tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38521706152493149002024-03-13T11:48:12.078-07:00Lasallian RuminationsExperiences and reflections related to life, readings, and the Lasallian world.George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-91927401265396125942022-05-22T15:22:00.002-07:002022-05-22T15:22:46.903-07:00May 22, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">The end is near! While the business of the 46th General Chapter has finished, the official close only happened today, following an hour of photos in front of the Casa Generalizia and a two-hour session in the Aula Magna that provided an opportunity of Br. Armin to share his thoughts and the Capitulants to share their appreciation and thanks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The morning prayer was held as usual at 7:00 am. It was simple and reflective. We have been so active over the last three weeks that being together in silence was now both familiar and welcome. I lingered a little behind the rest at the end, knowing that the elusive bananas would be gone by the time I arrived to the dining hall. But those things were much less important than the building sense of accomplishment and fraternity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeh-6Xcbwztmukn5w_CRTpl1vmJFqrzBpr5Mm6Qzh4Nh_haJE5Rfghg_g8OoEwzsTYrkVQ0bb0TqrxvMOlu0jBXTW9lCBuAhEo9ATxaKmBIDwgkZ4FzSFz1Q_BcK4YJm6db9O4J4yP55tXHv1p781_oRjzkxttXSNvpFdb219NVZdIEZ-aDsgs1vXKw/s2429/PXL_20220522_065707176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2429" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeh-6Xcbwztmukn5w_CRTpl1vmJFqrzBpr5Mm6Qzh4Nh_haJE5Rfghg_g8OoEwzsTYrkVQ0bb0TqrxvMOlu0jBXTW9lCBuAhEo9ATxaKmBIDwgkZ4FzSFz1Q_BcK4YJm6db9O4J4yP55tXHv1p781_oRjzkxttXSNvpFdb219NVZdIEZ-aDsgs1vXKw/s320/PXL_20220522_065707176.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brothers start to gather at the main entrance.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">At about 8:45 am, I made my way to the main entrance where Brothers and others had begun to gather, because photos were to be taken at 9:00 am. When I got there, about 15 people in the group began to walk out of the front door. They were all casually dressed, and I wondered if I'd read the wrong memo. But then I found out that they were on their way to a scheduled appointment at a nearby pharmacy that was open on Sundays, getting their fast COVID test and certificate so that they could travel tomorrow. Our scheduled photo period would have to accommodate itself, like most things in today's world, to the requirements of the pandemic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_dQA941V5RDlNXy7ghqWOkvZHbPKvSgyx7cmqsFAfK-yS-gfgWNBtb9sb1uvDovJTMMmP59bHqJmYX_LygLDZHwzjj1Q55KxNPxTj7-fZMdqhHaSWA7XJExNSuRtewtamDQs5DII17i7sRD6tQu-9rYeMmk7U92LqcNS0icJkmv3HXkS4oa4JZg-kA/s3041/PXL_20220522_070615059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="3041" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_dQA941V5RDlNXy7ghqWOkvZHbPKvSgyx7cmqsFAfK-yS-gfgWNBtb9sb1uvDovJTMMmP59bHqJmYX_LygLDZHwzjj1Q55KxNPxTj7-fZMdqhHaSWA7XJExNSuRtewtamDQs5DII17i7sRD6tQu-9rYeMmk7U92LqcNS0icJkmv3HXkS4oa4JZg-kA/s320/PXL_20220522_070615059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The new Superior General with his predecessors.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42yZ_KjBDU7z06BVUDyjlrm6_4YD42CWumv-oJhZi6pnADSxZtBqgmP-GrilchJZxOq-phBP6XXSrkkK_bVWOAQQcjG24-Y_QeSN5cjiWHGDAFd4AamReMY8AbpGymqzc5muLeOw1NayaeVRwG2lb1-XpLjfa-TDxPiIgrQMe953IdK7guXZ9Bs1gTg/s3224/PXL_20220522_074447263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="3224" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42yZ_KjBDU7z06BVUDyjlrm6_4YD42CWumv-oJhZi6pnADSxZtBqgmP-GrilchJZxOq-phBP6XXSrkkK_bVWOAQQcjG24-Y_QeSN5cjiWHGDAFd4AamReMY8AbpGymqzc5muLeOw1NayaeVRwG2lb1-XpLjfa-TDxPiIgrQMe953IdK7guXZ9Bs1gTg/s320/PXL_20220522_074447263.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Groups took their turn on the steps</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvfoReiM-JCfRbophulsl4Mh-4-WXgZkKQdyZqzttFskHdpYN4kGJHBpqu3HhVrCBq9v5ayiEZKN5JCZKuwdqIhOR8PkwHACEEap6M8IGGq6iu6NazyDjRv7F0zVy3t5P0V4owBDUBVs6cSQClclWliVFTI3xVEYW3o4rTpntdMoHG1FKfdzdXd2ZZw/s4032/PXL_20220522_075844653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvfoReiM-JCfRbophulsl4Mh-4-WXgZkKQdyZqzttFskHdpYN4kGJHBpqu3HhVrCBq9v5ayiEZKN5JCZKuwdqIhOR8PkwHACEEap6M8IGGq6iu6NazyDjRv7F0zVy3t5P0V4owBDUBVs6cSQClclWliVFTI3xVEYW3o4rTpntdMoHG1FKfdzdXd2ZZw/s320/PXL_20220522_075844653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Others waited for their turn.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknWDrbsEBQxJa8yPfF_55-G8owEm5lq8JrosRmwstAl05KhEkxdjEoI7m0XyfnK8ly_rQzDXi_9yvl4Lf-UWkwcbFhhwCE5VE48LkeTC-oInFySfSOVcxBt-YOYiZmmlKgaDQqemW5RWb7P-3ZGh0d28BI7uS7n5V-REhm_3yYUFa9UWYmYpzsQfBDw/s3170/PXL_20220522_074440314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1830" data-original-width="3170" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknWDrbsEBQxJa8yPfF_55-G8owEm5lq8JrosRmwstAl05KhEkxdjEoI7m0XyfnK8ly_rQzDXi_9yvl4Lf-UWkwcbFhhwCE5VE48LkeTC-oInFySfSOVcxBt-YOYiZmmlKgaDQqemW5RWb7P-3ZGh0d28BI7uS7n5V-REhm_3yYUFa9UWYmYpzsQfBDw/s320/PXL_20220522_074440314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Or stood around talking to one another.</i></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Between 9 and 10 am, there were a series of photos among different groups and different individuals. Phones made photographers of us all. While the Communcations team took its planned photos of Regional, District, or Chapter service groups, others did so as well on a more <i>ad hoc</i> basis. It was a time of relaxed fraternity despite the fact that some groups would have to wait for others from the COVID test group to return. Just before our formal on-the-steps photo of the entire group was taken, we made a circle and followed instructions as a 360-degree camera in the middle recorded a "wave" of arms and hands that went around for several revolutions. Finally, we gathered for the large group photo, along with another flying drone wave, and then it was off to the Aula Magna for our last session.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The session started with Br. Jorge describing how we would hear from Br. Armin, after which the Brothers would be able to provide expressions of support and encouragement. Then there will be some business to consider, which should not take long, followed by the signatures of the voting delegates which validate their work and their agreement to the implementation of the Chapter's decisions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But before we started that process, Br. Rodolfo would explain the ways in which we might obtain photos from the Vatican Media office from our audience with Pope Francis. Suddenly people paid a little more attention. They stopped furtively checking their email, confirming their flights, or exploring possible places to visit in Rome or elsewhere. This was important stuff to listen to. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktPd1Sn5wN_5pWYXbTymTRqJiphYcF487klgz0ZRvoBiLuCNJPC1NAXtJT8zyj5jo-P5Mh_etQxKExa-Y1KCoA8BF5XcSSSlUfYLkAg1j0qSU0dyolyDImvriBUO1kLrPP5jVbvZgO4q6hETkCMw759I30gUb_PVj4Qwo5U7MoGdMJAI35DCSx1MhFw/s2795/PXL_20220522_143747581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2795" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktPd1Sn5wN_5pWYXbTymTRqJiphYcF487klgz0ZRvoBiLuCNJPC1NAXtJT8zyj5jo-P5Mh_etQxKExa-Y1KCoA8BF5XcSSSlUfYLkAg1j0qSU0dyolyDImvriBUO1kLrPP5jVbvZgO4q6hETkCMw759I30gUb_PVj4Qwo5U7MoGdMJAI35DCSx1MhFw/s320/PXL_20220522_143747581.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Checking out the proofs.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">There were two ways to get photos; one was online and one was through a process that he would facilitate. All the hundreds of photos that had been taken during our thirty-minute audience were available to be looked at in two binders that would be left in the John Paul II room, along with order forms and samples of photo sizes. Just fill in the order form with the appropriate information and leave it in the provided box. Br. Rodolfo would make sure that the photos were mailed in bulk to each District, and their cost deducted from the the District's account at the Motherhouse. The same was true for digital versions - which were a Euro more costly than the largest print size.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNCMkXl5qntl1Bzrm4r--qYnU0pHlxbWHBLSUR6eWdHQCNcgiS3GTuBFav5MC9WbZXWZR9LAWMcxPEAdX6ld5dezmbDB8TCvAMLq-Qkq_3sW1lY4q47JLjtQXtMSpofMUjwad8AGTgEji_KL7mLhBQesRTMkfZX1GFEMWCJbrAEOn8QgYiI4dvyBpJw/s3275/PXL_20220522_143745570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1790" data-original-width="3275" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNCMkXl5qntl1Bzrm4r--qYnU0pHlxbWHBLSUR6eWdHQCNcgiS3GTuBFav5MC9WbZXWZR9LAWMcxPEAdX6ld5dezmbDB8TCvAMLq-Qkq_3sW1lY4q47JLjtQXtMSpofMUjwad8AGTgEji_KL7mLhBQesRTMkfZX1GFEMWCJbrAEOn8QgYiI4dvyBpJw/s320/PXL_20220522_143745570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>There were many photos taken during the audience.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Vatican Media had an efficient system and a good money-maker here. All during the afternoon, there were Brothers in there - including me - who flipped through the pages and squinted at the small sample images and decided which to order and in which format. As expected, the small versions were too small to duplicate via a close-up shot with your phone camera. There were even some large versions of the photo of the entire group with the pope, as samples. I hope that my phone-camera capture of one of these below, taken in the afternoon, does not lead to my arrest by the Vatican police or a perpetual ban on entering St. Peter's.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd77aMNCUn1uGpPTqwtaaebV5RQnh51T0lPyUyjBNzhaxSEKKrmD4-ugQxEZSUjy1WlTJMhiFV_YAuOIu88weZ8U1O1ouUgFV7bpwUsptvb4UZ48YGuCS_zB1TwZ4r6y26QOWyLu0gzGbu7VMP_gdJFp1ROZerdhjszvIIEjK9SKrvAXpURk1iB1OctQ/s3780/PXL_20220522_155108252.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="3780" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd77aMNCUn1uGpPTqwtaaebV5RQnh51T0lPyUyjBNzhaxSEKKrmD4-ugQxEZSUjy1WlTJMhiFV_YAuOIu88weZ8U1O1ouUgFV7bpwUsptvb4UZ48YGuCS_zB1TwZ4r6y26QOWyLu0gzGbu7VMP_gdJFp1ROZerdhjszvIIEjK9SKrvAXpURk1iB1OctQ/w401-h229/PXL_20220522_155108252.MP.jpg" width="401" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The photographer held the camera over his head for this one.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">After all these explanations were done, Br. Armin came to the front dais to share his thoughts with the assembled delegates. He started by reading the story of the deaf man healed by Jesus (Mark 7: 31-34), which ends with "he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, 'Ephphatha'! (that is, 'Be opened!')" </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVlrmAohsF7NGFac22y5Ps6so2QjCSPtwSbPIY6JcuSP2zoKfkZvZrARz2_dEFmOkGNA-q4Qd4xPhQDmQwviyrI0SVH9JSbWjzEsv_2rFStLEQ4TOZ1HOa2d8LJNs1bXmzcKeLKGOEgWf3TRiBoWC4Ar0vHojToVEzdBOmdmFilFHScJPt6jgHus4Vg/s1560/PXL_20220522_082117992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1560" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVlrmAohsF7NGFac22y5Ps6so2QjCSPtwSbPIY6JcuSP2zoKfkZvZrARz2_dEFmOkGNA-q4Qd4xPhQDmQwviyrI0SVH9JSbWjzEsv_2rFStLEQ4TOZ1HOa2d8LJNs1bXmzcKeLKGOEgWf3TRiBoWC4Ar0vHojToVEzdBOmdmFilFHScJPt6jgHus4Vg/s320/PXL_20220522_082117992.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Armin at the start of his talk.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Br. Armin followed this with, "Friends, open up! Those last words of the chapter are also for us. A world renewed begins with ourselves, and the very first step is to open up. It’s an invitation given to every man, not just the deaf man, with a groan. ... Open up - our disillusions, our fears, our hurts - that’s what the Lord is asking of us as we begin this journey." I trust that this presentation will be made available to the larger Lasallian family, because it was well delivered and well received. Below are just a few highlights:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">He mentioned the gallery of Superior Generals that were displayed around the Aula Magna, with no more room for others, except perhaps over the place where the clock hung. "Maybe the era of the gallery of Superior Generals is over, and maybe we have to see things from a different light. Maybe when we look at pictures of gatherings of Lasallians, we don't always have to assume that those who hold responsibilities, not necessarilly power, are in the middle of a photo. And maybe we need to train ourselves to look at things in a new way."</li><li style="text-align: justify;">"Opening up also invites us to open our ears, and most especially our hearts, to the groans of people who we may not even recognize or spend time with." His example was seeing one of the refugee families he saw on the grounds of the Casa Generalizia. (We provide the two small apartments flanking the main gate to the Sant'Egidio community to use for transitional refugee families that they help.) He tried to speak with one of the children, who ran away the first few times but eventually was approached and said that his name was Khalifa.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">He spoke of having been distracted, almost depressed, by the happenings in the Philippines, and he thought, "Where does one lodge hope when everything around us seems to have been given up?" The power of money, politics, etc. make it very difficult, if not impossible, for men and women of goodwill to make any changes in our world. But that is invitation of the Gospel today. Open up.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The pandemic brought about a fear and fragility that made us feel threatened, and our general response was to hide from the world, to close our doors and protect ourselves. "But that's not the call of the Chapter. The call of this Chapter is to unlock doors."</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Br. Armin then quoted from the English translation of the recent critical biography of De La Salle by Bernard Hours. (I had given him one of the first 10 copies printed by SMP for the Region. It will be released very soon on the RELAN website.) "It is evident that Jean Baptiste set forth on a new path at the end of 1679. It was a disruption that brought about a conversion in his life. It gradually opened up before him a new path and would lead to decisive breaks with his prior life." He then read a statement by De La Salle's nephew's biography of him, Dom Maillefer, that was in the book. "Since they were
reduced by their state to the most modest of means, and since they had no
funds, they were at times plagued by doubts. They imagined their distress if
they were to lose M. de La Salle. Fanciful thoughts and fears formed in their
minds, causing them to slip into weariness and discouragement. M. de La Salle
soon realized this, and when he set about to learn the reason, they told him
candidly that they saw nothing firm or stable in their situation, that the
least misfortune could destroy all his projects, and that they were unhappy at
the prospect of sacrificing their youth in service to the public, with no
assurance of being cared for after their work was done."<br /></li><li style="text-align: justify;">Br. Armin then said, "Sisters and Brothers, what we are experiencing even today is not new to our Institute. It was at the very heart, the Founder's own journey. But that key experience was also the yeast, the salt, the light that gave birth to one family in the Church. (The reference to yeast, salt, and light echo the words of Pope Francis to us yesterday.) I suppose that that's what we are called to do; to look at this mystery of God's reign in the light of the groanings that we hear within."</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">The rest of the talk took the Gospel story of the apostles fishing all night long, catching nothing, and being told the next morning to throw their nets on the other side. (John 21:1-6) Br. Armin said, referring to our audience with Pope Francis, that he had "asked us to throw our nets again into the other side. ... That is the invitation of the Chapter to us." When available (I hope), the entire talk is worth reading, reflecting on, and talking about with others in our community and Lasallian family.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Time was then given for those in the Chapter hall to respond with words of advice, support, and encouragement. There was a rather long pause during which people were thinking of what they might want to say, but once the responses began, they kept coming. In the end, there were 30 individuals who spoke, each expressing their appreciation to both the past central government and to the incoming one. A small sampling of the thoughts expressed:</p><p></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for these hopeful words. Our tendency is to think of our survival, but we must leave such notions behind.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">You touched us and encouraged not only us, but also our communities, Districts, and Regions.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">I wish you every success and am reminded of an incident when my sister asked me how I was doing. "Just going with the flow," I told her. She responded, "Dead fish go with the flow!"</li><li style="text-align: justify;">I was reminded of the Founder's advice when he was dying, telling the Brother to stay united in community. <i>Indivisa Manent.</i></li><li style="text-align: justify;">At a time when people are closing borders, when mistrust and defiance seem to be reigning, it's striking to listen to someone who calls us to open ourselves; to allow ourselves to be touched by others. When we accept our vulnerability, we enter the great adventure of the path of resilience, faith, hope, and charity.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">I have been to four chapters, and I think that this one is the most hopeful. We must share the best of who we are and of what we can do.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">We will think of you as our Brother before we think of you as Superior General.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Please take the General Council room to the peripheries for your meetings so that you can smell the sheep.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGeBMzyCEPyuyUfvHrNEQ63kGlqzXT7K7_gAbCbrVcdPJECoTr8gAqsqmWEom9ZkTPFXlAVlUS0cxKFBGMA6s-p90WNjqjVX00oL2OTqiwU-qJSKqs88hSARXaeAhVfn0sZjKWgJqJWIAYbPq95nVNgfm3RU1It3uOaSQUDhpVdc9gx1n0Mf4Vq5xOQ/s1848/PXL_20220522_100355312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="1583" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGeBMzyCEPyuyUfvHrNEQ63kGlqzXT7K7_gAbCbrVcdPJECoTr8gAqsqmWEom9ZkTPFXlAVlUS0cxKFBGMA6s-p90WNjqjVX00oL2OTqiwU-qJSKqs88hSARXaeAhVfn0sZjKWgJqJWIAYbPq95nVNgfm3RU1It3uOaSQUDhpVdc9gx1n0Mf4Vq5xOQ/w214-h250/PXL_20220522_100355312.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The official signatures attesting to the</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>credibility of the Chapter's documents.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These respondes ended at 11:50 am. Then Br. Antxon made some announcements about trips to the airport - the first one leaving tomorrow morning at 4:15 am. After this, Br. Jorge introduced several organizational efficiency proposals. One would allow the General Council to review and revise any minutes of our meetings that have not yet been approved. The other asked the General Council to create a drafting team which would put together all the final documents of the Chapter. Both of these passed quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, a few minutes before noon, Br. Armin, as President of the Chapter, was invited to close our gathering, and he did so with the words, "Partners and Brothers, I am very happy to make this last announcement and to close this fraternal and hopeful 46th General Chapter. Thank you very much!"</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ5sisoJCaSZka-3m9gDFVKGVxQG-xyaLyB69QiNnsoLLrB4hHO-qHd-blIXlNPnhh8Xi2vL_PWHz18zpgugPfdMU98RVJYoAU3oc4wn8uiLH9EEGkIXWaV0x5_XRi69K2CnQw50Z3xQH3M0-XzYPvuPLX6fO4CLEvyBOVLKUam8dKK-CbucBWXvpLA/s2767/PXL_20220522_100457202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2767" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ5sisoJCaSZka-3m9gDFVKGVxQG-xyaLyB69QiNnsoLLrB4hHO-qHd-blIXlNPnhh8Xi2vL_PWHz18zpgugPfdMU98RVJYoAU3oc4wn8uiLH9EEGkIXWaV0x5_XRi69K2CnQw50Z3xQH3M0-XzYPvuPLX6fO4CLEvyBOVLKUam8dKK-CbucBWXvpLA/s320/PXL_20220522_100457202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The 46th General Chapter comes to an end.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the afternoon, people went for a walk or simply rested or packed up for their travels tomorrow. At some point, most of them went into the John Paul II room to review the photos and place their orders. These would be one fine memory of their time in Rome, although I think that the best memories will be of the fraternity and accomplishments of these last three weeks.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPhoKhkruh_MkJjmYogffRZQYtGKtwpriBOSC-BTBfK_H00UTu-T86sYlj06uK1OKuwB_wL94zdjMy_OrZmoKNE13NHdJACyRcbkC2C6rKMT8Gl0Sq4wxD9SkmmbrQr1irfxrqUUhiWiOts4P7zmHIoJSY7f2XQgQPjahI0M_w6vg5nayClcJHrwj4g/s2557/PXL_20220522_173342289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="2557" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPhoKhkruh_MkJjmYogffRZQYtGKtwpriBOSC-BTBfK_H00UTu-T86sYlj06uK1OKuwB_wL94zdjMy_OrZmoKNE13NHdJACyRcbkC2C6rKMT8Gl0Sq4wxD9SkmmbrQr1irfxrqUUhiWiOts4P7zmHIoJSY7f2XQgQPjahI0M_w6vg5nayClcJHrwj4g/s320/PXL_20220522_173342289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A blessing by the former General Council</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>to the members of the new General Council</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the Mass that evening, the cardinal scheduled to be there was not able to show up. And so our house chaplain, Fr. Adriano, was the main celebrant and provided a short, insightful, sincere homily in English. The Mass had all the major languages included, both in song and prayer. For the Prayers of Intercession, Brothers spoke their petition in eight different languages. And at the end of Mass, the former General Council and the new General Council were invited up to the sanctuary, where a blessing was prayed while each former Councilor (or Superior General or Vicar General) stood behind his successor and placed his hand on the new person's shoulder. This was a nice surprise. Afterwards, they were all given small wooden cross with strings to hang around the necks of those at the Mass, which they proceeded to do throughout the church before the final blessing. A nice touch.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2nE3QcpACmA10TM7jKapmfUBz6BI8M3dExUbk5sq-_rOHzL1V4WqAVXQTIjGJljdDJFW9MQQNKQxMul0B02jzkSWWW5f6SdQf6FqdzRimOmLJ-wiQMU03EDXOrEWr_REELRlps9WaghlHre8FeKns11tyegcTY7X51vftwBHS-rNGeROW3Wh3gSj4w/s3348/PXL_20220522_173506421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="3348" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2nE3QcpACmA10TM7jKapmfUBz6BI8M3dExUbk5sq-_rOHzL1V4WqAVXQTIjGJljdDJFW9MQQNKQxMul0B02jzkSWWW5f6SdQf6FqdzRimOmLJ-wiQMU03EDXOrEWr_REELRlps9WaghlHre8FeKns11tyegcTY7X51vftwBHS-rNGeROW3Wh3gSj4w/s320/PXL_20220522_173506421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The small crosses are blessed and distributed.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the Mass, there was a social outside of the dining room, a very nice dinner, and a social afterwards that had been set up in the community dining room. Some time later, many folks ended up in the Den for several hours of further conversation - in multiple languages - as the Chapter came to its true ending.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgRfdX1_4bYRwurHFdpaluMXjV2TsppxwxULKxO-sjw7VVgFl2CCMni--chHDw33O7_pcz5q72uF-OHZZ6fyFy7Faj95hUxJ2bVURhToSxGSxN5kebrhRi4ykkaX5w1hU4QprYr-BpeUT7JEUeyarxFCqq2TXnuRu5_cp3gtVSnBgFC8MFkqHkwDfTw/s2284/PXL_20220522_181250269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2284" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgRfdX1_4bYRwurHFdpaluMXjV2TsppxwxULKxO-sjw7VVgFl2CCMni--chHDw33O7_pcz5q72uF-OHZZ6fyFy7Faj95hUxJ2bVURhToSxGSxN5kebrhRi4ykkaX5w1hU4QprYr-BpeUT7JEUeyarxFCqq2TXnuRu5_cp3gtVSnBgFC8MFkqHkwDfTw/s320/PXL_20220522_181250269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The closing dinner in the dining hall - Sala 2.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a privilege to have been part of this 46th General Chapter, and it has been a pleasure, if a bit ardous, to have been able to document it for others during these past three weeks. As someone who is responsible for the retention of history at the Casa Generalizia, this was done partially out of duty, habit (since I'd done the same back in 2007), and the knowledge that others might participate virtually through these observations. It is hoped that the years ahead will actualize the commitments we have made here, and the new central government will be supported in its efforts to release the hope of Lasallians and the substance of the Lasallian mission in ways yet unknown.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YVEnAAtbqaw28glz7f9HKDBDqK_s6JkH7_D8WuRYe6u7JQTacXxIBgh8ZILHJiA8I5Bv1Ld_Le-qAQ0QuBUDi30Alh3GNaYVfK0jPHXTU1Ecmg8ZMWaLKpGdQtCMfpTu1Ecy3143AljNMquBhOcwYl8ho1G6UgPYzs08AxzAZutt3ATDDnGtuzkkfQ/s3228/PXL_20220522_201040603.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1639" data-original-width="3228" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YVEnAAtbqaw28glz7f9HKDBDqK_s6JkH7_D8WuRYe6u7JQTacXxIBgh8ZILHJiA8I5Bv1Ld_Le-qAQ0QuBUDi30Alh3GNaYVfK0jPHXTU1Ecmg8ZMWaLKpGdQtCMfpTu1Ecy3143AljNMquBhOcwYl8ho1G6UgPYzs08AxzAZutt3ATDDnGtuzkkfQ/s320/PXL_20220522_201040603.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A closing social in the Den - much appreciated by all.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Check back in 2029 to see how we did. Better yet, get engaged and light the spark that can make the difference. I'll end with the Lasallian prayer that Br. Armin used at the start of his talk. It was written in the Philippines and has justifiably grown in popularity. The sentiments it contains are my own, and I hope that they may be yours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs0EMQD9V10zvLXjqPZsOhppaKwnaA_zc3dbg_TWrc_vtLTbq3yyuDCmHVgKpHcu5HND3XbvjnftFZA0pegw68E3hCeeBsfTzA9ags05q3x-ep8bsT1Cws3-8lQAy7XeNiTGjQ7u2Qn6yo73JSzLsG32rzkDx28hkw2B8jkUDNsVUDlkWKO-ePgbfMw/s3827/PXL_20220516_184648849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2313" data-original-width="3827" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs0EMQD9V10zvLXjqPZsOhppaKwnaA_zc3dbg_TWrc_vtLTbq3yyuDCmHVgKpHcu5HND3XbvjnftFZA0pegw68E3hCeeBsfTzA9ags05q3x-ep8bsT1Cws3-8lQAy7XeNiTGjQ7u2Qn6yo73JSzLsG32rzkDx28hkw2B8jkUDNsVUDlkWKO-ePgbfMw/w389-h235/PXL_20220516_184648849.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This seems to be a good photo to summarize our Chapter.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>One La Salle Prayer</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></p><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Let me be the change I want to see</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">To do with strength and wisdom </div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">All that needs to be done..</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">And become the hope that I can be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Set me free from my fears and hesitations</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Grant me courage and humility</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Fill me with spirit to face the challenge</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">And start the change I long to see.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Today I start the change I want to see.</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Even if I’m not the light</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I can be the spark</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">In faith, service, and communion.</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Let us start the change we want to see.</div></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The change that begins in me.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Live Jesus in our hearts forever!</em></div></em><p></p></div><div><em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></em></div><div><br /></div><p></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-8381349992869410612022-05-21T14:41:00.017-07:002022-05-22T06:29:19.336-07:00May 21, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">FAIR WARNING: This is a long one, and should be.