Yesterday evening, the introduction at the Thanksgiving Mass began thus: "Today, Lord our hearts are filled with joy as we thank You for the gift of this moment in the life of our Institute. We thank You for the gift You gave us in Sr. Christiane and for her years of generous service. We thank You for the gift of Sr. Suzanne Phillips and for her 'Yes' as she takes up this service."

The Minister General of the ofm, Fr Gilles ofm and Fr Tony sss celebrated this Eucharist which began with a dance by Sisters from Asia.

After the homily, Sr. Suzanne presented an icon of the Trinity to Sr. Christiane. In her turn, Sr. Christiane presented a lighted lamp, an icon of St. Francis and a book containing the names of all the Sisters of the Institute.

Together (in French, English and Spanish), the Sisters made the following promise: "...Before the Lord, in spite of our weaknesses and incoherences, we wish to commit ourselves with you, Sr. Suzanne

- To continue and to advance in fidelity to the Gospel.
- In the Franciscan path of the Kenosis of Christ.
- In creative fidelity.
- In solidarity with the suffering world."

Sisters from the Americas brought up the offering: soil, seeds, Bread and Wine. Before the final blessing, Father General anointed Sr. Suzanne and Sr. Christiane with a little oil from Jerusalem.

Beautiful hymns, in Arab and Chinese, added to the joy of the ceremony.

After the Eucharist of this Thursday morning, the capitulars meet again in   Assembly to continue the process of the elections, because there are still the General Councillors to elect. We continue to pray for them and we respect their silence.