May 21, 2022 - General Chapter 46

FAIR WARNING: This is a long one, and should be.

Yesterday's activities carried a theme of thanksgiving and completion, with many delegates merely thankful that by some miracle - here I recall the Br. Rodolfo effect - we were able to complete our work within the planned time period. In most contexts, Brothers would now be packing up and singing "leaving on a jet plane; don't know when I'll be back again." But this is Rome, and the Vatican's cupola may be seen from the roof of the Casa Generalizia.

Through well-established Church channels, arrangements were made for the members of the General Chapter to have a private papal audience in the Apostolic Palace at Vatican city. Today was all about that visit and experience, and no other activities were planned for, except for an evening 6:45 pm prayer service. The arrangement was for 100 places, and therefore some others from the Casa Generalizia were able to come as well.

On the bus with Brs. Michael, Ghebre, and David.

The two buses were waiting for us in front of the house by 8:30 am, and at 8:45 am we drove away toward the Vatican. I am constantly amazed by the drivers of these giant buses who are able to negotiate the smallest gaps between cars and streets with apparent ease. We ended up in an underground designated bus garage that I had never known existed, a vast space right next to the Vatican but entirely underground. When we emerged, we were a short block away from Saint Peter's square, and we made our way to the middle of the square because Br. Alexander from the Communications Office wanted us to take a group photo there.

The whole group gathered in front of the Basilica.

It took some organizing, but soon the entire group assembled itself into a large group with Saint Peter's as our background. Perhaps the efficiency of doing so is because most of us had done this with student groups for years. As he was taking the photos, many tourists in the area came over and did the same thing, impressed with the large group of religious. And at the last minute, he handed the camera to a nearby tourist and ran over himself to get into the photo, with the rest of us cheering him and the instant volunteer.

Waiting to enter into the Apostolic Palace

There was a very long line of visitors waiting to go through the metal detectors, but we were shepherded to a section behind the columns where eventually we all went through one of the detectors, dutifully emptying our pockets of metal that was sent to the scanner and walking through the detector. Many Brothers set off the sensitive alarms as they walked through but were waved through anyway. 

Starting up the stairs

And more stairs.

When everyone had made it through - this took some time - we went into Saint Peter's through the great doors on the right side of the square, escorted by a Swiss guard who took us up many stairs. He walked quite slowly, and I soon figured out why. There must have been about 200 steps that climbed up, each set a little more slowly than the last. They were wide and we were crowded together, but we all came to realize that this was a very large place.

Br. Antxon negotiates.

When we arrived at an ornate hall at the end of the last set of steps, we were stopped and had to wait until Br. Antxon arrived from the back of the crowd to speak with the usher (?) about previously made arrangements. Some Brothers, including the new and former Superior Generals, had come to the Vatican with Br. Rodolfo and had already been escorted in by some other means; he does have his connections. But this hall, it turned out, would not be the location of our papal audience. When we were let in, we were led through a few other rooms and finally came to a very ornate smaller corner room with large windows and very impressive decorations. It is called the Sala del Concistoro. Look it up. It has a long history and is used for major gatherings of cardinals, bishops, and other groups.

Walking to the audience hall through several other rooms.

As planned and announced yesterday, the former and new General Council members would sit in the first two rows, and the next two rows on the left side would be occupied by the "choir", those of us who volunteered to lead the rest in singing "Honneur a Toi" at the very start. The others in our group spread out as they wished. We had been told that no photographs were to be taken by our phones during the papal audience, although we could do so from our places beforehand.

Br. Antxon provides detailed instructions.

Having arrived in the hall at 9:45 am, we now waited until 10:15 am, the scheduled time for the visit. The Brothers talked among themselves, photographed the walls and ceiling and each other, or simply quietly contemplated the room and the upcoming event. The feeling in the room was like the semi-anxious expectation during the election of the Superior General in the Aula Magna, but with the added elements of quiet excitement and awe to be able to be with Pope Francis.

Here is a man who is probably the most photographed person in the world today, and the leader of over a billion Catholics. Yet not only would we be in the same room with him, but it was announced that he would greet each one of us at the end, and those wearing masks could take them off as we came forward. 

Waiting a little longer than we had anticipated.

When 10:15 came and went, and 10:30 came and went, we began to wonder what was happening, since usually the efficiency of these visits is impressive. At one point, someone who like the master of ceremonies, complete with tux and medallion chain - probably an ancestral position of Roman nobility - came in and spoke with those in front. It was announced that he was running late because there were two other groups that he was speaking with (and probably greeting personally). As a result, we would now NOT sing the Honneur a Toi, and the visit would consist of Br. Armin's speech, the Pope's talk, and the greeting with each person.

A panorama photo of the room.

There was a tripod with a video camera set up in the front corner. When a well-dressed man came in and began activating it - everyone here is either dressed very formally (Master of Ceremonies), formally (videographer and photographers), or uniquely formal (Swiss guards and the pope) - we knew that something was afoot. Then a couple of folks popped their heads in to look around. This was followed by two photographers loaded with sets of cameras and other gear that would be the envy of any SWAT team. Now we knew that that our wait was over. The doors closed ... quiet, somewhat tense anticipation ... briefly opened slightly ... and then were opened. Some 3-5 seconds later, Pope Francis was brought into the hall in his wheelchair, quickly followed by two bishops or archbishops (I'm not enough of a Catholic trivia fan to be able to tell from their outfits). Pope Francis was placed in the middle, and the two bishops sat on either side.

Pope Francis enters the room.

