of the exercises.

With great joy we formally began, on July 10, the sessions of the XVII General Chapter. ANDn the Eucharist of the Holy Spirit, presided over by Father Elías Royón s.j, we were invited to let ourselves be led by the Spirit seeking paths of communion, emphasizing that the celebration of a General Chapter is not just ansignificant event for the Congregation, but an ecclesiastical event that enriches all the people of God. After the beautiful celebration, in which the entire Conceptionist family was present, we dedicated the morning to holding the preliminary sessions, in the room beautifully prepared for this purpose. This first part was directed by M. Isabel Moraza, who presented us with a global vision of the congregation. We thanked her for her generous dedication, her motherly love and the evangelical ardor that characterized her accompaniment throughout these years.

Finally, in the afternoon, M. Rosario Moreno, General Secretary, took the floor to make the presentation of the staff report of the six-year term in which a lot The life of dedication of each religious in the communities was valued and so much life sown in apostolic works, by religious and lay people, of the different countries where we are present. Without a doubt, it was an intense day, full of hopes and challenges that are presented to us in the current congregational history. For all this, our grateful hearts united in praise to the God of Life with the vespers prayer to present to the Lord everything experienced on this first day.

January 26, 2022