Barcelona (Spain), 07/28/2019, Sr. Gemma Morató.- Sr. Maria Escayola Coris has been elected for a new five-year term as Superior General of the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin. Sr. Maria was born in Barcelona (Spain) on May 11, 1950. She was a student at one of our colleges, she entered in the Congregation in 1967 and she professed on May 17, 1970. She has a degree in Biology and for many years she was principal of school and responsible for formation in the province of Spain. She was a local superior, provincial councilor and archivist in that province until in 2004 she was elected general counselor and in 2014, elected superior general. She stands out for her great capacity to work, her love of history in general and her extensive knowledge of the history of the Congregation. She loves to read.

Interview

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- What is your feeling right now?
A feeling of hope and trust; I am aware of what this obedience implies, at this particular moment in the life of the Congregation, however, I trust in the strength of the Spirit and the Sisters. We are living a wonderful experience of communion with the desire to continue moving forward to go beyond borders.

- What is the first idea that came to mind when you were chosen again?
May it be the Lord who guides and leads the Congregation and that we do not put obstacles in His way.

- Your greatest hope would be ...
That we feel like sisters, no matter where we are from or what we do. May we all put what we are at the service of the mission, to share the mercy and love of the Lord with each person.

- What will be the most difficult…
To accept the reality of obstacles to trust, dialogue, change ...

- What is the situation of religious life in the 21st century?
It is a situation of fragility, but within it, the strength of the Lord is manifested, if we are open to whatever newness the Spirit brings us and if we do not take refuge in our securities.

- Do we have a future?
The future is in the hands of God, but He assures us of a future full of hope, if we are willing to welcome it, to live in simplicity and joy the gift that send us to announce and share the Good News with the poor and with all peoples, without exception.

- Are vocations a priority of the Congregation or do you not want to address this issue?
Our priority is a conversion of heart and the lifestyle of the communities, so that they are truly inviting, which means that they manifest a caring community life and the presence of the Lord among them.

- Your first words to the Congregation are ...
To thank them for their trust and encourage them to live with joy and hope. We know in Whom we have placed our trust and His grace is enough for us to continue the journey.

- Something to add?
With the contribution of all, we can grow in greater communion among us so that the Charism of Dominican Charity of Marie Poussepin is renewed and projected in today's world.