When he came in, he gestured to us and smiled, then settled into a relaxed pose. I was struck by the fact that he looked serene but also smaller than I'd anticipated, distinctly frail and older. We had stood and applauded when he came in, and after he was placed in front, the ushers gestured to us to sit down again. Br. Armin walked over to the microphone and read a short speech that is no doubt posted on the Institute's website. It was informative and personable. The pope smiled and brightened up when Br. Armin reminded him of his visit to the Philippines and the shouts of "Vivo Lolo Kiko!" that greeted him everywhere. As instructed earlier, the talk was not more than a page, but it was rich in imagery and well crafted. Afterwards, he walked over to the pope and warmly shook his hand.

Br. Armin greets the pope after his short speech to him.

Then it was the pope's turn. The bishop on his left had been carrying a formal, large, red fuzzy folder which he now opened. He brought out about five pages with large print, handed them to the pope, then quickly turned around to bring a portable microphone stand forward and adjust it for him. Pope Francis then delivered what turned out to be a very good, encouraging, and inspiring talk in his usual style. Once he went off-text to extend part of his message, looking directly at us and wagging his finger in a style that all of us are familiar with from seeing him at similar events on television. When he did that, his personality suddenly emerged, and he did not seem as tired (weary?) as he had seemed at some points. We do have to remember that he is over 85 years old, and he may be experiencing what old Br. Wilfrid had told me once: "You know what's so bad about getting old? You die in parts!" The world knows that it is his knees that are being blaimed. But it appeared to me that the general effects of age were beginning to manifest themselves.

Pope Francis delivers his talk.

The strange thing, of course, is that most of those in the room, including me, did not know Italian. The folks who were or knew Spanish could probably get the gist of what he said as he said it, and those who had worked in Italy had come to know conversational Italian well enough. But for the rest, it would be tone and delivery that conveyed his message. And I was just happy to be there to witness his presence with us, appreciating his dedication and courage as his literally never-ending role continued.

Acknowledging the applause from the Brothers.

At the end of the speech, we applauded of course. And then suddenly four or five other ushers came into the room. Quietly, at the front of the small aisle on the left wall, another chair had been set up during the talk, and a tall priest came to sit there. The ushers set themselves up to guide us up to the front for our greeting with the pope, one of them had a basket of rosaries and placed himself at a position where each Brother could be given a rosary as he made his way back to his place, and the mystery priest stood next to the pope, perhaps to interpret or make sure we didn't do anything funny. The whole thing was orchestrated as if they did this all day - which they probably did - as smoothly as silk, the photographers poised to take yet another set of photos at yet another papal event, much more busy than any SWAT team member ever is.

At the end, he gives us his apostolic blessing.

Starting with Br. Armin, the first two rows lined up, had their 3 secons of contact, with four flash photographs taken in quick succession, and were ushered away and back to their chairs. The Master of Ceremonies was the one who would touch the elbow of the next person who was to go forward and greet Pope Francis, while the sub-ushers guided us into the line or away from the greeting. These guys would have been welcome at any high school liturgy for their professionalism, efficiency, and no-nonsense disposition - even sophomores would be cowed.

Junior, from Brazil, greets Pope Francis.

I was in the third row, and so my turn came fairly early. Funny enough, I don't remember much about the actual handshake except seeing a quiet, unruffled, one might say holy face of someone who knows how important this greeting is for people and is doing his very best to make sure that he can be present for that person, even while by this time he must have done this thousands and thousands of time. The enjoyment of the papacy, if it even exists, is likely to soon be challenged by constant obeisance, close attention, high expectations, and the knowledge that every gesture is seen, interpreted, and impactful. The fact that this pope does not take any vacations, as far as I know, is evidence alone of holiness and the effective power of grace. The one thing I said to him, although it's unlikely to have been understood, is "I pray for your courage." The priest next to him didn't blink, so he wasn't an interpreter. But then this also didn't qualify as funny business, so I was safe to return to my chair, having dutifully picked up my rosary.

It took a while for everyone to go up for the greeting. At one point, apparently there had been a change of mind regarding the singing of the Honneur a Toi - perhaps it was the rustling quiet of the room - and Br. Jacques, our designated singing director, squeezed into the main aisle, raised his arms, began the song, and directed the group in singing the refrain, first verse, and refrain - all in French, of course - with those going up to greet the pope walking around him and his directing gestures. I must say that we all sang with enthusiasm.

The group photo with Pope Francis in the middle.

At the end of all the personal greetings, the very very large man who had pushed the wheelchair into the room - it looked like he would be capable of picking up the chair with the pope in it and carry him away - returned and began to push the wheelchair out from the front. We stood and applauded, thinking that he was leaving. But the pope looked up, gestured for us to sit down and indicated that the chair would be placed between us in the center aisle, facing the front, so that a group photo (of sorts) could be taken. This was another very thoughtful gesture that had evidently been pre-planned. This pope is savvy enough to know that such a photo would be widely shared and appreciated.

We sat very still, although this is not a 1920 camera, as the photographer raised the camera up high and took a few photographs. Then Pope Francis reached over and shook hands with Br. Armin again before being rolled away to his next gig, with all of us standing up and applauding once more. When he had left, it was as if the room were suddently and noticeably more empty in some strange way. In any gathering, each person contributes a presence, a bundled locus of experience and attention, that enlivens that of others according to the degree of interaction. In this case, this small interaction with Pope Francis had been such that each of us was deeply touched by his presence, and we missed that piece already because we knew that it was very unlikely to be ever repeated.

On the way out. Br. Rodolfo is on the right.

