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2008ANAM is about sharing and support. RSCJ leadership teams from Cuba, Puerto Rico/Haiti, Mexico/Nicaragua, the USA and Canada (hence the acronym drawn from Antilles, North America, Mexico) come together annually to share the life of their province, to grow in understanding of other provinces and to support each other in the ministry of leadership. ANAM accompanies the RSCJ mission in Haiti and is usually joined by an RSCJ representing Haiti. We are linked into the wider Society through the presence of a member of the Central Team. (See the list of this year's participants.) One of the values of ANAM is an immersion in an area of the hosting province.ANAM 2008 was hosted by the USA province in the state of New York. Life hums in New York. There is dynamism and always much happening. ANAM sampled something of that vibrant New York flavour and experienced a hearty welcome in various locations. On Monday February 4, after the opening prayer prepared by the USA provincial team, the community at 118th St. in Harlem prepared a festive meal. They shared with us their history in Harlem and the changes happening, like the big-box stores under construction at the end of their street. Early on Tuesday the 5th we joined the many commuters on buses and made our way to the United Nations Headquarters. Cecile Meijer's joy in welcoming us was tangible. An excitement that may have come from awe was tingling in the group. After an introduction from Cecile, we donned our visitor's passes and joined a tour. Just to be at the UN was a thrill, tiptoeing across a balcony in the General Assembly, the Security Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), reading the display materials on landmines, on the history of nation states, recognizing the many flags, ogling the rich expressions of culture in art… Even in the cafeteria one felt the world was present. At UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), James Sniffen gave our RSCJ group an enlightening overview of the progress of UNEP, including information about the '92 Rio Treaty and '97 Kyoto Protocol, and the UNEP approach which looks at the science, impact and solutions for the environment. We had a rather sombre dialogue about anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. We walked with Joan Kirby to the Temple of Understanding, A Global Interfaith Association where we were graciously welcomed by Joan and the team who work together to promote dialogue and education across a spectrum of religious traditions. We saw a delightful film about the history of the project which began in 1969. We were very impressed by the youth programs which give young adults opportunities of experience and dialogue on different faiths and traditions to create a more just and peaceful world. Later, Paula Toner accompanied a small group to the Sacred Heart School at 91st Street. Although there were no students present, we enjoyed an intimate tour, wandering through ballrooms and up the grand staircases of the two stately mansions, now clearly and fully home to many Sacred Heart students, as evidenced by their art, their miniature furniture, their notices... One could sense the joyful energy of the students. The 80th St. community hosted a lovely wine and cheese, followed by dinner, so that we might meet the RSCJ of the New York area. How wonderful to hug old friends and meet new ones! All this happened on the first day and, as usual, in two languages (English and Spanish). We were sufficiently sufficed! After early mass on Ash Wednesday, our group of 13 RSCJ met at Grand Central Station. I must mention that just being in New York City, as in some other famous cities around the world, is like stepping into various movies you have seen. Grand Central really is as grand as in the movies! We hopped on a train to Poughkeepsie, New York to visit Sprout Creek Farm. Imagine our delight upon arriving at the Farm at noon to find the dining room table set with placecards, flowers and candles, a delicious meal prepared for us, and the community eager to share their very unique ministry with us. We had an afternoon of new experiences for many: meeting the goats, cows, sheep, llama, chickens…, learning from the staff about bees, cheese-making, and programs offered to children…, sampling the cheeses, honey and meat of a farm dedicated to truly healthful, organic foods. Even after a short visit, one leaves the Farm with much gratitude for this wonderful Society project which is so respectful, passionate and 'care-full' of the earth, our mother. In the evening another train took us to Albany where we settled into Kenwood for three days of meetings. It was very significant to hold our meetings there this year, the last year of Kenwood, whose celebration liturgy will be May 31, 2008. How many RSCJ, how many alumnae and friends have history at Kenwood? How many stories have we all heard about Kenwood, home to RSCJ novices from a number of countries for many decades? We met with the RSCJ and staff at Kenwood who, since it was announced in March 2005 that Kenwood would close, have accompanied the retired RSCJ who live at Kenwood as they have moved to other retirement facilities, a program they call 'Design for Collaboration.' Their care and patience were demonstrated in the 98 things done for each sister before she leaves Kenwood. We visited Teresian House where 32 RSCJ are living in a public centre for the elderly, administrated by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. What a joyful reunion we had with those sisters who have generously embraced a new home and now share life with new friends. The reality of 'letting go' and 'moving forward' coloured our days. During our days of meeting, each province presented their reality, especially the challenges and new life of the last year and the preparations for the General Chapter. We looked at the mission in Haiti and dialogued on how best to continue to support the rscj there. We heard about a young Haitian woman who is journeying and living with the RSCJ in vocation discernment. We each shared our provincial documents for the General Chapter, including the spirituality statement, context, ways of organizing ourselves and proposals to the Chapter. All of that built excitement for the General Chapter. Jane Maltby shared international Society news and helped us look back at what has happened in the last eight years. We prayed often, with music and reflections prepared by each province. As it says in the Cuban spirituality document: Pray everything! We attended Eucharist with the Kenwood community, heartily welcomed by the RSCJ and presiders. We celebrated the first Sunday of Lent at St.John's/St.Ann's Parish where Natalie Runfola RSCJ ministers. We thanked Jane Maltby who has accompanied ANAM for 8 years. ANAM was long and rich, too short and rather over-whelming… It leaves one rather breathless, spent and happy. The USA provincial team were wonderfully organized hostesses and the meeting was very well-prepared and carried out. What a tremendous opportunity we have to share life in the Society! Participants in ANAM 2008, New York: Mexico - Georgina Zubiria, Patricia Garcia de Quevedo Canada - Mary Finlayson Puerto Rico - Nati Hernandez, Nilda Gutierrez, Mari-Clem Benitez Cuba - Carmen Margarita Fagot USA - Kathleen Conan, Paula Toner, Anne Byrne, Marina Hernandez Haiti - Judy Vollbrecht Motherhouse - Jane Maltby  |
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