The General Chapter report day VI

The General Chapter meeting continued today with a peaceful morning prayer, setting a reflective and focused tone for the day. The theme was centered around community life, highlighting the importance of unity and shared values within the congregation. This initial gathering helped the brothers align their thoughts and intentions, fostering a sense of togetherness and purpose.

After a hearty breakfast, the discussion moved to Chapter VIII of the General Council report. This part of the report covered several key points for the General Council's 2024 conclusion points, including community living, prayer, and apostolic activities. The conversation was rich and engaging, with members sharing insights and perspectives on how to improve these areas within their community.

In the years to come, it's crucial to focus our apostolic work on the most poor and needy. This topic was discussed seriously among the members, highlighting the importance of reaching out to those who are most vulnerable. Another significant topic that garnered attention was vocation promotion. Ensuring that we have a strong and dedicated members committed to our mission is essential for the future.

After coffee break, the Chairperson explained the process for electing new General Council members. The election will take place in three steps, incorporating both a synodality approach and traditional methods. This process ensures that every member has the opportunity to speak and listen to the other, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

The synodal approach in discussions consists of three key steps. First, each member shares their ideas without any interruptions, while the others listen attentively. This ensures that everyone has a chance to voice their thoughts fully. In the second step, members reflect on what they found interesting or valuable from the previous talks. This encourages active listening and helps to identify common ground. Finally, in the third step, the group formulates one agreement on the topic based on the insights gathered during the second step. This structured process fosters a collaborative environment where all voices are heard and respected.

By following the synodal approach, each member can participate wholeheartedly, promoting a sense of equality among the brothers. This method not only ensures that everyone's opinions are considered but also helps to build consensus in a respectful and inclusive manner. It encourages members to engage deeply with the discussion, knowing that their contributions are valued and will be thoughtfully considered in the final agreement. This approach is particularly effective in creating a harmonious and productive dialogue.

Following the afternoon break, we discussed several important proposals. These include the composition of the next General Council, the amount of money the General Superior can spend independently, and the structure of the next General Chapter. Each topic was thoroughly examined to ensure that our decisions benefit the congregation in the long run. Following these discussions, we proceeded to vote on the proposals by hand raising.  The moderator led the voting process, giving everyone a chance to express their opinions.

Once the voting was completed, we gave the opportunity to the  General Council members to share their work experience during the past six years. It was a time to appreciate their hard work and dedication. The General Chapter process was then officially closed with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by dinner and a time of fellowship in the recreation room. This final gathering was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our brotherhood and the collaborative spirit that has guided our chapter.

Bro. Petrus Anjar