The group was ushered out via a different set of doors at the back, and the phones came out once more to take photos of whatever we could as we were escorted down sets of stairs and through one long hallway with windows overlooking the internior plaza below. One of the rooms that fascinated me was the chapel of Redemptoris Mater, entirely covered by mosaics in the oriental (Byzantine) style, but in a rather modern way. After I came back to the Casa Generalizia, I went online and found its history, even taking a virtual tour. There is a lot of packed history and artistic beauty in evidence at the Apostolic Palace.

Swiss guards were popular photo ops.

We also ran into any number of Swiss guards. Some Brothers were keen to pose next to them, eager to bring back photos to their native countries. And the guards were quite tolerant about this, until finally they made us take the next set of stairs down to the Saint Peter's square, especially since I was in the last group to leave, with a plain-clothes Swiss guard behind us to make sure that all of us had left. Once in the square, there more more photos, of course, among small groups of Brothers, or selfies with another Brother, like any other tourist might do. A couple of Brothers had brought backpacks, stuffed their robes into them, and took off for a walk in the city.

Photo opportunities in the piazza.

I found myself with some of the Brothers from Africa, Lebanon, and France. One asked Br. Antxon when we would have to be back at the bus in the underground bus terminal. He shouted to us as he was walking away, "Noon!" (in French). This meant that we had forty minutes to wander around. One Brother said that he would like a beer, and so we walked around in a group, finding an outdoor table where the Brother Visitor from France and I had a small beer while the other three first went to find some religious souveniers to bring back to Africa. Earlier, I had spoken to him about coming to Paris to learn French, and we began to communicate in my bad French and his rather better English, although haltingly, which included helping me understand some basic French phrases. When the others came back, it was 11:40 am, and therefore we would have to start our way back to the bus.

Sending a text to the folks on the bus.

On our walk back, Br. Louis sent a text to Br. Julio, a member of his liturgy team, letting him know that we were on our way back. Br. Julio texted back, saying that he was on the bus and they were on the way back to the Casa Generalizia. After some further frantic texts, it became clear that both buses had left for home, having left a half hour after the conclusion of the audience. (It turned out that Br. Antxon had not known this either, and he also missed the bus.) Now what?

A place to rest and have some lunch.

The only reasonable thing we could do was walk to the Ottaviani Metro stop and make our way back to the Casa Generalizia that way. About halfway there, I suggested that we might as well have a nice lunch somewhere, since there was nothing scheduled for the afternoon, and the noon meal was nothing to write home about. They quickly agreed, and so we ended up at one of outside restaurants, happily having pizza and another beer. Conversation flowed in mostly French and some English.

After the meal, we made our way to the Metro stop and so back to the house. All of us were in our robes, of course, but this didn't seem strange either to us or to others. Romans have seen religious habits for centuries, although probably less so in the last fifty years. Some clearly had known the Brothers or attended one of their schools, based on their smiles or quick photos. One couple called out to Br. Louis and turned out to be his former students from Lebanon; like him, they were in Rome for a short trip. Small world.

This evening, we had a final prayer service that includes some active involvement. Papers and scissors were distributed so that we could create paper images of our hands, which were then filled with words representing the things that had contributed to our vocational growth over the last year. Many of the Brothers failed to remember their kindergarten training and had a hard time following the instructions about how to create these paper hands. But it was a nice way to end the day.

Reflection by way of a bodily-kinesthetic exercise.

Perhaps this blog has been a bit lengthy, but the day's events deserved greater attention. It's good that nothing else had been planned for the afternoon, because it would have been useless to do so. The experience at the Vatican deserved some time for processing, absorbing, appreciating, and settling in. 

May 20, 2022 - General Chapter 46

The primary focus for today was to elect the General Councilors for the Central Government. According to the Rule, six Councilors are elected by Chapter delegates, which includes the Vicar General. This meant that we would vote for and choose five of them today.

The RELAN regional group meeting.

By pre-arrangement, the first meeting of the day was in Regional groups at 9:00 am, at which we were to provide "up to three" names to add to the list of people that Br. Armin had provided yesterday as those whom he thought would be good team members. Since Br. Chris Patino had been on that list, we spent some time talking about that inclusion. (Chris had absented himself from this part of the meeting to allow for a free discussion.) The conversation we had reminded me of a vow chapter, a well-articulated, observant, and essentially supportive consideration of this particular moment in a person's life journey. Questions about age, experience, work ethic, possible challenges over time, etc. circled around a genuine respect for both his character and his maturity. The positive greatly outweighed the possible negative. When he was invited back into the room, via text, we simply moved forward to consider whether we would recommend an additional name and eventually settled on Br. Ricky Laguda for a variety of reasons.

Back in the Aula Magna at 10:00 am,  Br. Jorge described the process for election - an absolute majority of 36 out of 70 votes is necessary for appointment - and indicated that none of the Paths of Transformation groups had asked for specific Councilors, although there are some responsibilities that were specified. Since the Superior General requested a shared responsibilities approach to the General Council, we will not be voting on Councilors for the Regions or ones with a specific charge. This allows the General Council to develop its internal organization as they choose, in line with the provisions of the Rule.

After passing the minutes of a previous meeting - a very tedious process that could use be done more efficiently with a different method than scrolling through the French text on the screen - each Region reported the names, up to three, that they wanted to add to the list. One added none, and the others added from one to three names. The final list included 16 names. While the ballots were being prepared, different procedural questions were answered and the assembly confirmed that they did not need to meet in language groups.

Br. Rodrigue from Benin, who sat next to me, votes.

