News
CGP 1 - Red thread n.1 - November 30, 2023
There are many of us who are new in this first CGP of the new General Council (24 members with 2 translators), since the bursars who are completing their Congregational Economic Council (CEC) are joining us for these first two days... However, two brothers were unable to join us: the bursar of the Province of Africa and the Vicar of Kinshasa...
The day was devoted to a word of welcome from Father General (see below), then to sharing news from the 7 (vice)provinces and three vicariates... Each highlighting significant events, strengths, weaknesses, challenges and projects... A time of conviviality together with the members of the community put an end to the first day of our meeting...
A word of welcome
P. Ngoa, a.a.
“A welcome speech has already been a tradition for years at the start of Plenary General Council meetings. As this is my first in this new term, it's almost obligatory. But believe me, brothers, I'm not simply fulfilling a tradition. What I'm about to say, perhaps in just a few words. Because this first CGP session at the beginning of my mandate is like a first step on a journey; I'd like it to reach the desired point. My prayer is that this first step will point us in the right direction.
It's not up to me to create the right direction. The 34e General Chapter showed us. It's the same direction that you've already taken, in your provinces, vice-provinces and vicariates, in your first reflections in terms of implementation. You haven't come to listen to one person, or discover one person's vision. But we are here to walk together. That's why we've set aside time for listening, which I hope will be attentive, with trust and charitable. The family spirit that has always characterized us should reign during these exchanges.
As this is my very first time participating in a Plenary General Council, I took time to have a look at the texts that govern its functioning. It does say that the CGP's mission is "to ensure the good of the whole body of the Congregation": I liked that (Capitular Rules 2017 # 194). A little phrase that pretty much sums it all up. So, during this CGP, it will be a matter of defining together what that good is at different levels, places and times of our walk.
Our brothers know we're in the Council. I believe that not only are they praying for us, but also, they want to see this CGP begin to meet their expectations, some of which have already been expressed.
"What I expect from this chapter". You'll remember this heading from the trombinoscope produced for the General Chapter. It seems that the idea was not only to express expectations about how the chapter should unfold, but also the horizons to which it should lead us. It is therefore the responsibility of the CGP to continue to take these expectations into account in the implementation of orientations, decision-making and other initiatives.
So, I went through the trombinoscope once again to reread the expectations of our brothers (lay and religious, capitulants and guests).
There doesn't seem to be anything new. They're pretty much the same expectations you know and have expressed yourselves at some point in your religious life. A quick survey of these expectations reveals that our brothers want:
- That we continue to develop internationality and interculturality within the congregation.
- A renewed formation policy to reappropriate our Assumptionist identity and prepare us for life and mission, especially in these times.
- Clarifying the contours of the Lay-Religious Alliance; Promoting collaboration between religious and lay people.
- The realization of the synodal spirit in our congregation.
- Other initiatives at all levels, leading to authentic fraternal life... etc.
I'm not forgetting the need for a debate on the consequences of the Congregation's current demographic reality: in terms of accompaniment, in terms of leadership, but also in terms of a real willingness to walk together as a body to face up to the pastoral needs of our society and the Church.
The CGP is a governing body that deals with approvals, authorizations, appointments, allocation of resources, accreditation and so on. But it's not all administration. The CGP is also a community of life. Let the other equally important moments (such as meals, conviviality, prayer, free exchange...) bring us together more as a body.
You're already used to this house and especially this place. Some a little more than others. The set-up remains almost the same. Feel at home! You should leave here with more energy and renewed hope. Even if you don't come to Rome to rest, the CGP shouldn't tire you out any further. You already have enough to worry about in your provinces.
If we want to "live and proclaim the hope of the Gospel", this place and this moment should be like a spring where you come to stock up on ammunition to proclaim this "Kingdom that is at hand". And the first munitions this CGP should offer you are joy and hope.
When are you coming to visit us? I've been asked this question by many of you and by brothers in your provinces. You would have liked to see me already in the provinces, for fraternal or canonical visits. You can imagine why I haven't yet started to do this: we've had quite a few CGOs (4 already) during which we had to deal with urgent matters and prepare for this CGP. The major superiors received a letter at the end of each CGO to inform them. (That's why I didn't want to repeat them here). Before that, we had to consider vacations and other imperatives linked to the change of community and mission.
But I also wanted to give myself time to discover my load before going out. I didn't finish. I had found in the archives a booklet entitled "A Provincial at the Assomption", written by the late Claude Marechal. I was hoping to find another entitled "A General at the Assomption". But unfortunately, I'm still looking. At the end of this CGP, after having discussed with you the modalities of these visits, you will already have a first projection of fraternal and canonical visits. Already from January 2024. So, it's coming soon.
Based on the program for this CGP, which you received with the SM 3 newsletter, you can already imagine the major topics that will be addressed during the conference. There are, of course, the topics that some people call the "musts", such as:
- The first apostolic appointments
- Discernment about opening and closing communities
- The list of key positions to be updated
- Mobilizing works
- Approval of trainers
- The economic life of the congregation and the decisions that followed, etc.
But we'll also be returning to the general chapter for a more in-depth look, focusing on the demands made of this governing body, the CGP. It's very important for us to examine the statutes of the provinces, if there have been any changes. Of course, we'll be listening carefully to the exchanges between provincials and vicars as they present the state of play in their respective entities. Other equally important issues will also be on the table: general postulation, formation, the general secretariat for formation, etc.
I promised not to be long. But I can't end without thanking the members of the General Curia, who have been such good helpers. We have worked in a spirit of teamwork and trust. I may have abused their availability, skills and expertise by calling on them for little things that I should already know how to do on my own.
Thanks also to the team who worked with Michel, the General Secretary, to finalize the proceedings of the 34e chapter.
Thanks also to all of you for the exchanges that have taken place to keep me informed of what's going on in your provinces. I hope this will continue.
I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you all. Particularly those of you who, like me, are taking part in this meeting for the first time, including the new provincials (Chi Ai, Lucien Telolahy and Fabien Lejeusne). Also among the guests is Father Vincent Kambere, who could not get the visa, but has sent a dossier on the vicariate.
Thanks also to our brothers, Father Jose Miguel Diaz and Brother Milad, who made themselves available to provide a great translation service.
The members of the congregation's Economic Council (CEC) are also with us. We are very grateful for your service to the congregation. We thank you. We'll be together today and tomorrow. Thank you once again, and welcome to you too.
This is an important question, because nobody wants to build on sand. The 34e chapter has strengthened our faith. Yes, "the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Mk 1:15). "Living and proclaiming the Hope of the Gospel" is now our reason for living, our reason for going on mission, and the reason why we are here in CGP. This is our foundation. It is God himself who will strengthen this foundation. That's why I close with this prayer from our founder:
"Lord, may we be sincere disciples of the truth entrusted to your Church. May we be disciples who are not content to listen to you, but jealous to obey you. And truth united with holiness will make us worthy of you." (Emmanuel d'Alzon Prayer Collection)
You're welcome, this is your home. With these words of welcome, I declare open the meetings of the Plenary General Council.
Thank you very much.”