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjdrTCrywH22YY-7Dz8MngaTfrVZbdU0qxmuUx4wZYV3VlARn7sXJZA3m-ZX_PGJ2D4qHyoGpp9dm-Gx3VDczGNLb_gWrtEU08sYR8m3gqbF2JzbPz4L6HYs4jtJu1SyKaP8pPBnLp3aQOUXM0utHhETO1qKQePuHvPgIHkSPqPt0uu-3fq2IK-loWg/s3264/20220521_084207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjdrTCrywH22YY-7Dz8MngaTfrVZbdU0qxmuUx4wZYV3VlARn7sXJZA3m-ZX_PGJ2D4qHyoGpp9dm-Gx3VDczGNLb_gWrtEU08sYR8m3gqbF2JzbPz4L6HYs4jtJu1SyKaP8pPBnLp3aQOUXM0utHhETO1qKQePuHvPgIHkSPqPt0uu-3fq2IK-loWg/s320/20220521_084207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>On the bus with Brs. Michael, Ghebre, and David.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFRvVzIkE7iUcKzORkj2bh0f-Ze5ZV064_10wvldMAckSo-lfgO7-wU66-Lzv8xcG7z6ZaaKiKJkmIA5MkKkvYMFUBrZTIiF9jnxyzXUJDpfEDaLcxMJjs58RqF8nUwMjWc5LdESbEMcgrDLIjIl4QgRItYwgN_0o5iG6UTUC98WhgJjCvk2nVOAEdg/s1905/Group%20Vatican.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="1905" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFRvVzIkE7iUcKzORkj2bh0f-Ze5ZV064_10wvldMAckSo-lfgO7-wU66-Lzv8xcG7z6ZaaKiKJkmIA5MkKkvYMFUBrZTIiF9jnxyzXUJDpfEDaLcxMJjs58RqF8nUwMjWc5LdESbEMcgrDLIjIl4QgRItYwgN_0o5iG6UTUC98WhgJjCvk2nVOAEdg/w534-h332/Group%20Vatican.jpeg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The whole group gathered in front of the Basilica.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE8hs1fFqBqLAVw9mtaXt0uKVtwXb5w1bIK0Z-eegHPlOPKe8D87kKtZIj-SIaYiW-CynnvufS3ZeAe_NgEbKjHl7r3sS_Abr9JjAhxcpGC0hSkxpzj_fCsdQse1E7997zmqIp16uKrRVjfmixvIDiTM-m7bCPd3fsNHBp_5jAFxquAtOWIos2S4gCA/s3308/PXL_20220521_072115932%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="3308" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE8hs1fFqBqLAVw9mtaXt0uKVtwXb5w1bIK0Z-eegHPlOPKe8D87kKtZIj-SIaYiW-CynnvufS3ZeAe_NgEbKjHl7r3sS_Abr9JjAhxcpGC0hSkxpzj_fCsdQse1E7997zmqIp16uKrRVjfmixvIDiTM-m7bCPd3fsNHBp_5jAFxquAtOWIos2S4gCA/s320/PXL_20220521_072115932%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Waiting to enter into the Apostolic Palace</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVg8z7JBOVzdwd23P43xMIlTOdfD1nCiVSfFXJ06mK0ymOk8VF1NCvbAXflCyn4Vym01-fRZ-fYWSvW0CbdP9eYUWfAfH5Jf9nXNpDVxJX8Zl4dZIl1A5_U4JF6Sf_fgr4XI9IHXMYjYCIh5EiTR3DwU7DpK7r2_ZLj39MXfLGtP__ZD0Oxh1hmxkGQ/s2364/PXL_20220521_073851459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2364" data-original-width="1821" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVg8z7JBOVzdwd23P43xMIlTOdfD1nCiVSfFXJ06mK0ymOk8VF1NCvbAXflCyn4Vym01-fRZ-fYWSvW0CbdP9eYUWfAfH5Jf9nXNpDVxJX8Zl4dZIl1A5_U4JF6Sf_fgr4XI9IHXMYjYCIh5EiTR3DwU7DpK7r2_ZLj39MXfLGtP__ZD0Oxh1hmxkGQ/s320/PXL_20220521_073851459.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Starting up the stairs</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgoALlHqHnbvm188GhVV2e_ttyjOyimsxXypa7bLoeFS4A7uqNLFHWph7rSGdiQnM9Ic8teLVTOQEpkzYIYTryJgsFuyelWKaTTQuOG9-yrGPCrTrrnaolUEhrGzB_OZoql_cYuOjNmtpLdjXjUiQp-HuGjUaWYCw9N_JoctBH9u3C0iPE5v1W27bvg/s2777/PXL_20220521_073923068.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="2777" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgoALlHqHnbvm188GhVV2e_ttyjOyimsxXypa7bLoeFS4A7uqNLFHWph7rSGdiQnM9Ic8teLVTOQEpkzYIYTryJgsFuyelWKaTTQuOG9-yrGPCrTrrnaolUEhrGzB_OZoql_cYuOjNmtpLdjXjUiQp-HuGjUaWYCw9N_JoctBH9u3C0iPE5v1W27bvg/s320/PXL_20220521_073923068.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>And more stairs.</i></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyQe6DXNaDzXwUrqKyqJST3rvpDT5oXDk44ZFVNALAXRUeGM9puoonslXYU8HfjJXuxZ8JP5doiZ9eDUAqbzg60o541aYKEwjD1awFloR-bF1znAkfBSuXih7SBNqSOdXUsZ1lMHFH3EKNtjuV-o1bpKOtGtfWjHt1tmrqSyBU09E64hNSSnZjLVaLQ/s2661/PXL_20220521_074439914.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="2661" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyQe6DXNaDzXwUrqKyqJST3rvpDT5oXDk44ZFVNALAXRUeGM9puoonslXYU8HfjJXuxZ8JP5doiZ9eDUAqbzg60o541aYKEwjD1awFloR-bF1znAkfBSuXih7SBNqSOdXUsZ1lMHFH3EKNtjuV-o1bpKOtGtfWjHt1tmrqSyBU09E64hNSSnZjLVaLQ/s320/PXL_20220521_074439914.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Antxon negotiates.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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 <i>Sala del Concistoro</i>. Look it up. It has a long history and is used for major gatherings of cardinals, bishops, and other groups.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTli3au9FJVHUBXQ4cD7wwPZhgoR5yhPLukNg7D863lCDIyL3mszuBbGw0-0e8BgQu3w6vutxFUIz8EBLYjnYS5lghz-McVEubmNlHu9xNdFbtzJ4JbIP-1ktdCbUaAKDUIXxmlBg4y_fFD0_r509WAb4oRAHWiyd3vikiV-VNYzTbg8zvGiUi9PPcQ/s3165/PXL_20220521_075028209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1951" data-original-width="3165" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTli3au9FJVHUBXQ4cD7wwPZhgoR5yhPLukNg7D863lCDIyL3mszuBbGw0-0e8BgQu3w6vutxFUIz8EBLYjnYS5lghz-McVEubmNlHu9xNdFbtzJ4JbIP-1ktdCbUaAKDUIXxmlBg4y_fFD0_r509WAb4oRAHWiyd3vikiV-VNYzTbg8zvGiUi9PPcQ/s320/PXL_20220521_075028209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Walking to the audience hall through several other rooms.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9imPnWDrBiqX5H6hrazspoYJ1_AfXBN0Y9-9L0skK6xji7ZortOL4gdd6PA0xINXmWOCkirLugP6J4kqSSXW5Qtbl4hxXcxQ7Nf1wUxoXq22roVy45KNoJ0QGwRhJFUI_YolGLaQb6h-hnxq5xdZnXjzoUsw759dScVpu5w_uN5KiQ6D8KproRCeZw/s2647/PXL_20220521_075330286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="2647" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9imPnWDrBiqX5H6hrazspoYJ1_AfXBN0Y9-9L0skK6xji7ZortOL4gdd6PA0xINXmWOCkirLugP6J4kqSSXW5Qtbl4hxXcxQ7Nf1wUxoXq22roVy45KNoJ0QGwRhJFUI_YolGLaQb6h-hnxq5xdZnXjzoUsw759dScVpu5w_uN5KiQ6D8KproRCeZw/s320/PXL_20220521_075330286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Antxon provides detailed instructions.</i></div><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtDBT1C0E9oteC0djHVQZFRn0NSCfvZ384qC4hVtAXgMxUHmhmIvGTv09jew1BYLAT4fougTsu7tIWuJffcoA44xwhkePY33ExUGvi4iprv7TnF-6QL1mFkHf_8R5qUuhs2ZNAx-UbkJdpS8VCnwPa9Y-L0EEgBmE2764FSOwPZpczMMEbye31HzKSg/s3217/PXL_20220521_080056613.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="3217" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtDBT1C0E9oteC0djHVQZFRn0NSCfvZ384qC4hVtAXgMxUHmhmIvGTv09jew1BYLAT4fougTsu7tIWuJffcoA44xwhkePY33ExUGvi4iprv7TnF-6QL1mFkHf_8R5qUuhs2ZNAx-UbkJdpS8VCnwPa9Y-L0EEgBmE2764FSOwPZpczMMEbye31HzKSg/s320/PXL_20220521_080056613.MP.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Waiting a little longer than we had anticipated.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmN2K9UeaFthSi1d1Kjpgf6rdzf9LsOojVnNJ0u7hpAB_Hl7cWOcr86EmA5HBtsCTf7R_fe-ID-lCBiKnhEPNkyAjSzL2dBC9TZGhqhrM2A9DIoj3eXhBkJwlzYwa0Mu1NIxCQcSD5N4NPPlrZnGolXE4p_eOX1-uq6YOu32RMAih5dyz19jhnXi0jw/s8750/PXL_20220521_081224522.PANO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="8750" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmN2K9UeaFthSi1d1Kjpgf6rdzf9LsOojVnNJ0u7hpAB_Hl7cWOcr86EmA5HBtsCTf7R_fe-ID-lCBiKnhEPNkyAjSzL2dBC9TZGhqhrM2A9DIoj3eXhBkJwlzYwa0Mu1NIxCQcSD5N4NPPlrZnGolXE4p_eOX1-uq6YOu32RMAih5dyz19jhnXi0jw/w561-h105/PXL_20220521_081224522.PANO.jpg" width="561" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A panorama photo of the room.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TFx5PE-yN73RY0FyqkTyNVfLaY4x9en_ZdwxQ5ZYnRT1GPfI4y06pd3n1lSsIE6ovQn-5J4_gBqxG2Og5xcDXQv5nto6l5MEaK-GspgyeEARZUN-es8CeHGUtsKS-dEScLGa2cUbcECm4EY1ZLqDIRkmOPGdQP3tPD0kb4T0-6vJzDU2skccbQYtTw/s1024/Vat-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1024" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TFx5PE-yN73RY0FyqkTyNVfLaY4x9en_ZdwxQ5ZYnRT1GPfI4y06pd3n1lSsIE6ovQn-5J4_gBqxG2Og5xcDXQv5nto6l5MEaK-GspgyeEARZUN-es8CeHGUtsKS-dEScLGa2cUbcECm4EY1ZLqDIRkmOPGdQP3tPD0kb4T0-6vJzDU2skccbQYtTw/w407-h228/Vat-7.jpg" width="407" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Pope Francis enters the room.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC8oIhoZqh4sXVExJCPN-W5MglMn8y6QnuwPoOLBuXpjqD77kYBiKFilD2ZUOLnzjXS8Hznxf0mySwgeiNeIco4lXCB69K-FhqW0nEw5ArrxyMgFZwma9eDqYgj8wx0t9Ulug5bEeTWCUPX6shxEYvaCMnmJRyNmtXUfWAf4TYZdEd-fumh2kBcC77Q/s621/Vat-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="621" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC8oIhoZqh4sXVExJCPN-W5MglMn8y6QnuwPoOLBuXpjqD77kYBiKFilD2ZUOLnzjXS8Hznxf0mySwgeiNeIco4lXCB69K-FhqW0nEw5ArrxyMgFZwma9eDqYgj8wx0t9Ulug5bEeTWCUPX6shxEYvaCMnmJRyNmtXUfWAf4TYZdEd-fumh2kBcC77Q/s320/Vat-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Armin greets the pope after his short speech to him.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM5SEk4usMZkmNXUhIWpEiSmaO6yjHYqGR-_zkIkK5xABjDe--xjqstdvb9Z30AyKysuTgf98WMpfxB889yUQkybdwdR9WmtH3wBjZFrImtHXgbSAuI1iTQjOz6WZY-2_9bofWiNf0_qQCR2hi_t4lxlmjydZgtfgtjeL6P8P8ZXptREovBD4xCSqmg/s620/Vat-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="620" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM5SEk4usMZkmNXUhIWpEiSmaO6yjHYqGR-_zkIkK5xABjDe--xjqstdvb9Z30AyKysuTgf98WMpfxB889yUQkybdwdR9WmtH3wBjZFrImtHXgbSAuI1iTQjOz6WZY-2_9bofWiNf0_qQCR2hi_t4lxlmjydZgtfgtjeL6P8P8ZXptREovBD4xCSqmg/w409-h229/Vat-10.jpg" width="409" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Pope Francis delivers his talk.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKFWTRJHNHv2iJSzaUtymc9aYlXTKpGMtUpcicoaTl7baal4RpFR2nvTgl6HZfUxaqG-EqvwqaPS7diZOF6njdbvXDOrhuPFQcYAkLo5tSaIaXO_4cPuaY8sHbLHg0irHgk0PAMNSJJUl1I0YdjLokBBqad2o_o8qKYMLBfhT_RaJQh7_Up3Wxpwa9A/s626/Vat-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="626" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKFWTRJHNHv2iJSzaUtymc9aYlXTKpGMtUpcicoaTl7baal4RpFR2nvTgl6HZfUxaqG-EqvwqaPS7diZOF6njdbvXDOrhuPFQcYAkLo5tSaIaXO_4cPuaY8sHbLHg0irHgk0PAMNSJJUl1I0YdjLokBBqad2o_o8qKYMLBfhT_RaJQh7_Up3Wxpwa9A/w408-h227/Vat-1.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Acknowledging the applause from the Brothers.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnkHwAgDd9I--xufk3Kez_f_ZaWmfo4vXMzy-j1CLX494HXDF90sCf4py53Jvldb5uJ0YmTTRi3oJlTwSc8gVghGRf1sWBezRiGl4R07IAzhdbRyO_GVuMPJcvlQaDIxfxQcsZN19_AV8LLaXGnbmShBJYirL5l5Z1Th_VbUOrteQuTgG5X-o6HDYiA/s621/Vat-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="621" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnkHwAgDd9I--xufk3Kez_f_ZaWmfo4vXMzy-j1CLX494HXDF90sCf4py53Jvldb5uJ0YmTTRi3oJlTwSc8gVghGRf1sWBezRiGl4R07IAzhdbRyO_GVuMPJcvlQaDIxfxQcsZN19_AV8LLaXGnbmShBJYirL5l5Z1Th_VbUOrteQuTgG5X-o6HDYiA/s320/Vat-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>At the end, he gives us his apostolic blessing.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGis4vnpZ-M4vJyN6Zs_gsrTWmswdbXRqjYzgdC-EOFEONtVIcielBB4emRaAWzn0w5u6xcfs3p9IjmICm1HePrIUyKtQC_whKNzFAxFVuOvqQB_bNRpcl4dmEUM5PorxXPJwsepayIT6R20sjqRfYLKxdTruQGv91b_DSL9dwPrCf-GHtFaR037ixfw/s1020/Vat-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1020" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGis4vnpZ-M4vJyN6Zs_gsrTWmswdbXRqjYzgdC-EOFEONtVIcielBB4emRaAWzn0w5u6xcfs3p9IjmICm1HePrIUyKtQC_whKNzFAxFVuOvqQB_bNRpcl4dmEUM5PorxXPJwsepayIT6R20sjqRfYLKxdTruQGv91b_DSL9dwPrCf-GHtFaR037ixfw/s320/Vat-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Junior, from Brazil, greets Pope Francis.</i></div><p>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.</p><p>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 <i>Honneur a Toi</i> - 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkOCslqYjPx7MWLa56YsNWjMUOxQU0Foo2KQNqDGEd9joven7Hdx1vmoqGdkA7USi0h5FSXh4bA_S6BIFcRxGh-8rEJb4e936G9LlPWm632OKCLpS5q7NxDtEubH-fX0lvKVPkLLtncp9_e0bQ2qbxh8C8TQSS4qyBqN1WNdLDMJvvI0kHJPFfWqLPQ/s1019/Vat-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1019" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkOCslqYjPx7MWLa56YsNWjMUOxQU0Foo2KQNqDGEd9joven7Hdx1vmoqGdkA7USi0h5FSXh4bA_S6BIFcRxGh-8rEJb4e936G9LlPWm632OKCLpS5q7NxDtEubH-fX0lvKVPkLLtncp9_e0bQ2qbxh8C8TQSS4qyBqN1WNdLDMJvvI0kHJPFfWqLPQ/w390-h219/Vat-6.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The group photo with Pope Francis in the middle.</i></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI2oLYx65zoYCF9uS2pu_B-tBhwnFSDx3LQyIxtrc-oPrVr-S3gWWh_h6DQaxWfp3Zr3LwGoZ1qo2DJ_f5CWZ0SCO6wZ9WCMza_4oCxohTFruZfmY9TI6lQl4dCgLadg-xpp6g9y1eAZKYwE3kaFjhR-_e1OOLi-EZHJ8oYOGy8ATpDXpAez7FnxWnw/s3256/PXL_20220521_091507853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1965" data-original-width="3256" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI2oLYx65zoYCF9uS2pu_B-tBhwnFSDx3LQyIxtrc-oPrVr-S3gWWh_h6DQaxWfp3Zr3LwGoZ1qo2DJ_f5CWZ0SCO6wZ9WCMza_4oCxohTFruZfmY9TI6lQl4dCgLadg-xpp6g9y1eAZKYwE3kaFjhR-_e1OOLi-EZHJ8oYOGy8ATpDXpAez7FnxWnw/s320/PXL_20220521_091507853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On the way out. Br. Rodolfo is on the right.</i></div><p>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 <i>Redemptoris Mater</i>, 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2VoBPBvs0X7D-Jvys-aruevTVxnfgAGP2UX8TPdpp6uUGc-PFjFWEGuCxaI_TfIjyHKSEpXCHItbpp-UL7SNthPv08j3GcgdRQ9RL0AvVGg4ch09fEb5LzxaUJodFyI1ttpGvPQ2mV5OUrBSHyPZLBqUwmrIGVlWXMeyAERO4NM_dOaVFR562m-Qcg/s2843/PXL_20220521_091043025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="2843" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2VoBPBvs0X7D-Jvys-aruevTVxnfgAGP2UX8TPdpp6uUGc-PFjFWEGuCxaI_TfIjyHKSEpXCHItbpp-UL7SNthPv08j3GcgdRQ9RL0AvVGg4ch09fEb5LzxaUJodFyI1ttpGvPQ2mV5OUrBSHyPZLBqUwmrIGVlWXMeyAERO4NM_dOaVFR562m-Qcg/s320/PXL_20220521_091043025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Swiss guards were popular photo ops.</i></div><p></p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQDLTbSUDozx1KIdooJdSLhyZ2liAurbVqD2Sj-vJZZM3Pi2BGxe1vM_Hh0MzEtPBdZ2DG_Ei5hdtHsgRyQXzl2tnmbRHDZot2m1QHG2y50o_a79qRQJocnei-FKX1Y6eouxg46IWn8p3Vf_-QYcXPWLCmbXkmXhVosAvuApCcRwvyrnwzM7EShL_9A/s2336/PXL_20220521_091941249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2336" data-original-width="2180" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQDLTbSUDozx1KIdooJdSLhyZ2liAurbVqD2Sj-vJZZM3Pi2BGxe1vM_Hh0MzEtPBdZ2DG_Ei5hdtHsgRyQXzl2tnmbRHDZot2m1QHG2y50o_a79qRQJocnei-FKX1Y6eouxg46IWn8p3Vf_-QYcXPWLCmbXkmXhVosAvuApCcRwvyrnwzM7EShL_9A/s320/PXL_20220521_091941249.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photo opportunities in the piazza.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjAmzm9IITZlXWgVWUdMaORUns0JmO2jMTaJ01Nq2axBB2J9i7vNXqUF7odGhfCeE6DC1R0EH-v3GQme0kMxhrRcJhI30GEsWEP0yblLrKeNecgSoFk36jKzXFKS4rfobaFyK6mHRQRx43tTQ-NouDBOpORzXCuAwq8VUBYgTamFpz6rSStD9EH3JMQ/s3525/PXL_20220521_094759393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3525" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjAmzm9IITZlXWgVWUdMaORUns0JmO2jMTaJ01Nq2axBB2J9i7vNXqUF7odGhfCeE6DC1R0EH-v3GQme0kMxhrRcJhI30GEsWEP0yblLrKeNecgSoFk36jKzXFKS4rfobaFyK6mHRQRx43tTQ-NouDBOpORzXCuAwq8VUBYgTamFpz6rSStD9EH3JMQ/s320/PXL_20220521_094759393.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sending a text to the folks on the bus.</i></div><p>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?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEqmSr-iR1H4Qoj_ptQ_WM1A-VWaG15j-HPmmp4Mt5DSRZLFCAiUym7l3Uxm-UyOxQv7_GzfrvZIVn43JeYKiqoxAKYcYf3J0lX_P0zIX6FkjP3-nxhzrYWlVbWRMXu28BRP1j-6F0hl9Toz-y2qRkf3YbT1xVhioyNDEN9x8ILd6EcOaDkfFoJ--eA/s3221/PXL_20220521_104915208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="3221" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEqmSr-iR1H4Qoj_ptQ_WM1A-VWaG15j-HPmmp4Mt5DSRZLFCAiUym7l3Uxm-UyOxQv7_GzfrvZIVn43JeYKiqoxAKYcYf3J0lX_P0zIX6FkjP3-nxhzrYWlVbWRMXu28BRP1j-6F0hl9Toz-y2qRkf3YbT1xVhioyNDEN9x8ILd6EcOaDkfFoJ--eA/s320/PXL_20220521_104915208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A place to rest and have some lunch.</i></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-6us3NuFTR2FozrCBApBDO15aK71o6CYWKOtQBSS6IgHF00yUD6CSqzyl0Mlvl5F1WKZMaubk8RA6kUayZZy_ZfYXU1O-kuIoKdlqunP-U6CafP-HmpHGP6t-LQjXBvBRxEudB3aHJlWPI6wF2BF2VN5fhhenRp18mCBXwshiBKdmXhozvgbAZq70Q/s3425/PXL_20220521_170307689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2149" data-original-width="3425" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-6us3NuFTR2FozrCBApBDO15aK71o6CYWKOtQBSS6IgHF00yUD6CSqzyl0Mlvl5F1WKZMaubk8RA6kUayZZy_ZfYXU1O-kuIoKdlqunP-U6CafP-HmpHGP6t-LQjXBvBRxEudB3aHJlWPI6wF2BF2VN5fhhenRp18mCBXwshiBKdmXhozvgbAZq70Q/s320/PXL_20220521_170307689.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Reflection by way of a bodily-kinesthetic exercise.</i></div><p>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. </p><p><br /></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-20636099938396339002022-05-20T22:37:00.012-07:002022-05-20T23:23:58.804-07:00May 20, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZB9l0fPO5HBfuVDfipQR_QzLBR1XfYHLwb3nXZQ8thF0H2nnBmHILk3r_JGsIRo4_ZDNCRH0u-Ef4Zh0im5OdQ21ct9lV27jF2Dqit32zr76kq2uwcfHhBVHpgdXttYADgYVIfMNHi8SMhS5ep1eeJgviVKsUomvMVnWcJYmzlz3kmupAU93HAHRjxg/s4032/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZB9l0fPO5HBfuVDfipQR_QzLBR1XfYHLwb3nXZQ8thF0H2nnBmHILk3r_JGsIRo4_ZDNCRH0u-Ef4Zh0im5OdQ21ct9lV27jF2Dqit32zr76kq2uwcfHhBVHpgdXttYADgYVIfMNHi8SMhS5ep1eeJgviVKsUomvMVnWcJYmzlz3kmupAU93HAHRjxg/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The RELAN regional group meeting.</i></div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zwatdoP6-juepY_J7fjo4E-pJPrTzI4EDLqngVOCaw1QArZsW9kmK_-rKwcHL5eX-dgFL7xrwghm-rFQlpu11-7IJQzY5zRqhXvzshkSoq0g5zGYPw8nQvtPVxgvPSqv5FWtJkJ-ViTTOBdeUQJSQhsNnM17gOcYjJSUMFn9TbvtJd1DzLQ2MIby3Q/s2354/PXL_20220520_085943518%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="2354" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zwatdoP6-juepY_J7fjo4E-pJPrTzI4EDLqngVOCaw1QArZsW9kmK_-rKwcHL5eX-dgFL7xrwghm-rFQlpu11-7IJQzY5zRqhXvzshkSoq0g5zGYPw8nQvtPVxgvPSqv5FWtJkJ-ViTTOBdeUQJSQhsNnM17gOcYjJSUMFn9TbvtJd1DzLQ2MIby3Q/s320/PXL_20220520_085943518%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Rodrigue from Benin, who sat next to me, votes.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYUhSNbtriqZk3otJypzn-Dz42ZLAJurtbR0RF4cWucT-eY78xT6kXN5JDgwVORFEY0SJtdLmmfqzcfRUgz66WSI94-X5uzokUdLiyKHhSMO8-e9qUo0HrGTwsWV5j0a0SyLyDJCNT97DT_tvW0chGwT5HZ5-5p0v4RuRMeIkXOoy-6VkYIHetcoeRA/s3111/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="3111" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYUhSNbtriqZk3otJypzn-Dz42ZLAJurtbR0RF4cWucT-eY78xT6kXN5JDgwVORFEY0SJtdLmmfqzcfRUgz66WSI94-X5uzokUdLiyKHhSMO8-e9qUo0HrGTwsWV5j0a0SyLyDJCNT97DT_tvW0chGwT5HZ5-5p0v4RuRMeIkXOoy-6VkYIHetcoeRA/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(9).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Anatole is congratulated by Br. Julien from<br />West Africa and Br. Ghebreyesus from the Lwanga District</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKeo-5d24Y_-xOqeeSRPeEMnDTjTic-p-v_eP427bP8RwAz_TaNyTkEJqgOpqVK91rJY318_RwmtHd4HyIrFjQLOdvdjlsfmj8lN_uDMHV84JLD-7cAsQXvCIsCn85QKq8zn3qpVENiEmlU-YHadCoM-tRwNvmZi3S1EkivIC05FlzVRgdVfdtFeKjA/s1360/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1360" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKeo-5d24Y_-xOqeeSRPeEMnDTjTic-p-v_eP427bP8RwAz_TaNyTkEJqgOpqVK91rJY318_RwmtHd4HyIrFjQLOdvdjlsfmj8lN_uDMHV84JLD-7cAsQXvCIsCn85QKq8zn3qpVENiEmlU-YHadCoM-tRwNvmZi3S1EkivIC05FlzVRgdVfdtFeKjA/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(7).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Much applause after Br. Chris Patino was elected.</i></div><p>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.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VBK_CXM5wx9Q4trVPPxbMWqInaZUrWV1uf23i0BgXqP_grH-4CgeGP3R_x1fm-9rKa07DbVFKL3WkjKvccVKCEY9y1jlr-NDdnRnL4XjsTXVBXMkaM0yD_UKFgGbuCk0eqwR32ltlBfft0yy1yLDDKkRGvEH4-gSHHAgoH9jEFs9vJPaEWsdgWdpwA/s4032/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VBK_CXM5wx9Q4trVPPxbMWqInaZUrWV1uf23i0BgXqP_grH-4CgeGP3R_x1fm-9rKa07DbVFKL3WkjKvccVKCEY9y1jlr-NDdnRnL4XjsTXVBXMkaM0yD_UKFgGbuCk0eqwR32ltlBfft0yy1yLDDKkRGvEH4-gSHHAgoH9jEFs9vJPaEWsdgWdpwA/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Scrutineers collect the filled-in ballots.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NjaUDMJx18XVkp0sLmK2_XggH3Qcvbyfg-tnUOXuYZbll8suZLGo8CaWBobHmHlsVgwe118ICFGxjYSin2cIxZkKnbVR3T2G_XG0mL9dRTbMG-s2oUXyO2OGYskRTEXLeAlf0E_mhc6sQb1ee7NBL6ccTkiWuCx564U7hAjq3zUhIW_arZfF8Uh1Gg/s1335/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(13).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1335" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NjaUDMJx18XVkp0sLmK2_XggH3Qcvbyfg-tnUOXuYZbll8suZLGo8CaWBobHmHlsVgwe118ICFGxjYSin2cIxZkKnbVR3T2G_XG0mL9dRTbMG-s2oUXyO2OGYskRTEXLeAlf0E_mhc6sQb1ee7NBL6ccTkiWuCx564U7hAjq3zUhIW_arZfF8Uh1Gg/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(13).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Martin is congratulated by Br. Alvaro.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQMly5IloPFeRT3E_CNeSuUXnW5BH80EdqG5EyMqvLSt8hSD_bTcKCows_DOYpoGHiuRLjCZV0fwsdXdkdQ9eEaZ5uOE5HGTPQ1IjhlQALKcHsPGZfI7RaVXG0_LO-smV3a_mgSoYa8d4CAZMbR1log8TasTdGjrLL8tAAjpsjz550XasampoSu9udg/s3437/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(16).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1785" data-original-width="3437" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQMly5IloPFeRT3E_CNeSuUXnW5BH80EdqG5EyMqvLSt8hSD_bTcKCows_DOYpoGHiuRLjCZV0fwsdXdkdQ9eEaZ5uOE5HGTPQ1IjhlQALKcHsPGZfI7RaVXG0_LO-smV3a_mgSoYa8d4CAZMbR1log8TasTdGjrLL8tAAjpsjz550XasampoSu9udg/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(16).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Casa Generalizia staff is recognized and thanked.</i></div><p>We started with the singing of <i>Honneur a Toi</i>, 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-5tmWxxld16optDxg0fPYzBXwsaXfZtqQ3qTe0RycwlzmZu2ry_FXpoSnIT5Mjg7Ir_2HYGbs7t2XL-r3V4nD8q7v0eLRsQ8e8tp_lk3u_KFRn9mFK10j29OPBy5Cu7T2uWBA5wMS6RWPVc4sHtwL87CgBvYXhY6XghcgCUHjao4ksYsnckVaML9kg/s2224/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(25).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="2224" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-5tmWxxld16optDxg0fPYzBXwsaXfZtqQ3qTe0RycwlzmZu2ry_FXpoSnIT5Mjg7Ir_2HYGbs7t2XL-r3V4nD8q7v0eLRsQ8e8tp_lk3u_KFRn9mFK10j29OPBy5Cu7T2uWBA5wMS6RWPVc4sHtwL87CgBvYXhY6XghcgCUHjao4ksYsnckVaML9kg/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(25).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Translators, Secretaries, and others are thanked.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrno59h30pa9nJyDOevuQc7YFs4Sd4XETgvRk3yBoYcrF3CiwvyZDQYRiwByvAkNZ3mKP5E0iNtj9YcV7gJwS8F9XyW6ry4e7XA3x363EesOeYQeJ96-joCbRYIMaVBeoaq1dmrjvnAQkER7L3-9jGH4_TREB02eN4RVx2PH7I-fnGK4EdcwSFmsIRSQ/s2441/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(20).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2441" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrno59h30pa9nJyDOevuQc7YFs4Sd4XETgvRk3yBoYcrF3CiwvyZDQYRiwByvAkNZ3mKP5E0iNtj9YcV7gJwS8F9XyW6ry4e7XA3x363EesOeYQeJ96-joCbRYIMaVBeoaq1dmrjvnAQkER7L3-9jGH4_TREB02eN4RVx2PH7I-fnGK4EdcwSFmsIRSQ/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(20).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Rita, from the Finance office, deserved special</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>recognition, since she was retiring after 42 years.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu_6nEnaGDDQN6ppIhXUXD6737CZK_A9uY9CRxbWgqrSgyGMnKMwweL-jLgHKQmD4iwj_yJmfpD5EPXHxozrlUJ2Dnq5yk4kzYE09g-3L0WQ9qTwWZFjLR6sVmvSPWHpVlKz0Lg-QhQ_ASMw2mskVrnl1HoodzbUNLsEkzImfy1R7BkIuj4rxI8u-4A/s3652/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(28).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3652" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDu_6nEnaGDDQN6ppIhXUXD6737CZK_A9uY9CRxbWgqrSgyGMnKMwweL-jLgHKQmD4iwj_yJmfpD5EPXHxozrlUJ2Dnq5yk4kzYE09g-3L0WQ9qTwWZFjLR6sVmvSPWHpVlKz0Lg-QhQ_ASMw2mskVrnl1HoodzbUNLsEkzImfy1R7BkIuj4rxI8u-4A/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(28).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The new Vicar General with the former Vicar General,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>who had been in formation together.</i></div><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ZDGXrMuTviBd_mnXnFvs2lMS7-lnX2FoniESgTMyYd6n5lyEy5AoBmFwd7zQ-VzeeqVuiMBUQOB44QWlroZ4gvKrMkGWdMlz0L5eHJgYfHbfRrEvfPSHL1MeOu0XWGp2VmdcgK4t50dBJN18omHYYJvL4GBiRSOb3Ndfmd7M7Z14YYEiydyD-fVwQ/s4032/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(32).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ZDGXrMuTviBd_mnXnFvs2lMS7-lnX2FoniESgTMyYd6n5lyEy5AoBmFwd7zQ-VzeeqVuiMBUQOB44QWlroZ4gvKrMkGWdMlz0L5eHJgYfHbfRrEvfPSHL1MeOu0XWGp2VmdcgK4t50dBJN18omHYYJvL4GBiRSOb3Ndfmd7M7Z14YYEiydyD-fVwQ/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(32).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Olavo from Brazil joined us in the Den,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>along with Br. Aiden and Br. Michael.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirdlywWAOLkx1Ibcm1xyZjokU1T9KrDyD_L7qkPeYDuw35yEKX_QcxIaQbmFNJzAj3SI1zgh1o0UXZgnS_pC_8c-LthVsu0SyvxrWh17aQ3V-m2OYACED59XzYao2ydKhBzqmuaD-vfQ30OQTsM8kdjLu35UQ3tsXMSTrvyzII6z2qxqc_jLmoJ_RJQ/s3544/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(31).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="3544" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirdlywWAOLkx1Ibcm1xyZjokU1T9KrDyD_L7qkPeYDuw35yEKX_QcxIaQbmFNJzAj3SI1zgh1o0UXZgnS_pC_8c-LthVsu0SyvxrWh17aQ3V-m2OYACED59XzYao2ydKhBzqmuaD-vfQ30OQTsM8kdjLu35UQ3tsXMSTrvyzII6z2qxqc_jLmoJ_RJQ/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(31).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. Claude and Jean-René from France join us in the Den.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgWOPASEmgfUzte5gWdAUQ11TEYM1Qo-Nj1CWIX0okoevYLK1iPvGM9LmJp0Z3DGmPKR5lrNuNJige4jx9lWDaIOIIau4fKpzqK0QtxgMjiBlZXsiq2Kz5B_E0VCk4XHaPXYTtiMCnRX-nm9Z1Gto_c0bekzdxWp-R5hjTnOyDCsiu3UYqubBONFIdQ/s2299/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="2299" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgWOPASEmgfUzte5gWdAUQ11TEYM1Qo-Nj1CWIX0okoevYLK1iPvGM9LmJp0Z3DGmPKR5lrNuNJige4jx9lWDaIOIIau4fKpzqK0QtxgMjiBlZXsiq2Kz5B_E0VCk4XHaPXYTtiMCnRX-nm9Z1Gto_c0bekzdxWp-R5hjTnOyDCsiu3UYqubBONFIdQ/s320/May%2020,%202022%20-%20GC46%20(34).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>And yet another photo of the folks in the Den.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It was a great gathering at the end of a long day.</i></div><br /></div>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.<br /><p><br /></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-33180158467215519182022-05-19T14:57:00.011-07:002022-05-20T05:31:04.409-07:00May 19, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">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.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">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." </p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The central committee then offered a proposal whereby Regions and Districts would continue the process begun here as they addressed the implementation of the <i>Paths of Transformation</i>. 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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After a short break, we returned to the commitments from the <i>Paths of Transformation</i> 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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDSGsBTINIR8eSKa_weslzlT09fB5JJoQ4WrUUx6E7iA-Crmy3ytFWgOewkrJ3UOpXwFLLs77Vi41T5I5Zgn3C7OZ0hUwAmn7Sc1bQ67fJllLRk3rFEL9tvxjTCteP63Dk5TzJrTWblLnaEdG4TTvfqwJ1d6vazIRHMsIKFePWdGAPnkFFjJeNydT3Q/s2617/PXL_20220519_090514877.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="2617" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDSGsBTINIR8eSKa_weslzlT09fB5JJoQ4WrUUx6E7iA-Crmy3ytFWgOewkrJ3UOpXwFLLs77Vi41T5I5Zgn3C7OZ0hUwAmn7Sc1bQ67fJllLRk3rFEL9tvxjTCteP63Dk5TzJrTWblLnaEdG4TTvfqwJ1d6vazIRHMsIKFePWdGAPnkFFjJeNydT3Q/s320/PXL_20220519_090514877.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Rodolfo, acknowledging the applause from the back.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokapBJ_pU2OCygOXhRJayE4vH_1te3jwbPDhBudZ7tVI02AsR0AAakEhGFPpGE3aKKezDY8D_dhTK4Ng2tA7h7juQqagwBwU3W3SVWJu1JBJN_uJDHuwm91d3Zew1XRMpTioAiZ8OFNa2wRROZ_TeGIYph6tCVeGFsa380qZORV-0Kk4DSMyDXgz81g/s1623/PXL_20220519_130450678.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1623" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokapBJ_pU2OCygOXhRJayE4vH_1te3jwbPDhBudZ7tVI02AsR0AAakEhGFPpGE3aKKezDY8D_dhTK4Ng2tA7h7juQqagwBwU3W3SVWJu1JBJN_uJDHuwm91d3Zew1XRMpTioAiZ8OFNa2wRROZ_TeGIYph6tCVeGFsa380qZORV-0Kk4DSMyDXgz81g/s320/PXL_20220519_130450678.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Armin, addressing the Assembly.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigavC9ak0dcZkmveN5B5ouigfF0uPyojihIhW3fodMMGvcQ5Pdsy3aj9HFo_snoyTpPzVmXBzyY37pTL3glT_Tfkl-tDNHKSiWrREZEFg5F2HxYwyTR2If4exOJLtxDhnm822CT9D2P6sHJ5igtGg7MPoSywh5g8mGFE9MFYfN1arxGydRAdxEnPxZzQ/s1725/PXL_20220519_133927780.