Voting commenced at 11:00 am. Ballots were distributed, and delegates were told to check off "up to five" names. These were collected by the Scrutineers, who brought them to the room behind the Aula Magna for counting. During this time, those in the Aula Magna remained in restful anticipation, working on their laptops, chatting with neighbors, or visiting with those in other parts of the room. At 11:30 am, the tabulated votes were read out by Br. Jorge, who first said that there were two Brothers who had acquired 36 votes or more and therefore would become Councilors. The first was Br. Anatole Diretenadji from Central Africa, and the second was Br. Joël Palud, a French Brother working in Lebanon and not present at the Chapter. Great applause as each name was said. The other names and vote counts were also read out for our reference.

Br. Anatole is congratulated by Br. Julien from
West Africa and Br. Ghebreyesus from the Lwanga District

The next ballot with the remaining names was quickly produced, and instructions were given to vote for up to three names this time. The same process was repeated, and at noon the Scrutineers returned with the results. Br. Jorge announced that this time there was no one who had received 36 or more votes. There was a collective sigh as the names and numbers were put on the screen, and another ballot was distributed for another vote.

Much applause after Br. Chris Patino was elected.

At 12:25 pm, the results came back from this third set of ballots, and Br. Jorge announced that there were two Brothers who had acquired 36 votes or more and therefore would become Councilors. The first was Br. Chris Patino from the San Francisco New Orleans District. He had come to Rome to serve as one of the secretaries but stepped in as a Chapter delegate when Br. Donald Johanson, the Visitor of that District, was unable to travel due to Covid exposure and the first alternate could not come due to other responsibilities. When Chris Patino's name was announced, there was strong applause all around. Br. Nick later said that, like the widow's mite story in the Gospel and in line with the theme of the Chapter, the SFNO District was giving from its necessity rather than from its abundance ... an appropriate insight. The second was Br. Ricky Laguda, who would be the only Brother from the last General Council who would now serve on the new General Council. Again there was strong applause. (He told me later that he had packed up his things a few days earlier, anticipating his return to the Philippines.)

The Scrutineers collect the filled-in ballots.

The assembly immediately moved to yet another vote with a new ballot, this time instructed to vote for just one name. The results were quickly tabulated, and it was announced that Br. Martin Digilio from Argentina had received a majority of votes as the last Councilor to be elected. Again there was solid applause and congratulations. During the waiting periods, those elected had accepted the sincere congratulations from many others in the room, who lined up to do so. Some of the other candidates did so with a sense of relief, but all did so with a genuine sense of appreciation that there were some very fine Brothers who would take on this 7-year responsibility. Right after these results were announced, we broke for lunch.

Br. Martin is congratulated by Br. Alvaro.

At 3:00 pm, the assembly gathered in the Aula Magna once more. Joining us was the entire house staff; everyone who worked at the Casa Generalizia, from CBIS, Communications, Business Office, Maintenance, to those working in the Lasallian Research and Resources Service (Archives, Library, Museum) which I oversee. It was a very full room that held a peaceful, appreciative energy all around.

The Casa Generalizia staff is recognized and thanked.

We started with the singing of Honneur a Toi, the text having been given to us on small pieces of paper, although many of us knew it by heart. Br. Antxon took the portable microphone to the front of the dais and told us that we all should be very satisfied with what we had achieved. Hen then asked all those who worked in the house and who had arrived to line up in front. Then, he did a great job in recognizing each department and person there, describing their vital roles in making the General Chapter possible. The Chapter participated showed their appreciation with regular and steady applause. Br. Jorge asked the new General Council to stand up, so that those in the Casa Generalizia could see who the members of the new central government were. Applause seemed to be the punctuation points for this part of the day. Baseball hats from RELAL were distributed as a small gift, and those from the Casa Generalizia left the room.

Translators, Secretaries, and others are thanked.

Br. Antxon then highlighted the translators, secretary, liturgy team, etc., asking them to come to the front for a proper recognition of their labors. We all were very aware of the key role that they played in this successful Chapter, and our level of appreciation was evident. Then the members of the central committee were recognized for their work, often meeting early in the morning or late at night to deal with the various situations that inevitably occur in Chapters such as this one.

Rita, from the Finance office, deserved special

recognition, since she was retiring after 42 years.

Finally, it was time to do some remaining work. Two sets of minutes were reviewed and approved, and the letter from the Chapter to the AIMEL III participants was brought back for approval. Time was given to read it, and there were questions regarding certain words that might be misconstrued. But Br. Jorge pointed out that the key approval text was what the resolution that the Chapter had passed earlier, and this was simply a letter of appreciation for their work and an encouragement of the work that was still to come when they gather to create their lines of action. It was approved.

The new Vicar General with the former Vicar General,

who had been in formation together.

Now that the business of the day was done, there were still a couple of things to cover. The Visitor of France gave a description of the plans to upgrade the facilities at Parmenie and make it into a place where a variety of activities could occur, including a place where Lasallian fraternities, a new Lasallian movement among small groups of teachers in France, could meet for retreats, etc. After him, I encouraged participants to see the new display of photographs from all of the previous nine General Chapters that have been held in Rome, from 1946 to 2014. And then Br. Antxon walked through the details for our meeting with Pope Francis tomorrow morning at 10:15 am in the Apostolic Palace. We don't know if each person will have a chance to greet him. "We will deal with whatever they tell us to do." The afternoon tomorrow will be free, a welcome respite.

Br. Olavo from Brazil joined us in the Den,

along with Br. Aiden and Br. Michael.

Brs. Claude and Jean-René from France join us in the Den.

And yet another photo of the folks in the Den.

It was a great gathering at the end of a long day.

Hence the day was long but very rich. In the evening, the "Den" was filled with people from all language groups enjoying the fact that we had completed a complicated process with a finesse that was unique to our Lasallian character. We celebrated the complex and multifaceted grace of our shared identity, experience, and community.

