General Chapter -- 4th English Report

The following is a summary of the activities of the 20th General Chapter on Saturday, May 17 and Monday, May 19. Those reading these summaries are reminded that the chapter also maintains a web page at: http://www.scj.org

*****

SATURDAY, MAY 17:

After morning prayer lead by the Spanish-Speaking Lay Dehonians, the chapter tackled what will be its first item of business each morning -- the reading and approval of the minutes from the previous day. After a few comments and minor corrections, the minutes quickly passed by a show of hands.

The chapter then heard the summary of the previous day's linguistic group discussions. Each group had been asked to reflect on the past six years of the General Administration and note its positive aspects, as well as areas in which it could improve.

Almost all of the groups said they found Fr. Virginio Bressanelli to be a warm and charismatic leader. His visits to the provinces and to individuals was greatly appreciated. One group said that they have had during the past six years, a government based on dialogue. The concerns of provinces are heard by the general administration. Delegates enjoyed the close connection the general councilors maintained with the provinces and regions. Whenever possible, a member of the council or Fr. General himself, were present for important events in the life of the provinces and regions.

The letters written by Fr. Bressanelli were also well-received, especially the ones written in response to the visitations. "These letters to the whole congregation about a province or region helped us not only learn more about a particular area, but also to feel more a part of the international congregation," said one of the groups in its report.

As for the support staff of the General Curia, they too were greatly appreciated. Requests are quickly tended to and assistance easily given.

Frs. Bressanelli and the General Council were also applauded for taking seriously the directives set by the 1991 General Chapter.

And while the groups reported much satisfaction with the general administration, they also noted areas of concern and suggestions for improvement. Many struggled with what they wanted to ask of the councilors. The councilors' presence is needed on the local level, but also in Rome. They have much to do, yet there are still more things which the delegates would like them to do. Continuing some of the concerns brought up in Fr. Bressanelli's first presentation, there were those who suggested that councilors serve as commission chairpersons. Thus, these commissions would have greater authority and accountability. Others would like to see the councilors spend more time studying and disseminating information relevant to the church and in particular, the congregation.

Knowing that it would be impossible for the number of men already serving as councilors to fulfill even more roles, several groups suggested that more than four SCJs be elected to the General Council -- perhaps two should be added.

Other suggestions included: 1) regularly publishing the council's meeting schedule (not just once per term), 2) doing greater consultation with the provinces on major financial projects, such as the remodeling of Roma I and recent ventures in the Philippines and India, 3) creating a formation program for new provincial superiors, and 4) taking better advantage of technology, especially in communications.

LAY DEHONIANS
The topic for the second half of the morning was Lay Dehonians. Fr. André Perroux gave a summary of the written report presented to the delegates on the Lay Dehonians and then welcomed the eight representatives to make their own presentations.

In listening to the men and women speak, what became evident was that the "Lay Dehonian" movement is vibrant yet very diverse. Some groups have specific apostolates, formation programs and structure. Others are just beginning to define themselves. Some arose from the grassroots, through the work of lay people who felt a call to incorporate the charism of Fr. Leo John Dehon in to their own lives. Other groups were initiated by professed SCJs and then allowed to take on their own life. Some remain very dependent on their provinces or regions for structure, while others operate autonomously. Many hope to develop some type of unity with Lay Dehonians in other countries and some believe that a structure should be created at the Generalate level to address that. Others are wary of being "suffocated" by a structures imposed on them from above.

The afternoon's meetings in linguistic groups were to focus on issues related to Lay Dehonians.

SYMBOLS OF THE PROVINCES
In the last session of the day, several more provinces presented their "symbol" (representatives of provinces and regions were asked to bring a symbol and describe how that symbol expressed the reality of their area). Again, the symbols were diverse and creative. And more often than not, in describing their symbols, delegates shared an optimism and excitement for the future of their provinces or regions.

Fr. Adam Musialek noted the challenges his young province of South Africa faces -- SCJs there need to develop financial independence, they need more personnel and there is the challenge of moving away from a "missionary mentality" to a sense of being their own province. Yet, the South African Province, he said, also has much to be hopeful about. Members of the province are young -- most are under 40 -- and because they are an international group, they understand better than most the global nature of the congregation. "We want to give as well as receive and we believe that we have much to offer the congregation," he said.

In presenting the French Canadian Province, Fr. Maurice Légaré, provincial superior, likened his province to a snowflake. A snowflake is very light. Alone, it puts little weight on a branch. Yet, after many snowflakes have landed on a branch, it takes only one more to give enough weight to actually break it. Alone, the snowflake is weightless, but joined with others, it makes an impact. Each snowflake is unique. Fr. Maurice notes that the small French Canadian Province is also unique and that its presence enhances the worldwide congregation. He said that members of the province realize that they will have to redefine their status -- discussion has taken place regarding collaborative efforts with the other North American provinces -- yet they are optimistic, knowing that their unique gifts, just as those of other provinces, are priceless contributions to the congregation.