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1725" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigavC9ak0dcZkmveN5B5ouigfF0uPyojihIhW3fodMMGvcQ5Pdsy3aj9HFo_snoyTpPzVmXBzyY37pTL3glT_Tfkl-tDNHKSiWrREZEFg5F2HxYwyTR2If4exOJLtxDhnm822CT9D2P6sHJ5igtGg7MPoSywh5g8mGFE9MFYfN1arxGydRAdxEnPxZzQ/s320/PXL_20220519_133927780.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Brothers walking to the front to deliver their ballots.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpxRwzbTTuKN4Z7ZG_t0JPebR2RuofrKnDsDqNpPxq_goSiDZ1zU89sbcHGxVSqo6IeWzpKAc8e8Zl2QsNJli_JxgC182I8Z0aIMPElfTzX9l3lUzddZ9f7bbXsNvZXjCuLO8OByBJIwzg8zh28TcmfadItAndL2F-btr9u2j1PezmrDfFptLgq5gbQ/s2451/PXL_20220519_135246687.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2451" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpxRwzbTTuKN4Z7ZG_t0JPebR2RuofrKnDsDqNpPxq_goSiDZ1zU89sbcHGxVSqo6IeWzpKAc8e8Zl2QsNJli_JxgC182I8Z0aIMPElfTzX9l3lUzddZ9f7bbXsNvZXjCuLO8OByBJIwzg8zh28TcmfadItAndL2F-btr9u2j1PezmrDfFptLgq5gbQ/s320/PXL_20220519_135246687.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Carlos, on the left, the new Vicar General.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">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:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">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.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">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.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGj4O2uCgGRSJYPl1G9m5O7oHxtYFkDnUh98PEte6RXVJV7r7RAbC3Bx43pYS7W1vGQ4W042QWY43xOQhO6rD0vtNF0KHyzWwtMzVZt2lluGYP5GCAJtVb8QraDwt00ZuyVpZLHQEUc_B9LdOihEPcFVPVvhJsiQEyXt2up-hoy6m6-Fn8ey1ARK05w/s2520/PXL_20220519_135703733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2233" data-original-width="2520" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGj4O2uCgGRSJYPl1G9m5O7oHxtYFkDnUh98PEte6RXVJV7r7RAbC3Bx43pYS7W1vGQ4W042QWY43xOQhO6rD0vtNF0KHyzWwtMzVZt2lluGYP5GCAJtVb8QraDwt00ZuyVpZLHQEUc_B9LdOihEPcFVPVvhJsiQEyXt2up-hoy6m6-Fn8ey1ARK05w/s320/PXL_20220519_135703733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A short caucus during one of the breaks.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuV56TnusU107YoMdZNe3qnnsv2jMpsXiCxax4wXJ3aUp0Xc_awlefurWQK1YGjA4zCwaqY4YAvumnBcsvukNVhnwPNJvnHwIa1Xw55hGdWWWyWksW48YAKNIxjRn4ff71taG2bGFn1Oj3UWJf4eaQHSFZ5cSkTXXDcg8y-6VEdC2sCmYjnz1HqdtCg/s1275/PXL_20220519_172440603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1173" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuV56TnusU107YoMdZNe3qnnsv2jMpsXiCxax4wXJ3aUp0Xc_awlefurWQK1YGjA4zCwaqY4YAvumnBcsvukNVhnwPNJvnHwIa1Xw55hGdWWWyWksW48YAKNIxjRn4ff71taG2bGFn1Oj3UWJf4eaQHSFZ5cSkTXXDcg8y-6VEdC2sCmYjnz1HqdtCg/s320/PXL_20220519_172440603.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Jesuits</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>celebrating Mass at the Casa Generalizia for the 46th General Chapter.</i></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-47761348025176786892022-05-18T15:20:00.003-07:002022-05-19T12:58:16.680-07:00May 18, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>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:<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-I9pAmMOmlqvq8bdd8OYs_2N4DM96DC_HIm90uxqH3XwV15YjF6ben_EwK6EEbOSL9WIEEuwGk2m2JQW49W9myUna7QrAfOKkZ9CuRSPhtND8QpT4hwgxmLLP_UrokSfKR15ykya_aR5x7VKx095sxvNOJrLOY9UPElXqmo19h0Wcrd4655g6nt2cgQ/s4080/PXL_20220518_065445472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-I9pAmMOmlqvq8bdd8OYs_2N4DM96DC_HIm90uxqH3XwV15YjF6ben_EwK6EEbOSL9WIEEuwGk2m2JQW49W9myUna7QrAfOKkZ9CuRSPhtND8QpT4hwgxmLLP_UrokSfKR15ykya_aR5x7VKx095sxvNOJrLOY9UPElXqmo19h0Wcrd4655g6nt2cgQ/w227-h171/PXL_20220518_065445472.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Gathering before the session starts.</i></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnESdtngHRZKfFMyDjW3mng8zd7AO3Rpt2BzEdQIndy1hJtoQlDeDSDcj7WbA7kui4Ae1Dt_ZV_taHLAqtg-PUEH_V2uejPk2t6r0UAwBR5gV4eJHWMvzn5ixNNtP9mekZjJWFxbF50gvkQMPTCulvYyw7gVXx1OaAiltgEtW5bk97aFbmRIqDKRoIw/s3650/PXL_20220518_071811353.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="3650" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnESdtngHRZKfFMyDjW3mng8zd7AO3Rpt2BzEdQIndy1hJtoQlDeDSDcj7WbA7kui4Ae1Dt_ZV_taHLAqtg-PUEH_V2uejPk2t6r0UAwBR5gV4eJHWMvzn5ixNNtP9mekZjJWFxbF50gvkQMPTCulvYyw7gVXx1OaAiltgEtW5bk97aFbmRIqDKRoIw/s320/PXL_20220518_071811353.MP.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Scrutineers collect the ballots for the first vote.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVohlyO3mFfZf6L9pwFwrAX77k3j90eCwPDWvgQdYXXBZvodS1uW-9iFJ8raGLn5kfhSFCs1FG82kGqi6D4u_Gd81DeQY-QdL96gsrrTPMFkhSrKZ4ErtqOUE96qYS9moJNamaNJ_KcDBLydOnRQbYGiazjjwEiqarbnkbtgtSg40-sszcbFyjIzRk2A/s1626/PXL_20220518_080118062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1626" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVohlyO3mFfZf6L9pwFwrAX77k3j90eCwPDWvgQdYXXBZvodS1uW-9iFJ8raGLn5kfhSFCs1FG82kGqi6D4u_Gd81DeQY-QdL96gsrrTPMFkhSrKZ4ErtqOUE96qYS9moJNamaNJ_KcDBLydOnRQbYGiazjjwEiqarbnkbtgtSg40-sszcbFyjIzRk2A/s320/PXL_20220518_080118062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brothers waiting to be readmitted to the Aula Magna.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYftunNY61UOi7iTGZP7lNX6wZoofaWtUzL9cwLn27dHpMl2RXEFGAuVSamMeBMTjiWD2JDRNSQmPvtzTdcQdTPW2H5AIoY44-ZHyTOCZXAzTnv-8QmI_H2o8LSXLB83XVzqL_dd-9Esq6IPCnhSGjHhTg8_M7jgQ0_YL34KeeS7vWTVKEzUizHjnMJA/s3705/PXL_20220518_075914231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2085" data-original-width="3705" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYftunNY61UOi7iTGZP7lNX6wZoofaWtUzL9cwLn27dHpMl2RXEFGAuVSamMeBMTjiWD2JDRNSQmPvtzTdcQdTPW2H5AIoY44-ZHyTOCZXAzTnv-8QmI_H2o8LSXLB83XVzqL_dd-9Esq6IPCnhSGjHhTg8_M7jgQ0_YL34KeeS7vWTVKEzUizHjnMJA/s320/PXL_20220518_075914231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The three candidates re-enter the Aula Magna</i>.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m-gpeOdR3GF8wJRxjB_s0MfiwtzJVEh_aLMm39NXrEb493CiO-qNx4zy4jZX5S-A56Oq1jcceSi57shN0QULSHjWcRvsaKo1PBPfw8nHdTaHbieDFR57qqYlMR4-r_NJX-ikD-GZLNQBal_W3_M0Ht_rwtIfac-haYr-TB60622A36Ee8zHCyYgZ7A/s2325/PXL_20220518_082658186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2325" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m-gpeOdR3GF8wJRxjB_s0MfiwtzJVEh_aLMm39NXrEb493CiO-qNx4zy4jZX5S-A56Oq1jcceSi57shN0QULSHjWcRvsaKo1PBPfw8nHdTaHbieDFR57qqYlMR4-r_NJX-ikD-GZLNQBal_W3_M0Ht_rwtIfac-haYr-TB60622A36Ee8zHCyYgZ7A/s320/PXL_20220518_082658186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The former and new Superior General on the dais.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>(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.)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW8A1vl2TT4OtZcpSB-EiVsFiMGUMtGgvbsBL3nF4ASPDkX5vLPSR-XQrsq8oXWU8Rbg1sFXQCWFd0ocUAyV776-13igU2RCWeJkm_1sEM8nRvELw9t_6yKin7_z1cFFnNdHWi-8ggx_U_KQ9SnOphAymwjpvIJCni86C6d88CD0iC2USIc3SJBNPWA/s2643/PXL_20220518_083113146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2643" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW8A1vl2TT4OtZcpSB-EiVsFiMGUMtGgvbsBL3nF4ASPDkX5vLPSR-XQrsq8oXWU8Rbg1sFXQCWFd0ocUAyV776-13igU2RCWeJkm_1sEM8nRvELw9t_6yKin7_z1cFFnNdHWi-8ggx_U_KQ9SnOphAymwjpvIJCni86C6d88CD0iC2USIc3SJBNPWA/s320/PXL_20220518_083113146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Going up to give a gesture of support</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>to the new Superior General.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBn1eEb36FC7IeM9LADO1pOtAM3GpNHvoHlBlokwWFgMLnaEhIKBHInKtR_DKlROTH0cZ6LdGSniJKlhN7tzqR7q0gB_c1aJ6UsGibbpojpJLT3AYNT7iJxkU1jxIgCvf7xB0FaIgBgHFPwQ2Nw5hcje28EWVe5o_PB3VFX7goUqilMnfzfQ_MNCzgw/s2023/PXL_20220518_083748630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2023" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBn1eEb36FC7IeM9LADO1pOtAM3GpNHvoHlBlokwWFgMLnaEhIKBHInKtR_DKlROTH0cZ6LdGSniJKlhN7tzqR7q0gB_c1aJ6UsGibbpojpJLT3AYNT7iJxkU1jxIgCvf7xB0FaIgBgHFPwQ2Nw5hcje28EWVe5o_PB3VFX7goUqilMnfzfQ_MNCzgw/s320/PXL_20220518_083748630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Signing the official register for the election.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYthgIv4-3UfptyRAjLNfWaPexo-qW4Mn_MOiw-rKe0ySUYGePCyLYfibYJrwS-dhOGklcu1Bc7NdDYb5d-saQ5QH9hNkKbHcL_QYSJmVLLkjKCaGxw-Pr2K4FpjhJ0ZJPamYktARZBBNfij_4mn7nEHJRgFZC-iLo-jNY_ffMVKfNbmwDUsjdJnVvnA/s3003/PXL_20220518_085636119%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="3003" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYthgIv4-3UfptyRAjLNfWaPexo-qW4Mn_MOiw-rKe0ySUYGePCyLYfibYJrwS-dhOGklcu1Bc7NdDYb5d-saQ5QH9hNkKbHcL_QYSJmVLLkjKCaGxw-Pr2K4FpjhJ0ZJPamYktARZBBNfij_4mn7nEHJRgFZC-iLo-jNY_ffMVKfNbmwDUsjdJnVvnA/s320/PXL_20220518_085636119%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Brothers enter the sanctuary in procession.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSmsY-EjNkqIhmAIEbrZEdFyA9wIqbR5NsfCjQKcPASZSVgJRxMlwbnnluBEFct0zIoE8893Qrkg1VOClOYoiIFqaCfIQNdJBAzFIwNOrXMNQ5ZbNwNkPtDa1aizG35uLwu7rSRcOKaib7-t4PNLIxhwvM-bTqxvHys4WmSIqsMof0VLOhPmWQYYfKQ/s2846/PXL_20220518_085754964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2024" data-original-width="2846" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSmsY-EjNkqIhmAIEbrZEdFyA9wIqbR5NsfCjQKcPASZSVgJRxMlwbnnluBEFct0zIoE8893Qrkg1VOClOYoiIFqaCfIQNdJBAzFIwNOrXMNQ5ZbNwNkPtDa1aizG35uLwu7rSRcOKaib7-t4PNLIxhwvM-bTqxvHys4WmSIqsMof0VLOhPmWQYYfKQ/s320/PXL_20220518_085754964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Processing into the sanctuary with De La Salle's relics.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>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.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLJqQoCPRIBetjQ5KlcjOKCgfaITiPz1uk1DGdRuNBB1oYeqYA7zYP9z0KJd-CcfAiutXhtLK9MjlMdoFxe60DoqguCWW0kXCGZyIZDoiyF4M6ieUGBif8NJ-shugmpwdmt2CaDWN7owhI52y-usHm0KxKipGE-EiexaZ_xGcOfuuoCDgluHDIggTLA/s2145/PXL_20220518_090957129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2145" data-original-width="1853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLJqQoCPRIBetjQ5KlcjOKCgfaITiPz1uk1DGdRuNBB1oYeqYA7zYP9z0KJd-CcfAiutXhtLK9MjlMdoFxe60DoqguCWW0kXCGZyIZDoiyF4M6ieUGBif8NJ-shugmpwdmt2CaDWN7owhI52y-usHm0KxKipGE-EiexaZ_xGcOfuuoCDgluHDIggTLA/s320/PXL_20220518_090957129.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Planting the tree of new beginnings.</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thus endeth the election process of Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for the next seven years.</li></ul>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.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK3W3Goz7YgBRyTb8hiIm-2GBj7odCVH1BxkJC1RmB4pjm8AZscB5PWrnbHC4mnFP5Hzs2wStIRchghUSWc1dj1k6W0sg9MJadE9BubUK0BYiYd2ZLXf-GPCPZQuOprUB9KyxF8rbt7biYRuQGELzmb0rPyZV-mipy7gnktAAqTFIuOuDtoSYfjFYwg/s2739/PXL_20220518_092848949.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2739" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK3W3Goz7YgBRyTb8hiIm-2GBj7odCVH1BxkJC1RmB4pjm8AZscB5PWrnbHC4mnFP5Hzs2wStIRchghUSWc1dj1k6W0sg9MJadE9BubUK0BYiYd2ZLXf-GPCPZQuOprUB9KyxF8rbt7biYRuQGELzmb0rPyZV-mipy7gnktAAqTFIuOuDtoSYfjFYwg/s320/PXL_20220518_092848949.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Here is a group of those working at the Casa Generalizia</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<div><br />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.<br /><br />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.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0wP6OklZsZdrspHRgiwP86Y7snR_myzkC0MSloTnoKiDMyyEbJaGKezM2mY5jRecX8BdAFPGzhSRrTd7zrUCOpoktD683dh2HGhR-QBA9TclJbDwQP19hYBFVsekZTkX2CD9Q3Fjoa5ggtzqOx6-Q5IClgT-kzaE7znNAEyzehqV1HZBCDZjRHuUTw/s3291/PXL_20220518_200032305.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="3291" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0wP6OklZsZdrspHRgiwP86Y7snR_myzkC0MSloTnoKiDMyyEbJaGKezM2mY5jRecX8BdAFPGzhSRrTd7zrUCOpoktD683dh2HGhR-QBA9TclJbDwQP19hYBFVsekZTkX2CD9Q3Fjoa5ggtzqOx6-Q5IClgT-kzaE7znNAEyzehqV1HZBCDZjRHuUTw/s320/PXL_20220518_200032305.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Jean-Rene from France was quite the singer.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7167A5-JNnDXsmDzXmgyo2sAErMdrWLRWxmSSyW50nLbTYDNLysXD09SbE_XEjEu0LxAYTb-vfQeQF35JAzmlXA5zPFdJuwdkcxOicbcMDjBn09blH2YWlIy-QhjK5JQTmf4bGzntX6u9ub0dmgEyj8gjBGmtd6HxM6UcZI-RNtUPHOOvCumwwMMLQ/s3280/PXL_20220518_093159190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7167A5-JNnDXsmDzXmgyo2sAErMdrWLRWxmSSyW50nLbTYDNLysXD09SbE_XEjEu0LxAYTb-vfQeQF35JAzmlXA5zPFdJuwdkcxOicbcMDjBn09blH2YWlIy-QhjK5JQTmf4bGzntX6u9ub0dmgEyj8gjBGmtd6HxM6UcZI-RNtUPHOOvCumwwMMLQ/s320/PXL_20220518_093159190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Yes, I got my photo with him too. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-81206307667050050792022-05-17T13:12:00.000-07:002022-05-17T13:12:21.662-07:00May 17, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">This will be a short entry, not because nothing happened, but because it was a retreat day and the public activities were few and far between. The retreat is meant to prepare the Brothers for tomorrow's big event, the election of the Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools for the next seven years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa6M7oUO1G9V_vPz_e1SwX-l9WAsmKyNSUuaf7mnvAo1eS_vf3y7I96Q9ua1uIvmknli64Ozt6LsN9b9PoCEatxP1nvxJCTRZbL5t3LEC01pC9CRihi0P1Qtv_5kPAhumRK6wB74H0nLpMwgQiWmTKKhHrjEEiuv_GsMtVGb79xzQ1YDCyQEl5xaISA/s3116/PXL_20220516_181914168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="3116" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa6M7oUO1G9V_vPz_e1SwX-l9WAsmKyNSUuaf7mnvAo1eS_vf3y7I96Q9ua1uIvmknli64Ozt6LsN9b9PoCEatxP1nvxJCTRZbL5t3LEC01pC9CRihi0P1Qtv_5kPAhumRK6wB74H0nLpMwgQiWmTKKhHrjEEiuv_GsMtVGb79xzQ1YDCyQEl5xaISA/s320/PXL_20220516_181914168.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Here's a photo from a few evenings ago.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. Luke and Armin in the Den. Hmmm. Why this photo?</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The day began in the <i>Aula Magna</i> with a talk by Fr. Jose Cristo Rey, a Spanish Claretian missionary who had taught Br. Julio, the one who introduced him to the assembly. Fr. Jose is very well know in Spain and elsewhere for his books about religious life. He is the chair of theology of religious life at the Theological Institute of Religious Life (Pontifical University of Salamanca) and provided a thoughtful set of insights about the challenges and opportunities for religious life, and our Chapter's work. He gave a 50-minute talk in the morning and a 50-minute talk at 3:00 pm, followed by questions. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CjSfFVqfdhjiQJ1lz6G7HKFP4dl15mwYO2sh8csD_cyk5bPdGWCoCCB_MHbX2EbqT-bhkMJ6dx1r_TS362kvvqKD4NPqZb4rZKYes82P4FDvk7wHNdaZNMGNniU3BJtEUYOMd4X62GgiZfjlbHqYWe0D4-5w9S4c2f_OCE3xuJqAB9FxyUEhTiLmwg/s4080/PXL_20220516_174539537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2116" data-original-width="4080" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CjSfFVqfdhjiQJ1lz6G7HKFP4dl15mwYO2sh8csD_cyk5bPdGWCoCCB_MHbX2EbqT-bhkMJ6dx1r_TS362kvvqKD4NPqZb4rZKYes82P4FDvk7wHNdaZNMGNniU3BJtEUYOMd4X62GgiZfjlbHqYWe0D4-5w9S4c2f_OCE3xuJqAB9FxyUEhTiLmwg/s320/PXL_20220516_174539537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Alisa Macksey and Brs. Jorge, Michael, and Bob in the Den.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It was the answers to questions that I found most compelling and interesting. Two phrases that I particularly liked were "If you see with the eyes of God, it is impossible to be distracted." and "Creative minorities move towards a vision of interconnectedness, of integral ecology. Spirituality connects me with everything else." I won't unpack them here, but each is worth thinking about. While some of the theological input was interesting - I'm afraid that I didn't pay as much attention as I should have - it was the spontaneous responses to well-articulated questions from the Brothers that provided the most engaging insights. It's when we are compelled to speak that we speak most compellingly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN0EfR2pItymazHSNr6OqMGHY1IzbjMDUB4KP4ZELdvk5gQQ48TuKkgvC7v7LU2F7oJnswtE9r0ourMkKN00W2Tt5q4G4Xby0mSc_Vii6lmmO-wyoPTKQqibdJ7Dl8uU_SqI9egTcHJJC1aby6TuRSlPBLROGSF91FhrGcC6NIVpqkoOSVTS2cwbhVQ/s2987/PXL_20220517_073740241.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2987" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN0EfR2pItymazHSNr6OqMGHY1IzbjMDUB4KP4ZELdvk5gQQ48TuKkgvC7v7LU2F7oJnswtE9r0ourMkKN00W2Tt5q4G4Xby0mSc_Vii6lmmO-wyoPTKQqibdJ7Dl8uU_SqI9egTcHJJC1aby6TuRSlPBLROGSF91FhrGcC6NIVpqkoOSVTS2cwbhVQ/s320/PXL_20220517_073740241.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fr. Jose Cristo Rey in the Aula Magna. Br. Julio to his right.</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the rest of the day, the Brothers were invited to pray and reflect on the major choices to be made tomorrow, the elecdtion of the Superior General. As a Consultor, I did not have that responsibility or luxury, and office matters awaited attention. There were also two other interesting and somewhat providential happenings. Br. Richard Galvin had asked me to join him in a video conference with his class of 20 freshmen at La Salle Academy in New York City that would start at 2:13 pm, our time. The topic was St. John Baptist de La Salle.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YY1glur9GmpjoR3cMrjBvjcg3k5mfbZUS99u6aeEgYFQcbwfOFb2PtEL0NdtkAeEWDzKt2fIjpHCKmI3CwurYk_TLqrL39uz-nHlKwRKsf9PMkOhOEU8xC18mPMS1UrzewC-GFmnCqM-UPTPA6W6IYouoW0ty2uMPK3ul8zKV5F0kBeMvnguelz4Kw/s3764/PXL_20220517_144414887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3764" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YY1glur9GmpjoR3cMrjBvjcg3k5mfbZUS99u6aeEgYFQcbwfOFb2PtEL0NdtkAeEWDzKt2fIjpHCKmI3CwurYk_TLqrL39uz-nHlKwRKsf9PMkOhOEU8xC18mPMS1UrzewC-GFmnCqM-UPTPA6W6IYouoW0ty2uMPK3ul8zKV5F0kBeMvnguelz4Kw/s320/PXL_20220517_144414887.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Alexander in the ad hoc Communication</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Office next to the Aula Magna.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">All the guys had been prepped to have questions for me and to have completed an assignment about De La Salle's life. And at 1:30 pm, I was ready with my robe on and notes prepared. Then I received an email from Ilaria in the Communications Office asking if I could put my robe on and meet her and the camera team for some prep shots for tomorrow's events. Good timing. I went up there, did the shots - you'll see them later - and rushed back to my office where Br. Richard was waiting for me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We got on line with Microsoft Teams and spent twenty minutes getting the technology in line, learning how to share screens, making sure all the kids arrived, and so on. Finally, we're settled in and Br. Rich begins the class standing next to me at my standing desk. For some reason, he seemed to think that since the kids were so far away in New York, he had to speak more loudly than usual. (He has a great high school cafeteria voice - a timbre that's a built in megaphone.) But when we finally got everything squared away, I gave a little ferverino about De La Salle, showed them the dlsfootsteps.com website for their projects, and opened it up to questions which they were to have prepared.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The first question was "What do you do when someone that you really care about dies?" Full stop; a familiar scenario for experienced teachers. Everything changes in an instant. I spoke about De La Salle's experience of losing four siblings when he was young, and suggested that he might want to think about how the person who died would respond to his grief; what he would say to him. (Later, I found out later that a student in the school had died several weeks ago.) The subsequent 30 minutes were a remote but touchingly close conversation about generosity, the capacity for perseverance, and the challenges of relationships - although not always couched in those terms. When Br. Rich ended the class, since we would have to rush to make the afternoon's 3:00 pm session, I felt as if I'd like to visit that class and speak some more with these freshmen. There are few things that compare with inner city freshmen able and willing to have conversations on very serious topics.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZgeodeMWynWGGXGbf0-TUDv7C74rWcwAd7MRAiaTf-3t9OaG6w_-O8j6kR1nglJEZ9HEJT5YZ37FI1kAn4Ue0b4pmnBdZMpJ6B7n9QQQ0wwA0BnEaJ22Uk8TZb11hBUMt2BMJjaaZlNxqQigToMJLN04KUDDdL3pYRRJjYQWXsCjySxKOxLutWZ5lA/s4080/PXL_20220517_114846190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZgeodeMWynWGGXGbf0-TUDv7C74rWcwAd7MRAiaTf-3t9OaG6w_-O8j6kR1nglJEZ9HEJT5YZ37FI1kAn4Ue0b4pmnBdZMpJ6B7n9QQQ0wwA0BnEaJ22Uk8TZb11hBUMt2BMJjaaZlNxqQigToMJLN04KUDDdL3pYRRJjYQWXsCjySxKOxLutWZ5lA/w192-h255/PXL_20220517_114846190.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The sign and doorbell outside of</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>the Superior General's office.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The afternoon passed quietly, and the evening Mass in the sanctuary was calm and simple, with a few of us leading the singing as a small choir, and Br. Paco accompanying us on the guitar with his usual skill. I noticed quite a bit of audio and visual equipment in different places around the sanctuary that had been newly installed - taped down wires, tables with computers and chords, tripods with no cameras, etc. - in preparation for tomorrow's events. Communications were well prepped.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was asked to provide the "Chronicle" for tomorrow, which means writing an overview of the day that is publicly shared on the Institute website. We'll see what the day brings,. The anticipation is definitely building. More tomorrow.</p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-57452045159864522372022-05-17T02:17:00.003-07:002022-05-17T04:37:37.737-07:00May 16, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">Today's activities were very diverse in content, engagement, and character. What started out as a rather quiet, semi-predictable, due process day gradually became rather noisy, unpredictable, and celebratory. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Each morning, we gather for prayer in the main sanctuary, which usually includes a welcome long period of meditation. There is something quietly profound about sitting together in prayer for 20+ minutes with those that you interact with for the rest of the day. It affirms De La Salle's stipulation that interior prayer is the first and most important exercise of the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE2H518dLwPxUCZ6xFm64bq32Nf4YoQfs95hga4JVk0G6c21ulnWjJA6AblYn5IVektk4EYL1puRIBo-1wmWVfLDDwJP5xdf9bwKuTNy-Uj2dfm5bSHvORWkggNxjNPMDAwD5bsO-37M6mSBRvHKJxSAS0yXh8lD0OtyvuVB0yJluHCw8fhr_t9VPfg/s2560/MG_2749-scaled%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1733" data-original-width="2560" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE2H518dLwPxUCZ6xFm64bq32Nf4YoQfs95hga4JVk0G6c21ulnWjJA6AblYn5IVektk4EYL1puRIBo-1wmWVfLDDwJP5xdf9bwKuTNy-Uj2dfm5bSHvORWkggNxjNPMDAwD5bsO-37M6mSBRvHKJxSAS0yXh8lD0OtyvuVB0yJluHCw8fhr_t9VPfg/s320/MG_2749-scaled%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The view from the translator booths.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">After breakfast, the <i>Paths of Transformation</i> groups met for up to 90 minutes in order to finalize changes to their "Commitments" and other statements, since these would be presented to the assembly starting today. The capitulants would discuss and approve them (2/3 majority required). Our group's six original commitments became four commitments. One was subsumed into another, and one was moved to one of the other groups, since they had a similar commitment. The rest of the time we worked on simplifying the language of the remaining four. We had been advised by Sr. Leslie that "Less is more" and we followed that advise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLYGRg4nzWFNVtt8GY5Do6jxRoKxgmTdOTQ51q-JPQQ_yT_N_FxxubXLdtZt2_37gyhGmY9MSsmwjM93Fgavc9Idn9c8tIa6FyrhUXCB4dh6-inm2bhw0fIXcRTg08v-OyheMM8fMpSRZQ66PDzGbWogVlUMe_UsaIQCOdw-YvJjnw1akGrcdjVMwPA/s3089/PXL_20220516_132125210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3089" data-original-width="2793" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLYGRg4nzWFNVtt8GY5Do6jxRoKxgmTdOTQ51q-JPQQ_yT_N_FxxubXLdtZt2_37gyhGmY9MSsmwjM93Fgavc9Idn9c8tIa6FyrhUXCB4dh6-inm2bhw0fIXcRTg08v-OyheMM8fMpSRZQ66PDzGbWogVlUMe_UsaIQCOdw-YvJjnw1akGrcdjVMwPA/w215-h238/PXL_20220516_132125210.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This shows you the voting system at each place.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">At 10:30 am, the capitulants met in the Aula Magna. Before beginning our work, the Communications Office informed the assembly that they would not be filming the election of the Superior General on Wednesday, as had previously been requested and approved with an over 50% vote, but with 26 people opposed. They would instead follow the protocols that are stipulated in the <i>Manual of Procedures</i> (some photos to be taken at the very beginning of the process). It was a wise decision and likely due to further discussion, feedback, and conversations with the central committee.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Next came the consideration of the statements and commitments of the six groups. Altogether, there would be over 30 commitments (seen and handled as "propositions" however) to listen to, consider, amend, and pass. Some took much longer than others, with Brothers proposing amendments or changes or questions of clarification about individual words or phrases. It was all rather arduous but also seen as necessary. Each group had adopted a name or title for its presentation. Group 1 was "Building a Fraternal World through Education, Evangelization and Promotion of Justice" and Group 2 was "The Pathway of Radical Availability to God." After an hour and 45 minutes, we stopped, having completed the consideration of 1.5 groups out of the six. This will take a while. The session ended with a straw vote for future members of the central government, with voting capitulants choosing three from a list of 35 names nominated - even if only by one person. These 35 were what remained after others had removed their names from consideration.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs3yiuV044d2maS9iJKf_m6alOiC-crVG__vg2L2Hn41ypSVcQ2c61ZvJi20p8TKBcmMn44HSb0eDGKio7EJ-iBtjoQ9v-htOWRtxYWzuXh5ckxT1LXi3kARopoqr6PnhwaOW3fnBJjQK29sQA-oRQcOW5fJu1p9e2qmcvcHEF5M_8r_QhS-4pUN_hQ/s2586/PXL_20220516_184627136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2586" data-original-width="2046" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFs3yiuV044d2maS9iJKf_m6alOiC-crVG__vg2L2Hn41ypSVcQ2c61ZvJi20p8TKBcmMn44HSb0eDGKio7EJ-iBtjoQ9v-htOWRtxYWzuXh5ckxT1LXi3kARopoqr6PnhwaOW3fnBJjQK29sQA-oRQcOW5fJu1p9e2qmcvcHEF5M_8r_QhS-4pUN_hQ/w220-h278/PXL_20220516_184627136.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A photo from later that evening.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Work on the commitments resumed at 3:00 pm, but at a very slow pace. One person made an intervention decrying the fact that we had been urged to imagine and follow new pathways and processes but that we had devolved into the practice from previous chapters, minutely considering, amending, and voting on what amounted to "propositions". Polite silence ... then "Okay, let's move on." It is very difficult for a roomful of educational administrators from vastly different cultural backgrounds to leave their administrative comfort zone and its habits, despite declarations and good intentions to the contrary. It would be like asking the group to suddently walk on their hands; possible with training, practice, and determination, but unlikely otherwise.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It took another 45 minutes to finish the remaining commitments from Group 2. Then it was the turn of Group 3, which had the simple title of "Revised Structures", but had radically revised its original submission from last week, introducing two new very detailed commitments and retaining edited versions of three of their original ones. It was by far the most detailed and lengthy production among all the groups. It was quickly decided that we needed more time to read and consider this set, and it would therefore become the last set that we will deal with, after all the other groups. Having read through it, my guess is that we will probably need several sessions to adequately consider its commitments.