May 19, 2022 - General Chapter 46

The central committee for the General Chapter is acutely aware of the fact that we still have a lot of work to do, and there is only a finite amount of time available to do it in. Sunday will be our last day, because people's tickets are booked and they will be on planes on Monday, if not Sunday evening. If you've been following this little drama at all, you will know that there are some major "commitments" that still need to be considered (brought to the assembly, read, clarified, discussed, amended, and voted on) and some were sent back to committee and need to be brought back for consideration. Welcome to a "new" process that includes some very traditional components.

A Whatsapp message was sent out last evening that we would start our meetings today at 8:30 am, a half hour earlier than usual. I was reminded of that when I was was working in my room around that time and noticed that it was very quiet. A light bulb went on - I still have a few - and I quickly made my way to the Aula Magna by the back way so that I could slip into my place relatively unnoticed. But I needn't have worried much. Sr. Leslie was starting an hour-long review of the process that we had undergone, highlighting various points, sharing her experience of the Salesian governance structures, and urging us to continue on our journey. (She would be leaving today for another gathering of religious for which she would be a facilitator.) She urged us to retain a global view of the Institute, see difference as a richness, to let the government and the council dream and reinvent new structures and new proposals, and quoting one of the Capitulants, proceed with the conviction that "Sustainability is the name of God’s Providence."

At the end of the hour of listening, I was certainly ready to move on. It was strange to me that as an educator, her Powerpoint slides were very difficult to read because of a wide variety of color combinations - white letters on a light green background? - and an often very small text. It wouldn't have played in any high school class. But her insights were often very good, and her approach was very charitable. The extensive and complicated conceptual structure of her approach to "appreciative inquiry" was not something that captured my attention fully, but I'm sure that it did so for others. She received solid appreciative applause at the end or her presentation.

The central committee then offered a proposal whereby Regions and Districts would continue the process begun here as they addressed the implementation of the Paths of Transformation. The proposal was considered, discussed, and finally approved by the assembly. A key dimension was the inclusion of the AIMEL proposals and the intention that those associated with us would be part of the process.

After a short break, we returned to the commitments from the Paths of Transformation groups. The first one on floor was a proposal to review the way that the members of the General Chapter are chosen. Traditional representation of Brothers based on the number in a District has led to a wide disparity of age - the most numerous Districts have retired Brothers - and the differences in culture or location - some Districts in Africa and Asia cover many cultures yet have only one or two representatives at the Chapter. This commitment wanted to "guarantee a better representation in the General Chapter", giving some specific suggestions or factors to consider, such as number of Brothers, average age, number of countries, etc. In the end, with one amendment that took out the phrase "and the number of associates" as a factor of consideration in this process, an amendment that barely passed with a 33-31-1-3 vote, the entire commitment passed with 64 out of 70 votes in favor. The next commitment that was considered created flexible teams with specific expertise that would be made available to help address the needs of certain Districts. It also passed.

After the 10:30 am break, the 11:00 am session began with a planned intervention from Br. Gabriele, the Visitor of the District of Italy, who spoke about Br. Rodolfo Meoli, who has been Postulator for the Institute since 1994 and who has now retired, having shepherded many causes for Lasallian Saints and Blesseds over the years. It was appropriate that today, the celebration of St. Raphaël-Louis Rafiringa of Madagascar, the Brother who was canonized in 2009, we should honor Br. Rodolfo, who was seated at the back of the Chapter hall. Great applause with everyone turning around to the back.

Br. Rodolfo, acknowledging the applause from the back.

Br. Rodolfo acknowledged the appreciation, walked over to one of the microphones in the back row and gave a very find response in Italian, particular thanking the "vice-Postulars" who worked in local places to gather evidence and do the heavy lifting for many of these causes. Br. Robert Schieler also walked to the back to use the same microphone to say that Br. Rodolfo, in Rome, was known as the premiere Postulator General for these many years, even helping out other congregations. But he’s also been a wonderful community man, a wonderful support, and he has accomplished with great affection and community. Br. Rodolfo gestured in acknowledgment of the further applause as he made his way down the side aisle and left the Aula Magna, visibly moved by the moment.

As it turned out, it appears that Br. Rodolfo, having sought and validated so many miracles in favor of the Blesseds and Saints whose causes he has espoused and guided to successful conclusions, had now managed to cause a miracle of his own. The next seven considerations of commitments from various groups, whether newly considered or brought back for reconsideration after some changes, were approved with absolutely no questions of clarification or discussion, with an eighth one passed after just a few positive comments. Maybe we should have a new saint, Rodolfo, as the patron of speedy meetings, something which most people would consider a miracle. The genuine concern that the central committee had that we would never have enough time to fully consider all of those commitments suddenly disappeared, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The proposals that were left had come from the Young Brothers at the Chapter. There were four proposals that were submitted to the central committee. (According to our Manual of Procedure, anyone could submit a proposition, which would be considered as long as an additional Capitulant was in favor of it.) Of the four, two of them were approved after lengthy periods of questions, discussion, and opinion. One proposition introduced regional and international meetings of Young Brothers, and the other created an ongoing committee of Young Brothers. There were two others. One sought to establish a new community "at the peripheries" in each region in dialogue with another congregation and/or religious institution, and the other was to create three novitiates for the whole Institute as a unified initial stage of formation, etc. There was much input and concern expressed about these, both practical, financial, and organizational. In the end, they were sent back to the group for review, and the group later decided to withdraw them, pointing out later that the Institute wasn't ready for such propositions ... yet. The session ended just before lunch at 1:00 pm.

Br. Armin, addressing the Assembly.

