General Chapter -- 10th English Report

The following is a summary of the activities of the 20th General Chapter on Wednesday, May 28. Those reading these summaries are reminded that the chapter also maintains a web page at: http://www.scj.org

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Fr. Pasquale Marinucci, representing the SCJs of Madagascar, led morning prayer in Malgache, the language of Madagascar. This was followed by a quick reading and approval of the minutes from the previous day.

The schedule for Wednesday was then presented by Fr. Giovanni Pross, moderator. Discussion of governmental issues would be put aside until the Steering Committee had developed a program to better address the topic. In the meantime, the linguistic groups would continue discussion of the topics highlighted in the synthesis report presented on Tuesday (On Monday, the linguistic groups discussed the elements which they thought should be a part of the Global Strategy. The moderators synthesized the responses into one document with eight major topics). It was hoped that reflection on the first four priorities could be completed by the end of Wednesday and that on Thursday, the delegates could decide on particular priorities to be officially embraced by the chapter. Those would then be used as guidelines for the next administration.

The plenary session ended early, allowing the linguistic groups more time to meet in their morning session.

At 3:30, the chapter met to hear the reports from the linguistic groups regarding the first four topics: mission, sharing/communion/collaboration, social commitment, and formation.

MISSION

Regarding the first topic, several groups had suggestions related to formation. SCJs should be formed with an "international mentality," said one group, and those who are formators should receive training on how to most effectively share the international nature of the congregation. This sense of internationality will further people's understanding of "mission." If SCJs are more fully rooted in the international aspect of the congregation, there will be a greater willingness to participate in the "mission" of the congregation, wherever that mission might call an SCJ to go.

Other groups focused on reconciliation. "SCJs must be active agents of reconciliation," reported one group, adding that the congregation must find common tools in order to facilitate reconciliation.

Some suggested that the congregation promote new, international foundations. More specifically, one group said that another initiative should be started in Asia. Others thought that existing foundations could be consolidated into international efforts.

Another group thought that provinces could go through a refoundation process based on the internationality of the congregation -- a refoundation rooted in the mission of the congregation.

SHARING/COMMUNION/COLLABORATION

Concerning the second topic -- sharing/communion/collaboration -- many groups expressed a need to develop ways for a greater sharing of resources and personnel. "This is Sint Unum," said the secretary of one group, adding that a mentality needs to be created in which there is a willingness for mobility and an openness to sharing. "A solidarity fund is one way in which we could live our Sint Unum... through it we would truly be sharing our daily bread with each other." However, there were some groups that said that instead of creating a new fund, the General Aid Fund should be redefined to meet the needs of a "solidarity fund."

Other groups spoke of a need for greater communication between the provinces and regions. SCJs should be encouraged to learn a second language, if they have not already done so. Also, the "twinning" of provinces can be a positive experience of collaboration. More established provinces could be linked with younger regions and provinces. Both would be enriched.

Regarding the general administration, several groups said that it should be granted greater authority to call on people to serve congregational needs. It was also said that the central administration should more closely monitor congregational activities, such as the work of the commissions. Others called the entire congregation to responsibility, saying that not only do the provinces and regions need to share resources, but also to share responsibilities. "There must be a sense of co-responsibility for a true sense of Sint Unum," said one delegate.

Several groups suggested that study centers be established or current ones enhanced, so that SCJs can better learn about the charism of Fr. Dehon. "Only by knowing ourselves will we be able to live our spirituality with others," said one delegate.

In a brief dialog after this section of the reports, a delegate stressed that "it is important not to get trapped in discussions of specifics. What we need to determine at this level is if we, as a chapter, are in support of the sharing of resources and personnel." The details, he continued, can be worked out later.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT

The third theme to be reported on concerned social commitment. Several groups stressed that social commitment must be a part of not only every province but every individual SCJ. Social commitment must be stressed at all levels of formation -- initial and on-going.

One group suggested that each province and region study the effects of neo-liberalism in their countries and that following such a study, an international meeting take place to dialogue on the results of the studies. Perhaps this could be the theme of the next general conference.

Others thought that the commission on spirituality and apostolates and the commission on justice and peace should be combined so that when dealing with apostolates, issues of justice and peace are always taken into consideration.

More education needs to be done regarding the social doctrines of the church. Some felt that the SCJs themselves need to be better educated on this while others thought that the teaching of the social doctrines of the church could be an important apostolate for the congregation. The use of mass media for this purpose would be beneficial.

Some groups stressed that each province and region should undertake activities that express the SCJs' option for the poor.

FORMATION

The final theme to be discussed concerned formation. Several groups suggested that collaborative formation efforts be enhanced or developed. Cross-cultural years should be a part of initial formation and a spirit of "We the Congregation" needs to be expressed, especially in initial formation. However, while it is important, stressed other groups, that the international aspect of the congregation be enhanced, this can not be done at the expense of local inculturation. "As much as a person in formation needs to be aware of the international nature of the congregation, he must not loose touch with those to whom he will be ministering."

Regarding on-going formation, most agreed that this must not simply be an option for those who choose it. Instead, it should be a necessary part of religious life. All SCJs should take part in on-going formation.

Simply put, said one group, "formation is the priority of priorities for us." Formation personnel must be given extensive training and be invited to take part in cross-cultural awareness programs. It would also be beneficial for provinces and regions to have an exchange program whereby formators from one province or region could spend time teaching and learning in another.

Before the next day's plenary session, small workgroups were to synthesize the reports on each of the four areas discussed. The specific suggestions raised in those reports were to be dealt with on Thursday.

Mary Gorski
mgiornal@scj.org
Rome, Italy