A very busy day

Breath of all life, open our eyes, open our ears,

And thus we will know that

All is holy, all is one...

 

This refrain and a version of Psalm 24, from O Gracious One, 105 Psalm inspired Prayers, was a particularly relevant start to the day as the Chapter continued its struggle to forge a path into the future encouraged by the reminder that,

“the path is made by walking”.

 

The Day’s Programme

Process of Election of the Superior General

Yesterday, to help the Capitulants to prepare for the important matter of electing the Superior General/General Leader, they were asked to consider the qualities required for this role.

Before hearing the feedback from this reflection, a document describing the process of election was distributed in the assembly and Christine, (Facilitator) talked them through it.

The process begins on 26 May and the election will take place on the morning of 28 May. The two days preceding the election will be days of serious, prayerful discernment and the atmosphere will be that of RETREAT.

Nominations will be made and lists distributed to all Capitulants. There will be opportunities for conversations in and out of the Chapter room before the final list is distributed the night before the election.

The essential criteria they would look for in the person who would be entrusted with the task were the subject of a lengthy feedback from the different groups.

There were the obvious ones required of all leaders, with specific ones expected of Holy Family leaders at this time. Words and phrases that recurred were the need for a broad vision and the ability to share and inspire it, the ability to read the signs of the times and take the hard decisions that may be required. More thought will go into this as the Chapter progresses.

From the World of Business

Aware of the Capitulants’ sincere effort to respond to the challenge of the Chapter theme and the difficulties involved, Christine gave another PowerPoint Presentation from the business world as food for thought.

To view the full Document, click on the image.

 

 

 

After a break another PPT said urgently, even if in humorous vein,  

“LET US FREE THE NEWNESS OF THE CHARISM!”

To view the full Document, click on the image

 

 

AFTERNOON SESSION

Before starting the main work of this session, Christine raised another issue that needs to be considered before election time. In their report, the General Leadership Team mooted the idea of having, perhaps, one less Councillor on the team. She invited the GLT to speak to this and then opened it to the floor.

Opinions were thoughtfully given. The question remains open while the Chapter continues reflecting on the type or style of leadership that may be required for the next six years.

VOWED FOR MISSION

The feedback from yesterday’s work on this document was extremely positive.

·       It connects very well with what has already been done and with the desire for newness.

·       It is seen as a source of fresh energy in many ways; the vows are values, not norms, turning us outwards; stresses our gift of communion

·        God Alone – the Primacy of God, manifested in the person of Christ, is central.

·         It is a challenge to push boundaries, to be open and ‘let go’...   

Additional work on Document from the Steering Committee

It was presented in the form of slides with some commentary.
This commentary needs to be fleshed out for the benefit of those not present at the Chapter.

‘Mixed Group’ Work (i.e. members with different languages, translation provided)

There are eight such groups.
Each group was allocated one of the slides 1 – 8, and all had slide 9.

They also had the brief written commentary prepared by the Steering Committee.

Their task

Using the commentary already done as a basis and bearing in mind the Chapter theme,

o   Write a short explanation of the slide to throw more light on it;

o   State what are the challenges and risks involved;

o   Say what aspect from Holy Family traditions and spirituality will help us to live this;

o   Give suggestions about what actions need to be taken by the General Leadership, the members of the Institute and Family.

This work will be completed on Thursday morning and presented to the Chapter.

TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, IS A FREE DAY.

THE CAPITULANTS WILL BE WITH POPE FRANCIS IN

ST. PETER’S SQUARE.

 

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