News
The Assumption continues to reflect and to dream of new foundations
Rome
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Nicholas, patron saint of wise children. We have been wise in the framework of the CGP where there was no lack of files to work on. After 6 days of meetings, we are getting a little tired, but the atmosphere is serene and we are progressing gradually.
We are still thinking about congregational structures. For those who are familiar with the recent history of the congregation, they will not be surprised to learn that we are still searching, so much so that the decisions made at the 2017 chapter had us entering into a "dynamic of the provisional". Life is here with the ongoing evolution of the congregation. Therefore, we need to adjust taking into account the demographics and the prospects of growth in new countries. We have done some personal work to express what we envision as possibilities. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to discuss the various plans that have been proposed. We have also examined the proposals for the first apostolic appointments. Over time we are refining our methodology for making these appointments. The back and forth between the provincials and the Superior General is improving and we are trying to discern what is best for the whole body of the congregation. This is not an easy exercise, but it seems to us to be relevant in order to foster an awareness of our internationality. Brother Didier presented us with the "old age solidarity" plan that had been presented at the CGP in Kampala (Uganda) last June. The work is well done and the solidarity fund, when it is constituted and operational, will allow us to come to the aid of elderly religious who do not have sufficient resources for everyday life. It is a question of solidarity and not of a pension that would be paid regularly.
A round table discussion presented the various orientations retained for the provincial chapters. The general impression is that the provinces have prepared the work well by creating preparatory commissions and working groups. The main idea is not to produce documents to be validated at the Chapter, but to present the major apostolic issues and to feed the reflection. The texts will come in their own time. It should be noted that the Andean province has already held the first session of its chapter. Very soon the other provinces will have their Chapter assemblies at the end of December and next January.
The Assumption continues to reflect and to dream of new foundations: Mexico, Indonesia, Congo, West Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda... There is no lack of desire to establish new communities and discernment is underway.
Tomorrow, we will continue to discuss formation after the time of sharing that took place in language groups. As you can see, St. Nicholas has found "wise and studious children".