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Group 4, "Integral Ecological Conversion", had five commitments and some helpful initial statements that placed this new category within the context of our mission and ministry. Caring for our common home, defending human dignity, and the protection of minors so that Lasallian institutions would be safe places were some of the areas addressed. There were several suggestions for improvements that were best dealt with by the committee itself, and so some from this set will come back to the floor later on.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">Group 5 adopted the title "Association for Mission Guarantees a Bold and Prophetic Lasallian Family". The consideration of its commitments took us to 6:30 pm. However, it was the first group where all of its commitments, some amended, were eventually accepted with a 2/3 majority. It's first statement was a key one, passing the 2/3 approval vote with the slimmest of margins (46-18-4-0): "Recognize that AIMEL and CIAMEL are logical structures to advise Brother Superior and to set the direction for the Lasallian Mission, Association for Mission, Formation for Mission and a Culture of Vocations. Empower those structures so that they can animate and take further responsibility for the Mission." ("logical" could be translated into "natural" in the final version, so there may be further tweaks.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the moderator of the group, and the one who had to answer or field the many questions and comments, Heather did a masterful job, providing clear answers or accepting "friendly amendments" after looking around at the members of the group and seeing if they agreed. She was both advocate and example of the credibility of association; this is what it looks like. And that, as much as the text itself, helped the group's commitments to pass. At the end, when the entire set was voted on, the positive vote was very close to unanimous, followed by spontaneous applause. These developments meant that the revised commitments from Group 6 - the ones that I will be presenting on behalf of our group - will be considered at our next plenary session, which hasn't been scheduled yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZw3e18c933J6SX5m5inaTN8a3gpUMEjCMPaDA8LjqWy3x4QAajBIhDGywpEJFClgE-AiwbotqLHAjgrbo5Rg7iov7fLtKJBEWEqaLIefoK-YXpyZjj62ZmA5YFJhUurVk69nhDlLPRmAjGz6aqhCiI5umxJaySOmJyt2ZraMYL4N54fdKbTDTo1HHg/s2639/PXL_20220516_163314785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="2639" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZw3e18c933J6SX5m5inaTN8a3gpUMEjCMPaDA8LjqWy3x4QAajBIhDGywpEJFClgE-AiwbotqLHAjgrbo5Rg7iov7fLtKJBEWEqaLIefoK-YXpyZjj62ZmA5YFJhUurVk69nhDlLPRmAjGz6aqhCiI5umxJaySOmJyt2ZraMYL4N54fdKbTDTo1HHg/s320/PXL_20220516_163314785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Heather and Paco at 6:30 pm, after a very long session.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The celebratory part of the day commenced at this point. This evening, the RELAN group was hosting the PARC group in the Den for an "Apricena", which means a social with "heavy hors d'oeuvres". Pat Duffy had been at work most of the afternoon preparing the food and setting things up in the Den. But we still needed some supplies, and so I went to a local supermarket to get them instead of going to the Mass. Charity and hospitality prevailed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuAKIU7MuO2ToNtTzHWSE_yBfVko-SF1kHytI7T80t6toat5pHn4WHY5GZKsiI7EIYzB-hJdWXOCQ2zJTKvF8rEEjwDj48pP0PY-Vyb5uNMbsJU9O04KlpiAhx428cDKPiFO30OvlqYU4kh1OLIK3r0Kju0dk5U1cz4ZF2jjz7TcQjwzy-E18oCLlHQ/s3762/PXL_20220516_181719413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="3762" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuAKIU7MuO2ToNtTzHWSE_yBfVko-SF1kHytI7T80t6toat5pHn4WHY5GZKsiI7EIYzB-hJdWXOCQ2zJTKvF8rEEjwDj48pP0PY-Vyb5uNMbsJU9O04KlpiAhx428cDKPiFO30OvlqYU4kh1OLIK3r0Kju0dk5U1cz4ZF2jjz7TcQjwzy-E18oCLlHQ/w357-h131/PXL_20220516_181719413.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. David, Jorge, Luke, and Armin at the Den social.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">People trickled in after Mass, but soon the room was full, noisy, and definitely happy. It was a really nice convivial atmosphere. There was very little ice because the icemaker in our Den refrigerator doesn't work, and the main kitchen's icemaker was down as well. But people didn't seem to mind. (We did "borrow" some ice from other locations in the house.) It was unfortunate that the general beer supply hadn't been replenished either, and we didn't have any on hand. People didn't seem to mind though, enjoying each other's company at the end of a very long day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMETSeeNf344MXPz86H0XhhDjROoOocuck-Ha9w7jeNveA_dghoLFY1OE3SEzTfqJSBvsod2YmAQmR0wtKryNz1qZvzgjilU_TlyDq9PzN6_eoFrHzWifjixKYrEFted8M3owFNv2nSnJG6MGuOjIb_NJzFdKMecjM5VtkwabkNP3yGL3-khJoZ-heDA/s4080/PXL_20220516_185512906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="4080" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMETSeeNf344MXPz86H0XhhDjROoOocuck-Ha9w7jeNveA_dghoLFY1OE3SEzTfqJSBvsod2YmAQmR0wtKryNz1qZvzgjilU_TlyDq9PzN6_eoFrHzWifjixKYrEFted8M3owFNv2nSnJG6MGuOjIb_NJzFdKMecjM5VtkwabkNP3yGL3-khJoZ-heDA/w388-h188/PXL_20220516_185512906.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The RELAL hosted social on the roof of the Casa Generalizia.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This was also the evening when RELAL was hosting an after-dinner social on the roof. So we just went from one party to the next. This second one was much larger because everyone had been invited. Plus these were the Brothers from Central and South America, which meant a different variety of adult beverages, interesting food options, and a great sense of enjoyment of one another's company.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY_67kwf3D8rzHBi2KXCc_Bt1lJj-5xFx5VELaadHktJP7M_Z33hfbCCLXest3tAVszMBQKnr892xZIHu1l-d_K2Q8VFPOCq0aWh1fsEr6iWLXuD__JY5Rqk_F6DnLixa-WD4UpVjxCgU1P0MJZvR4dQuLH_uw_iX-DJr7_6FlbQYM96ngbAlNndkYQ/s3895/PXL_20220516_184129959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2102" data-original-width="3895" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBY_67kwf3D8rzHBi2KXCc_Bt1lJj-5xFx5VELaadHktJP7M_Z33hfbCCLXest3tAVszMBQKnr892xZIHu1l-d_K2Q8VFPOCq0aWh1fsEr6iWLXuD__JY5Rqk_F6DnLixa-WD4UpVjxCgU1P0MJZvR4dQuLH_uw_iX-DJr7_6FlbQYM96ngbAlNndkYQ/s320/PXL_20220516_184129959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Some RELAF Brothers taking a break from the party inside.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two Brothers, Nestor and Alberto, were playing guitars and leading the singing when we arrived. And the rest of us joined in with equal gusto. Even if you didn't know the words, many of them had repeated phrases that were easy enough to pick up. One song led to another, until we were doing Spanish, French, Italian, and American songs (Denver's "Country Roads"). They seemed to know the guitar chords for each or figured it out on the fly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp15BgR_-DjA_GSxjDEs6vg3I9y-_fvPiWb3J2iJiSiYCbfGqYL_mOcGYXqFgJ9N34NdNEwEd0wJeqYhXpw80zEnCh_5PNtDnYWaHQ1kWEK6r3KWbPuceBOrT4aSMM3HqE6cMzmiIS2tkQH1dxyX_wm3f3wd_pTXIEn8XnXF91SMpeBjqlRU1j-Sd0A/s3523/PXL_20220516_192813630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="3523" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp15BgR_-DjA_GSxjDEs6vg3I9y-_fvPiWb3J2iJiSiYCbfGqYL_mOcGYXqFgJ9N34NdNEwEd0wJeqYhXpw80zEnCh_5PNtDnYWaHQ1kWEK6r3KWbPuceBOrT4aSMM3HqE6cMzmiIS2tkQH1dxyX_wm3f3wd_pTXIEn8XnXF91SMpeBjqlRU1j-Sd0A/s320/PXL_20220516_192813630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. Esteban and Olavo took over later as guitarists.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>In between is Br. Antxon, whose birthday it was.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Brothers know how to work hard. We've seen that both in the conscientious way that they engage in the activities of the General Chapter and fulfill their individual responsibilities. They also know how to celebrate well, as was very much in evidence this evening at both socials.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr0NXMIMsLmTCgxaIRK0kqpeBRbc_BWr7JM-6kjuHBWhvEAOdgGH3sINk3HmxrKql7brHt5HQo9lAB5KsCRL_GDOaQYDovBIIXWglVONpmLLMzcbtR6kMV4cLBuEU7yTb_6Hcvep10DyWNGG7t6oMKVjRbPROAcg6xK5dUIpVWzc4xkIghC3BBBhcow/s3916/PXL_20220516_191902379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="3916" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr0NXMIMsLmTCgxaIRK0kqpeBRbc_BWr7JM-6kjuHBWhvEAOdgGH3sINk3HmxrKql7brHt5HQo9lAB5KsCRL_GDOaQYDovBIIXWglVONpmLLMzcbtR6kMV4cLBuEU7yTb_6Hcvep10DyWNGG7t6oMKVjRbPROAcg6xK5dUIpVWzc4xkIghC3BBBhcow/s320/PXL_20220516_191902379.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. Michael and Nick watching the party.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Toward the end of the evening, I also spent some time on the roof overlooking the city, with a large red moon hovering over it. The peacefulness of that scene contrasted starkly with the festive activities nearby. But they complemented one another rather than clashing. When I went to my room sometime later, there was no energy left to write this blog, which is why I'm writing it on the morning of the next day, our day of retreat, one of the more wise scheduling decisions that the prepartory committee for the Chapter had made.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D0gmHtM0tjpwdSIDXGqS8QykzWGAI4I_rEg8NhVrtamdThfSyz6hCyseqBbkLDfVmznCo9ew-7PrwlzivNrjpqDeU47Bj0CNaPcBs9YcIKeKmWs0iNp3l_lvVny6WmWnKTExNrkCI3s5a_rfQ9TOK-DuE2FrPqIoNEYTkOb07CZtPVZbeK8jY1xcgQ/s3669/PXL_20220516_192934785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2130" data-original-width="3669" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D0gmHtM0tjpwdSIDXGqS8QykzWGAI4I_rEg8NhVrtamdThfSyz6hCyseqBbkLDfVmznCo9ew-7PrwlzivNrjpqDeU47Bj0CNaPcBs9YcIKeKmWs0iNp3l_lvVny6WmWnKTExNrkCI3s5a_rfQ9TOK-DuE2FrPqIoNEYTkOb07CZtPVZbeK8jY1xcgQ/s320/PXL_20220516_192934785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Evening view from the roof, with a red moon.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-40917169001026199622022-05-15T14:01:00.004-07:002022-05-23T11:39:27.142-07:00May 15. 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">Today we celebrated the Feast of our Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle. In the regular liturgical calendar, it would have been the Sunday readings and prayers. But in the Lasallian world, this day has become the day when we commemorate St. La Salle, because it was on May 15, 1950, that he was proclaimed as the Special Patron for Teachers of Youth by the Church. So today was a day when we would have no meetings (Yes!!) and could appreciate our vocation and Founder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52r9UpbdaCm4TvShFPvqLI_eAhnvp4v_KAyeRau6Y3YhyUevKcRSlIk2ZLtJkTOhTZBT45CA6_TcwV4JOsTIPbQcGqCZGWM6vJjcpuEubNIXWCdigM44la3jjm9phtNVhAL_Ko7aA_OBpu_wrujCLzpgbldOjIA_e7puwrTdr5ch5U2erFZzGcJetug/s1511/IMG_1320%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1511" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52r9UpbdaCm4TvShFPvqLI_eAhnvp4v_KAyeRau6Y3YhyUevKcRSlIk2ZLtJkTOhTZBT45CA6_TcwV4JOsTIPbQcGqCZGWM6vJjcpuEubNIXWCdigM44la3jjm9phtNVhAL_Ko7aA_OBpu_wrujCLzpgbldOjIA_e7puwrTdr5ch5U2erFZzGcJetug/s320/IMG_1320%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The first thing was the Mass in the Sanctuary of De La Salle at 8:00 am. It had originally been scheduled for 11:30 am, followed by a social and dinner, but the canonization of 15 saints at Saint Peter's square that morning made it necessary to change our Mass, since Cardinal Tagle from the Philippines would be our main celebrant and also would be at the canonization ceremonies. But the Brothers are accustomed to schedule changes, and by 8:00 am, most of them - not including the 5 or 6 who were going to the canonization and had to leave at 7:00 am to get good seats - were in the sanctuary in robes or similar formal dress. Since I was part of the choir, I came early and enjoyed some welcome quiet time there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-5dyp_bNrnZ1n6cVhjeXwCvEwWzKFbwsMbsFaYypbdH2iCJib4uBM-MwQrW7_vDmHYYuHZTwiycjr3pljvUNKq4QsvNDrflW4tS6XNnaYL8_qfPTQ6tC6nr9K_dn1rFMZKlTXV-UZWaV857rR3dKRSpwU-2_fXrKjDfmoeW4K8sYAGr5W8t4HCjJtQ/s1368/IMG_1314%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1368" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-5dyp_bNrnZ1n6cVhjeXwCvEwWzKFbwsMbsFaYypbdH2iCJib4uBM-MwQrW7_vDmHYYuHZTwiycjr3pljvUNKq4QsvNDrflW4tS6XNnaYL8_qfPTQ6tC6nr9K_dn1rFMZKlTXV-UZWaV857rR3dKRSpwU-2_fXrKjDfmoeW4K8sYAGr5W8t4HCjJtQ/s320/IMG_1314%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Cardinal Tagle, who is from the Philippines and has a very positive relationship with the Brothers, arrived about 15 minutes before Mass, having been greeted at the entrance by Br. Ricky and Br. Armin, who are both Filipino. The Mass included various musical components, all of which proceeded with the expected circumstantial adjustments familiar to any high school teacher. The opening song was <i>Honneur a Toi</i>, accompanied by Br. Rodolfi Meoli on the grand pipe organ, and the "Lord Have Mercy" was a Spanish version led by Br. Alberto on the guitar, a natural and gifted guitar player and singer. The readings, etc., were in Italian, English, Spanish, and French. When cardinal Tagle started the homily, our expectations were jarred by his first words: "You look tired!" Then he spoke about the challenges that most General Chapter delegates experienced and proceeded to apply to the day's readings to our work and experiences. It was unique for me to listen to a homilist with full attention, both because he was speaking without notes and from the heart, and because he had genuine insights into how to apply the day's scripture to our present experience. "God says in this reading 'I make all things new!' So it's not you, it's not your challenges and goals; it's God who makes all things new." And at the end of his homily he reminded us that we are sharing not only the "Love one another" from the gospel, but rather "Love one another as I have loved you" which is an entirely different thing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPfgwHYAGPLUrD6MJDblMZPYclmb2WerAHWYbgv17owZSOrmx295WkGdD-ZYdsCG5J3fisxH39Gror-qhwlJEgocdewuPBxXBwiSLDSPVj7jjoBKKgEOzGWBQhUy89EnhjEAoJTny9ippqaRccoierdoUDYeSYKbhmQ2xZIqkjEOaEuMXnq6tXs0peA/s3672/IMG_0875%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1938" data-original-width="3672" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPfgwHYAGPLUrD6MJDblMZPYclmb2WerAHWYbgv17owZSOrmx295WkGdD-ZYdsCG5J3fisxH39Gror-qhwlJEgocdewuPBxXBwiSLDSPVj7jjoBKKgEOzGWBQhUy89EnhjEAoJTny9ippqaRccoierdoUDYeSYKbhmQ2xZIqkjEOaEuMXnq6tXs0peA/s320/IMG_0875%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Being here in Rome during the Chapter has already been a blessing. But I must say that listening to Cardinal Tagle, and briefly speaking with him after Mass, was an unexpected grace. It's rare that I listen to an entire homily attentively, but his homily was the kind that you couldn't ignore. During the rest of the Mass, there was music in Latin (the San Lorenzo Sancus and Agnus Dei in a Byzantine style), English - "Take Our Bread" at the offering and "We Remember" at Communion - and Spanish, ending the Mass with a song dedicated to St. La Salle (but unknown to me, although others sang it lustilly).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xDJxtbuMnGaZS2-xE_xp_i0T37bXwoS6Uw-acXQ8p_2khyHENC2REt1Tz6JzccPJY49Brp9FIsVWvHk0lxPRdDHq3j-MEq4psoNBUyiM0YI-0SPPjv7AKrPPmK_SmGWU2iqEUsZP0ke3ToTxpq9OovHtbJrjIxLjTcmp0KeVMC5X-H2ESv0DyHX1ww/s2446/PXL_20220515_071642245%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2446" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xDJxtbuMnGaZS2-xE_xp_i0T37bXwoS6Uw-acXQ8p_2khyHENC2REt1Tz6JzccPJY49Brp9FIsVWvHk0lxPRdDHq3j-MEq4psoNBUyiM0YI-0SPPjv7AKrPPmK_SmGWU2iqEUsZP0ke3ToTxpq9OovHtbJrjIxLjTcmp0KeVMC5X-H2ESv0DyHX1ww/s320/PXL_20220515_071642245%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After the Mass, folks congratulated one another on the traditional feastday of De La Salle. Groups jostled to take photos in front of his reliquary on the back wall, and Cardinal Tagle took time to write a short message in the visitor's book in front of the Founder's relics. One Brother who was waiting the turn of his group to take a photo in front of the relics of the Founder seemed impatient, and I told him; "Don't worry. He's not going anywhere." In time, everyone had their chance. As for myself, I took the occasion to take a photo with two women whom I greatly admire, Heather Ruple Gilson and Alisa Macksey, both of whom are "Consultors" to the General Chapter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQf6LfDDrbHYaycdlA8n121B0D85ZKtBwfyBbOkL-1HSTJ5soQlUN_uvgN8wEvRGSZAMb4t9uWRxpFx5lWyiLl-gw4BPSizfZDd-0KPmbkC00kOJWyPLNA4EFcn3wfcC2AK9bIHlQZ_wF6LSxII9Y9eil_6hO8Hj1Vp9LWauFhJlp4gSg9ZtoJ0e58w/s2689/PXL_20220515_070655671%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2090" data-original-width="2689" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQf6LfDDrbHYaycdlA8n121B0D85ZKtBwfyBbOkL-1HSTJ5soQlUN_uvgN8wEvRGSZAMb4t9uWRxpFx5lWyiLl-gw4BPSizfZDd-0KPmbkC00kOJWyPLNA4EFcn3wfcC2AK9bIHlQZ_wF6LSxII9Y9eil_6hO8Hj1Vp9LWauFhJlp4gSg9ZtoJ0e58w/s320/PXL_20220515_070655671%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I2WvbRIyiSj7SrNW0Gfcn7-PYxI0LETbDEZOt1vBNRbqpVv7av8FEDErdK26rMNZQVVLEOwW4ZqPnVCs8xxM_K20cQsK00BxY-rEiTjVkVkxSt9Nk0Wm9MquSPUVqYYyi_95qQHbnmCkN6NGso7QrMuZMzn1oNeHxUYU4ZHnv7U_CQWyAVvhmX-sKw/s3072/PXL_20220515_070844484%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="3072" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I2WvbRIyiSj7SrNW0Gfcn7-PYxI0LETbDEZOt1vBNRbqpVv7av8FEDErdK26rMNZQVVLEOwW4ZqPnVCs8xxM_K20cQsK00BxY-rEiTjVkVkxSt9Nk0Wm9MquSPUVqYYyi_95qQHbnmCkN6NGso7QrMuZMzn1oNeHxUYU4ZHnv7U_CQWyAVvhmX-sKw/s320/PXL_20220515_070844484%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Since the time for Mass had changed, there really wasn't much to do afterwards I did some internal business and ended up working on a project in my room until around noon. Then I went to the Den since there would likely be folks who would show up to a pre-Sunday-Dinner social, as proved to be the case. It turned out to be a nice get-together with Brothers who had been long-time Visitors in different places.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdETikhbSN35ecLcf9fe_0mrz_4qofluekpn5ZNd6idozCRBA-x8GozH6D__P-A3JXrlfVxUq_CuaRF46cCsq_OmD6mUxFl7MZVsN1Ql0eRM8yzipMArzIrWBEKF98wOqrUYH860VDps2gqAiaU9OJWXjVYwM4cU7M9dY-MfC8sZ-a4jSAW_ceYXqG_Q/s3473/PXL_20220515_105701535%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1994" data-original-width="3473" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdETikhbSN35ecLcf9fe_0mrz_4qofluekpn5ZNd6idozCRBA-x8GozH6D__P-A3JXrlfVxUq_CuaRF46cCsq_OmD6mUxFl7MZVsN1Ql0eRM8yzipMArzIrWBEKF98wOqrUYH860VDps2gqAiaU9OJWXjVYwM4cU7M9dY-MfC8sZ-a4jSAW_ceYXqG_Q/s320/PXL_20220515_105701535%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Lunch was a very special event, of course. Not only were we celebrating the feast of the Founder, but it was also Br. Alvimar's birthdy. He is the Director of the Brothers' community here and is from Brazil. So besides the special dinner and a wine from a "De La Salle" winery in Spain, we sang Happy Birthday and once again had a cake to celebrate a birthday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAocnHyPFDIllyu7Mn6nGsw_KwYMTliVW-vemxa-mYREBSe4IWsUrAiJoQay7Aipll5BNu_EAiuczVDRZDxHbLAYw4v4s3XFDoN8B4eWtNXXe3XLXn_qq0eCLvRvVK6QumeuAHjOY1dhhNTHzRXSb46JRtK2cSqrz0hNIYIkoN2IsBkcmuMfuApfAYQ/s3522/PXL_20220515_114903803%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="3522" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAocnHyPFDIllyu7Mn6nGsw_KwYMTliVW-vemxa-mYREBSe4IWsUrAiJoQay7Aipll5BNu_EAiuczVDRZDxHbLAYw4v4s3XFDoN8B4eWtNXXe3XLXn_qq0eCLvRvVK6QumeuAHjOY1dhhNTHzRXSb46JRtK2cSqrz0hNIYIkoN2IsBkcmuMfuApfAYQ/s320/PXL_20220515_114903803%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My table group ended up being the last table to leave, mostly because we had some really good conversations about the Institute and its current realities. Br. Fahdi from <i>Proche Orient</i> (Lebanon, the Holy Land, Egypt, etc.) was particularly vocal about his own realities and the fact that we should be talking about the growing influences of extremism and fanaticism instead of "intentional communities" since those are the real issues in his life today. Nothing was resolved, of course, but it was good to get another perspective. I told him to make a public statement about all of this in the assembly and say that he was a "voice from the peripheries" (an emerging theme from the chapter).</p><p>After lunch, I went to my room for a brief siesta. It lasted longer than I'd suspected, waking up some 3.5 hours later. I suppose that the sleep deprivation from the past two weeks was catching up, enhanced by the liquid supplements of the main meal. Once awake, I went to the roof to take a bit of a quiet walk and found that they were setting up for a RELAL (Central and South America) and RELAF (Africa) social prior to their combined dinner at a local restaurant. I was invited to stay and did so, having a really fine conversation with the Visitor of north Mexico and Junior, the young Brother from Brazil who is involved in vocation ministry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTRrlMLrKlbsyZ2cou15BFMrsGTIltgsVASoE2cCnuvqKYkE_qdWOCWsySxXBT4zTHS86_0tToJFTehL8dxtVqjq91Jx8ZycxESrjUC-kg6unZ18zptlqIJ549NiX6z4aEgHlcZRbfVGNwxtP2v4-BPOngefjM0dsg4G8Pl3qhlOiaP5nJR3BzkqXMg/s3600/PXL_20220515_173421842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2038" data-original-width="3600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTRrlMLrKlbsyZ2cou15BFMrsGTIltgsVASoE2cCnuvqKYkE_qdWOCWsySxXBT4zTHS86_0tToJFTehL8dxtVqjq91Jx8ZycxESrjUC-kg6unZ18zptlqIJ549NiX6z4aEgHlcZRbfVGNwxtP2v4-BPOngefjM0dsg4G8Pl3qhlOiaP5nJR3BzkqXMg/s320/PXL_20220515_173421842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>With the rather heavy meal at noon, there was no need to go to dinner. Therefore, after RELAL and RELAF left for dinner elsewhere, I went to the Den to prepare the place for the likely post-dinner visitors who would arrive. As expected, about ten people eventually showed up to relax after dinner, including the Visitor of France, who was much more amiable and funny than his visage and observed disposition tended to indicate (Is that sufficiently tactful?). Previously, I would have said that he was a good example of the description that the Founder gave to one Brother in a letter, telling him that his Brothers said that he bore a visage "like a prison door." Actually, this French Visitor was very gracious, fraternal, and engaging ... once he relaxed with an adult beverage. It was a fine end to a fine day.</p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-29965060216949564872022-05-14T14:33:00.002-07:002022-05-14T14:33:26.132-07:00May 14, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p>Today you could begin to feel a sense of anticipation about the more popular elements of a General Chapter, the propositions - I mean, uh, the <i>Paths of Transformation</i> - and the start of a discernment process about who should be the Institute's leaders for the next seven years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigApx3UfkX2yAELnY5nAl82oS09vQSl_F399X5biCy37CNYFg-Zde53eBxhnuPEMeUseGnGsMmaqGg1J2ANMQ6ZG9xBmub9PqQwKyT-Diz2yEbHk4anvfWLWv0LzNi7cTgk9RZqoMv3z08Gt65-9UjKY0kNH2Hs9mtqwNNmaUkKKmFAhNG14UX9AoWpA/s1185/ENG-May-14-Grp-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1185" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigApx3UfkX2yAELnY5nAl82oS09vQSl_F399X5biCy37CNYFg-Zde53eBxhnuPEMeUseGnGsMmaqGg1J2ANMQ6ZG9xBmub9PqQwKyT-Diz2yEbHk4anvfWLWv0LzNi7cTgk9RZqoMv3z08Gt65-9UjKY0kNH2Hs9mtqwNNmaUkKKmFAhNG14UX9AoWpA/w241-h236/ENG-May-14-Grp-6.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>At 9:00 am, we met immediately with what I call our interest groups to finalize what we would say in our report, the "We recognize that ..." section, the "We are called to ..." section, and the resulting "Commitments" section - see an early version above ... it's not the final one. Something that stood out for me is the care with which individuals thought about and adjusted thelanguage in each statement or commitment. The format might have been unfamiliar, but the content was still king, and these lifelong educators would pay attention to every word. At the end of our 50 minutes of conversation, we had put together a good set of results, and we happily took a photo of the group to commemorate our time together. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxrGbkxEvGBXO_ZXXzuJfguqllhnaOFlDVgrxLExCE8XRul5Tz3vSBaQGjvwgAwszlijzmh-YrwtooTeJzxmjlnMxrHr5oUvZGYa-sj-5NhANDoa7c-i9mF7j3-pF1npiBsA1HvonMu4PFQjGH-RtIoHZSLHXrVdfsGyJPVIvcJWLN5w5KZUiNehkZg/s3884/2022_05_14-GC46%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="3884" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxrGbkxEvGBXO_ZXXzuJfguqllhnaOFlDVgrxLExCE8XRul5Tz3vSBaQGjvwgAwszlijzmh-YrwtooTeJzxmjlnMxrHr5oUvZGYa-sj-5NhANDoa7c-i9mF7j3-pF1npiBsA1HvonMu4PFQjGH-RtIoHZSLHXrVdfsGyJPVIvcJWLN5w5KZUiNehkZg/w412-h166/2022_05_14-GC46%20(1).jpg" width="412" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Our Paths of Transformation Group</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. Olavo, Jorge, Rich, William, Pie, Janusz, Mike, me, Alberto, David, and Pedro.</i></div><p>Everyone gathered back in the Aula Magna at 10:30 for the initial report from each group. First the entire submission was read, which was followed by questions of clarification, suggestions, or comments that may help further improve it. There were seven groups, and after five groups, two hours had passed. Groups such as <i>New Structures for Leadership and Governance</i> led to lots of responses, questions, and well-nuanced concerns, while others garnered less input. The "new" unfamiliar group that now carried the title <i>Integral Ecological Conversion</i> perked people up because this was a whole new area for the Institute to consider. The challenging aspect for all groups, in my humble opinion, was providing commitments that were clear, direct, practical, and transformative. Initial verbs that began statements, like leverage, ensure, urge, empower, etc., were less direct than those that used create, develop, assign, and prioritize. You will see all of these soon enough, and they're not yet in their final form. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUEWVBy6oGobRYOC44DLutRNuHinjn1gDG2lfkRrSk7EGkx_ep7ajrljtuDKVAsSboNliyrb7UFqYe-OgL-hXDVVRbymPEADAJQqBVF_gMOijGehlCPG001iYKbrDqHAv1jHp3WNJVctQJDNHS8S2Fxvtv7Q_g_ZJ573IxVRj46LAOB0A4oTNOaKjzA/s3816/2022_05_14-GC46%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2259" data-original-width="3816" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUEWVBy6oGobRYOC44DLutRNuHinjn1gDG2lfkRrSk7EGkx_ep7ajrljtuDKVAsSboNliyrb7UFqYe-OgL-hXDVVRbymPEADAJQqBVF_gMOijGehlCPG001iYKbrDqHAv1jHp3WNJVctQJDNHS8S2Fxvtv7Q_g_ZJ573IxVRj46LAOB0A4oTNOaKjzA/s320/2022_05_14-GC46%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The presentation of reports from the Paths of Transformation groups.</i></div><p>Br. Jorge Sierra ended the session at 12:30 pm, before lunch, and we returned at 3:00 pm. I had become a bit tired during that morning session, and I took a short siesta after lunch, making sure to set my alarm for 2:30 pm because otherwise I'd siesta right through the afternoon. My group was the first to report at that session, and I was the secretary and the one that had to do it. When we did get back together, a new proposal was considered. It a request from the Communications Office to be allowed to have professional videographers record portions of the process for the election of the Superior General, so that the Communications Office could put together a collation of shot snippets that would help the Lasallian world know about how this process works. Some expressed their concern that "outsiders" would now be part of something that had previously been secret, without anyone in the room except for the voting capitulants. They were reassured that it would all be done discreetly, etc., and that this would really be good for the Lasallian Family. When the vote was finally taken, there were 39 in favor, 26 against, 3 abstaining, and 2 <i>Juxta Modem</i>. Therefore, the proposal passed. To me, there was something concerning about the proposal itself and the fact that a simple majority had changed a previously rather solemn occasion, surrounded by some traditional drama and curiosity, to a international communication event (although not to be shown "live"). And with that many members against it, was it right to go ahead?