At 3:00 pm, everyone returned for the next phase of our election process, the choosing of a Vicar General. Brother Armin, the new Superior General, was invited to address the assembly on this topic. He spoke about the requirement in the Rule that he should provide three names for consideration. But what is critical in a leadership team is that the whole team works together, and it may be better to share some important factors that will help build good working relationships that benefit the whole team. He spoke about the advantage of having skills in more than one language, of being tech savvy in today's world, of being able to listen and accompany everyone in the Institute, and of being team players, without letting egos get in the way. After listing the characteristics that he was looking for - there were others - he submitted a list of six names whom he believed could work well on the General Council, and most of whom were there in the hall. He said that all six reluctantly and with much faith had given their consent to leave their names on his list.

The Brothers walking to the front to deliver their ballots.

This change in procedure required that our Manual of Procedures in this respect would have to be changed, and the assembly passed the change with 64 out of 69 in favor. The assembly then added two further names to the six that had been provided by Br. Armin, and ballots were prepared accordingly.  Everyone was allowed to stay in the Aula Magna as the ballots were distributed, filled in (one name only), collected, and counted in front of the dais by the Scrutineers, each ballot being checked twice before being announced and then recorded. A number of us kept a running tally in our notebooks. With 70 Capitulants, an absolute majority of 36 was required. The room had remained silent during the voting and the counting, but this time it was a more relaxed silence than had been the case for the counting of initial ballots for Superior General. In the end, Br. Carlos Gomez from Colombia received 37 votes, far ahead of the next highest number of votes for someone else. Br. Armin walked over to where Br. Carlos was seated and asked him if he would be willing to serve as Vicar General. Br. Carlos said that he would - although those of us on the other side of the room didn't hear most of this - and the room broke out in extended applause. Another nice moment. We ended the session for a coffee break and would return at 4:30 pm. Virtually everyone stayed in the room to congratulate Carlos, who was his usual smiling, gracious self as he accepted the best wishes of so many of his Brothers, colleagues, and friends. 

Br. Carlos, on the left, the new Vicar General.

I told him that we had waited fifteen years for him to be on the General Council, since back in 2007, when I was at the 44th General Chapter as a staff member overseeing the Liturgies, he had been my Spanish-speaking group liaison. At that Chapter, he had been nominated as a General Councilor but begged to be allowed to take his name out. Perhaps he felt then that he wasn't ready for the role. But he was now, as was evident from both his current disposition and from the vote of those in the assembly.

Yes, I know that this is a very long entry. But then it was a very long day. When we resumed our work at 4:30 pm, the Rodolfo miracle continued and we quickly passed two commitments that had been returned to their groups and had not yet reappeared for our consideration: no clarifications and no discussion needed. All passed.

At 4:45 pm, we began our consideration of who would become the next General Councilors. Br. Armin was asked to underscore or broaden some of his key thoughts about this. Here are some of the things that he said combined with quick summary notes that I wrote down:

• The mandate of this chapter is to look at new pathways so that we can dream and actualize one global Lasallian family. One of the ways that we can do this is through the current structures that are in place, and the traditional way of accompanying the regions was through the appointment of a council with members who would take care of a Region. But if our call is to look at a global unity and a common mission, then it may be important to break siloes that have not been life-giving, so that different Regions can come together with greater collaboration and fraternity.
• The image in my mind is that of cross-polination; the idea of one District and Region working together with other Districts and Regions. If we define roles and responsibilities very rigidly, focusing on one major responsibility or regional area, we may be losing the collaboration of a system that could not work well in systematically configured boxes.
• I would like to see  Councilors helping more than one Region. What prevents another Councilor from sharing his experience and expertise? We don’t have to confine ourselves to the Brothers who are responsible for a particular Region. My preference is that the central government be given some leeway, and not limit the Councilors to one portfolio or regional responsibility. I’d like to sit down with the Councilors and see what we could do together in one area, project, or Region.

A short caucus during one of the breaks.

For the next 90 minutes, those in the Aula Magna expanded on the ideas that had now been introduced. Almost everyone provided input that aligned with Br. Armin's thoughts, or complemented them from various viewpoints. It was as if a small fire had been lit, which slowly spread throughout the room touching different people in different ways. The group was thinking together out loud. Some would have found it all quite tedious and excessive, but others were taken by the ideas and verbally explored the implications. The poor translators probably just hoped that the whole thing would come to an end sooner rather than later.

We closed the session at 6:20 pm in order to prepare for the evening Eucharist, which would be presided by the Superior General of the Jesuits and be celebrated in English. Br. Benedict from Ireland sang a captivating Gaelic prayer-song during the Offertory preparations, accompanied by Br. Rodolfo on the small pipe organ in front. And I was able to capture a photo of the Superior General of the Jesuits wearing a vestment with an image of St. John Baptist de La Salle on the front.

Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Jesuits

celebrating Mass at the Casa Generalizia for the 46th General Chapter.

Afterwards, I invited Br. Tim Coldwell to come with me to a small, simple pizzeria where we could review the day and solve the Institute's challenges over a beer. He readily accepted, and we had a fine time and conversation. Tomorrow will be quite interesting as well, since it's the only day we have to choose the members of the General Council who with Br. Armin will constitute the central government of the Institute. Stay tuned.

May 18, 2022 - General Chapter 46

Yesterday, I was asked to be the "Chronicler" for today, the day that we elected the new Superior General. I agreed and provided the substance of the text that is provided below, except that I've added a couple of comments to the "official" text of the chronicle. All in all, today was a very special day, and I don't use the word "special" lightly.

This may be a rather long post, because it is difficult, if not impossible, to convey the rich aspects of today's experiences. We are blessed to be able to embrace a wide range of experiences that may not be available to many others. It is all the more reason to try and provide some semblance of their character in records such as this one.

