Electing the General Leader

Entering into DISCERNMENT

Gathered in the Chapter room, the delegates softly sang,

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, hear us.

Let us live as you each day.

Guide, inspire and empower us
As we walk our Exodus
To desire and seek
God alone in everything –
‘Til by all people in communion
“Glory be to God” is sung.

     and prayed,

O Maker of the Universe, Maker of this earth,

Maker of souls and Maker of songs,
We thank you for the spirit
That flows among us, through us, around us and in us
Across the distance wherever we are...

Reflection on Inner Freedom

Before sharing her reflection, Christine invited the Capitulants to sit in silence for a while and, in spirit, visit our Family in whose name they are gathered – Contemplatives, Apostolics, Lay and Priest Associates...

Discernment as a way of life had been consistently put before the Chapter by the Facilitator.

Now, it was the disposition of interior freedom that was uppermost. We’ll give a few ideas from her reflection which can be developed further by the delegates at home  

What is Inner Freedom?

“...to put all my energy into thinking, asking, praying, reflecting – as if I alone have to make the decisions about the elections – and at the same time be able to let go of all my ideas ... if God seems to point in a different direction from where my thoughts have been going.”

Inordinate attachments can prevent us from doing that. They are the obstacles to freedom like prejudices, fixed ideas..., all those things that limit our freedom. 

What do we do with unfreedoms?

Recognise them before God, look at them and assess them objectively. The same applies to absolute certainties.

Freedom and Responsibility

Both are limited. Whatever freedom we have, God will use if we hand it over to God. While we may not responsible for circumstances that have brought us to where we are, we are responsible for choosing life and creating the present. Each one’s experience and gifts are essential to the election discernment process.

Fears - feelings of inadequacy, lack of experience, knowledge...- are normal. They must also be named and faced so they do not become blocks and drain the energy that has to be directed to the election process.

Two proposed Gospel passages to spend time with

The loaves and the fishes, such a poor human offering, were essential ingredients for the miracle. God needs our contribution no matter how small.

The Samaritan woman was led by Jesus on a wonderful journey of inner freedom by Jesus, so that she left her precious jar to go and spread the good news. What jar do I need to let go of to live freely his election process?

There was silence until the next step

At 5.30 pm the Capitulants met in Discernment Groups for a time of privileged listening as each one gave the names of those she thought could fulfil the role of General Leader and why. The names are brought to the Facilitator in the designated room.

At 7.45, they assemble for Adoration in the Chapel, after which the first nominations are made, each one writing three names.

The list of names, in alphabetical order, will be available in the Chapter room by 9 pm.

The Blessed Sacrament remains exposed until 10.30 pm.

Personal reflection and the adoration in the Chapel

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