</p><p>Then it was time for my report, which was dutifully read. There were two questions, one of them regarding a mistranslated word into Spanish in one of the commitments, and another that asked why our submission used the plural "Lasallian Vocations." The question was confusing; of course there is more than one Lasallian vocation; i.e., the Brothers. I asked for one of our group's members to chime in, and Br. Jorge did so with a clear description of how "Lasallian vocations" referred to many other people who were not Brothers and shared our mission, etc. - pretty basic stuff, I had thought, but apparently not seen as such in all parts of the Institute. Then the assembly moved on to the last group and its report.</p><p>At 4:00 pm, an explanation was given as to how we would now begin a process of moving towards electing new central government for the Institute. The actual voting would begin next Wednesday, but today we would start to name names. Here were the steps:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>From 4:15 to 5:00 was personal time for prayer and reflection.</li><li>5:00 - Get together in language groups</li><ul><li>Make a list of qualities and names for the Institute's central government</li></ul><li>5:45 - Go back to the Aula Magna to listen to the lists and see the names.</li><li>6:00 - Get together by Regional groups</li><ul><li>Do the same thing for the region: qualities and names for Regional Councillor. It was noted that Regional councillors need not be from the region.</li></ul><li>6:30 - Back to the Aula Magna to listen to the lists and see those names.</li><ul><li>Vote for your top three candidates for the central government and the top three names as Regional councillors on paper ballots. </li></ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4WUp5LwNsqHxbxd9TekWClHBaZ6PWv0TnX3BR3UEq6GSnviWqHTZSux9C3GSu0gYZsix66Mj6t0lB4at4EYWawOo7kAwJpAqvdKbLtPVntiI7ojPYSvcN32Tj4J8HKxSLWuzml63sP1YZ7hSciSHxOyWF2hYIWOrrldap4f4ar8n5d9lLxtDPE24Gg/s2789/2022_05_14-GC46%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="2789" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4WUp5LwNsqHxbxd9TekWClHBaZ6PWv0TnX3BR3UEq6GSnviWqHTZSux9C3GSu0gYZsix66Mj6t0lB4at4EYWawOo7kAwJpAqvdKbLtPVntiI7ojPYSvcN32Tj4J8HKxSLWuzml63sP1YZ7hSciSHxOyWF2hYIWOrrldap4f4ar8n5d9lLxtDPE24Gg/s320/2022_05_14-GC46%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The language group, ENG2, thinking about qualities and names.</i></div><div><br /></div>The next couple of hours were very busy, with some silent stares across the room as people tried to figure out which names to name, whether the person was in the room or not. It was a bit awkward, actually, and would have worked better with nominations on paper - or via an app! - and a certain level a discreet secrecy. Nevertheless, we came up with 14 names for the central government and 11 names for a possible Regional Councillor. These were then submitted each time we returned to the Aula Magna. Meanwhile, the secretarial staff was rushing around trying to put together the lists of names into a form that Brothers could vote on. From my experience at past District Chapters as General Secretary, I knew the feeling well.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2XJUMKiYC-Ee2hg7FH-icM-AEHqxlOWgnJbNAEkHk-eWbb-8lE7tv0nELkKaOCaYc9k484f8XRjiK6Us5h0V2nsujIc3S14UJ3bmwwFxODexM_5uN3Urbhf3npguw_MmaGLvARS-LOX5WODgbs_jcP0CqM0whz_aQM8fAZrY84NjrQ2Ki2synXWS7Q/s3788/2022_05_14-GC46%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2761" data-original-width="3788" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2XJUMKiYC-Ee2hg7FH-icM-AEHqxlOWgnJbNAEkHk-eWbb-8lE7tv0nELkKaOCaYc9k484f8XRjiK6Us5h0V2nsujIc3S14UJ3bmwwFxODexM_5uN3Urbhf3npguw_MmaGLvARS-LOX5WODgbs_jcP0CqM0whz_aQM8fAZrY84NjrQ2Ki2synXWS7Q/s320/2022_05_14-GC46%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Waiting for results and reports in the Aula Magna.</i></div><div><p>It will not be a surprise to learn that we went way overtime, finishing at 7:15 pm. The planned 6:45 prayer in the chapel was postponed for another day, the ballots were filled in and submitted, and the Brothers went to dinner. After dinner, a small group of us went to the Irish bar located near the back gate of the property, where we had a lively conversation that included what our "dream team" of leaders might look like. No names in this blog, however, because that's just a bit too risky. But stay tuned to developments. I can let you know that our group pretty much concentrated around the same two people. We will find out next week whether the Holy Spirit agrees with us.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X9f-5Pdcy2c-leAxTwinzy7hMd3CMZnZ6xx8rv5pQuFZGUJ7ocPm79YFWhqQCpqn-d7iOVnGE3zRk9XsOZl8JmNBgk5FfB2i2bMQYo_5D-lljiaLcTj4XIm3i2juTUnsJ2LpHs6hIRF101323L150DqxjOrhoKQ2wgB-2ypogtJ6q44BWKvnwlmk_w/s4080/2022_05_14-GC46%20(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2081" data-original-width="4080" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X9f-5Pdcy2c-leAxTwinzy7hMd3CMZnZ6xx8rv5pQuFZGUJ7ocPm79YFWhqQCpqn-d7iOVnGE3zRk9XsOZl8JmNBgk5FfB2i2bMQYo_5D-lljiaLcTj4XIm3i2juTUnsJ2LpHs6hIRF101323L150DqxjOrhoKQ2wgB-2ypogtJ6q44BWKvnwlmk_w/s320/2022_05_14-GC46%20(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Brs. Nick, Luke (from Thailand), Dylan, Rey, me,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>and Junior (his actual first name) from Brazil and now in Chile.</i></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-80996444642156680732022-05-13T13:48:00.001-07:002022-05-13T13:48:49.654-07:00May 13, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">This was the first full day for the "transformative paths" (interest groups) to meet and hammer out their specific proposals for the General Chapter assembly to consider in a day or two. The group that I was assigned to, Vocations and Accompaniment, met in one of the rooms in the basement of the Casa Generalizia. Since I had volunteered to be the secretary, I asked for a projector so that any texts that we created could be projected onto the wall. As it turned out, there was a projector in the room that had been attached to the ceiling, but I hadn't seen it; a good example of the fact that the things you need are often right in front of you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At breakfast in the large dining room, a WhatsApp text was shared indicating that today was the birthday of Br. David Hawke, quickly confirmed by the spontaneously singing of "Happy Birthday" at the table where he happened to be seated, joined in by everyone in the room. Another nice indication of the positive spirit of the group and the thus-far relaxed atmosphere of our gatherings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_OCaxOTFSgNIeUt6m7Dz8SaBv1W1tS_FFp230RXGg2XA88zGzDdAvO9Rkjw5B3x5pjHruI1gEpr-_k67Ac1g5U_S8MpGnlmvs5MMqWB3knUErbIaFQbyH4hhLoc04C49TiLbt0EdxRUBDXxR_ukuJcCuVJFRBz9XdLT4Cbfpb5wYrJgY5bbHWEH3tA/s1403/PXL_20220513_090441045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1163" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_OCaxOTFSgNIeUt6m7Dz8SaBv1W1tS_FFp230RXGg2XA88zGzDdAvO9Rkjw5B3x5pjHruI1gEpr-_k67Ac1g5U_S8MpGnlmvs5MMqWB3knUErbIaFQbyH4hhLoc04C49TiLbt0EdxRUBDXxR_ukuJcCuVJFRBz9XdLT4Cbfpb5wYrJgY5bbHWEH3tA/w190-h230/PXL_20220513_090441045.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Br. Olavo from Brazil shared his Mate with Br. David</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>on the occasion of his birthday. He rather liked it.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">At 9:00 am we resumed our work in small "Transformative Pathways" groups. It's good that we had a projector in the room for taking notes and sharing conclusions or draft of possible documents. It's much easier to work with a text projected to everyone than relying on oral memory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdUd1piYvtZwve1_LARUu1xYE326lyhQajxixulOkXd1irtQvNvj6V1iTmXjMilnxhhx8AVmZiTUEgkarxG57geznnPO5jJCo1JBneWX1uT8hR1A76w9NW1l58yMKSv2PIuf7X_kiliThSZ4bwQZL8pdDSpuZj4eg0umOnmpWdQ9lgSmeBRTs-EErUg/s2778/PXL_20220513_084047838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="2778" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdUd1piYvtZwve1_LARUu1xYE326lyhQajxixulOkXd1irtQvNvj6V1iTmXjMilnxhhx8AVmZiTUEgkarxG57geznnPO5jJCo1JBneWX1uT8hR1A76w9NW1l58yMKSv2PIuf7X_kiliThSZ4bwQZL8pdDSpuZj4eg0umOnmpWdQ9lgSmeBRTs-EErUg/w406-h161/PXL_20220513_084047838.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Morning Coffee Break</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">For most of the morning, we shared our thoughts about the Brothers' vocation and the challenges of proper accompaniment in supporting vocational discernment, especially with young Brothers in communities. Some highlights of the discussion:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One Brother spoke about the importance of our vocation because of its impact on our lay Partners. They value it. He had been the only Brother in a school in Europe and found that the students, teachers, and parents really valued his presence. We need to give ourselves enough credit and affirmation to embrace the vocation.</li><li>It is important that Brothers are seen. People cannot join what they cannot see. Plus, Brothers are somewhat handicapped by the fact that they tend to embrace humility, which is also a general characteristic of teachers in general.</li><li>In one European country, Brothers are divided about public expressions of faith, such as wearing a small cross or wearing the robe. There was the illustration of one Brother who was proud of the fact that he taught in a public school and that no one knew that he was a Brother. But students usually know if a teacher is married, etc., so why wouldn't we be witnesses to our religious vocation?</li><li>It is important to think about the theology of religious life as Brothers. More work should be done in this area, especially in the face of clericalism and a synodal church.</li><li>The very helpful input of Circular 475 was mentioned several times, and I arranged via email that copies in Spanish and English be delivered to the room during our morning conversations.</li><li>Two things were finally highlighted: Brothers have to reaffirm their vocation for themselves, and Brothers have to be able to speak about their vocation to others.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLs9SMMWlkui41fOeSRvetOpo5tceqGOBLIAF6w2ryBnfF9sV9IxF-KbjSYI3mKXknpjFISGmFTXli_2LG_EPEsNDJwyPCEBP5TL2PTlnsWUnsCl3PQrSvtoEtSWmWQ1TJYK58eaZk-t-jPKzz07QK4ZZ9CZ6AYaf1hSq8DR8--zaK_zlrn0klHbgyQ/s3759/PXL_20220513_100903069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2075" data-original-width="3759" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLs9SMMWlkui41fOeSRvetOpo5tceqGOBLIAF6w2ryBnfF9sV9IxF-KbjSYI3mKXknpjFISGmFTXli_2LG_EPEsNDJwyPCEBP5TL2PTlnsWUnsCl3PQrSvtoEtSWmWQ1TJYK58eaZk-t-jPKzz07QK4ZZ9CZ6AYaf1hSq8DR8--zaK_zlrn0klHbgyQ/s320/PXL_20220513_100903069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a rather long conversation about doing something that would be a paradigm shift and would lead to Brothers and others to re-examine the nature of their commitment and priorities. In the end, the idea didn't rise to the level of a proposition, but the conversation was rich. The primary thought was well represented by one of the notes / suggestions that had been sent to the General Chapter: "Reincorporating to our Institute the possibility to receive Brothers who profess temporary vows and renew them any number of times and even Brothers who do not profess vows <i>per se</i> but are committed to sharing our life and mission for a definite period of time." The basic idea was not to compel perpetual, or final, vows but to provide the option for Brothers to continually renew their vows, as is the case in other religious institutes. Long discussion ... Arguments on both sides ... No clear resolutions. As for myself, I favored the idea because it would 1) compel Brothers to think about what it means to make a commitment to the Lasallian mission, 2) begin to introduce a way of being associated that does not involve "Final" vows, and 3) bring the Brothers more closely to our Partners in terms of their variety of associations, all of them serious and personal and strong. But the idea was just a bit too radical for the group, and it probably would have met stiff opposition in the general assembly. So much for "bold".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9yxGvRxtfoRw3GCyV5fZJmKWdLUF9JFia197CzsdTX5n4lEJxxxaxCQSGeADK-g9jNNbjWqdnVp3bPyewAxl4NBi2YQLV-_vGzToX-ieoZ3aPG9e2aNXKZB5FppN-ABOZZFZ0ETa5Qysgy7q5nsWuvyHyfXlqCm2pxG0UagjSmVqDD3Z69WXtiQ8oA/s3210/PXL_20220513_120934184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="3210" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9yxGvRxtfoRw3GCyV5fZJmKWdLUF9JFia197CzsdTX5n4lEJxxxaxCQSGeADK-g9jNNbjWqdnVp3bPyewAxl4NBi2YQLV-_vGzToX-ieoZ3aPG9e2aNXKZB5FppN-ABOZZFZ0ETa5Qysgy7q5nsWuvyHyfXlqCm2pxG0UagjSmVqDD3Z69WXtiQ8oA/s320/PXL_20220513_120934184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we broke for lunch, I met up with a couple from Denver, Bill and Cherie Gilbert, who had come to Rome for a short vacation and the start of a cruise. I had met Bill at meetings of the ABC (Association of Board Chairs) in the Bay Area, and he had been helpful on one of the projects that I'd taken on here in Rome. So it was nice to see them, show them around the house, and go with them to <i>Ostia Romana</i>, a very nice restaurant that was within walking distance. The whole thing was a very good break from the intensity of the General Chapter activities.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I returned to our 3:00 pm "Transformative Pathways" group at about 3:40 pm, since the lunch had lasted a little longer than anticipated. But the group was doing just fine. They were working on a draft of their text, which was shaped by design around a "We recognize that ..." statement, followed by a consequent "We are called to ..." statement, followed by a set of three to five "commitments" statements, each had to begin with a verb that brought to action what had been said earlier. It took a while, but we could finally get down to brass tacks and write down what we wanted the new leadership to do in the next seven years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It would be inappropriate - and presumptive - to share those drafts at this time, but what I can say is that they were thoughtfully massaged over a period of several hours and carefully nuanced to be as clear and direct as possible. The focus was on having ways that vocation ministry and accompaniment for both Brothers and Lasallian partners (we really do need a new word here) was intentional, well supported, fairly distributed, and intentionally executed. During the afternoon break, I wrote the initial drafts of two more commitments - beyond the three that they had begun with - and subsequently we worked on the final wording and nuances. It was interesting to me that in some cases, the Spanish versions were more clearly stated than the English ones. And even though Br. Jorge and Br. William - the <i>de facto</i> participant translators for us - were away at an organizational pre-planned meeting, we were able to communicate well enough to finish our work at around 6:00 pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7bWH0QHp6UWwax8HqUdTxN-Oc2UBJhW3x9mvihTH1M41DiATBVu51Ab4i9n7bX88H7NbN5L3df60o9ufmZ_wlEzPiBgfYqCWLYk86i9xhnpf07AHXEygaV97OcWMFWKv1SzoBmL2T3Iqc_ZwxAVo-r_QQEsKpM8zH41xgi-avFKkgqvAevkH5j4dpA/s2045/PXL_20220513_194810344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="2045" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7bWH0QHp6UWwax8HqUdTxN-Oc2UBJhW3x9mvihTH1M41DiATBVu51Ab4i9n7bX88H7NbN5L3df60o9ufmZ_wlEzPiBgfYqCWLYk86i9xhnpf07AHXEygaV97OcWMFWKv1SzoBmL2T3Iqc_ZwxAVo-r_QQEsKpM8zH41xgi-avFKkgqvAevkH5j4dpA/s320/PXL_20220513_194810344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mass in language groups followed at 6:45 pm. The English group was in the Trinity Chapel just down the hall from Room 33 where we had been meeting. Aferwards, a small group went to the Den for some debriefing and socializing. Several stayed there through dinner, including me, solving the problems of the Institute, and I headed to my room at about 9:30 pm, having forgotten that there would be a musical performance in the Sanctuary. Some beautiful music, choir and organ, was echoed through the corridors, and eventually I went into the chapel to catch the very end of the performance. A good way to end the day. Applause all around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRYfKWy_H_UZzLbXLlb38FfJC3A0Yg8AQ_AslHRAHB6Q0YkZwdOlD0G8ngFxyWo-a4bC0R5Ro-5v4tLMci5RwFnRyzhKQIlwlE3UJd7wLnv3LV0-QSUNnMNWDWIINEsLHvkNIpT2LKt8k4fgGurrLzBVikwqOSdBLizU3eVNT0cDSfg_SZF0OF7n6ww/s3528/PXL_20220513_193731058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="3528" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRYfKWy_H_UZzLbXLlb38FfJC3A0Yg8AQ_AslHRAHB6Q0YkZwdOlD0G8ngFxyWo-a4bC0R5Ro-5v4tLMci5RwFnRyzhKQIlwlE3UJd7wLnv3LV0-QSUNnMNWDWIINEsLHvkNIpT2LKt8k4fgGurrLzBVikwqOSdBLizU3eVNT0cDSfg_SZF0OF7n6ww/s320/PXL_20220513_193731058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-88227469393353842022022-05-12T14:01:00.001-07:002022-05-12T14:01:26.872-07:00May 12, 2022 - General Chapter 46<div style="text-align: justify;">For those who are following the process, and who happen to enjoy complex details and puzzles, note that this morning we finished Route 10 in Phase 2, which was the second day of the Dreaming portion of our process, and moved into Route 11 in Phase 3, the first day of the <i>Strength in Decision</i> major section, the last of three, of the overall plan, initiated by the definition of <i>Pathways of Transformation</i>, the first of two steps. (I had to look all of that up. Let's hope it's not on the quiz.) The previously published detailed daily schedule is now being appropriately adapted each day, since some things took less than than anticipated - the approval of independent group statements, for example - and others took much longer - the discussion of the "values", for example, that took place yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy83K_GnO7h-YxNvdic0vdKH60iUtfzlGc38cTF1B9MWEtVBo7TJPk-7MaK2cU1Rk8okMvVEe6WYTw8y_m2D36OQ4ktBAUQAr1oy8hcgZD3mfOgOdocncGuUbySobo4v4dH7s1kwBDp43e97T8Xfi7I6aKxJN4cV3jBm31JvnBr-9_Y6T2FoVfSXBoBw/s2339/General%20Plan%2046GC%20-%20February22_EN%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="2339" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy83K_GnO7h-YxNvdic0vdKH60iUtfzlGc38cTF1B9MWEtVBo7TJPk-7MaK2cU1Rk8okMvVEe6WYTw8y_m2D36OQ4ktBAUQAr1oy8hcgZD3mfOgOdocncGuUbySobo4v4dH7s1kwBDp43e97T8Xfi7I6aKxJN4cV3jBm31JvnBr-9_Y6T2FoVfSXBoBw/w463-h327/General%20Plan%2046GC%20-%20February22_EN%20(1).jpg" width="463" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some things in the schedule are really quite unpredictable. When we started at 9:00 am, we continued in the approval process of each group's "process" and "results" statements. The approval for the first one - a rather long one in Spanish - was substantially changed to now include parts of the statement that had needed further refinement.The next set from the ENG1 group passed without any comment or amendments. The last set, which came from the ENG2 group (my group), was another story. For 40 minutes the assembly engaged in a wide-ranging conversation about one of the elements in the set. The conversion statement was "A journey of synodality based on trust and availability" and the hoped-for results at the end of the next seven years were "Radical availability of Brothers", "Vibrant Lasallian communities where interiority is fostered", and "Sustainable structures of governance and formation for the Lasallian Family (shared authority, reflect realities, etc.)". The catalyst was the phrase "Lasallian communities". It appears that an elephant in the room managed to squeeze itself through the mousehole of a single phrase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmUMAslmKO4l728vI1rXH6UOvc4lfhKK34qYucEq82sywbNQ50D9D2RGTTJob6hX66XvG0FhkZ5htMnWwc2TkBHpy68GtWtXGKsOxqr9x4JW9AxXqKQGiSB5wEJFiB-19qm11XP5CjoBxToJ1JhJSnQPcnvKWIkFcZ6UJSRxOV0ZMjH5fqXMEaQe9TQ/s2854/PXL_20220512_054308751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="2854" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmUMAslmKO4l728vI1rXH6UOvc4lfhKK34qYucEq82sywbNQ50D9D2RGTTJob6hX66XvG0FhkZ5htMnWwc2TkBHpy68GtWtXGKsOxqr9x4JW9AxXqKQGiSB5wEJFiB-19qm11XP5CjoBxToJ1JhJSnQPcnvKWIkFcZ6UJSRxOV0ZMjH5fqXMEaQe9TQ/s320/PXL_20220512_054308751.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>At breakfast, it appears that the memo <br />about what to wear was read by some.</i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were references to different parts of the Rule that defined what "community" meant, pitting "the Institute is open to new forms of community life." (#54.4) against how the Rule defines a Brothers community (#64) and what that means in Canon law. It led to the introduction of an amendment to remove the word "Lasallian" from the "vibrant Lasallian communities" phrase. This was eventually rejected by a large majority. Heather addressed what seemed to be the fear of some, when she said: "This does not call for all communities to become mixed communities." People seemed to relax a little after that. In the end, the whole thing passed with 63 votes out of 70, a good example of crowd wisdom on display.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a break, and then Sr. Leslie introduced the next phase of the process. In the next three days will be "building new paths of transformation" (which to me means getting down to business and making some decisions) and moving into "transformation" groups (otherwise known as interest groups). But first we would have to decide on what areas would be addressed. Hence, we went back to our language groups for about 30 minutes and came up with 3-5 areas ("transformative threads") that we thought were the most important. Then we returned to the Aula Magna where each group reported its recommendations to everyone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the secretaries met with the Coordinator and Sr. Leslie to refine all the options into a sensible list to present to the assembly, the Moderator asked me to read the "Letter to the Delegates of AIMEL III" that I had volunteered to write, along with Brothers Carlos Gabriel Gómez (RELAL), Alberto Gómez Barruso (RELEM), Christopher Soosai (PARC) and Rodrigue Toeppen (RELAF). The others had provided input, and I had written the final copy. It was a rather long letter and took a while to read out loud. Since this was read in a roomful of educators, it wouldn't leave the room without recommendations and group edits. Such was the case, with each paragraph considered separately via the Moderator, but the result was definitively improved. Changes were made, and it will be re-introduced tomorrow (I think).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6tTHIMoGhVKL_YeNd2kfJfRVhtDLEPMjH3wctHqoR_HPMjJpkrUn83rrxhplvynvz1RUlMPpfSG63fTPyyyaRjVyT3bPDQpHx64Pl2zinNhXmOJk1iwtw9KUi8MONSHszqehlHhDP6w8eo0NWb5Y1iYoEzQ0z4CEQ-lMKyNx9nBzhgKpebsXsOyQRQ/s3045/PXL_20220512_142625409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1806" data-original-width="3045" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6tTHIMoGhVKL_YeNd2kfJfRVhtDLEPMjH3wctHqoR_HPMjJpkrUn83rrxhplvynvz1RUlMPpfSG63fTPyyyaRjVyT3bPDQpHx64Pl2zinNhXmOJk1iwtw9KUi8MONSHszqehlHhDP6w8eo0NWb5Y1iYoEzQ0z4CEQ-lMKyNx9nBzhgKpebsXsOyQRQ/s320/PXL_20220512_142625409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The secretaries at work with the Coordinator</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">At 12:25 pm, the secretaries group returned and provided their consolidated list of "pathways" - interest groups in pedestrian English. We were released for lunch and resumed at 3:00 pm to consider and vote on each one. For the next ninety minutes, each of the seven "pathways" were considered, with some being approved without a ripple while others experiencing more of a riptide, amendment following amendent - almost all of them finally rejected. In the end, and a fine testimony of the work of the secretaries from the language groups who consolidated them, the list was exactly the same as they had first proposed.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Evangelization in service to education for the poor (Justice and Peace) [<i>Sailed through</i>]</li><li>Spiritual life: Return to the Gospel, radical availability of the Brother [<i>Amendment to leave out "Spiritual life" failed</i>]</li><li>New structures of leadership and governance. [<i>Sailed through</i>]</li><li>Integral ecology [<i>Two attempts to join it with another one on the list failed</i>]</li><li>Association for a bold and prophetic lasallian family. [<i>Attempt to join it with the next one failed</i>]</li><li>Vocation and Accompaniment [<i>Sailed Through</i>]</li><li>Solidarity, viability, and sustainability [<i>Attempt to combine it with another one failed</i>]</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">The final set was passed with 67 out of 70 votes. So those are our groups, and we were invited to go online and choose our first and second preferential choices, which we did. Another huddle in the back room then occurred with the secretaries and the Coordinator, assigning Brothers to the groups according to their preferences. The rest of us hung around in the Aula Magna until at 4:30 we were told to go and have our afternoon break.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVRTUmNf0WKhpDbQr5kYlrGrGt9VLpn8MNEprtmkON1NKt_gB0vYgp1LDtuTWNawoSalRTQ0yhSN51CXksDPbGipOVkzUi10l_18NSGIKLqwOejLml5qC30ZDN1VB9QVM06zrWryCGAf3PG2gc9WHmykuMHz9NUEEI4ux7aKNx1nSBdJM_bF0d5Cwsg/s4080/PXL_20220512_142908971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2894" data-original-width="4080" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVRTUmNf0WKhpDbQr5kYlrGrGt9VLpn8MNEprtmkON1NKt_gB0vYgp1LDtuTWNawoSalRTQ0yhSN51CXksDPbGipOVkzUi10l_18NSGIKLqwOejLml5qC30ZDN1VB9QVM06zrWryCGAf3PG2gc9WHmykuMHz9NUEEI4ux7aKNx1nSBdJM_bF0d5Cwsg/s320/PXL_20220512_142908971.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The waiting game.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we returned at 5:00 pm, the distribution lists and locations for our meetings were put on the screen, and after some final instructions and reminders, we were sent to our rooms to organize ourselves and get the job done. We are to develop a global statement for our area that includes no more than five lines of action, and this will be brought back to the assembly for consideration and adoption. There were four principles to keep in mind: broaden the limits of the status quo; challenge suppositions or common routines; base the actions on what has worked in the past; transmit positive images of ourselves. My group was also my first choice: <i>Vocation and Accompaniment</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our group was in the basement in Room 33. When we got there, the door was locked and no one had a key. I finally found Br. Nestor who knew where the key was located and gave it to me for safe-keeping. Pretty quickly, we decided that we could work with English and Spanish as our main languages, but that we would need interpretation. Luckily, Jorge Sierra was also a member of the group, and he was the translator for this first session, although we asked to have a translator assigned to us for our other meetings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREQQoDUb_IbIPsEDeIk5HrFFsax4YzptY7zakgr0XE5aw8gvS83lVvt_D9slBk9Z8v5Jwhrjbsqycks-GJGObgHDkMwIolDuH9gW6n03Fv_uZbIbe31gqHkBLpiJL9t3ZsJb4ytnSIy0xALwCZSWtX1-wuXaUZS91JYu0EiyphaS5UVS6u0kBM7sWzw/s4080/PXL_20220512_161854554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2236" data-original-width="4080" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREQQoDUb_IbIPsEDeIk5HrFFsax4YzptY7zakgr0XE5aw8gvS83lVvt_D9slBk9Z8v5Jwhrjbsqycks-GJGObgHDkMwIolDuH9gW6n03Fv_uZbIbe31gqHkBLpiJL9t3ZsJb4ytnSIy0xALwCZSWtX1-wuXaUZS91JYu0EiyphaS5UVS6u0kBM7sWzw/s320/PXL_20220512_161854554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Between 5:45 pm and 6:40, we chose a Moderator, Br. William Fernando Duque from Bogota who is bilingual and at the University there, and we chose a secretary, yours truly. Then William highlighted the importance of Circular 475 and urged us to read it again, if we could. He then invited us to share our background and reasons for our interest in this topic. With Jorge Sierra's help in translating, each person did so. It was evident that all of those in the room were used to this sort of setting and did what was asked with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of rich information. We finished about 10 minutes before the 6:45 pm Mass and will resume our work tomorrow morning, working all day on the topic that has been entrusted to us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWQkNghHktFfMhOJ_3Gt3melVW0t0zT_SRQOJrFW2jcP3wu5W-Sw4ietP7LFUErnGCtdrvKJh8FiAoz2GCKLOlEURL0O7ZLUqlLbOBK0BHAIG61T4VzPsRI4Fy2uc22hMujnzQcrjP2NpJLAmhNB_OojqpzDuHx04qp7F9-aDl6jT93YNSeiF3CifKg/s4080/PXL_20220503_172853907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWQkNghHktFfMhOJ_3Gt3melVW0t0zT_SRQOJrFW2jcP3wu5W-Sw4ietP7LFUErnGCtdrvKJh8FiAoz2GCKLOlEURL0O7ZLUqlLbOBK0BHAIG61T4VzPsRI4Fy2uc22hMujnzQcrjP2NpJLAmhNB_OojqpzDuHx04qp7F9-aDl6jT93YNSeiF3CifKg/s320/PXL_20220503_172853907.