What did it mean to you to be the facilitator of our General Chapter?
Being the facilitator of your General Chapter is for me an honour and a sign of trust. I would like to thank the Congregation, and especially the General Government, for inviting me to participate in this very important moment for the Institute.
The first facilitator of a General Chapter is the Holy Spirit. I have tried to listen to him and to the Chapter members. It has been a truly spiritual experience for me, where adoration, the Eucharist, sharing meals, formal and informal exchanges, attentive listening and the common search for God’s will, have helped me to be a pilgrim with you, and also to widen my tent. I have received much more than I have given.
Highlight some issues that you consider important for us to address when we get to the conclusion of our Chapter.
A first issue is the reception of the decisions and orientations of the Chapter. This is very important for the Chapter to bear fruit for each Brother, each community and the Institute as a whole. This requires clear and effective communication at all levels.
A second issue is the accompaniment and follow-up in implementation. What does this mean? In my Congregation, for example, as soon as possible, each Province or other administrative entity organizes a local chapter, whose mission is to discern together the lines of action and the best strategies to be put into practice, from what the General Chapter has decided.
A third issue is the elaboration by the General Government of a road map based on the major themes of the Chapter for the animation of the entire Institute. This instrument could be useful for canonical visits and provide guidelines for ongoing formation.
A final issue is the periodic evaluation, in consultation with the Major Superiors, of what has been done and what remains to be done. In fact, the objective of this review is to seek together strategies to achieve what remains to be done.
In your personal experience, how do you care for fraternity on a daily basis?
For me, caring for fraternity on a daily basis involves small gestures of attention, for example a smile, a word of encouragement to someone who is discouraged, discreet service, being present at table with a companion who is late for a meal.
In the community, I learn to let others know when I am absent; to give thanks as a just expression of appreciation for the things I have received; to control my anger; and to ask for forgiveness when I have failed in fraternal charity. These small gestures of sincere courtesy help me to build a culture of shared life and respect for those around me. All of this contributes to making the community a family environment, where mutual service gives joy, enhances everyone's talents and teaches the values ??of coexistence: attention, recognition, participation, collaboration and mutual help.
We have talked about interdependence, new structures and change. Where are we going?
A General Chapter is always a time of grace for the whole Institute. It is the opportune moment to expand your tent. It is where the Lord calls you to live out his call to new things. “Something has to change,” said Father Alberto in his report. Yes, it is possible, as long as Christ is the centre and precious pearl of your life; is the perfume that perfumes your fraternal life in community;, and is the motivation of your apostolic action and service to the poorest.
God is disconcerting. His grace always acts in the “almost nothing” that each one of us can give, however small our contribution.
Duc in altum! It is time to live your Chapter every day!
09/15/2024