2nd PHASE:
Looking at Reality, the Church

Eucharist in language groups. Begin the 2nd Phase.

Breakfast

1st Session.
Speaker: Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini
(Doc 4.2.2a)
Ecclesiology: Ecclesial Perspectives Today

Introduction. "Free" small groups in the Chapter Hall (Doc 4.2.1b).
Questions drawn up and given to 3 selected Brothers.
The 3 Brothers summarize the questions and give them to Card. Martini.

Break

Plenary Assembly:
Questions and Answers

Explanation of the work for the afternoon.
Groups B.

Break

Lunch

"B" Groups:

1. How was the presentation relevant for my local reality and for the reality of our international Institute?

2. What connection is there between what was heard in the presentation and what I read in the documents sent to the Capitulants?

3. Implications for the Institute in the coming years.

Break

Looking at the Manual for the Chapter. Drawing up a summary.

1) "A" Groups: Looking at the Manual for the Chapter. Questions for the Central Commission. Contributions.

2) Simultaneous meeting of "B" Group Secretaries by language groups (E, I, F) to summarize what was picked up in the small groups.

If possible, the three language groups can combine their findings into one report.

1) Plenary Assembly to listen to the report and to react.

2) "A" Group Secretaries turn in their questions and contributions on the Manual of the General Chapter to the Central Commission.

3) The provisional Central Commission asks for names from the Assembly for the different elected posts (MCG 3.3.4)

(A sheet with names of electable Officers is given out so that it can be returned no later than by 19:00 tomorrow, May 4th)

• Coordinator (MCG 2.4),
• Moderators (MCG 2.6),
• Chapter Historian (MCG 2.11),
• Scrutineers (MCG 2.13)

Prayer in "B" Groups

Supper

CONFERENCE
Carlo Maria Martini

“We the Bishops are the ones who must offer the guidelines for a future Synod that would suggest the changes to be made in the Church”… Another eagerly awaited intervention…that of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini. In his very first words he made a complimentary reference to our work with the Palestinian People in the Bethlehem University where he had recently received a doctorate a honoris causa.

Martini presented a vision of the situation of the Church today and the manner in which it is present to the contemporary world. In his analysis he brought out some of the positive aspects: We are not talking about writing in a book of condolences at a wake with all sorts of things that have nothing to do with our Church”.

But not all is “pure light”. There are also problems that we cannot hide and which are challenges that confront our future and, based on faith, “It is necessary to enter into the experience of faith in order to appreciate the treasures of the Church.”

His vision of the future was framed in symbols of hope: “We must look at the reality with eyes of faith, which means we see it in love”… and perhaps his attention was drawn to some signs that we gave him for the road that remains for us to travel: “control of oneself, silence and humility”.

The Capitulants have had the great opportunity to listen to one of the most authoritative voices in the Church.

THE EUROPEAN NIGHT

Nightfall brought about a change in the serious atmosphere that works well for the deliberations of the capitulants. Torches marked the pathway in the garden leading in the direction of the “B Block” from where music of electric organ and guitar wafted melodies of the Old Continent. It was European Night—beer from Belgium, cheeses from Holland, Spanish olives and other finger food, wines from the Catalan Province of Spain.

How elegant and handsome were some of Visitors! We are invited to look at the montage of photos. It’s them! The very same who during the day had made such profound statements in the Chapter Hall. Say! Who was it that said there isn’t a youthful spirit among the De La Salle Brothers?

With the help of the typical songs and the beautiful scenes projected on the big screen we took a long tour through the countries of Europe. And since the new Region of the REL has integrated the Near East and Arabic countries into the fold, these were part of the repertory.

Traditional songs, ones that everyone knows, were sung and danced. Italy had its “O Sole Mio”, France, its “Marseillaise”, Spain, with its “Clavelito” which ended with a shower of carnations on the audience.

As it was Poland’s National Feastday, the Polish Visitor, Brother Wojciech Golonka, was hailed by his Brothers. Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the official European anthem, was sung in German to close the musical section of the evening.

Thanks to Brother Stefano Agostini, Auxiliary Visitor of Italy and to Brother Alberto Gomez, Visitor of Andalucia for being masters of ceremony; the Italian Brother speaking in French and the Spaniard, with his easy translations into English. This is what building Europe means, and also building up the community of the Chapter. Heavy work remains in the Chapter but these beginnings are the spoonfuls of sugar that will make the medicine go down.

OPINIONS

The atmosphere the capitulants feel.

How did the beginning of the Chapter go for you?

Juan Carlos MALDONADO. Bolivia

There is an atmosphere of much openness and accessibility felt by all present. It is clear that we want to do this chapter right so that the Institute may respond with creative imagination to the new challenges of a world in constant change, each time less just, but also with signs of solidarity.

We can see and feel a commitment for the person, for his dignity and for being capable of initiating a process of personal and community exodus which will lead us to the promised land, together with those who are most in need.

Fernando Lambert, Canada Francophone

What has impressed me the most in these first days of the Chapter is the brotherhood that I have heard expressed and lived among the capitulants. I particularly appreciate the work being done in the small groups. The sharing there is much more direct and in depth.

It has been so fruitful to enter deeply in this community way into the presentations by personages of such worth who have shed light on our first days of reflection. The seriousness that has characterized our various activities has not taken anything away from moments of rest and of shared laughter.