A Recap of Key Events and Discussions During the 33rd General Chapter of the Congregation.
On 15 April 2024, the 33rd General Chapter began with prayer and an introduction to the election process for the Superior General. In the morning sessions the capitulants reflected on the main challenges that the congregation faces and the qualities which the capitulants seek in a Superior General and the results were compiled and distributed for further discernment. In the afternoon, the assembly voted to proceed with straw voting and the rest of the day was spent in personal discernment.
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On Tuesday General Chapter focused on the election of the Superior General, presided over by Bro. Rene Delorme and Bro. Johnson John, the senior most and junior most of the capitulants. Bro. Dionigi Taffarello was elected as the Superior General of the congregation and he accepted the position with gratitude. The capitulants along with the members and staff of the Generalate congratulated the the newly elected Superior general.
On the following day the capitulants discussed on the revision of the Rule of Life and Constitutions, emphasizing a participatory approach and the meticulous process involved in drafting the first version. In the second part of the presentation on the revision of the Rule of Life and Constitutions, several new elements were highlighted.
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On Wednesday, Fr. Pier Luigi Nava, SMM provided valuable insights and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of theological coherence and proper referencing. He gave the needed clarifications on the revision process and technical aspects of the Rule of Life and Constitutions. Group discussions focused on key elements introduced in the revision and technical considerations for language. The assembly engaged in productive discussions to ensure a thorough review of the proposed changes.
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On Thurday, the assembly discussed proposals for revising the Rule of Life, focusing on incorporating new elements and clarifying terminologies. Clarifications and suggestions were made regarding the presentation of the proposed changes. The General assembly of the General Chapter discussed various proposals, including combining chapters, integrating articles, and retaining separate chapters, with the intention to reach a decision through a steering committee process. In the evening session the Election process for Assistants General were discussed and the rest of the evening were dedicated to meditation and prayer.
On 19 April 2024, Morning sessions were dedicated to the election of the Assistants General. The capitulants of the General Chapter elected four assistants General who will be collaborating with the Superior General in his decisions making and form with him the Community of Animation and Government at the service of the Institute.
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First Assistant General: Bro. Pratap Reddy B
Second Assistant General: Bro. Jean Marie Thior
Third Assistant General: Bro. Dhanaraj S
Fourth Assistant General: Bro. Varghese Mandapathil
The afternoon sessions were dedicated for discussion on the Priorities and proposed strategies for mission development. This was done in groups.
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On 20 April 2024, the participants of the General Chapter and the members of the Generalate community set out on a pillgrimage to Subiaco. It is an Italian town where St. Benedict of Nursia founded the Benedictine Order in the 6thcentury. With the help of the guides the richness of christian spirituality and western monasticism were explored. The participants came together and participated in the Holy Eucharist in the Monsatery (Shrine of the Sacred Cave of St. Benedict).
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In the afternoon, despite the rain the Brothers explored Renaissance landscaping and fountains in the Tivoli Gardens and Villa d’Este. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning gardens, architecture, and water features, dating back to the 16th century.
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Bro. Louis Anthonysamy, SG
In-Charge of communication.
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