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The contemporary holy water font.</i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-6894388511766950642022-05-11T15:08:00.004-07:002022-05-23T11:37:04.575-07:00May 11, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">If you thought that voting could not be dramatic, read on. Today we moved into the next phase of this rather unique General Chapter, facilitated by Sr. Leslie and determined to introduce a new means of coming to decisions that breaks with the past. The phase we moved into today was called "The Audacity of Truth." (I'm really suppressing the temptation to make spontaneous comments.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlrQYD887dljXizUMJaJ1i9N8NLjLxuJvlFheAJsrH5kpZDn7z7FqeBA4U7qWdDS84G-F4c-7DT8dGYuzlU4Yy-pRJ2P3iIlz4v_s_N-V_DAvXrjNdFuEQ_bYuCb7Fb45qa4aaowS_EiR_xdjCl7N3CQE2qy2VZl0Oc1SyoxJskkQO1G6BWRQK1CzYg/s3893/PXL_20220511_112341934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3893" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlrQYD887dljXizUMJaJ1i9N8NLjLxuJvlFheAJsrH5kpZDn7z7FqeBA4U7qWdDS84G-F4c-7DT8dGYuzlU4Yy-pRJ2P3iIlz4v_s_N-V_DAvXrjNdFuEQ_bYuCb7Fb45qa4aaowS_EiR_xdjCl7N3CQE2qy2VZl0Oc1SyoxJskkQO1G6BWRQK1CzYg/s320/PXL_20220511_112341934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Our dining hall during lunch.)</div><p style="text-align: justify;">The day began with the sharing of the "values" that were finalized in the last sessions from yesterday. These were presented by each group, and the central commission helpfully provided a summation of the most prominet ones: Audacity and Solidarity. The goal was to settle on three to five of these values. The list from the various language groups included Interiority, Solidarity, Boldness, Culture of Encounter, Integral Ecological Commitment (Is that a value?), Authenticity, Vulnerability, Perseverance, Conversion, Justice, and Unity. The discussion that followed allowed participants to highlight and explain specific values. I spoke up to emphasize the importance of interiority, especially in light of thet other two general preferences. Here is a sample of comments from the floor:</p><ul><li>Values call to each other and relativize each other. You can’t have a culture of encounter without vulnerability - to allow ourselves to be moved. You could not have a culture of encounter without daring or audacity. These values are not absolutes; they are in relationship and have synergy.</li><li>There is a great brainstorming of words here. Choosing is difficult. In the end, we should keep some. In the final list, we will have 3 or 5, but the other topics should show up also. All of them follow paths of transformation.</li><li>I’m happy with this intellectual map. I will go home with a backpack filled with these values, not just three.</li></ul>The discussion was rich and filled with some great insights. People realized the rich relationships between all of these values, and it would be very difficult to choose only three. The way that we were asked to prioritize our choices was to use menti.com and choose our top three. This would give us a sense of where we were. After a couple of false starts, we did the menti.com survey and found that three of them has risen to the top: solidarity (26%), audacity or boldness (23%), and interiority (23%). The others were 8% or less and therefore not really at the same level. But in the approval voting of the top values, the Coordinator and Moderators had chosen to vote for the top five. I don't know why this was done, since clearly the top three were way ahead of the next two. But "Culture of Encounter" (8%) and "Integral Ecological Commitment" (6%) came to be included in the list; it would be hard to vote against them, since who would choose to not do those things? To my way of thinking, these two latter "values" were of a very different kind than the top three in terms of popularity.<div><br /></div><div>Now things became very interesting, because an amendment was introduced, which required only one other person's support to be considered in the assembly, to change "boldness" (the word equivalent to audacity) to "prophetic boldness." Several people spoke against that change - different interpretation in Muslim countries, removes the simplicity of a single word, etc. I also spoke against the amendment, mentioning that the single word by itself would provide maximum impact and the least misinterpretation. When the vote for or against the adoption of the amendment was taken, the results mauy be seen at the top of the photo below, in the red numbers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA-BulmmTLdjO0AyT4mTXA2SS0jh-HUDEp6Bk2dvuge2plYqIRuQCYAE7nCPiDWxe0xilQ_VJtpap0St3gljsbrDVRK8KBvSSsNxQt1nW8igkqmE9PONovKxal1KITcZzOjck8G6qGeC2tWlGwEevbJghHNhaEdUKbqXR9BdGWvPmI8mFAedsLOfBUA/s3107/PXL_20220511_083652296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2655" data-original-width="3107" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsA-BulmmTLdjO0AyT4mTXA2SS0jh-HUDEp6Bk2dvuge2plYqIRuQCYAE7nCPiDWxe0xilQ_VJtpap0St3gljsbrDVRK8KBvSSsNxQt1nW8igkqmE9PONovKxal1KITcZzOjck8G6qGeC2tWlGwEevbJghHNhaEdUKbqXR9BdGWvPmI8mFAedsLOfBUA/s320/PXL_20220511_083652296.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>There were 33 votes in favor and 33 votes against, with one abstention and one Juxta Modum. But the Juxta Modum vote is counted as a positive vote, as indicated in our adopted rules, and therefore the amendment passed. I was sorry to see this happen. I was also sorry that there wasn't a vote to determine whether we would stick to three top values or include five values. I thought that "boldness" was confined when "prophetic" was added to it. What does that word mean anyway? The simplicity and power of "boldness" was religiously domesticated when an adjective like "prophetic" was added, because immediately the phrase could be easily dismissed as irrelevant or limited to only one kind of boldness. In my estimattion, our final list had lost a foundational clarity, simplicity, and impact when it moved away from the direct and originally contemplated list of Audacity, Solidarity, and Interiority. Be that as it may, we have to trust in the Holy Spirit, and I'll try my best to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next step in the process was to move toward the "dream." (Is it because I'm American that I'm becoming a little impatient with having to go through all of these flooty-floaty words and exercises?) The question now became: What process of conversion are we being asked to enter into as an individual, District, Region, or Institute, and what are we hoping to be the result after the next seven years? For the next couple of hours - through lunch - we were invited to take time by ourselves to discern and write down our thoughts on cards that we would share later in the day. A quiet period of about an hour followed, and I went out to sit on one of the benches in the garden to think things through, making some notes along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ru1JGFnD7OEisTDyY4KSuVrmruD3t8veyLJutZfCAIxjeOnKuIELULvwYwXMD9jGL0XhsMm21Wrq7vBSSETM3HOasXOwRriAOLSRc-fDBmIKQ4Lvps33S7_PaPL-T20nudXnbOk-zXQrpFUEeeRCeiWt2LTMju1OA2U423Qd_Ka7whpfgp3ew8miDw/s3750/PXL_20220511_140341320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="3750" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ru1JGFnD7OEisTDyY4KSuVrmruD3t8veyLJutZfCAIxjeOnKuIELULvwYwXMD9jGL0XhsMm21Wrq7vBSSETM3HOasXOwRriAOLSRc-fDBmIKQ4Lvps33S7_PaPL-T20nudXnbOk-zXQrpFUEeeRCeiWt2LTMju1OA2U423Qd_Ka7whpfgp3ew8miDw/s320/PXL_20220511_140341320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>When we resumed our meetings at 3 pm, it was in our ENG2 language group, going through the Philips 4, 4, 4, process once again to share what we had written down and come to a consensus. Those converstions, I must say, were fruitful exercises and enjoyable, requiring active listerning. By the end of our time, a small sub-group put our thoughts together to share with the large group at 5:00 pm.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the Aula Magna, the secretary from each of the six groups spoke about their unified single "conversion" and three "results." Our group's conversion statement was "A journey of synodality based on trust and availability." and the hoped for results were "Radical availability of Brothers", "Vibrant Lasallian communities where interiority is fostered", and "Sustainable structures of governance for the Lasallian Family (shared authority, reflect realities, etc...)".</div><div><br /></div><div>Each of the sets were read, discussed, and voted on in the large assembly. The original intent to combine all of them into a single set was abandoned, and each one was considered, with some amended, and then voted on. (Although I don't know where that decision had come from.) It was a bit of a tedious process, with word-smithing and nuanced explanations, but the proces was helpful becuase it allowed a wider consideration of implications among the other sets. This went on until 6:30 pm, when we called it quits because Mass as going to begin soon and the Archbishop in charge of the discastory for Catholic education was going to be our celebrant. We will resume the process tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QSockKfcUGylMACakMVa_alsRLhzoI7YDtSGQgO9EbB_Ofi5Fmf-uGHAU_jUWttoGZNn9mpv53OUc3eeqEp4aZzptJEW8X7jiXslUASj1p-1uRW_fXn8SRP6pn_7YkNlRPjep71zIzesj7wnsHelNqKtIty2sJLFIhJu3x0LHieALojHwQE2U0zHDA/s2168/PXL_20220511_170351062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2168" data-original-width="1476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QSockKfcUGylMACakMVa_alsRLhzoI7YDtSGQgO9EbB_Ofi5Fmf-uGHAU_jUWttoGZNn9mpv53OUc3eeqEp4aZzptJEW8X7jiXslUASj1p-1uRW_fXn8SRP6pn_7YkNlRPjep71zIzesj7wnsHelNqKtIty2sJLFIhJu3x0LHieALojHwQE2U0zHDA/s320/PXL_20220511_170351062.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div>The Mass was in French, and the pulled together choir would sing in French. I found the music quiet engaging and participated in the choir. The only thing that was predictably difficult was the fact that archbishop spoke for 25 minutes during the homily... in Italian ... to a congregation among which perhaps 14 Brothers understood what was being said. I'm sure that he was full of good intentions, but I can't say that he was a genuine educator.</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards, the RELAN group had arranged to go out to dinner, and this we did at <i>Casseruola</i>, a favorite restaurant of a number of Brothers, although a bit of walk from the Casa Generalizia. It was worth it. We had a grand evening there, and it was good to relax a bit after a rather arduous day. We also took time at the end to thank Br. Tim Coldwell for his service to the region as the regional councillor, complete with some short speeches and response from Tim. It was fine way to end the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5QxjCdcjL-xqkTVqeAxV6r-0tBXgr_uZwZlb2BnE9UZRduqpOK-Mxyj-SUtCeThY_fE7Y5gBdjw2v8ijUwE3Be1dOGr963PNjgOj44FBLk2ZhGzFuUvHLt9SJphlQ0AsTHP0cNKhuKRAKf46dGWBwK-Bq-9RfE71Tn25sLNp9ZoIj_HKhCoZaIeTDQ/s4032/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1959" data-original-width="4032" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5QxjCdcjL-xqkTVqeAxV6r-0tBXgr_uZwZlb2BnE9UZRduqpOK-Mxyj-SUtCeThY_fE7Y5gBdjw2v8ijUwE3Be1dOGr963PNjgOj44FBLk2ZhGzFuUvHLt9SJphlQ0AsTHP0cNKhuKRAKf46dGWBwK-Bq-9RfE71Tn25sLNp9ZoIj_HKhCoZaIeTDQ/w488-h236/1.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Photo by Br. Chris Patino)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-45805618319844904712022-05-10T13:22:00.001-07:002022-05-23T11:36:32.514-07:00May 10, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p>Today we moved into a new phase of the discernment process at the General Chapter. The "Challenges" that were combined last evening by the Secretaries of the language groups would be revealed, and a hushed anticipation reflected our interest. The statement was projected on the screen behind the dais, along with the "Conditions" that had been similarly combined.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMR8KIu_V7EZ5vISWkO_Ts8AZ97Reyq3gEwmW-p-W5R-z2El1U9OLNmQwNKt7xucIVBXbGPcD08il8joIfwuuW4Fbk7XI849mpIs4MdaydXg9uTmE9Wee_YOVQ0CmHtmK8xYuGydazQKQ_JtzvouK0O-7fQ-FymcJddRJs_PL2S28K0B7haDTmN_4Dw/s3258/PXL_20220510_181144381.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3258" data-original-width="2196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMR8KIu_V7EZ5vISWkO_Ts8AZ97Reyq3gEwmW-p-W5R-z2El1U9OLNmQwNKt7xucIVBXbGPcD08il8joIfwuuW4Fbk7XI849mpIs4MdaydXg9uTmE9Wee_YOVQ0CmHtmK8xYuGydazQKQ_JtzvouK0O-7fQ-FymcJddRJs_PL2S28K0B7haDTmN_4Dw/s320/PXL_20220510_181144381.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(This is just a nice photo of a Brother making a phone call outside.)</div><p></p><p>The task now was to consider, discuss, amend, and approve these statements separately. This was a challenge because the approved process for doing so was cumbersome, limited, and not very user friendly. We were told that we could only ask questions for clarification, which was to be expected, and after that - and right after that - to propose amendments, each of which required a second by a member of the asembly, and each of which would be immediately voted on after questions of clarification. There was clearly a time element at play. But before I could sufficiently read the run-on sentence to make some sense out of it, we were required to amend it and vote on it. There was really little or no time to reflect on the statement, sit with it a while, and perhaps suggest some elements for change.</p><p>There followed a painful (my assessment) 90 minutes during which the Moderators bravely followed the established protocols. There was no general discussion of concerns or amendments, because the time did not allow for this, and any amendments were hardly introduced before they were voted on. The saving grace ws the fact the Brothers in the room were "street smart" when it came to rapidly changing circumstances, and where five amendments were proposed, only three of them passed. The final statement of the "Challenge" was this: "We Brothers of the Christian Schools, called by God and challenged by various forms of poverty and injustice in our world, embrace the founding, prophetic intuition of the Lasallian Family and commit ourselves to witness communion through educational and evangelizing service among those who are impoverished."<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSF8Ofj0pj-5sJoyrkeS_6QO-tQnPK0CYWcLB4kMlaqKRZq3AmlvozJJsSDqnu5Ny6x8NpZdY2lIWMSaSQ938Vx_1zy3O77PlVC1rIuk-QJjG2TRGH-AjIwJHGUjmcvl8-yGXNVLe8teKWmiLkUdnkvU9QTcWhnBksxDL_PE_9HDImj9eAR4G3hhn3g/s3548/PXL_20220510_134406608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="3548" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSF8Ofj0pj-5sJoyrkeS_6QO-tQnPK0CYWcLB4kMlaqKRZq3AmlvozJJsSDqnu5Ny6x8NpZdY2lIWMSaSQ938Vx_1zy3O77PlVC1rIuk-QJjG2TRGH-AjIwJHGUjmcvl8-yGXNVLe8teKWmiLkUdnkvU9QTcWhnBksxDL_PE_9HDImj9eAR4G3hhn3g/s320/PXL_20220510_134406608.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />(A welcome break in the middle of our session.)</div><p>I appreciated the fact that Br. Robert Schieler, our current Superior General, made an intervention indicating that the first word of the original text (Revitalize) didn't seem to be very helpful or positive, and that "We Brothers" would work better. When asked by the Moderator whether this was an amendment, since little else was allowed, he said, "Why not?", and it it was quickly approved. After a number of these amendments had taken place, the Moderator said, "We should move on to the conditions. We’re not approving the ten commandments here." And so we did.</p><p>The "Conditions" in their relatively final form said the following (although don't quote me because they still have to be finalized by the Coordinator and the Central Commission, based on subsequent email input):</p><ul><li>As Brothers, beginning with initial formation and continuing throughout our life in community, deepen our vocational identity by responding to the call of God in Jesus allowing our hearts to be touched and converted by those who are poor.</li><li>Our various communities re-imagine, together and by association, our way of living, in order to be fraternal witnesses committed to those most in need.</li><li>At all levels of the Institute we will ensure structures of governance that generate co-responsibility, sustainability, transparency and solidarity to creatively ensure the animation of the Lasallian educational mission throughout the world.</li></ul>The entire set - <i>Challenges and Conditions</i> - passed with 59 in favor, 5 against, 1 abstaining, and 4 <i>Juxta Modem</i>. Applause all around, probably both because folks were glad that it had passed and glad that this arduous process had been completed. One Brother later called it a very poor example of classroom management. Some of us were just frustrated that after so much talk about a new process, we'd gotten bogged down in word-smithing, as helpful as this might have been. A good alternative would have been to discuss the text, provide input orally or via email, and send it back to the Central Commission who could return with a second version.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkvm7Wo_T68PK_A7vfT_AncbQ8LfrOm1HvbgwCSXj0-MHuM4BIW3BEgu6G9Ja4cMBjL4yyuyXPJUaDKt1TghThWykdgBJ13Z5YPl4E3_I046XKoU3fdeH5n5rPULr0NKaiXsUdgKLUzDUsLUdWLI-30NC4RD5hAFgXNZzwZipD5hVZKC5ujGk-_aulQ/s4916/PXL_20220510_091827275.PANO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="4916" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkvm7Wo_T68PK_A7vfT_AncbQ8LfrOm1HvbgwCSXj0-MHuM4BIW3BEgu6G9Ja4cMBjL4yyuyXPJUaDKt1TghThWykdgBJ13Z5YPl4E3_I046XKoU3fdeH5n5rPULr0NKaiXsUdgKLUzDUsLUdWLI-30NC4RD5hAFgXNZzwZipD5hVZKC5ujGk-_aulQ/w486-h161/PXL_20220510_091827275.PANO.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>After a welcome lunch and a break, at 3:00 pm we moved on to step number 6 (or was it 7?) in the process: World Cafe. After some instructions, we moved to one of the dining rooms where ten tables had been prepared (4 English, 4 Spanish, 2 French). The task was to articulate our "dream" for the future - the main thing that we want to work on, using evocative and motivational language. While those overseeing the process facilitated coffee and cookies all around, we met at the tables and came up with our dreams for the future, moving three times to share and rediscuss and refine it at different tables. I volunteered to be the Secretary/Moderator at one of the tables, but I guess I didn't understand the instructions clearly because my table never did come up any clear "dream" statement. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31TWOGkNRTGFIih7_SqI0lxt7h91jmPt-e3VsvSijcyUlGHJEe4DZxBwLD5yxvijPiGh_7PpHBKQR6sJLfGEiks53EtsbPstR-VyuACkYXLhDvbZ3rdUD7q1A2DGCr5wCno_VL6gwydSkOaKFEq0-0QP6GBkO8veDGT4XayleySwEy-GSiY6AWXBAhg/s3149/PXL_20220510_091836196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="3149" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31TWOGkNRTGFIih7_SqI0lxt7h91jmPt-e3VsvSijcyUlGHJEe4DZxBwLD5yxvijPiGh_7PpHBKQR6sJLfGEiks53EtsbPstR-VyuACkYXLhDvbZ3rdUD7q1A2DGCr5wCno_VL6gwydSkOaKFEq0-0QP6GBkO8veDGT4XayleySwEy-GSiY6AWXBAhg/w417-h158/PXL_20220510_091836196.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>After the excercise, those anchoring each table, including me, got together in language groups to combine their results into a single language-based statement. Ours was "Create One LaSalle that invigorates life and mission through Gospel fraternity." The French ended up with "Un Institut renouvelé générateur de nombreuses nouvelles vocations lasalliennes comme levain d’un monde plus fraternel. (A renewed Institute generating many new Lasallian vocations as leaven in a more fraternal world.)" and the Spanish had "Una familia en salida al encuentro de Dios en los empobrecidos y la promoción de la justicia. (One family in search of a meeting with God in the impoverished and the promotion of justice.)" Are you getting interested yet?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WENjQjphTdXrXe_JFxbN6jOJSgNG1kQsyduw3QpT-40XjvweEMWkvEqLgy9GQ6Uurd3zP-ouidAr7SKGSCITm3j4eqyykj-Zhpd4PCC2TU8JtRk1mA68QgN94IA1TimiVUFvV9jCIzsuKmqlEhMVI_P9ErCeOXiCzutgvHz5nsbo_wUttLwQz7w-DA/s2918/PXL_20220510_133334982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2398" data-original-width="2918" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WENjQjphTdXrXe_JFxbN6jOJSgNG1kQsyduw3QpT-40XjvweEMWkvEqLgy9GQ6Uurd3zP-ouidAr7SKGSCITm3j4eqyykj-Zhpd4PCC2TU8JtRk1mA68QgN94IA1TimiVUFvV9jCIzsuKmqlEhMVI_P9ErCeOXiCzutgvHz5nsbo_wUttLwQz7w-DA/s320/PXL_20220510_133334982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>After comments from the floor, the group leaders left the room to see if they could put all of that into one statement. During this interim time, the rest of us heard from the representatives of the Guadalupanas Sisters and the Lasallian Sisters from Vietnam who were there. Both were refreshing, short presentations about their realities and the various challenges that they were facing, and both received sincere, sustained applause.</div><div><br /></div><div>When the "combined" version of the "dream" returned to the floor, we went through a similar process of consideration of statemements, amendments, suggestions, etc., and ended up with our final statement of the "dream" for the future: "We are one renewed Lasallian Family of different vocations, leaven for a more fraternal world, sent forth to encounter God in those who are poor and to promote justice." For the very first time in our voting process the acceptance of this statement was 68 in favor and 2 Juxta Modem, which meant that everyone in the room voted for it. It was unanimous, with a couple of folks indicating that they'd like to see some slight modification which they would submit later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt_6FkOn84nlJA1R8cy138CYHpUqmtWQ04KhUtxMKsX9KIpYhY9RxuYph64CHv7Rf979uhWuSdYqdhUdmnIwsfT27usGETNNFDzd0qLVQRKhn8Psdv_mip5YfFDrEhsMQjnRVmt5FKvD0PZHZgaOitfkcKghyKR-jqkiloRwIr5K1RttgQt82lruWOQ/s3543/DAY%2009_FSC46GC_08%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="3543" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt_6FkOn84nlJA1R8cy138CYHpUqmtWQ04KhUtxMKsX9KIpYhY9RxuYph64CHv7Rf979uhWuSdYqdhUdmnIwsfT27usGETNNFDzd0qLVQRKhn8Psdv_mip5YfFDrEhsMQjnRVmt5FKvD0PZHZgaOitfkcKghyKR-jqkiloRwIr5K1RttgQt82lruWOQ/w426-h153/DAY%2009_FSC46GC_08%20(1).jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div>The last piece of today's activities would happen in the regional groups. We were asked to meet and determine the "values" that would strengthen, reinforce, inculcate, and prioritize this recently articulated "dream". In our RELAN group, Br. Robert Schaeffer did a clever thing, asking us to split into four sub-groups and determine the attitude, behavior, or action that would ensure that this dream <u>never</u> comes true, followed by the values that we need to transform those negative ones. These were then shared in the larger group, and the list was "voted" on by going around the room and choosing the top three in our estimation. The final ones that we will submit tomorrow at our first general meeting were Audacity (or Holy Audacity from Med 96.2), Vulnerability (the willingness to take risks and to fail, and to be honest about having participated in the structures that got us here), and Perseverance (Faithfulness).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbDTtsxuumfpBV1DalUSw5WoDAFgvXV1UedI5wM-qNmDD6T1R8zWbHdnUm8YqMehJSNJ_8rjK0JV2ZJlB_iZUOElRBawh5I1JGOQGjE4Rlteu9eqQMRV_LvlYVeac3zQOmiq0FiJzDpL_8eO6XB_XcO7OVzj3kv6-ywvnIEkJfEID0oBu8NnFTC9geA/s3765/PXL_20220510_184353976.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1736" data-original-width="3765" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbDTtsxuumfpBV1DalUSw5WoDAFgvXV1UedI5wM-qNmDD6T1R8zWbHdnUm8YqMehJSNJ_8rjK0JV2ZJlB_iZUOElRBawh5I1JGOQGjE4Rlteu9eqQMRV_LvlYVeac3zQOmiq0FiJzDpL_8eO6XB_XcO7OVzj3kv6-ywvnIEkJfEID0oBu8NnFTC9geA/s320/PXL_20220510_184353976.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Because we pretty much regulated ourselves at the end of the day, we were able to end at around 6:00 pm and not the 6:43 pm of the previous days, just before Mass at 6:45 pm, giving us the rare luxury of some free time. After the liturgy, the RELEM and RELAF groups went out for dinner, leaving the RELAN and RELAF groups in the dining hall - a much smaller group. Afterwards, some when to the Den for some welcome relaxation.</div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-35396781776119069422022-05-09T14:12:00.002-07:002022-05-23T11:35:39.783-07:00May 9, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">Today's activites were complicated by the fact that it was my 70th birthday. Not only did this little matter hijack most of the relational activities of the day, but it was also a challenge to my hoped-for sense of humility. I don't think that I've been so warmly congratulated by so many people at any other birthday that I can remember ... which is a mental activity that has become a little less reliable than before. <a href="https://youtu.be/RrW5hnn7rNo">HERE</a> is a short video of the assembly in song.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zbCAkYJs4EgrSavsC-DvO5nnI6tS32a-TL77YqvehnDNr_99uQBIsR0LhF2W4IeIFrsv_cSs_lexukymYJPFEUR8Vnpr94xMxrbhQfxRmKoAd33QIpI9hGmFkQmXf3CcuOP0xh8cp9vDiEkr9KCsqekYT7q6bDtkxmlQC_VIcGiJlLeGXe3oKwGQMg/s2048/Birthday.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zbCAkYJs4EgrSavsC-DvO5nnI6tS32a-TL77YqvehnDNr_99uQBIsR0LhF2W4IeIFrsv_cSs_lexukymYJPFEUR8Vnpr94xMxrbhQfxRmKoAd33QIpI9hGmFkQmXf3CcuOP0xh8cp9vDiEkr9KCsqekYT7q6bDtkxmlQC_VIcGiJlLeGXe3oKwGQMg/s320/Birthday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>But this isn't a blog about my birthday, so let's get to the business of the day. The very first overview of the day, presented by Br. Jorge, recognized the fact that participants in the Chapter has expressed their interest in spending more time talking about the presentation that Paco and Heather had made about the Secretariat of Association, and so the schedule was adapted to accommodate that desire. We would spend out first hour discussing their presentation and answering questions from the Chapter delegates. </p><p>A very rich discussion period followed. Just some highlights that are entirely personally chosen:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is the mechanism in which we associate others in decisions about the mission? Decisions are made through a vocation, through dedication to the mission, through holiness. Answer: experiential formation is needed by all in the Lasallian mission. Look at Circular 475 to see how vocations are developed. All Christians are called to holiness, and all of us share this concern for the mission. There could be poorly trained Brothers. not only lay people.</li><li>Charismatic families in other congregations have a council so that they can make official what it means to be part of that charismatic family. Shouldn't we have the same thing? Answer: Not yet. We don’t have an established standard of identity for the Lasallian Family. Perhaps later we can begin a process for a letter of identity. For now, the <i>Letter to the Lasallian Family</i> suffices.</li><li>A concern was expressed that we are not an NGO. The institute is a public expression of the church. If we don’t reference the Rule, I don’t know how we talk about association. The Rule manifests the character of the Institute and gives the meaning of the Brothers life. Answer: The work of charismatic families is also a public work to be present in the Church. Religious life doesn’t fill the entire charism. Therefore, the Rule doesn’t apply to lay people; it applies to the Brothers. We need to adjust ourselves to journey along together.