It has been nearly two years since Brisbane-based Sr Mel Dwyer was elected to the General Chapter of the Canossian Daughters of Charity in Rome, a role that has taken her from grassroots ministry in Australia to the global stage. Source: The Catholic Leader.
She helps to oversee more than 2100 of her sisters in 32 countries.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity,” Sr Dwyer said during a recent return trip to Australia for her delegation’s 75th anniversary.
“I feel very blessed and continue to feel blessed to serve at an international level.
“I am continuously inspired by the wonderful ministries and commitments of our sisters across the world.”
The role sees Sr Dwyer flying from country to country, encountering first-hand the variety and depth of ministry of the Canossian sisters.
“I’ve spent nearly two months in India, been to Timor, Malaysia, Singapore, and Portugal for World Youth Day, and spent a lot of time in Italy,” she said.
Her role as part of the General Chapter includes overseeing ministries in many countries like Australia, North Africa, Timor, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia.
“It’s really been a blessing to journey with these amazing women and be inspired by their faith and their commitment to our congregation,” she said.
Sr Dwyer said her role in Rome was a big change for her.
“That’s been one of the challenges, stepping away from grassroots ministry to serve at a global level,” she said.
The role had also been an important reminder of the central place of prayer in her life and “never to compromise” on it.
“If prayer is not my number one priority, then what am I giving to others in whatever role I’m in? As a General Council, we need to set the tone for the institute,” she said.
Sr Dwyer has another four years in her six-year term with the General Chapter, but she will regularly return to Australia to continue her role as delegation leader.
FULL STORY
Sr Mel Dwyer reflects on two years of leadership in Rome (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
