Break

Questions and Answers

Approval of the Minute No. 2, May 1st

Explanation of the afternoon's activities

Linguistic groups

Sp : C3 Eng: C1 Fr: B3 – B4

Election of the Delegate of the linguistic group (Manual 2.3.2)

Assessment of the first week of the General Chapter.

Preparation (questions, comments) for the sessions of the following day.

Group prayer.

THE LATIN NIGHT

Last night in Rome became the Latin Night. The serious work of the Capitulants in approving the Manual of Regulations, after an intense day of debates, took a turn for the light side with smiles and typical costumes. There were the expected huge sombreros with their elegant trim as well as colorful “ponchos”. Stern Visitors of the day sessions laid aside their work portfolios to take up guitars and percussion instruments. Youth and joy were the order of the evening.

We were welcomed with “margaritas” right at the door, followed immediately by woven bracelets and typical trinkets and souvenirs from a score of Latin countries. Brothers who found a small paper under their chairs were gifted with more expensive items.

We sang the songs of Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and a special remembrance for Cuba, the land of Miguel Campos. With the melody of “Las Mañanitas”, the two Brothers who had their birthdays on the next day were serenaded.

The star attraction and hit of the night was the “solo de pareja”, the typical Tapatio or Hat dance of Mexico, performed with the costumes, and the pounding rhythm that only those who have it in their blood can master. The caballero was none other than the serious Rector of the Lasallian University of Mexico. Was the lady missing? Not at all. You do know that in the Casa Generalizia there is a community of Guadalupana Sisters!!

“AMERICA HAS THE SCENT OF THE FIESTA (AND THE MORNING AFTER). TO THE FUTURE AND TO LIBERTY”, This is what we sang last night. MAY IT BECOME A REALITY!! Thanks, RELAL, for a marvelous soiree.

SUJITA

We heard the voice from Asia… the voice of contemplation. Sister Mary Sujita Kallupurakkathu, of the Sisters of Notre Dame, addressed the assembly. She was born in India and has been for nine years the Superior General of her congregation which has 2,400 Sisters working in fifteen countries.

After completing her studies in social work and mass communications, she spent many years living and working among the poor and promoting the rights of the woman in India. She has participated in programs sponsored by the United Nations. She also intervened in the Conference in Beijing and was an observer at the Synod of Bishops in October of 2001.

Sujita is an inspirational leader in the new fields of spirituality, with a renewed commitment for the poor. Her words challenged the Capitulants.

She affirmed that we are valued socially for our service in education but she wondered if we are likewise known for our spirituality. Are we visible and are we credible? We are seen as competent but the poor see us as persons full of securities.

Our efforts should not only be to preserve and maintain what we have had in the past. We must be persons of contemplation. Before going to the poor it is necessary to have an experience of Jesus.

Her final message… She dared us “to be seen as women and men of God”… In epochs of social disintegration and moral relativism, we need a genuine holiness for our ministries to be transforming agents”… “to communicate interior peace permits a consecrated person to be able to guide others”. “THE FUTURE OF THE RELIGIOUS LIFE IS TO BE MORE AND TO HAVE LESS.” Prolonged applause expressed the appreciation of the Capitulants for Sister Sujita.