So below is the "Chronicle" that will be made available on the lasalle.org website as part of its laudable effort to provide different perspectives of the daily happenings at the General Chapter. Most of it is unchanged, except that there are photos and there is a short section about the evening's events.

Today, as anyone involved with the General Chapter and everyone working at the Casa Generalizia knew, was the day that the Superior General would be chosen. The creation of Paths of Transformation had been the primary work of those involved, but they would now turn their attention to the key person who would oversee their implementation and lead the Institute. As the Chapter Coordinator said at the end of the process: “This has been an emotional moment in our Chapter, but very much in God’s presence.” Below is a brief chronicle of the various steps of this experience:

Gathering before the session starts.

• The capitulants met in the Aula Magna at 9:00 am, dressed formaly because this was something important, something with significant character. There was a quiet intensity of presence in the room; a sense of expectation, a sort of suppressed excitement. The Chapter may set our future direction, but the success of its implementation depends on the leadership that is chosen to do so, among whom the Superior General is the most significant. The session began when the tower bell at the Casa Generalizia struck the hour.
• The Coordinator made a formal statement about the importance of this session and the steps that would be taken, based on the Manual of Procedures that had been approved earlier. It was clear that this was not to be an ordinary plenary session, a fact confirmed by the sea of robes, formal dress, and deeply silent disposition.
• The Coordinator invited everyone to stand and sing the Veni Creator Spiritus, with the words and music projected onto the large screen in front. The lights were kept off in order to see the screen better, with only natural light entering the room, and the Brothers stood at their places during the singing. It was a fine start, well-placed, strong voices singing the ancient hymn and invoking the Holy Spirit.
• He then gave the floor to Br. Robert Schieler, the Superior General, for words of encouragement. Br. Robert told the group that they were about to enter into a most solemn moment of a General Chapter, choosing the person most suitable to lead the Institute. “In our history, you have been given an honor and a privilege to be able to do this.” He asked everyone to pray for a union of mind and heart - one with the heart of Jesus - because then the Holy Spirit would be the author of our decision. After his short talk, there was a sustained, genuine, and heartfelt applause that lasted for several minutes. Still, no one had talked except for those on the dais.

The Scrutineers collect the ballots for the first vote.

• Following the clearly outlined procedure, there was now to be a first set of formal votes. An earlier straw vote had been taken at an earlier session, but this would be the first official one. The ballot included the top names from that straw vote, plus a blank area where any other name could be added. Each of the official 70 Capitulants - therefore not including the Consultors, etc. - was told to choose or write only a single name. This was done in a complete and prayerful silence. The Scrutineers, who had been given the task to distribute, collect, and count the votes, passed out the ballots, collected them, and took them to the room behind the Aula Magna.
• For the next 11 minutes, during the count, the hall was as silent as the morning meditation period in the sanctuary church; relaxed, thoughtful, at ease, even contemplative. No one moved or fidgeted. It was like sitting inside of a 3-D photograph. When the Scrutineers came back, they walked down the center aisle and gave the results to Br. Antxon, the General Secretary. Br. Jorge, the Coordinator of the Chapter then announced the names and votes that the top four individuals had received. Three of them were Capitulants and one was a Brother who was not present at the Chapter.
• The period that followed was a time when these top candidates could make a statement or be asked questions. The translators were asked to remain, and everyone asked was dismissed from the Aula Magna. These would wait outside the closed doors for further developments.

Brothers waiting to be readmitted to the Aula Magna.

• At one point, the three candidates who were present left the hall, because now the Capitulants would speak with one another without any of them in the room. For those awaiting developments outside, there followed a period of waiting.

The three candidates re-enter the Aula Magna.

• Eventually, the three candidates were summoned back to the hall, and the next official vote was held, each Capitulant indicating their single choice among the four candidates. Those of us who were outside the hall knew that a result had been reached when we heard loud applause coming in through the closed doors and open windows, followed a short while later with a second loud, sustained applause. Subsequently, we were invited back into the Aula Magna, and found a room filled with bright energy and joy. On the dais stood Br. Robert Schieler, and next to him was Br. Armin Luistro, the newly elected Superior General.

The former and new Superior General on the dais.

• (The following is based on information obtained after the election.) That second vote had produced a very substantial majority for Br. Armin. When the Scrutineers had finished their public counting of the ballots in front of the assembly, the Coordinator of the Chapter announced the official count, making it clear that Br. Armin had been the assembly’s top and almost single choice. Right after the count had been announced, Br. Robert Schieler, who had been sitting at the center of the dais as the President of the Assembly by virtue of his position as Superior General, picked up the seal of the Institute and the Rule - three copies for each of the three official languages of the Institute - and walked to the front of the dais and down the center aisle to the row where Br. Armin sat. In turn, Br. Armin made his way down the row to the center aisle and stood there. Br. Robert Schieler said: “Br. Armin, do you accept the will of the body of the society to be the 28th Brother superior general of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christiand schools.” Br. Armin answered, “With humility, in obedience, in the presence of God, I accept the election.” It was then that the second applause that we heard happened. (Note that there is a short video online about this interaction, although without sound. It was recorded against the established protocols, but these days, exceptions when it comes to social media seem to be the rule.)

Going up to give a gesture of support

to the new Superior General.