*****

MONDAY, MAY 19

Following morning prayer, which was led by the Italian and Portuguese Lay Dehonians, the delegates approved the minutes from Saturday.

The delegates then heard the reports from the linguistic groups, which discussed the impact of Lay Dehonians and their relationship with the congregation. A common observation was that the terminology regarding Lay Dehonians needs to be better defined. Some people speak of the "Dehonian Family" as a group which includes all people and organizations, including the congregation, which follow the charism of Fr. Dehon. Others view it as the people and groups affiliated with the congregation, but separate from it.

SCJs questioned what type of criteria could or should be used in defining who a Lay Dehonian is. Some felt that the congregation is the "keeper" of Fr. Dehon's charism and that it should ensure that this charism does not become "watered down."

Other delegates discussed structure. Should the congregation try to develop a structure for these groups? Should the provinces be asked to do this? Or, should the Lay Dehonians operate in a more autonomous fashion? It was noted that imposing structures could be detrimental but leaving these groups to find their own way, without SCJ collaboration, would also be detrimental.

The charism of Fr. Dehon, said one delegate, is a gift to the church, to the world. It is not something given only to professed members of the community. If there are lay persons who feel called to live that spirituality, the congregation must be willing to encourage that call.

Fr. Bressanelli summarized his own thoughts on the topic. "The concept of 'Dehonian Family' is complex and not yet completely defined," he said. "We are all sharing a gift to the church... The congregation had to go through a discernment process to define itself and now the Lay Dehonians are doing the same. We are like brothers and sisters of the same family. The congregation came first, so we are like the older brother... But, I am not the superior general of the Lay Dehonians, I am the general of the congregation. Yet, I am a member of the family, a member of the same family to which the Lay Dehonians belong."

He added that the SCJs need to recognize the Dehonian Family, or Lay Dehonians, as a living thing. It is important for the congregation to help their "brothers and sisters" on their path, but at a certain point, it is also important for the congregation to step back and allow their "younger siblings" to grow on their own.

CONGREGATIONAL STATISTICS
In the second session of the morning, Fr. Bressanelli continued with his report on the congregation, drawing on what the council had learned through statistical analysis. As an introduction, Fr. Bernard Rosinski discussed some of the statistical work that had been done. He said that the statistics they had were helpful to a point, but that in many areas they were insufficient. Statistics, he said, are a helpful way to illuminate problems. Once discovered, these problems can be addressed.

After his presentation, members of the council took turns explaining various aspects of the report.

Since 1968, the congregation has been declining in numbers. In the past six years of the administration, it has diminished by 99 members. Of course, people die. But a greater reason for the diminishing number of SCJs is that increasingly, people leave the congregation. This issue needs to be studied. "There is not a shortage in vocations," said Fr. Carlos Alberto Da Costa. "In the past six years, there were 461 newly professed... these men represent our hope for the future, but there are problems." Since 1991, 302 SCJs left the congregation.

This needs to be addressed, especially by the provinces who are experiencing the greatest number of departures. It was noted that provinces who spend time educating and further preparing their formation directors for their work seem to have a lower rate of loss. Provinces should keep this in mind. It was also suggested that formation directors be exposed to other areas of the congregation -- not just their own. On-going formation too needs to be a strong value.

In planning for the future, the congregation must look at other statistics as well. How will the SCJs live out "We the Congregation?" Provinces who are blessed with resources -- personnel and/or financial -- must be open to sharing with others.

Fr. Bressanelli spoke of the "lights and shadows in the experience of SCJ life." He said that "generally speaking, it may be said that we are experiencing a very positive time in the congregation... we accepted the invitation of Vatican Council II to undertake a path of renewal together with the whole church. We too experienced a crisis, which inflicted pain on us and left some marks. But the congregation experienced God in a significant way and was able to rediscover herself and her mission.

"It deepened our mission, which was more integrated in the local church and in the universal church. Today, it is increasingly clear to everyone that we must be present within the church with our charism and not only share the pastoral work and help the local forces in trouble."

He added that increasing importance has been given to community life and that the phenomenon of the "SCJ Family" is an important one. But there are also "shadows" which must be illuminated. Individualism affects many provinces and can at times take away from the work of a community or province. Related to that, there are many talented SCJs who are detached from the works of the congregation or who live in isolation. Also, the governmental structures of the congregation need to be addressed.

"Our spirituality is beautiful, but can be difficult to live," he concluded.

Linguistic groups were to reflect on the issues brought forth in the second part of Fr. Bressanelli's report during their afternoon session.

In the final session of the day, more presentations on the provinces were made by their delegates.

Mary Gorski
mgiornal@scj.org
Rome, Italy