From 29 July to 6 August, the 2nd Chapter of the Province of Our Lady of Loreto – Saint Anne took place in Saaba (Burkina Faso). As this was the Chapter following the Jubilee celebrations, the same theme was adopted: ‘Witnesses of hope and promoters of life’. Thirty-five Brothers represented the communities of France, Italy, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Ghana – the countries that make up this Province. On behalf of the Superior General, Brother David Rasero oversaw the proceedings of the Chapter.
After analysing the situation of the Province, particularly through the reports from the Provincial Council, the various commissions worked to update the Provincial Directory, draw up the Province’s Life Project, and draft a number of decisions and guidelines intended to help further improve the lives of the Brothers, the communities and the mission. Several groups of lay people also had the opportunity to participate. A particularly significant moment of ‘connection with the Institute’ was the presentation of the new Vice-Province of St Joseph the Worker, the development of which is a commitment for the whole Institute. On the afternoon of the 5th, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou greeted the Chapter members and addressed them on behalf of the Archbishop, who was absent from Burkina at the time.
The proceedings have unfolded in a fraternal atmosphere and have undoubtedly contributed to a better understanding and a growing relationship between the various sectors of this Province. Following the official closing ceremony, after the address by Brother Victor SAWADOGO, the Provincial, the capitulars and the community gathered for Vespers, which concluded with a beautiful ceremony sending the capitulars on their way.
