The Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary from around the world elected a new leadership team. “Our hearts are filled with joy in making this announcement,” said Sister Melanie Paradis, Regional Directress for the Wheaton Franciscans, the United States region of this international congregation.
Elected to serve for the next six years are Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz (Sacred Heart Province of Germany) as General Directress, Sr. M. Emmanuela Sitorus (Immaculate Conception Province of Indonesia) as Assistant General Directress, and Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga (Immaculate Conception Province of Indonesia) and Sr. Mariana Mutiu (Sacred Heart Province of Germany/Romania Area) as General Councilors.
The Congregation held its 30th General Chapter over Zoom March 21 through April 5, 2022. Twenty-eight delegates, nine observers and special service support, including three laywomen, and nine interpreters participated. The group reconvened on Thursday, May 5, for the counting of the ballots and the announcement of the new team.
In addition to electing a new Congregational Leadership Team, the focus for the next six years will be spirituality and prayer; mission and internationality; the Laudato Si’ Action Platform; and the development of additional congregational teams.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the outgoing General Council,” said Sister Melanie. Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz, General Directress, Sr. Alice Drewek, Assistant General Directress, Sr. Johanna Harke, General Councilor, and Sr. M. Emmanuela Sitorus, General Councilor were elected to serve from 2015 to 2021, but they graciously extended their services an extra year because of the Covid pandemic.