• Br. Armin was then escorted to the dais and the President’s seat because at that point he became the Superior General. When everyone who had waited outside had returned and the room was full again, but now with a feeling of satisfied gladness, Br. Jorge invited everyone to come up to the dais and give him a gesture of support. This lasted quite a while and was not hurried. Everyone was happy to await their turn, and Br. Armin was very gracious and sincere as he greeted each Brother. On the other side of the dais where Br. Robert Schieler was standing near the front window, he was similarly and spontaneously thanked by those going back to their seats, showing a sincere appreciation for his eight years of leadership.

Signing the official register for the election.

• At the conclusion of the gestures of support, and at the instruction of Br. Louis Mjalli who oversees the liturgy and prayer committee for the Chapter, we left the hall in procession to the main sanctuary where we would pray in thanksgiving for our election results. The Brothers walked in two lines down the hallway and the grand stairway in front of the Superior General’s office, through the glass hall and into the sanctuary of St. John Baptist de La Salle. The house staff, all dressed very nicely, had waited for us in the main atrium as we descended the large stairs, and they followed us into the sanctuary.

The Brothers enter the sanctuary in procession.

• Earlier in the procession, the Brothers had begun to spontaneously sing the Taize chant, Laudate, Omnes Gente, in continuous repetition, and when they reached the church, Br. Rodolfo Meoli had figured out the musical key and accompanied the group on the large pipe organ. The tail of the procession consisted of the youngest Brother at the Chapter, Br. Luke Thatsaworn, followed by the two former Superior Generals, Br. Alvaro and Br. Robert, and finally the new Superior General, who carried a reliquary of the Founder. The group reached the sanctuary, and all of us knelt for some time in silent prayer, with Br. Armin doing so in front of the large reliquary of the Founder. A song of thanksgiving was then sung by everyone present.

Processing into the sanctuary with De La Salle's relics.

• We were instructed to go out via a side door to the garden area just outside the church. Here, preparations had been made to plant a large fruit tree to commemorate new beginnings. It was filled in and watered by various people, representing the Brothers, the Partners, CIAMEL, Young Lasallians, and so on. After the planting, different district, regional, Casa Generalizia, and other groups wanted to have photos with the new Superior General. This lasted quite a while and ended around at 11:30, when most Chapter members went for a coffee break and Br. Armin held a recorded video interview in the garden area.

Planting the tree of new beginnings.

• Thus endeth the election process of Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for the next seven years.

There still was more work to do, and we reassembled in the Aula Magna at noon, where Br. Armin was asked to share some initial words with us. He came to the dais and delivered his heartfelt appreciation, especially for the unity of spirit expressed in gestures such as the sustained applause for Br. Robert Schieler. It was a fraternal, warm, spontaneous message that did not need any words. Such gestures are what brings all of us together in this 342 year journey. He spoke about how Br. Alvaro had inspired him many years earlier, and said “if he survived, maybe I can survive.” He spoke about coming from Asia where there are acute problems of poverty, injustice, tribal wars, abuse, etc.; things that make him ask “What can I contribute?” “What can we contribute?” He asked to hear our stories, to walk with him and his new team, so that we will truly understand what the challenges are.

Here is a group of those working at the Casa Generalizia

Br. Armin also spoke about today’s gospel, which had been read during the morning prayer service. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15: 5) That was very comforting, because if there are challenges or things we can’t address, we can simply stay with Jesus. We don’t have to solve all of the worlds’ problems, we don’t need a perfect list of resolutions from this Chapter. What we can do is rest in the comfort of God, who says, I will make all things new; not you. During the past few days, he had begun thinking that the new pathway may not be on solid ground. Perhaps the Lord is inviting us to go onto our little boat and go to where there are no roads, only the movement of waves, trusting that the wind of the Holy Spirit will lead us. The boat is safer near the shore, but boats are made for out to where it is risky, where we go by the grace of God and the guidance of the Spirit. “Brothers and Partners, I don’t know where we will go, but if we trust the spirit, she will be there; she will be there to guide us.”

Everyone then left for lunch and returned at 3:00 pm to return to the consideration of the Paths of Transformation that the various groups had worked on and which were ready for presentation to the assembly. We would look at the results of the work from Group 6, Group 7, and Group 3.

Group 6, Lasallian Vocations: Walking Together, had reduced their previous six paths of transformation to four. These concerned the implementation of Circular 475; the development of new ways to accompany Lasallian and Brothers, especially young Brothers, on their vocational journey; the creation of an international campaign promoting Lasallian vocations, especially for the Brothers; and providing suitable formation for those involved in vocation ministry. All four of them were passed, with a single amendment added onto the last one.

Group 7 had the long title of Leveraging the human and financial resources of our international Institute to ensure the sustainability of the Lasallian mission. It included detailed proposals for an endowment fund in support of the care of retired Brothers, for the Solidarity Fund, and for the Mission Endowment Fund. They were the fruit of much care and work, and each component was carefully considered, amended when needed, and approved.

Group 3, Renewed Structures for the Future, provided five paths of transformation that addressed various aspects of the Institute’s present and possible future governance and institutional organizational structure. Two of these were discussed at length during the time that remained available for this session. They were returned to the committee with the input that had been provided. The other three proposals will be considered at the next plenary session.

The session ended at 6:24 pm, and the Eucharistic Liturgy began at 6:45 pm. This was followed by a social and a special supper that had been prepared on the occasion of the election of the Superior General. The dinner was marked by a continuation of the sentiments of the day; real joy at the choice of Br. Armin as the new Superior General, and a deep appreciation for our common Lasallian vocation and shared mission of human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor.

Br. Jean-Rene from France was quite the singer.

Later in the evening, there was a gathering in the Den, during which everyone celebrated the day's happenings in a sort of American style. There was a phone/speaker kareoke sort of experience, with the whole group singing along with popular tunes. It was a fine end to a fine day.

Yes, I got my photo with him too.