This is the day when we began to work. After prayer in the large "Sanctuary of St. John Baptist de La Salle" at 7:00 am, the Brothers went to breakfast and did what they needed to do prior to the first session at 9:00 am in the Aula Magna.
A question period followed. And this was a critical portion of the session, since the entire General Chapter had been planned on the basis of following Appreciative Inquiry, and it could all fall apart without wide support from the Capitulants. But each question was answered with calm expertise, clear recognition of what lay behind the question, and a depth of background that only someone with a confident trust in that process could project. She was asked about the kinds of difficulties that might be experienced (reconciling different points of view & language group / regional distinctions) and what the practical objective might l want?" A statement from the floor was "How to we transform our paths so that life is allowed to happen?"
After 90 minutes of input and questions, the groups was ready to vote on whether or not to use this method for the Chapter. There were 69 voting Brothers in attendance (not including me, since the Consultants are not voting members) and the electronic vote was 63-1-2-1 (Yes-No-Abstain-Juxta Modum) That last one, "Juxta Modum", means that you agree but not with all of it and would like to see some changes; I don't know the origins of this interesting voting option. Generally, therefore, the method passed with flying colors.
Next, the five Regions (PARC, RELAL, RELEM, RELAF, RELAN) went to different parts of the property to meet and choose a Coordinator (leader) and Secretary fo their regional group, a proposed "Scrutineer" (someone to count the votes; usually the youngert Brother in the group), a proposed "Moderator" (someone to take his turn in running a session) from the Region, and a proposed permanent "Coordinator" for the Chapter. The latter is the person who would be in overall charge of the sessions and lead the Central Committee, made up of all these people along with others. We quickly chose Br. Dylan Perry as our Scrutineer, and recommended the current temporary Chapter Coordinator, Br. Jorge Sierra, originally appointed by the Superior General, as the permanet one. For our own group, Br. Rober Schaeffer was chosen as our regional group's Coordinator and Br. Chris Patino as our Secretary. Finally, we proposed Br. Nick Gonzalez as RELAN's nomination for Moderator for the general sessions.
All of these folks from the various regional groups were duly proposed, confirmed by a hand vote (which probably made it simpler since the majority would be obvious and prevented the noticing of any small number of negative votes), and applauded upon confirmation. The Coordinator for the Chapter that was proposed by the regional groups were all exactly the same: Br. Jorge Sierra. This was the validation that the preparatory committee had hoped for. From that moment, he became the Chapter Coordinator and became responsible for running this General Chapter. Subsequently, each Moderator and each Scrutineer was voted on and confirmed.
When we met again at 3:00 pm, there was a discussion of the Manual of Rules and Procedures. Br. Jacques D'Huiteau, who was the Moderator of the session along with Br. Pierre Ouattara, went through each of the chapters of the document to ask for any questions or clarifications. Clearly, he had done this sort of thing before, and he was very thorough and careful in making sure any questions were recognized and considered. Finally, after going through each chapter of the Manual, we were ready to vote. The final vote was 65-1-2-0. Therefore, the methodology and the procedures that the Preparatory Committee had been working on for 2-3 years, and one that was radically different from the approaches of any previous General Chatpter, was accepted and approved.
Following this session, we went into language groups - there were two groups for the English-speaking participants - and were assigned to rooms throughout the property where we would begin our work together. Each group was asked to choose a Moderator (Br. Ricky Laguda) and a Secretary who could speak Spanish, in order to facilitate communication with Sr. Maria, the facilitator (Br. Chris Patino was chosen). Since most didn't know one another, we briefly introduced ourselves and subsequently shared some general thoughts / impresssions / concerns about the Chapter and its processes. The method we ended up using was that one person would verbally invite the next person to respond. It was clear that people had thought carefully and deeply about the issues that were on the table, and it was a very good beginning of conversations that will extend throughout the Chapter. As we had been told, most of our work would happen in these language groups. It should be noted that the two lay women who were appointed by the Superior General were both from the U.S. - one is Alisa Macksey and the other is Heather Ruple Gilson. Heather is part of our English language group.
Among the thoughts shared within the group - which really don't need to be part of any blog but may be generally relayed - was the notion that we are at a critical junction in the history of the Institute, and the window of opportunity is rather small. One analogy was shared that it is as if we are in the middle of crossing a river; we can't go back and the only thing we can do to survive is to move forward. (I agreed but also commented that I'd like to see a piece of the shore that we're aiming at.)
These rich conversations went on until it was time for the "afternoon break" which happened at 4:30 pm. As it was, we kept on talking into the break and beyond. Some of the other groups kept on talking together for much longer.
In between these sessions, I would pop down to my office to get some of my other work done and to check on the historical displays that are being prepared in various parts of the house. It's one of the liabilities of having an office and responsibility in the same place where the General Chapter is held.
The Mass was held in the main sanctuary at 6:45 pm. It was done in Italian and French (readings, homily, songs, etc.). The strongest singing occurred at the very end when we sang the Lourdes hymn to Mary in French. It was loud, broad, and sincere, with various harmonic parts emerging spontaneously; one of those goose-bumpy moments that was really enriching.
Following dinner, there was a little reception sponsored by the General Council in the Brothers dining room, where we also have all of our breaks. I ended up speaking with Br. Janusz (yes, that's spelled correctly) from Poland, who didn't know English but knew Spanish well, having gone to Spain for his novitiate. Thankfully, Br. Chris Patino was there to interpret the parts that I couldn't quite understand. It's really fascinating when you speak with a Brother from a place you're not really familiar with.
When the three of us finished our conversation. 95% of those in the room had left, and Chris and I went down to the Den to see if anyone was there. In fact, there were quite a few people there. In places and times such as this, it is probably in such circumstances that much of the connectivity and conversation takes place, although I left after a while to make sure that I could write up my recollections here.