</li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-b7e71b76-7fff-9f7c-2adb-49215c88e08a"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The model of association needs more study. The Institute needs more models of association. But maybe we don’t give a lot of value to the vocation of the Brother. Perhaps we’re guilty of something. W</span></span>e have to improve, to look at our history, and to revise our structure. This is the institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, with our lay partners in different models of association. Answer by Heather: "AIMEL in one of its proposals calls for more structures of association. In terms of the Brothers vocation, I don’t want to be a committed member of the Lasallian family without the Brothers. Many Lasallian Partners are working hard to ask young men to join the Institute - perhaps more than some Brothers. My vocation as a committed Lasallian Partners is not there because there are few brothers in my district, but because I’ve been called to serve young people - that’s the Holy Spirit; not a statistic."</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">More questions of the a similar sort ensued. At 10:00 am, Sr. Leslie introduced the next step in the process, whereby we will generate collective sharing and awareness, paths in the midst of diversity. The primary question is "What is the challenge that the Institute has at this time? What is it that impels me towards the future? Where do we want to give our mark, our footsteps? We will spend some time reflecting on our own and then meet in language groups to come to an shared understanign of our primary challenge or vision, and we will determine the three conditions or aspects of our present reality that are needed to address that challenge. (I know that some of this seems like corporate speak, but it made sense to us and was explained well.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we did get together, we again did the Phillips 4, 4, 4 method so that small group conversations turned into larger group conversations, whereby our thoughts were unified into a single statement.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a break for lunch and some rest before resuming at 3:00 pm. Since this was my 70th birthday, the midday meal included a large cake and an enthusiastic singing of "Happy Birthday to You" on the part of the 70+ delegates, with myself standing next to the cake. It's always a nice and slightly awkward position to be in. While I'm not one to really relish such singular attention, I also must say that I was touched by the sincerity of the sentiments expressed. The Brothers really are very kind in situations such as this. The cake was cut and Brothers jumped in to help with the cutting up of the cake and the distribution, Thankfully, there was just enought to go around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqYDu-3dRxFgK4gZzawj0CKPdWdbl_gqeZJu6elcqyNEiLWDB0cy7Q-kRtghe6kfFsL4OI519-a2KnH7oJIlR3init-B8xT-2P78g4gv5GdQEsBzfU8YJBLJVzoMvt5em55CbxSOnDPlC6db5zTk3C6fiUFTEXYHUyw59Daz7OqU_syppurjgZxRQuQ/s3011/PXL_20220509_104652578.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1629" data-original-width="3011" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqYDu-3dRxFgK4gZzawj0CKPdWdbl_gqeZJu6elcqyNEiLWDB0cy7Q-kRtghe6kfFsL4OI519-a2KnH7oJIlR3init-B8xT-2P78g4gv5GdQEsBzfU8YJBLJVzoMvt5em55CbxSOnDPlC6db5zTk3C6fiUFTEXYHUyw59Daz7OqU_syppurjgZxRQuQ/s320/PXL_20220509_104652578.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Resuming our work at 3:00 pm, we returned to our language groups - ENG2 for me - and worked on creating a "challenge" statement and three "conditions" that would help make it possible to begin to address that challenge. Some members of our group were very practically minded and helped us refine some intitial proposed language so that it simply and strongly said what we wanted to say. I'll just share what our group said our challenge was: "We are challenged to deepen our commitment to become Gospel witnesses of communion that compels us to further respond to the educational service of the poor." Our group was fairly homogeneous about the details and we finished our work at around 4:00 pm, which gave me time to go to my office and do some of my other work until 5:30 pm when everyone would return to the <i>Aula Magna</i> to report the results from their group.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The six groups dutifully did so within about 18 minutes, although an hour had been scheduled. There were few questions. The rest of the time was given to general input, opinions, or concerns. It was an engaging and rich exchange. Among the highlights:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How does our education offer an emancipatory and liberating education for the marginalized, especially communities that have been "made poor" by society over the years?</li><li>What does "charismatic family" mean? Answer: The definition comes from the Union of Superiors General: People from different states of life who recognize themselves as belonging to the same charism as the Founder and united in the family of Christ.</li><li>There was an expression of concern about the next step, in which representatives of the six groups will meet this evening to create a single "challenge" and three "conditions" from the ideas submitted by the six language groups (two Spanish, two English, one French) in such as way that it will make all of us feel included and specific enough to be transformative. A difficult task</li><li>We should be careful about using the expression of "charistmatic family." The Lasallian Family is more inclusive than the charismatic family - perhaps this is not the most adequate expression for the Lasallian world, since we are in locations that are not largely Christian and yet have a real impact there.</li><li>The last intervention shared five terms that stood our to this delegate as key, especially since they represented the "God possessed" notion highlighted by our first speaker. The terms were prophetic, consciousness shift, charismatic, founding intuition, and gospel fraternity.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">It should be noted that while these are long days for the participants of the Chapter, some members would spend even longer in either writing up the minutes (the appointed secretaries) or meeting to consolidate input from the various groups. This evenning's work in that respect will be key.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbxSGUABlrBLIF3aNAnYoR6Re9NNbvG77CqCeCSddkXuiZmD3RTugQBAW5R5gRe2_1-gH4Sdq6kTADTg9Do4OyC845Njt9st7zqtQZ2wfPp8Wa_lORsLujV_oUioINKC-IKs_bwcCg7nTqpzphElAqJbRsj169U9G4QGw-Eo3PqQbjpA-Mn4TBicPpQ/s4080/PXL_20220509_184938229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="4080" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbxSGUABlrBLIF3aNAnYoR6Re9NNbvG77CqCeCSddkXuiZmD3RTugQBAW5R5gRe2_1-gH4Sdq6kTADTg9Do4OyC845Njt9st7zqtQZ2wfPp8Wa_lORsLujV_oUioINKC-IKs_bwcCg7nTqpzphElAqJbRsj169U9G4QGw-Eo3PqQbjpA-Mn4TBicPpQ/s320/PXL_20220509_184938229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Here is the group working through the evening<br /> to produce a consolidated "challenge" and "conditions")</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After some announcements from Br. Jorge Sierra, the session was closed at 6:30 and Mass followed at 6:45 pm - with French hymns. After dinner, there was a social for the general group, although perhaps only twenty people were there. People are getting a bit tired and probably cherish their own time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's clear, however, that we've embarked on the "next phase" of our process, during which we will begine to establish our primary directions and focus. Tomorrow the group that is consolodating our language group reports will provide a single "challenge" - supported by threee "conditions" - that will be presented, discussed, and voted on by the assembly. It's a challenging task for that group, and I look forward to see the fruit of their evening labors. As for myself, I'm glad to get to bed before midnight. And I'm very thankful for the very kind wishes that have been showered on me today.</div></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-3836337076610181992022-05-08T15:36:00.003-07:002022-05-23T11:35:09.050-07:00May 8, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p>This was the I-can't-believe-we-have-a-break day. The Chapter has been going full bore for a week, and today was the day that we could relax a bit, according to our preferences. The major options were a trip to Assisi or doing something around Rome. (The third option, of course, was to make up your own itinerary for the day.) I chose to go to Assisi because I hadn't been there for quite a while.</p><p>The bus left at 7:30 am. Quoting Br. Antxon, "Not 7:26 or 7:35, but 7:30 am." And indeed this was the case. The large bus was waiting and ready in the front courtyard of the Casa Generalizia, and some 30+ Brothers participated, Brothers from each of the three language groups. The drive there would take about 3 hours, but it was a comfortable ride and people settled down to having conversations, doing some reading or surfing on their phones, or simply watching the scenery or sleeping. I did the latter, since I'd only gotten about 5 hours or sleep.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVStNqDZcKp7jthMfJFQN4l7E0xPKbO8kRG_Ru8v3H93z_jV1rsSiQTGE5Otb2MZ-LTtMeA3KzKlUauVyqdStsVcG4EfpKXCbNE7fpGLMD-48XBPYF4BFHKCL6l0QJeLcHoYDdYFXcxpPKkVPRik5mi5cBKNLiZj4nAk10nTy7IgedoiW_lqJKF0bGw/s3219/PXL_20220508_080909521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2146" data-original-width="3219" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVStNqDZcKp7jthMfJFQN4l7E0xPKbO8kRG_Ru8v3H93z_jV1rsSiQTGE5Otb2MZ-LTtMeA3KzKlUauVyqdStsVcG4EfpKXCbNE7fpGLMD-48XBPYF4BFHKCL6l0QJeLcHoYDdYFXcxpPKkVPRik5mi5cBKNLiZj4nAk10nTy7IgedoiW_lqJKF0bGw/s320/PXL_20220508_080909521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Upon arrival, half the group - the older bunch, of whom I now consider myself one - made a beeline for the bathrooms near the bus parking lot, and then we received the overview of the day from Br. Antxon. It had been pre-arranged that two Franciscans would meet us near the "New Church" to take an English group and a Spanish group to different locations for input about the Franciscans and their experiences, including the efforts they have made to bring the major Franciscan groups together in recent years. We had some fine input and interactions that lasted for about an hour. After this, we were free to roam around the streets until the planned meal at a restaurant that was located near the bus park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAXYrxe0il5-vkrWbcyEekj75YdjgiSCQGBQhBidoYXSHOIgT0cfVktcJ_2c7HprvFzPa3fQN70GQ6-9x-sXH-khxID8LQBtDpuq8SNmojCnLqaxUElbRKPaO6AYTZTY4ed_tAqa94Wygpc9Q4_NTlGiAT9D2ETckiBc25Lke4e6Rf80EQROfxImUMg/s2888/PXL_20220508_094326758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="2888" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAXYrxe0il5-vkrWbcyEekj75YdjgiSCQGBQhBidoYXSHOIgT0cfVktcJ_2c7HprvFzPa3fQN70GQ6-9x-sXH-khxID8LQBtDpuq8SNmojCnLqaxUElbRKPaO6AYTZTY4ed_tAqa94Wygpc9Q4_NTlGiAT9D2ETckiBc25Lke4e6Rf80EQROfxImUMg/s320/PXL_20220508_094326758.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The plan was to go to Mass in Assisi, and the group I was with assumed that it would be in the large Basilica. So we dutifully went in that direction and went inside for the 12:45 Mass. I moved a little closer to the front in order to appreciate the artwork and choir that was singing behind the altar. Just before the Mass was about to begin, some of the others came to me to whisper that they'd just been informed - via Whatsapp? - that the Mass instead was going to be at the New Church at the other end of town, and that we were already late. So we left and rapidly made our way through tourists, older couples, baby prams, and the like to walk uphill to the other end of town as fast as we could. I went quickly, but I wasn't going to go crazy with it and was the last in the line. Once we got there, we went inside and found most of the rest of our crew already there. (Some never made it and did end up going to the mass in the Basilica, with the bishop no less.) Br. Vincent handed me a piece of paper and said, "Please read this." Thus I found out that I would be doing the first reading. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOyhe5UEFp4IEy4TipAMEgMZOCs8Y5Ppcnc8OlkQiE5anPjLJuPC3zdYNuGx0PAdAFrxsWZREor_EWfB_AcRGXrYIlJ8-tJOps6kuw0yXBi9qYOn62lQcEljvhfRasWXAOYn0Wy4cAfjLAjMgeA4SRG1i9JY_UstrCQBeEk0UywHXcqnVaGaJjPUCDA/s3762/PXL_20220508_105214717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1981" data-original-width="3762" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOyhe5UEFp4IEy4TipAMEgMZOCs8Y5Ppcnc8OlkQiE5anPjLJuPC3zdYNuGx0PAdAFrxsWZREor_EWfB_AcRGXrYIlJ8-tJOps6kuw0yXBi9qYOn62lQcEljvhfRasWXAOYn0Wy4cAfjLAjMgeA4SRG1i9JY_UstrCQBeEk0UywHXcqnVaGaJjPUCDA/s320/PXL_20220508_105214717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The church was quite small, but rather nice. It was located on the spot where the family house of St. Francis had been. The priest was one of the earlier Franciscan presenters, and everything went quite well, Vincent had prepared the readings, etc., and the singing was strong and sincere for both the English, Italian, and Spanish songs or responses. Afterwards, we were free to go off on our own. I ran off into the city and popped into the occasional shop or art store. I was impressed with the work of "Norberto", a native of Assisi who had died 14 years ago but whose prints and paintings were rather clever and evocative. But even a small print, while of good quality, was 300 Euros. It was nice to see them, however, because of the clear talent of the artist and the whimsical character they included.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhDTNNloU8rFvO8yj_ZBn1vXj30i6d53Kle6ZU90reQdz00qrTaHt3RFOMan-9tntM3Rv4Cot6fWORKNzr7Ay1MaqIBjxvx378fcLOw2rvQHocQmp1ew4X_WA1lb6QPtfzXtke8I7KuP27ndSRhn_82jKOFsUE2l63Z4mGeYT-_nPn92vzRe7GC7drA/s4080/PXL_20220508_125252940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhDTNNloU8rFvO8yj_ZBn1vXj30i6d53Kle6ZU90reQdz00qrTaHt3RFOMan-9tntM3Rv4Cot6fWORKNzr7Ay1MaqIBjxvx378fcLOw2rvQHocQmp1ew4X_WA1lb6QPtfzXtke8I7KuP27ndSRhn_82jKOFsUE2l63Z4mGeYT-_nPn92vzRe7GC7drA/s320/PXL_20220508_125252940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Eventually, I made my way to the restaurant, running into two Brothers who were also a little late for the 1:30 pm meal. The restaurant, which had "Oasis" in the name, was a large building across the street from the bus park and well hidden. The three of us couldn't get into what appeared to be the front door, and so we walked around, seeing people inside but unable to determine how to get in. When we went back to what appeared to be the front, Br. Nestor rescued us, having seen us hovering around the windows and opening the door for us. The subsequent meal was very good. I especially liked the way they cooked the vegetables that were part of my special plate. The taste of the vegetables popped out in ways that never happens at the Motherhouse. I'd love to know their secret. They also served a liquer that was made of hazel nuts; I described it to one Brother as an alcohol Nutella. In the bus later, Br. Antxon said that the Brothers had made the same sort of liquer years back, and the rule was 3, 3, 3, 3. This referred to three kilos of young nuts, three kilos of sugar, three liters of alcohol, and three months. Sounds like something to try out at home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3EdVHNFr1Lddi_5jdTE3gh2roXpHBSCkqsEXDkQzgHi_JnV0H_GCg5K5nZY8ey-bq7mQAunivIIdzY8APqJ2IMxZdZYd0FoaUMfBTb2noceH25oVSYVuycpWkeKnNi_hOdlCECEARqOJf12TBwRp0TZDPj4bA5EVrqfeJk6bYZDyPAhB_UdWhvsGoA/s3681/PXL_20220508_134220878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3681" data-original-width="2771" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3EdVHNFr1Lddi_5jdTE3gh2roXpHBSCkqsEXDkQzgHi_JnV0H_GCg5K5nZY8ey-bq7mQAunivIIdzY8APqJ2IMxZdZYd0FoaUMfBTb2noceH25oVSYVuycpWkeKnNi_hOdlCECEARqOJf12TBwRp0TZDPj4bA5EVrqfeJk6bYZDyPAhB_UdWhvsGoA/s320/PXL_20220508_134220878.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>We were then again released to wander about town for a bit, and I hit the streets, pursuing several interesting looking alleys and ending up on an almost empty road skirting the upper levels of the town. I'd also made sure to get to the cathedral and see the tomb of Saint Francis and the various chapels. While there were plenty of people around, I have to say that the place carried an atmosphere of peace and settledness. You could move around at your own pace, and there was a sort of devotional feel to it all when you were in the basilica or the area around the tomb of St. Francis. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpqwn0QIc4k1S8WqJgiC34gR2BE-uemdcr8mm3EbRkVPIHfzpNxdSHIkinVVUvEGe55bjWFc2YPRxGDlyHFyHeKVuHrYx6kjj1snajsli1LqSPY3zJldGrkw0sA3SXyTkb9cwXCPkWQEt_IjxibNmL1gK9w8aRkw4NcFbR-vie36Mz9CjaJlXGWHwrQ/s4080/PXL_20220508_112557450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpqwn0QIc4k1S8WqJgiC34gR2BE-uemdcr8mm3EbRkVPIHfzpNxdSHIkinVVUvEGe55bjWFc2YPRxGDlyHFyHeKVuHrYx6kjj1snajsli1LqSPY3zJldGrkw0sA3SXyTkb9cwXCPkWQEt_IjxibNmL1gK9w8aRkw4NcFbR-vie36Mz9CjaJlXGWHwrQ/s320/PXL_20220508_112557450.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>The only stress that I experienced was when I discovered that it was getting close to the time for the bus to leave Assisi, and I was still at the other end of town. There was one thing that I had seen earlier and now wanted to purchase, so I quickly went to that store, told the lady that I was in a rush, and made my purchase quickly with her assistance. Then I fast-walked, again uphill, to the other end of town - probably faster than the earlier get-to-Mass time because we'd been told that the bust would leave at 4:30 with or without us. When it was 4:23, I thought that I would easily make it because I'd reached the town's arch. But when I got there, I noticed that there were actually two arches, and the first town arch was 200 yards further, and the minutes were trickling by. But by speeding up a little more, I reached the bus at 4:29:10, somewhat exhausted and red-faced but in time to say "Here" at the roll call inside. The bus then went to the <i>La Porziuncola </i>inside the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, about twenty minutes away, where we stayed until 5:30 pm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9Fj1wlkDdZzQjBZJZlkESEVuhG_B4_cdHlyrCyG-8wTFY5LfYBlY2-lwPrUtIoqLBKMRG_7Oy0RaNgIRiuxMoRwfwLYlmuVzigvnZ-PDrQduERRPVeF920beMtYh1SKe8Jau-0LaEZVBTl7fsDMK6ZpmbU2RetJzGK5wklt9VYlnW_X1dk6xJ3H9NA/s3171/PXL_20220508_150337642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2265" data-original-width="3171" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9Fj1wlkDdZzQjBZJZlkESEVuhG_B4_cdHlyrCyG-8wTFY5LfYBlY2-lwPrUtIoqLBKMRG_7Oy0RaNgIRiuxMoRwfwLYlmuVzigvnZ-PDrQduERRPVeF920beMtYh1SKe8Jau-0LaEZVBTl7fsDMK6ZpmbU2RetJzGK5wklt9VYlnW_X1dk6xJ3H9NA/s320/PXL_20220508_150337642.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The trip back to Rome was uneventful, although we arrived back a little late, at 8:30 pm. We went right to the dining room for a late supper, and to celebrate the birthdays of Keanne Palatino and Br. Michael French. Afterwards, and planned ahead, there was a gathering in the Den to have another birthday celebration with cakes that Hearther had purchased for Keanne, Michael, and me, since my birthday is tomorrow. The place had balloons and decorations as well. Upon arrival in the den at around 9 pm, it was already filled with some 20 people. We had a really nice celebration. Each birthday person was asked to say something, and the leftover sparklers from yesterday's Secretariat of Association presentation were used as the backdrop for singing "Happy Birthday" - repeated at least two times because the sparklers kept sparkling. Really a fine evening and much appreciated by the others and by me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGlgonSI7ELr7eumKBUZHA1KAJR9BsMfVSTy-Y2lfwiU8ckBkKLxGPkgk_ZZK-6LqH2nHt6m0ApTX9XwYDAoghUfJIEcsS2FT4uC49_D9b2KgcYorcm6cKRfc7CiKqMFWeDLvV6v46R-gqUq4OikdvsVzlH9uV7zLwoKDIuY53PrQuIrmYMFgs7VVpg/s4080/PXL_20220508_185803074.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGlgonSI7ELr7eumKBUZHA1KAJR9BsMfVSTy-Y2lfwiU8ckBkKLxGPkgk_ZZK-6LqH2nHt6m0ApTX9XwYDAoghUfJIEcsS2FT4uC49_D9b2KgcYorcm6cKRfc7CiKqMFWeDLvV6v46R-gqUq4OikdvsVzlH9uV7zLwoKDIuY53PrQuIrmYMFgs7VVpg/s320/PXL_20220508_185803074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-44134394083433307932022-05-07T15:29:00.002-07:002022-05-23T11:34:31.484-07:00May 7, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p>It's 12:15 am (on May 8th) and I've just returned from a very nice evening with some of the Brothers here at the Chapter. It's too late to relate the events of this day. Tomorrow is a "break" day. I've signed up for the trip to Assisi. Therefore, I'll do a double-duty blog post tomorrow and fill folks in about the events of the two days. For now, here is a photo of the group from this evening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd9OUovEEqPGezTm0-QIXFgTa8m5FCFFMduN8xpk4f6DHkfPClv6HwdjEuc5SWDgZpia7VojBsmX2KEdwgmyr17ZmJIUKEWJcUQwXiM6EkGfCsNhQyjaT5b5CD9N9Gx77jAuWn-dyyGh5FLRNGbdjnyZYE3Aki2gNLw7ugGZlJproSPQ6iI0rSwcYnQ/s4032/2022_05_08-Roma.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd9OUovEEqPGezTm0-QIXFgTa8m5FCFFMduN8xpk4f6DHkfPClv6HwdjEuc5SWDgZpia7VojBsmX2KEdwgmyr17ZmJIUKEWJcUQwXiM6EkGfCsNhQyjaT5b5CD9N9Gx77jAuWn-dyyGh5FLRNGbdjnyZYE3Aki2gNLw7ugGZlJproSPQ6iI0rSwcYnQ/s320/2022_05_08-Roma.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Group photo with the Vatican and Tiber in the background. <br />LtoR - Brs. Louis, Dylan, Nick, Chris, me, and Luke))</div><p>Okay. I'm back. It's a day later, but I'll complete this day's blog with the information from the day. As all the other days, it was chockfull of listening, speaking, conversing, and processing. The theme was "Discover - The Life of the Brothers."Our morning speaking was Br. Eric de Clermont-Tonnerre, O.P., a Dominican theologian, formator (homiletics), former provincial, and author whose current specialty is working the laity. </p><p>His talk was rather dense and even more scholarly than yesterday's. I took a lot of notes just to keep myself engaged enough to pay attention, althoug it's always hard for any translator to convey sophisticated theology French, rapidly delivered, into comprehensive English ideas. His focus was on "Fraternity" and community. He provided philosophical and theological background about what that means. "By being, living, thinking, working and celebrating together in diversity, we become community. It aslo depends on the circulation of the living Word rather than just doing things together. ... Every act of living together is not only a gift but also a task. Facing that which disappoints us in <br /><br />living together, it’s important to persist if we have Jesus ahead of us." He suggested that each of us do "a personal inventory of powerful experiences of fraternity in your life, whether dramatic or more quiet" because we will find out where our solidarity is truly exercised.<br /><br />The most interesting bits for me happened during the question period. Question: In a religious institute in which we share a charism between religious and lay partners, what structure of criteria do we have for fraternity? Answer: "The religious vows are something that are established by an institution. The second case is newer idea. You have to be very clear - built and structured together by rules or documents that can give meaning to the mission. What’s most important is that this collaboration must be real; there has to be a real shared responsibility. And the fraternity experience is something that is recognized and celebrated. It is a fraternity that has to be concrete, human, and spiritual all at once." I would say that there weren't really any surprises or major revelations. It was an opportunity to think about what fraternity and community meant in our context.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC5g6m_skwXmLTsEHU4KjkcCcDM0ZgViZ7BVnfp7PAi7mc8PDR-syXCSDuaRVhsqNKCZUNUZm2RCkzNGERJB4a8jsXfqIXWff2ce2TnWI8wyADv1AW3KidVzDSFNdOfD3MDrZTPYo5iS5zVmDg4dkpIZaPVXEja3bmw_cOLEvqfUYDFRNCtYFL_tNoQ/s3020/PXL_20220507_131008011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="3020" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC5g6m_skwXmLTsEHU4KjkcCcDM0ZgViZ7BVnfp7PAi7mc8PDR-syXCSDuaRVhsqNKCZUNUZm2RCkzNGERJB4a8jsXfqIXWff2ce2TnWI8wyADv1AW3KidVzDSFNdOfD3MDrZTPYo5iS5zVmDg4dkpIZaPVXEja3bmw_cOLEvqfUYDFRNCtYFL_tNoQ/s320/PXL_20220507_131008011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When we gathered again at 3:00 pm for the report from the Secretariat for Assocation (Br. Paco and Heather Ruple Gilson), we found a paper bag with our names on it at our desks. We were used to finding little gift trinkets from various regions or districts at our places, and I'd left copies of The Teacher's Saint and the SRRL booklet prior to my presentation, but this was the first time that there was a paper bag full of a wide variety of things. When we tries to peek in, Br. Paco would say from the front, "Do no open the the bag!" in three languages. Most Brothers complied. In the ten minutes before the session, when Brothers trickled into their places, it became a mantra in the room ... sort of like those in Rome churches, or the Sistine chapter, who every once in a while loudly proclaim: "Silencio!"<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlheLmai9F5sbXhuwE_wBmPV3fWYZ8X_SCHaXVAgdB6GuEuBJEnJc7RkF3PhbrTNL7BC_6kyYCdLu8dV2Pw8bBT8vapnu-R6cj5z8G4vXtTa-r4amXsmwqCkwXUH98Q0yFpN31R8UmyGjHvvVnWpueoUWDIfIhibr6SROvT-88zIid4eFOJDCGA14dw/s3072/PXL_20220507_130957103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2307" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlheLmai9F5sbXhuwE_wBmPV3fWYZ8X_SCHaXVAgdB6GuEuBJEnJc7RkF3PhbrTNL7BC_6kyYCdLu8dV2Pw8bBT8vapnu-R6cj5z8G4vXtTa-r4amXsmwqCkwXUH98Q0yFpN31R8UmyGjHvvVnWpueoUWDIfIhibr6SROvT-88zIid4eFOJDCGA14dw/s320/PXL_20220507_130957103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When the become, the presentation was very interactive, from the seeds (there were 67 small seeds and a slightly larger, darker seed in each package, representating the 67 to 1 proportion of Partners and Brothers in the ministries at this time), to a small handout showing the "ghosts" of association (all the hidden assumptions peopel have about taking association seriously) to a really fine series of suggestions about what a next step might look like), to a sparkler that illustrated the impact good formation could have, and so on. The presentation was tightly scripted, in the good sense, really engaging, and include most of Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences in some way or other. The point that was made was very strong, appropriate, and well contextulatized. It may be summarized, for me, in Heather's statement: "We ask you to trust us as we move forward. ... I offer you an invitation as a persone with de facto association - all of those who have a deep level of commitment and vocation. We are waiting. We are waiting to set out to unknown islands and venture further in our journey of mission and association. Join us. But we need both. We need actions and structures. We need to be empowered so that we can accompany each other in furthering the mission." This was a bold proposition to Lasallian stalwarts.\</p><p>From the questions and comments that following the presentation , a period that had to be extended into the next activity, The questions - condensed by me - include: What do you want from us? (Answer: Approve the proposals of the AIMEL, which has been done, and to trust the AIMEL process.) Shouldn't this Secretariat be split from "mission"? (Answer: It hasn't been a problem and may be an advantage. Also This chapter has a real opportunity to reimagine the central government. CIAMEL has some wonderful people. Can we reimagine the Secretariat structure that really meets the needs of mission, formation, and Young Lasallians.) What are your biggest fears with regard to association? (Answer: My fear is not enough formation for lay people. It’s not consistent. // One of my fears is that it is too late in some parts of the Institute to shore up the mission there? A second one is that Brothers will continue to make decisions for lay people, assume things about the Lasallian vocation, about lay people, rather than inviting us to learn things together.) What is meant by "intentional communities". (Answer: "When we speak of intentional community. We are not advocating mixed communities. The founder knew that the only way was to bring teachers into his home. That’s going to look different now. I’m not able to live in a community, but I need to get together with other Lasallians, to pray with the Brothers, etc. Invitation and bringing lay members to the table is a start.) Some Brother comments: "The force of association and mission is great, but we have to talk about our life as Brothers also.". "The center doesn’t mean Rome, it means centers of excellence where expertise exists. We need to think about what the organization will really look like." "I don’t know all the structures that need to change. But I do know that structures for partners were created to replicate the ones for the Brothers. I don’t think they are no longer effective." The conversation was rich, thought-provoking, honest (mostly), and helpful.