From October 13 to 16, 2026, we, the Junior Sisters, participated in our formation program, facilitated by our formator, Sr. Anita D’Souza, at the Divine Master Convent in Sydney. These days provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of consecrated life, strengthen our relationships, and renew our commitment to our vocation.
Beginning with the Gospel passage (Matthew 18:15–20), Sr. Anita invited us to reflect on reconciliation and the importance of building healthy relationships within our communities. She broadened our awareness of the different types of relationships that cause division, lead to conflict, and even erode the value of community living. She also helped us reflect on how our attitudes and actions can either strengthen or weaken community life. We were encouraged to move beyond individualism, exclusion, and excessive busyness, and instead grow in mutual respect, understanding, and fraternal love. We concluded the session with the insight that a Christian community calls all of us to value and support one another.
On the second day, Sr. Susanna Edmunds OP guided us in reflecting on the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Her reflections helped us appreciate these vows more deeply as we strive to live with simplicity and generosity, love God wholeheartedly, and cultivate a listening heart open to discernment and God’s will.
Our formation program concluded with a joyful time of recreation with the sisters. Through games, creativity, and fellowship, we enjoyed one another’s company and strengthened our bonds of friendship and fraternity.
With grateful hearts, we thank the Lord for this enriching experience and for the opportunity to grow together in our vocation as Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. We carry forward the insights gained during these days, recognising that our journey of formation is ongoing and calls us to become women who build unity, nurture relationships, and witness to Christ’s love in our communities and mission.
Sr. Lalamea Vaohea & Sr. Finehika Fonua
