Eucharist in Language Groups

Breakfast

Aula Magna

1) Prayer

2) Announcements

3) Guides and directions for the work of the Thematic Groups

4) Beginning of the work of the Thematic Groups.

Each Thematic Group choose its officials,
specialy a Delegate for the Central Commission.

Break

Work in the Thematic Groups.

Lunch

Afternoon

Work in the Thematic Groups.

Break

Prayer in Thematic groups.

Supper

SYNTHESIS OF THE LISTENING COMMITTEE

“Moved by faith, the exodus continues…” these were the first words heard in the Chapter Hall this morning.  It was part of the prayer for the beginning of the work for the coming days.  The staff of Moses, carried by Brother Alvaro on the opening day, has been moved to the Chapter Hall, visible for all to see.

The Listening and Writing Committee (composed of Bros. Donald Mouton from the USA, Esteban de Vega from Spain and Alain Houry of France) have presented their impressive report/synthesis to the Capitulants.  They had previously been a rather “invisible” group but the quality of their work was recognized and appreciated by the Chapter.

A good synthesis can avoid loss of time in organizing all the earlier contributions.  It is now up to the Capitulants to decide which are to be the central themes that will be the material for their work, bringing alternative responses to the challenges of the world, the Church, the consecrated life and our mission in association with other persons. 

The Chapter has in its hands the capacity to make decisions that may introduce significant changes.

CAPITULANTS EXPRESS THEIR PREFERENCES

The Chapter Hall today witnessed the various interventions that attempted to rate the priorities enumerated by the Committee of Listening and Writing.  The debate was very constructive and as the hours went on it was clear that considerable consensus was forming up about what will be “the themes” of this Chapter.

The Capitulants have had their say.  It is clear for all that this is not the moment to show personal preferences but rather to manifest what will be best for the 44th Chapter.  Each has received three adhesive strips to select their preferences from among the six themes on which they offer to work.  These strips are then stuck onto the respective panels with their “votes”.  The color of the strips is green, the color of hope.

Once the results were known, and after having met by Regional Groups, to guarantee the necessary representation by geographic place, etc. they have left their option in writing.  The thematic groups have been formed up afterwards.  The work of the Chapter continues to advance.

CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS

The working days for the Capitulants have been very intense and “de rigeur” which is proper for a convocation of this type…even with Saturday and Sunday included.  The participants are aware that they represent their respective Districts and that the decisions that they will make in the next weeks are going to be Action Plans for the following seven years.

Between the intense work sessions there are some moments when they have been able to show the close fraternity that is sensed among the Capitulants.  The celebration of birthdays is one such good occasion.  A gorgeous lemon birthday cake is added to the usual menu of pastas for these birthdays and anniversaries of habit taking.

THE WORK OF OUR TRANSLATORS

It is not easy to imagine the complexity of the organization of the Chapter restraints imposed by the “plurilingualism” of the participants.

All the discourses, the information given and all the written documentation is in English, French and Spanish. If in the previous phase the work was considerable, one can suppose what is involved in forty intense days of work, each one producing texts in writing that require almost immediate translations.

A group of Brothers, from different countries, have offered themselves to accomplish this service. The oral, direct, translation in the cabins is going well. The appreciation of those present attests to that. For the written translations several good computers have been put on line with their keyboards adapted to the various languages. Upon opening, little national flags as icons present the versions to be used.

This service is coordinated by Brother Bernardo Montes of Colombia. There is an abundance of good will on the part of his team. At times the keyboards are clicking away until well past midnight. Good organization and professionalism add to the accessibility and generosity of the Brothers who lend their service. Without their selfless work it would not be possible to do justice to an event of this category.

OPINIONS

Shahzad GEORGE GILL - Pakistan

I have been deeply touched by the beginning of the first two phases of the Chapter, “Building Community and Looking at Reality” which went extremely well.  The work of the Central Commission is very much appreciated.  I am grateful to the Commission for facilitating these two phases in a more meaningful and spiritual way.

It was a praying experience for me as I reflected on the talks presented by our speakers.  They not only shared their personal experiences, but also deepened our spirituality and thirst for Mission. Their talks led us to sharing and discussing in our smaller groups which I found to be a very rich and encouraging experience for me.

Jean-B. TRAN DINH HIEP. Vietnam

Dear Brothers,

This is the first time that I have been asked to take part in a General Chapter.  First of all, I feel that the ambience here is very, very lovely.  All the Brothers are very friendly and close even though I have never met most of them before.  I am having a profound experience of what it means to be Lasallian. 

Secondly, the beginning of the General Chapter was a good experience.  I noticed how very well organized every aspect of the Chapter was, including the optional activities at 9:00 pm. 

Thirdly, the Chapter has been doing very serious work in the first two phases.  It made me feel that the Spirit is truly working in each member of the General Chapter. 

Finally, I would like to thank our Superior Alvaro and the Councilors for offering me this wonderful opportunity to be here.