In keeping with the mandates of the Constitution of the Sisters of Our Lady of Kilimanjaro, the General Chapters which occur every six years, took place from November 3 to December 16, 2019 at the Novitiate House at Mailisita, a few miles away from the city of Moshi in Tanzania.

The main role of the Chapter is to Revisit our Consecrated Life, by renewing our charism in the light of the Gospel as necessitated by the Mission of the Church and cultural context of today. Pope Francis urges religious orders to be “outgoing institutes” and to dedicate themselves to the service of evangelization as mandated by Jesus. “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

The Team of the General Chapter

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Another important aspect emphasized in the Chapter is the call for all the CDNK Sisters to bear witness to the Gospel, after the example of our Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate Conception. Through our apostolate and mission, we strive to imitate Mary, inspired by her virtues of love, faith, obedience, humility and total-self surrender to God’s will. Jesus reminds us, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Mt.5:16).
 

Mother Theresa Buretta, the Superior General Planting a Special Memorial Tree at the Tomb Of Mother Felicitas Tirpitz C.P.S., the First Formator Of The CDNK Sisters

The theme that guided our Chapter is our motto – “UTUME NA UTUMISHI WA MAPENDO YA KRISTU, KWA WOKOVU WA WATU” means, “Ministry and service of Christ’s love, for the salvation of all peoples.”

Through this Chapter, all the CDNK Sisters had great opportunity to evaluate and state their views on many areas that include, but not limited to:

• Our Constitution
• Our Charism
• Formation in all stages
• Spiritual growth of the members
• Community Life
• Involvement of the Sisters in the Mission of the Church
• Future strategies of the Congregation

After discussing these issues thoroughly, members were given ample time to reflect and meditate on the means of dealing with the challenges that the congregation faces in our contemporary world.

This 8th Chapter is said to be the best of its kind. It is the first time in the entire history of the Congregation to have the Superior General and her Council to be re-elected to serve (with the exception of one member) for another six-year term. This is because of the excellent job they did during their term of office. Thus, the General Chapter was pleased to ask them to continue serving for another six years. They humbly obeyed God’s call. “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” We thank God for their positive response like Isaiah by saying, “Here I am, Lord, Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

With heart-felt gratitude to God, the General Chapter and all the CDNK members praised and thanked their leadership team promising more support, prayers, and cooperation - all for God's glory and for the well-being of the Congregation, the Church and service for God’s people.

The CDNK Sisters Supreme Council Leadership was installed at a solemn mass presided over by the administrator of the Diocese of Moshi, Rev. Fr. Deogratias Matiika (Jan. 25, 2020)

Following here below are the names of this exceptional leadership team:

• Sr. Theresa Burett — Superior General
• Sr. Amandina Chuwa — Assistant Superior General
• Sr. Marcia Kajuna — Counselor
• Sr. Piala Olomi — Counselor
• Sr. Martine Shayo — Counselor
• Sr. Barbara Kimaro — Counselor
• Sr. Apia Macha — Counselor

All the CDNK sisters wish and pray that their leadership team be abundantly blessed, as they all pray through the intersection of their Patroness, The Blessed Virgin Mary, that she may always watch over them as they continue to serve as leaders of the Congregation, with members spread across the globe serving God's people in different ministries.

Reception at the Mother House

While receiving her juridical power, Mother Theresa Buretta is here seen kneeling and reverently touching the Holy Bible to ask for God’s prudence in her administrative duties of the Congregation.