Eucharist in Language Groups

Breakfast

Presentation of the reports of the Thematic Groups

Order of presentation of
the Reports of the Thematic Groups:

Break

Presentation of the reports of the Thematic Groups

Break

Lunch

GROUP “A”… THE COMMUNITY LIVING THEME

According to the Listening and Writing Committee, the Community Living theme is the issue which is most in demand. This was evident in the number of cards that were placed on the bulletin boards during the days of discernment.

Group “A” which is responsible for developing this theme has Brother Ismael Beltrán as its coordinator. There are 20 capitulants that comprise this group. Brother Alberto Gómez (Spain) is the reporter for this group. The context in which this theme is being developed is the reality of the world today, with all of its contradictions and its attempt to eclipse God, the Church in which we live and the religious life of the Institute.

The power point presentation in the three languages of the Chapter was well done. The last projection on the screen needs no commentary… “Together and by Association. Living life together in community.

REPORT “E” ON PASTORAL MINISTRY OF VOCATIONS

The Group which worked on Theme “E”, the Pastoral Ministry of Vocations, is composed of 16 Capitulants from 11 different countries and it being coordinated by Br.Thomas Jones (USA).

The presentation to the Chapter Assembly was made by Br. Dominic Viggiani (Canada) and in it there is an analysis of the present day reality of this theme, with elements common to other Institutes.

After the presentation of the Report there were many interventions. The Moderators were following the criteria of not limiting requests to speak, even if this meant running behind the time planned.

In the Report it was highlighted that our life is significant for the Church… we are necessary in our time… serving society and the Church… three centuries afterwards, the initiative of St. J.B. De La Salle still has a reason for continuing in our time.

PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT B: ASSOCIATION

From the early morning hours the work of the Chapter was renewed in the Chapter Hall. The Capitulants were reminded that this time, between the Feast of the Ascension and Holy Trinity Sunday, are very meaningful for the Brothers. It was in 1694 when the first Brothers made their vow of association.

And Association was, as a fact, the central theme of Group B which occupied the first and second sessions of the morning. This Group was coordinated by Brother Antonio Botana of Spain.

The presentation was made by Brother Adalberto Aranda (Mexico/Antilles) who, in his introduction, brought out the richness of the Group for its members—differences of ages, geographical contexts, cultures and even ethnic groupings. In the linguistic aspect, seven were Spanish speakers, six English, five French. Of the Group, seven Brothers had participated in the 1st AIMEL. The report contained several contributions from that Assembly.

In the interventions, the words of Brother John Johnston were remembered, sentiments that he had expressed before leaving the Chapter.

A WEEK OF DISCUSSION ON THE REPORTS

It has been a heavy weekend especially for the translators. It was necessary to have the Documents available to the Capitulants, sufficiently in advance, to enable them to have time to read them before the discussions which would begin on Monday during the first morning session.

The Groups wrote the first drafts. To reach consensus it was necessary to have many hours of dialogue…..strength in numbers is well-known and this was reflected in the good atmosphere which one could feel….

 The first drafts of the Reports will be the object of discussion, today,  Monday 21st and for the morning of Tuesday 22nd. Since these are first versions of the  texts and out of respect for the internal dynamic of the Chapter discussion, there will be no information about their contents, nor on the individual positions of the Capitulants.

The Groups  will dedicate the evening of Tuesday and the morning of Wednesday 23rd  to re-writing the Reports, incorporating the suggestions of the Assembly . From Thursday 24th in the morning, the discussion will continue in the Aula Magna…..by next weekend we should be close to definitive Reports.