More about the Elections

Father, Mother GodYou taught the hearts of your faithful people
by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit.
In that Spirit give us right judgement
and the joy of (her) comfort and guidance.

No one could have doubted the presence of the Spirit in the chapel this morning as the Capitulants gathered for the Eucharist with Fr. Louis Lougen, Superior General of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate presiding.

As is our custom, he also presided at the election of the General Leader which followed immediately after the Eucharist.
 

Christine opened the proceedings.

In a final word about discernment, she said it is a choice between good things, not between good and bad, nor between a good and a less good. In the election we are looking for someone who will take the mission forward.

There was a last opportunity given for anyone who wished to speak to do so. There was no one and they went forward in peace.
 

10 am

All stood to sing the Veni Creator.

Then Margaret, as President of the Chapter, read art. 62 of the Constitutions concerning the election of the Superior General.

The election was conducted as set out therein.

We know the result.
 

Asked if she accepted, Ana Maria replied: “Trusting in God and my sisters, I accept”, to deafening applause and congratulations from all in the assembly, each one in her own way.

 

 

11.30 am

After a break to absorb the emotions of the moment, the Capitulants assembled again, this time with Ana Maria as President of the Chapter.

It was a time for spontaneous expressions of gratitude.

Ana Maria’s first words were of thanks to the old Council without whose hard work the Chapter would not have arrived at this stage. A special word of thanks was reserved for Margaret for all she had done and shared for such a long time. They would continue to count on her.

Mentioning each one by name, she thanked Marie Carmen, Colleen, Kumudini, Micheline, Marian and Bernadette.  All received a bouquet in appreciation.

Margaret spoke of how grateful she was now, saying it was “a grace and gift to serve the Family”. She remains with a sense of connectedness with all and will never forget anyone. She also thanked the two teams she had worked with during her two mandates.

Marie Carmen Vilardell who, as you may know , had not been able to attend the Chapter because of her health, also spoke: “This a privileged opportunity to speak to all the Units  of the Institute and through the Institute, to all the Family, to thank you for your union and your prayers in my situation of which you all know. But, above all, I have to give thanks for all have lived that has been so rich because life, with its lights and shadows, is worth living. And I will continue to live together with you as we go forward in the circumstances in which we are now.”

Christine took the opportunity to thank everyone for the way they had lived the Election Process.     

Election of the Vicar for the Contemplatives

This was done by the sisters of the Vicariate present at the Chapter

The Contemplative sisters had already drawn up a list of nominations for the Vicar and the election followed the same process as for the Superior General. The result is now known to all.

Bernadette accepted to do this service and was also enthusiastically greeted by the Capitulants.

Afternoon Session

Process for Election of Councillors

In some respects, it is similar to that for the General Leader. The criteria for persons are the same but the main criterion is to create a team that can help Ana Maria to carry forward the Mission. This will require different gifts, skills, experience. It is important to take into account where and the extent to which a language predominates and how this impacts on Formation needs.

But it is not an overriding constraint.

So, discernment is ongoing throughout the election process and the team is built up gradually.

The Capitulants spent some time in mixed groups working out possible scenarios, even creating teams of five Councillors if they thought fit.  There was conversation around this and a list of nominations left with them  for prayerful consideration  until tomorrow.

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