General Chapter -- 5th English Report

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

TUESDAY, MAY 20th
Following morning prayer and approval of the previous day's minutes, the linguistic groups reported on their recent discussions. They had been asked to reflect on the second half of Fr. Bressanelli's report, which dealt with congregational statistics and the issues raised by them.

One topic reappeared often in the reports: formation must be emphasized -- not only in the initial years, but throughout the life of an SCJ religious.

Other groups recognized the need to further define the identity of the Priests of the Sacred Heart -- who are they, how should they live out their charism? How does the concept of the "Dehonian Family" fit into this? How can community life be better lived? How can the SCJs better inculturate themselves in the countries where they are located and what is their mission in these countries? How does the congregation deal with its aging?

It was also suggested that the authority of the general administration be re-examined and possibly enhanced. One group said that perhaps the congregation's government is "too decentralized." Delegates don't want to be "controlled" by the Generalate, but the Generalate should, perhaps, have more authority than it has now.

Following the presentations, delegates were offered the opportunity to comment in more detail. Several discussed the problem of departing members. "Linked to this, we must also review the criteria for entering the community," said a delegate. "I believe that 60-70% who left never should have joined us to begin with. This must be analyzed too." To further identify the situation, it was suggested that departing members do an exit interview, with specific questions as to why they have decided to leave and under what conditions they would have considered remaining.

In his report Fr. Bressanelli said that "...in certain provinces, where no new enrollments have occurred for some years to replace the older generations, and where almost all of the religious are over 50 years of age -- realistically speaking, they must be prepared to closed down, at least for the time being." One delegate questioned this, noting that many of today's provinces were founded by small numbers of SCJs, most of whom were in the later years of their life.

Regarding formation, it was suggested that more be done to help SCJs with their transition from initial formation to their first ministries. Just because an SCJ has been ordained doesn't mean that he is fully prepared to live religious life. Noting that 75% of those who leave the congregation do so before their 10th year of profession, it was suggested that a special year be given to young religious, something like a second novitiate, 10 years after first vows. Other congregations offer this.

In discussing the mission of the congregation, one delegate emphasized that each province must re-evaluate its role in light of the needs of the people they serve. Holding on to old structures and ways of doing things leads to stagnation. In many countries, it is other religious faiths who are leading innovative efforts to serve the needs of the people and it is these faith groups who are seeing an increase in numbers.

Several SCJs referred to the concept of "We the Congregation" and its implications. Some say that the General Council needs to consult provinces more when beginning a new mission or project, "but if we are truly 'We the Congregation' provinces must also consult the rest of the congregation when they take on a new mission, since what each province does has an impact on the rest," said an SCJ.

Delegates also spoke further about inculturation. Provinces which began as missionary provinces will have to make the difficult transition from being the church and community of those who founded the province to becoming one of the people. In several new provinces, there are struggles going on between the indigenous religious and the missionary SCJs. "But this has happened before," said one delegate, noting that it is an inevitable growing pain that is part of the life of such a province.

CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Following this dialogue, Fr. Bressanelli presented the third and final part of his report -- "Challenges and Prospects."

"In thinking about the mission of the congregation, there are two questions which define the parameters and external challenges," said Fr. Bressanelli. "First, how can we be more significant, and secondly, how can we more effectively evangelize in today's world?"

He continued, saying that the congregation needs to reflect on what Fr. Dehon wrote to his novices in 1910, "Ours is a beautiful, but difficult spirituality." Formation must take a greater priority. Tied to this, Fr. Bressanelli asks that the members invest more in education. "We do not want to make ourselves into a congregation of intellectuals; but we do wish to promote a higher level of reflection and penetrating perception. The vitality of a congregation greatly depends on its capacity for internal reflection. When this is lacking, impoverishment is evident."

Governmental structures of the congregation need to be re-examined and a greater awareness of "We the Congregation" must be developed. And finally, the concept of "Dehonian Family" must be further defined and the relationship between what has been termed the "Lay Dehonians" and the congregation needs to be explored.

"Today, the congregation is an organism which is full of life, a life which is embodied in all members and in all of its ages," concluded Fr. Bressanelli. "Its configuration is changing and becoming more universal. The Spirit helps us to positively appreciate this moment of grace; it helps us to meet new challenges and to ascertain new answers."

The afternoon linguistic groups were to continue the theme presented, discussing the challenges that arise from the social, cultural and political context in which the congregation is called to undertake its mission.

A LIVING SYMBOL
The day once again concluded with presentations from the provinces and regions. The Indonesian Province was quick to note that their symbol has been present throughout the chapter -- themselves. This is the first chapter in which all of the delegates from the province are indigenous -- there are no missionary representatives.

The South Italian Province likened themselves to a beautiful old cathedral. They have a long and beautiful tradition, but like with all old buildings, repairs and maintenance is constantly needed. And it seems that as soon as one part of the building is fixed, another is crumbling.

Mary Gorski
mgiornal@scj.org
Rome, Italy