The Religious of the Assumption have re-elected Sr. Rekha M. Chennattu as Superior General for a second term during the congregation’s 30th General Chapter in France on July 19.
The chapter also appointed four new Councilors who will animate the Assumption hand-in-hand with Sr. Rekha. Representatives from 14 provinces across 33 countries participated in the chapter.
The new councilors are Sr. Lerma Victoria Pangantihon from the Philippines, Sr. Sandra Elizabeth Duran Perez from El Salvador, Sr. Marthe Ntuyumve from Rwanda, and Sr. Francoise Martin from France.
In a statement sent to LiCAS News, the congregation said these sisters are tasked with advancing the mission of exploring new paths of synodality.
“Wherever they are, the Assumption Sisters draw energy from a strong contemplative and community life to dedicate themselves to a mission of social transformation through an integral and holistic education according to the values of the Gospel,” it added.
Sr. Rekha outlined her vision for the future, emphasizing life fulfillment, personal and communal freedom, and deeper collaboration with the laity.
In her report, the missionary sister said, “I want to see every member of the Congregation enjoying the fullness of life and becoming the best version of themselves.”
She said she sees a future where sisters can pursue their individual spiritual callings within the broader framework of their religious commitment.
“Joyful detachment and a passion for God’s Kingdom would lay the foundations for a new way of living our religious vows. Mutual respect and reciprocity, coupled with shared responsibility and transparency would become the identity mark of leadership teams,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnerships with laypeople to enhance the relevance and sustainability of their apostolic work.
Rekha, born in India in 1963, made her First Vows in 1984, taking “Jesus the Redeemer” as her mystery, and made her Perpetual Vows in 1992, with “Logos” engraved on her ring.
After completing her studies in theology, she specialized in Sacred Scripture, her great passion, and taught at the university level.
She has undertaken various missions in her Province and has collaborated with different Asian and universal ecclesiastical institutions, as well as other academic spaces.
The Assumption Sisters, established in 1839 by St. Marie-Eugenie of Jesus, have a widespread presence across the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe, including 17 communities in the Asia Pacific.