<br /></p><p>As in the previous days, we then proceeded to our language sub-groups Marketplace sessions. The ones group I was in went to the International Strategy Group committee presentation and the one by Solidarity, the charity arm of the Institute.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3ZIyz7CvjAyfSRDKXSvcv-a1vntpKFgmoi1CTCBSrnr0zYypF86imo1COhwW96eWdBMxj7mUAPcpev46sk15AhFouGXxy84G4j9uMxUhUBVxU3gS_jL0F2KtvJ-mqjz12DYxpuN4MkCzqtum_8vbuJI3TN6uwKV2Qe4aMHTws6DFETjTvUT4mBKcgw/s3846/PXL_20220507_161322799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="3846" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3ZIyz7CvjAyfSRDKXSvcv-a1vntpKFgmoi1CTCBSrnr0zYypF86imo1COhwW96eWdBMxj7mUAPcpev46sk15AhFouGXxy84G4j9uMxUhUBVxU3gS_jL0F2KtvJ-mqjz12DYxpuN4MkCzqtum_8vbuJI3TN6uwKV2Qe4aMHTws6DFETjTvUT4mBKcgw/s320/PXL_20220507_161322799.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The ISG presentation and discussion looked at the proposal for funding the retirement needs of Brothers in countries that don't have a social security system or the like. It was sobering and well-supported by the research. Some of the details of the proposal - such as how to exactly build the fund - were subjects of discussion. But I don't think that anyone doubted the wisdome of the committee to proactively prepare for the legitimate needs of Brothers who will be retiring and/or in need of healthcare in the next seven years and beyond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrG-AWhY6yPHfFYkD4EQUZyOWQPY0bd6bBNjI-eTHhtdyltkXq1_hzL1td388I5LNMxnQiF3ugV_OoYxSn_8zB1eDZuX3eg8STjo4GjplDirmARpTzOZOJ9mlXfTFABTGjTMTXsdX51xchiayFt-ewyDY5S9DFfefCx6rJWLveqC9Rt2drw7YIfhPtA/s4080/PXL_20220507_153320679.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="4080" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrG-AWhY6yPHfFYkD4EQUZyOWQPY0bd6bBNjI-eTHhtdyltkXq1_hzL1td388I5LNMxnQiF3ugV_OoYxSn_8zB1eDZuX3eg8STjo4GjplDirmARpTzOZOJ9mlXfTFABTGjTMTXsdX51xchiayFt-ewyDY5S9DFfefCx6rJWLveqC9Rt2drw7YIfhPtA/s320/PXL_20220507_153320679.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Solidarity presentation was very well prepared and presented, with brochures, overviews, time for questions, and a clear vision for the future. In the last seven years, Solidarity has distributed over 40 million Euros to a wide variety of needs throughout the Lasallian world, and do so with very minimum administrative costs - certainly less than virtually all other major charities. Their effecitveness and flexibility in terms of timely needs is very impressive. And their proposals for future support were realistic and reasonable. As a Brother sitting next to me make the observation that the "team" for Solidarity included four very competent women, which was unique in the presentations so far. Brother Amilcare also described the office style as fully collaborative, with weekly meetings and honest input on the part of everyone. It's certainly clear that whatever combination they're using is working well, and that others could / should learn from it.</p><p>After the two sessions, some of us stuck around to create the expected poster that highlighted the major words and thoughts that the group noticed. This would be hung up in the main corridor for others to see. </p><p>Mass in language groups then followed. The English-speaking group met in the Trinity chapel downstairs - the one that the community uses - and it was a fine liturgy with familiar English hymns and great participation. Later, I was invited to join a group going to dinner and was happy to do so. It's one of the really nice opportunities at a General Chapter to spend time with other delegates outside of planned sessions and meetings, of which there are a lot! A thoroughly enjoyable evening ensued.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0znQVWLPgKVbOueuE1e9i3-m-HvbG1RPemLuSjA6nzRnW5vWCcs_ZnDORuHXoTKiDbLcqv6jzsTy06zGbffWasch9-nxvWOcMCQoLsOUIRferifelSB0sw_tXgu-J88H4nyid6tlh6x5vFPOsg5aDVFr-d1wXHAZCAFyhaaxris2Q112RJHkkGI_rQ/s2481/PXL_20220507_182335026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="2481" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0znQVWLPgKVbOueuE1e9i3-m-HvbG1RPemLuSjA6nzRnW5vWCcs_ZnDORuHXoTKiDbLcqv6jzsTy06zGbffWasch9-nxvWOcMCQoLsOUIRferifelSB0sw_tXgu-J88H4nyid6tlh6x5vFPOsg5aDVFr-d1wXHAZCAFyhaaxris2Q112RJHkkGI_rQ/w248-h169/PXL_20220507_182335026.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-1160202078304492582022-05-06T14:34:00.003-07:002022-05-06T23:39:59.180-07:00May 6, 2022 - General Chapter 46<div style="text-align: justify;">Although it was again a very full day, I would also say that it was more subdued. The title of the day was "Discovery - Leadership" and it began with a presentation by Sr. Rekha Chennatu, RA (Assumption Sisters) with the title <i>A Synodal Leadership Paradigm: Insights from John’s Gospel</i>. She was a sister from Kerala India who had been Superior General of her order for 14 years and was also a Vatican-ratified Scripture scholar whose specialty was the gospel of John. Her style and approach were radically opposite to that of Fr. Massingale. Her delivery was calm, scholarly, and mentally rapid - meaning that the thoughts and ideas came pouring forth like people exiting the Metro. It was hard to keep up because some ideas would have benefited from the occasional pause. But her notes were straightforward. I was reminded of my time in college, not negatively, just requiring a different kind of attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtstLpAiBSdfZ5dFoQ5XL2PVAJeCMSIoFV5U9H8wH7Tg1ajq5UNJaY45Wn7E0ZrqTzlSfz3TBi_SLNp18PXtkG8vcWUOJg2WKacnpXsuPLAWmarp6yNp1gRarRCetvsGDM7Dz4pX1j91nRAZ14YKuWebvVqjHNmY1UNzX5yn1QMbBBeTZ0n0r0e3H_qQ/s1600/PXL_20220506_065611412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtstLpAiBSdfZ5dFoQ5XL2PVAJeCMSIoFV5U9H8wH7Tg1ajq5UNJaY45Wn7E0ZrqTzlSfz3TBi_SLNp18PXtkG8vcWUOJg2WKacnpXsuPLAWmarp6yNp1gRarRCetvsGDM7Dz4pX1j91nRAZ14YKuWebvVqjHNmY1UNzX5yn1QMbBBeTZ0n0r0e3H_qQ/s320/PXL_20220506_065611412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She spoke of John's radical ecclesiology of covenant friendship in leadership. Servant leadership is fine as far as it goes. But John's spirituality goes deeper and wider. "We are called to life another way. We need to create communities of friends, covenant partners. That would bring about radical changes in our communities." This was illustrated by an exegesis of the Good Shepherd discourse, the foot washing by Jesus (which was John's symbolic representation of Jesus on the cross; i.e., the most powerful representation of God's love), and the commisioning of Peter (Do you love me more than others; more than these material things; more than you love your ministries or functions?) Therefore, "One can reasonably conclude that Jesus inaugurated a new community of participative leadership." Her general insight? The Johannine model invites people to contribute all their talents - leads to collaboration and reciprocity in leadership roles. This is the synodal way - each member has a different role and functions in the building of the community - not related to superiority and inferiority.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While not the most dramatic of presentations, the content was solid, which the questions confirmed. One example: Who has the decisive vote in the community of equals? (Answer: I encourage everyone to speak their mind. Every member has the freedom to express her / his views clearly, with conviction, and with reasons, and why they say what they are saying. Once that is done, we must be detached from our opinions and ideas and listen to those of others from THEIR perspectives. And if, after that, there is no consensus, then we need more time and space until we come to a consensus.) So you get the idea. Her knowledge of John came out during a question about women leadership in John. Immediately, she highlighted the women in John's gospel and how they were leaders in their communities: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, Martha and Mary, ending with Mary Magdalene again who didn't give up but remained at the tomb looking for Jesus, while the disciples left the scene.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One thing that stood out to me was her response to a question about the likely resistance to the leadership model in John's spirituality. She said, "<i>The Johannine model is the friendship or synodal model of leadership, invited us to deal with one another as friends. It makes a radical difference to relate to one another as friends. Resistance, being comfortable with the way that we used to do things, shouldn't be in our vocabulary. We need to break that chain. When we keep saying that, we are really killing the charism. We are not allowing the charism to come alive in new ways. And it can no longer be leaven. We need to leave our comfort zones and embrace this vulnerability of resistance, recognize it, and slowly we will be able to respond creatively through our openness. It may not be possible by ourselves, but when we do this together and with God, it can become a graceful experience for all of us. Leadership is all about the power of love, all about friendship, all about sacrifice, all about assuming responsibility today, and moving forward in accomplishing God’s mission</i>." That's a long quotation. But it's a perfect illustration of the fact that while her delivery was nothing to write home about, the substance of what she said had real value.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvusq5vgoIVKX4KSsLulFMOWSekzUDZSzHpamzCQrRAfZ-yWjKcW6_4j1bOt5bGk2_6TSC3knK0Cp8YAFF54sTGMnohm1F408iuKFO22FItO4cr2e6n9FhExGvNKUkMO6dsjEtf6LlBcAgenPgPXk6qM9jpA2vWc8RB1m_f7rm0c-IWpwcYMOPI-Oug/s1920/cover_nota01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvusq5vgoIVKX4KSsLulFMOWSekzUDZSzHpamzCQrRAfZ-yWjKcW6_4j1bOt5bGk2_6TSC3knK0Cp8YAFF54sTGMnohm1F408iuKFO22FItO4cr2e6n9FhExGvNKUkMO6dsjEtf6LlBcAgenPgPXk6qM9jpA2vWc8RB1m_f7rm0c-IWpwcYMOPI-Oug/s320/cover_nota01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before we stopped at about 12:30, Br. Jorge made some announcements, among which was a recognition from the central commission that they had not followed the proper procedures in the consideration and voting on the acceptance of the AIMEL proposals yesterday, having failed to include a time for discussion - a decision that the moderator for the session had made because of time constraints, although there was nothing in the manual of procedures for that option, and also for not recognizing the attempt of a member of the Chapter to make a point of order to that effect at the time. You can guess who that member might have been. As with any legislative process, the kinks gradually straighten out, and the proposal would have passed nevertheless. But it was appropriate to recognize that a public discussion of this rather significant proposal had been left out, and in my opinion, based on how I read the assembly, it is still needed. It will almost certainly emerge through other means in the process ahead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the afternoon there was a report from the Econome General. The details were for the Chapter alone and confidential to that group. Therefore, all I will say is that it provided the broad outlines of the current fiscal situation of the Institute and the Casa Generalizia, and that there was a long question period that followed, all of it well handled by the Econome General. The Moderator extended the question period into that of the next activity, but the schedule was accommodated to allow for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0TCNT-ZZm7doP12lUQL-FJKUYo1CqFLSdB-IxozK5KrtMmrSGd6l7DsGSj1735jqbi6P5tv_OxW0ybQXzWOqi8slD0voN6R1TSDOj-L9psqGroPuSBKqS8CLn0fVoSxcwFnkJ63NLCtVBHgbHSo4LRtaQVMijy9O9_TAZ6Pvj-ymUDl2DJ7Z9-aRBA/s1600/PXL_20220506_151924887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0TCNT-ZZm7doP12lUQL-FJKUYo1CqFLSdB-IxozK5KrtMmrSGd6l7DsGSj1735jqbi6P5tv_OxW0ybQXzWOqi8slD0voN6R1TSDOj-L9psqGroPuSBKqS8CLn0fVoSxcwFnkJ63NLCtVBHgbHSo4LRtaQVMijy9O9_TAZ6Pvj-ymUDl2DJ7Z9-aRBA/s320/PXL_20220506_151924887.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now there were two more Marketplace sessions. My language group was ENG2 and we went to the presentation on the Secretariat for Formation, followed by another presentation in a different location that covered CIAMEL and the Secretariat for Association. Both were well planned and very informative. The formation one had Br. Rey, Br. Luis, and Br. Sylvain make separate presentations in English, Spanish, and French, which effectively illustrated the breadth of the Institute's formation audience. Those who did not know all the languages could follow along in the brochure that was handed out. As always, the question period was the most engaging part. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5opgTbllvRLAjpQVJPsFFVhDsvS5kJl7wNfhvqjS4-_Xtsxmwr0YHj0VZR0l8Q9_4ePtEvNjIziYNb2__5jpo8wKDufyILdu_tc2tzFBMrQPmFfPmpQHSSl5-sYh7KOIGnNrk5K_ZNTkds_EHJ5NGL7EAl_jrmBIxj7zKoU0tvgFqOOVgibJPi7iiqg/s1600/PXL_20220506_150429660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5opgTbllvRLAjpQVJPsFFVhDsvS5kJl7wNfhvqjS4-_Xtsxmwr0YHj0VZR0l8Q9_4ePtEvNjIziYNb2__5jpo8wKDufyILdu_tc2tzFBMrQPmFfPmpQHSSl5-sYh7KOIGnNrk5K_ZNTkds_EHJ5NGL7EAl_jrmBIxj7zKoU0tvgFqOOVgibJPi7iiqg/s320/PXL_20220506_150429660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The CIAMEL and Association presentation was equally rich. One of the comments that stood out for me was that the publications that have been provided are good and helpful, but it would also be great to have specific formation programs in Rome for school leaders. Another person suggested some kind of pedagogical handbook - similar in intent as the <i>Conduct of Schools</i> - that would help teachers become better teachers. All in all, it was a very helpful and positive session. In the group reflection session that followed, I appreciated the comment that our conversation around "Association" and how to best handle that among our Partners, perhaps coming up with a new word or process or sets of characteristics, was one that has so far been pretty much done from the perspective of the Brothers. With the best of intentions, the Brothers have worked at developing this understanding. Wouldn't it be more appropriate if the Partners themselves were the ones to develop their understanding of that reality through their own experiences, language, conversations, and discernment? (I'm not saying this as well as the person who brought this forward, but the point is clear.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna__k_-QroS09ST8lY7eOJzeyib1GY6Kl6ZBxlqM6RCtUl00Qn_PGGNdYc1at_pc60vUPJ61_D4uK2zoHl1eSc1Z4oDSEeq4ZQPEC6Zpid7SAfg7c9fGGocqNnbbP5cOJTwaS_U85pBj4dJ7hD1ymBu8pmzQhjWFjtqIXCNjCwBwoHxhlh1Tt5japvQ/s1600/PXL_20220506_153435269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna__k_-QroS09ST8lY7eOJzeyib1GY6Kl6ZBxlqM6RCtUl00Qn_PGGNdYc1at_pc60vUPJ61_D4uK2zoHl1eSc1Z4oDSEeq4ZQPEC6Zpid7SAfg7c9fGGocqNnbbP5cOJTwaS_U85pBj4dJ7hD1ymBu8pmzQhjWFjtqIXCNjCwBwoHxhlh1Tt5japvQ/s320/PXL_20220506_153435269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Earlier in the day, I had agreed to go out to dinner with Br. Chris Patino and Br. Guillaume Yame from Togo, working in Benin. He is one of the secretaries for the Chapter. We left at 7:00 pm and emerged from the Metro at Ottaviano station in a torrential rain. Luckily, the restaurant was not far away, and we proceeded to have a very nice dinner and doing what Brothers usually do on such occasions; i.e., solve the problems of the Institute. Since Guillaume had never been to Rome before, we walked to the semi-empty Vatican afterwards, which of course was very impressive to Guillaume (and to us also; it never fails to impress). After some photos, we made our way back to the Metro and thus back to the Casa Generalizia. Another full day, but nicely ended.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCthwTsPfa1LBl-_HBFGVs4AsMd-L4wZPuVtUZgn9SnT9Z8bi9MByRMpc4sGrRtsU-FEWFQcxHaE7oqEfoqxIK-_Y4d0ASZ6cdr62LXiY2GI0vwJO8fsr50O03aEZykuAahGIAqDzZyOPN8t-9VUil9ON7plmamvu3eCKGN5jqKkb4BxlGOfhIC-_zHA/s1600/PXL_20220506_192949701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCthwTsPfa1LBl-_HBFGVs4AsMd-L4wZPuVtUZgn9SnT9Z8bi9MByRMpc4sGrRtsU-FEWFQcxHaE7oqEfoqxIK-_Y4d0ASZ6cdr62LXiY2GI0vwJO8fsr50O03aEZykuAahGIAqDzZyOPN8t-9VUil9ON7plmamvu3eCKGN5jqKkb4BxlGOfhIC-_zHA/s320/PXL_20220506_192949701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-19238612376087588612022-05-05T13:48:00.008-07:002022-05-23T11:33:53.924-07:00May 5, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p style="text-align: justify;">You may not have had this experience, but today I was reminded that sometimes what we've lost is actually rather nearby. The ticket that was hidden behind a credit card in your wallet, the receipt that was in the drawer of your desk, or the favorite shirt that was in the laundry basket - maybe these are things that older folks experience. But the point is that earlier I wrote about the Superior General's talk, and how I would just summarize things because I didn't have a copy, when all the time a copy was very much available right <b><a href="https://fsc46gc.lasalle.org/?lang=en" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. That's the place to get all the latest information, photos, and media.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq7qNEuhvBi-JRAaqvMcbj1gOFJA7-dDbYmu44IOqNa710RNWEcmZ-WrmtCgpc2UK16DAU6SY4qucS8MQVBXOOIOTOxgOjoEPJu2SaJ-15ES-Yajs8giiTj01A-_qMCibHds7sHn48AuirN5n-SWxfr-em1MtY97CJo1TadDhGsZ3UGLWu1of6ajYDw/s842/Website.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="842" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq7qNEuhvBi-JRAaqvMcbj1gOFJA7-dDbYmu44IOqNa710RNWEcmZ-WrmtCgpc2UK16DAU6SY4qucS8MQVBXOOIOTOxgOjoEPJu2SaJ-15ES-Yajs8giiTj01A-_qMCibHds7sHn48AuirN5n-SWxfr-em1MtY97CJo1TadDhGsZ3UGLWu1of6ajYDw/s320/Website.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Today, there was a "main event", the report from AIMEL, and the start of the "Market Place" sessions. All three were noteworthy for different reasons. The main event was the presentation by Fr. Bryan Massingale, a diocesan priest from Milwaukie who is an ethics professor at Fordham and very well known throughout the country for his passion, erudition, connectivity with students, and exemplary teaching style. He was introduced by Br. Ernest Miller, who shared a long list of Fr. Massingale's accomplishments, and recognitions. When the welcome was finished, Fr. Massingale came down and spoke to us from the front of the podium because he was a teacher and wished to move around as he spoke to us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TDKJvtNhwfU9a4GGt_S_Tdl19HfMevHn0U0GBxQML1qHFl-vqfCmQxA7ruRFFaSnGuTlnVPhpH8p6puCbBZnYuSiY8466XV-e0R6ld2PyVn_okh6tqID5ousoT5oSAB_Z5978Bhcnsvjxb0Gd3EK8Sav3vZkSAKzV2Sohr2gcOxURLOI--seV4gIMA/s1873/PXL_20220505_072235121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1873" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TDKJvtNhwfU9a4GGt_S_Tdl19HfMevHn0U0GBxQML1qHFl-vqfCmQxA7ruRFFaSnGuTlnVPhpH8p6puCbBZnYuSiY8466XV-e0R6ld2PyVn_okh6tqID5ousoT5oSAB_Z5978Bhcnsvjxb0Gd3EK8Sav3vZkSAKzV2Sohr2gcOxURLOI--seV4gIMA/s320/PXL_20220505_072235121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His first statement to us set the theme: What does it mean to be a courageous sign of hope in a time that does not know how to name itself? Using Pope Francis' quote “We are not living in an era of change, but a change of era", he proceeded to describe an existentially different time of living today, one that calls for courageous venturing into the unknown. A list of all the ways that the world is different - climate change, deep questions about sexuality, rising nationalism, the pandemic, etc. - became immediate when he showed two photographs, side by side. One was a Brothers community in North America (mostly older, white-haired, Brothers, some smiling, sort of) and the other was a Brothers community in the Southern hemisphere (none white, largely young, no grey hair, very much smiling). He posed the questions "Whose Institute is this? Who really belongs? Who counts?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I very much liked a quotation that he used from Pope Francis' talk to priests and religious in Mozambique in 2019, because it applies so well to our current situation: "Whether we like it or not, we are called to face reality as it is. Times change and we need to realize that often we do not know how to find our place in new scenarios: we keep dreaming about the ‘leeks of Egypt' (Num 11:15), forgetting that the promised land is before us, not behind us, and in our lamentation for times past, we are turning to stone.” From there, he spoke about the virtue of courage, which according to Aquinas is the precondition of all virtue, It is the fortitude to endure hardships and fear for the sake of doing right in the face of injustice, translating convictions to actions. You need courage to dwell in the peripheries. And you need hope: the inner orientation of the human spirit that sustains one in the quest for a non-guaranteed future in the face of formidable obstacles. Plus you need "gnome", which is the ability to reason well in the exceptional situations that are not covered by the common rules of action. And finally you need YHWH, the Divine Mystery for which the word is in the future present tense - a tense that is not in English; - a presence that mysterious, dynamic, passionate. "Behold, I make all things new."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let's hope that his presentation is uploaded to the Chapter website linked above. It's really impressive when someone can be both passionate and erudite, down-to-earth and deeply grounded in theology, passionate with us and empathetic to our priorities. At the end of his talk, it received the most sustained applause of any presentation or talk so far, and for good reason. After a break - during which I gave him a copy of my little book on De La Salle since he said that he'd learned about him mostly on the internet - there were some excellent questions, followed by excellent answers, all challenging and insightful. Example question: Can an organization as large as ours make radical changes, or does it require something very new? Part of his answer: "Yes! As an organization as large and global as you are, you need to make space for creativity and the experimentation to move into new frontiers and new places. Don’t stigmatize people who are doing so. ... We made changes in the past; we have a history; the spirit is ever new and ever creative." Another question: How should an all-male congregation address the LGBTQ issue considering that our young Lasallians and Partners are grappling with this too? Part of his answer: "First, we have to be honest about how the question makes us uncomfortable. It makes us uncomfortable because as religious men, our religious life makes us already suspicious and uncomfortable about how we live masculinity. By definition we are unmarried, and educators, called to be compassionate and sensitive. ... [And] we have to understand that we are called to a prophetic understanding of masculinity. We are called to the masculinity of Jesus, who at Gethsemane needed his friends to be with him, who allowed John to rest his head on his chest, who was not afraid of human touch (women washing his feet) and washed his disciples feet." In answer to another question, he spoke about what we can learn about other international organizational that have gone through different models of change, recommending John Quinn's book, Deep Change. There were other questions about conservative young people and priests, the goal of "radical availability" on the part of the Brothers, etc. The time moved quickly and 90 minutes were done in a flash. The session ended by Sr. Leslie leading us through an "important words for us right now" exercise using an online program that displayed the words we wrote on the "menti" website on the screen in a word cloud. The largest word was "courage".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We next came together again at 3:00 pm, when Alisa Macksey and Br. Nestor presented the results of the first phase of the AIMEL gathering. There was a bit of earphone juggling on my part, because Alisa spoke in English and Nestor in Spanish, taking alternate turns at reading the sections of the eight propositions from AIMEL. I needed the earphones for Nestor, but if I didn't take them off right away, or go to another channel when Alisa came on, there would a French translation in my ear. But most of it got through.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_l-6nl23Nc5k86GRXjwh4hOmYdL5_729j4_DtLUg_xrc3GFMmXrPckP7eNj7zlLdBc9C-U2CN5SympFxL4CDg8X8sDN4KieeI4pjO2n20rW-5UlOMduchNLXZNhzSdMBOgGO2ruCqZTHHIfb68GLludgEfxnJcI1eCf5Ha_7v4omkRFQ-HKU57msNg/s799/52051902206_23735cec2c_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="799" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_l-6nl23Nc5k86GRXjwh4hOmYdL5_729j4_DtLUg_xrc3GFMmXrPckP7eNj7zlLdBc9C-U2CN5SympFxL4CDg8X8sDN4KieeI4pjO2n20rW-5UlOMduchNLXZNhzSdMBOgGO2ruCqZTHHIfb68GLludgEfxnJcI1eCf5Ha_7v4omkRFQ-HKU57msNg/s320/52051902206_23735cec2c_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The question period was quite varied and serious. The propositions brought up all sorts of issues and concerns. Examples: Who gives the stamp of approval to the final document from AIMEL that will be created at the second session? (Answer: The hope is that we would entrust the delegates of IAMEL with the final approval.) Who does the implementation of the document - Rome, Regions, Districts? (Answer: It would be the work of CIAMEL with the next General Council and work with Districts on the implementation.) Are there discussions or specific proposals with respect to the General Chapter itself? (Answer: We’d like the General Chapter to contribute some possibilities to add to our second phase: comments and input. There was a brief discussion by AIMEL as to whether to have a joint meeting of AIMEL and the General Chapter in the future.) What do you want from the General Chapter? (Answer: We hope that things that are in line with your proposals would be incorporated into your own decisions.) Is it your intention for this CIAMEL to have some sort of deliberative authority? It seems to include a bold shift in empowerment. (Answer: We would like CIAMEL to be empowered to make decisions in dialogue with the General Council without necessarily requiring approval for every decision made.) A few "questions" were more in the nature of opinions. But generally the questions were thoughtful and focused. A proposal was offered from the central committee of the Chapter, regarding the acceptance and validation of the AIMEL proposals. It was written in language that was carefully nuanced and supportive.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMeB-Y-4zpFgMdcCs5TRmvCa1MZXRFT1xrxTrFbv252fe1SNvamRGc3A-2gChSboxo_XSmjzq_IY-f2gTvwKQ8gofumINGHZ9L5KG9rZjep8Ky59UL4wHjIgJ6ezw4Vn6-sI_xNF2pvBfLT63bz5-4A43SnHb5O5eeRFpRDTIOad3zata-9hN7aMHtA/s1600/PXL_20220505_143651281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMeB-Y-4zpFgMdcCs5TRmvCa1MZXRFT1xrxTrFbv252fe1SNvamRGc3A-2gChSboxo_XSmjzq_IY-f2gTvwKQ8gofumINGHZ9L5KG9rZjep8Ky59UL4wHjIgJ6ezw4Vn6-sI_xNF2pvBfLT63bz5-4A43SnHb5O5eeRFpRDTIOad3zata-9hN7aMHtA/s320/PXL_20220505_143651281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">When it came to the voting itself, the Moderator for the session pointed out that this would be the first actual Chapter Act to be voted on. A hand-count of the voting delegates was done by all the scrutineers, which yielded 66 voting delegates in the room. The vote was then taken electronically. The total votes recorded was 71. A bit of a problem here. The vote was retaken, and this time 65 people voted and 56 votes (53 positive and 3 Juxta Modum, which count as positive). General applause followed, and the session ended, with many going up to the front to congratulate Alisa and Br. Nestor for their work and its validation by the Chapter. One procedural concern on my part was communicated to the central community afterwards, via a quick email from my room prior to the next activity, but its neither necessary nor helpful to bring it up here. I was happy that the work of CIAMEL and AIMEL was understand, accepted, and brought forward.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdnHgsWtLtMVlDLmqBy6yeEr-VnYL8voPN8BSef_iBKynKEmgqGUoi9HpEuCb5WRk13SNGaC09EK_W7uPPhGdDKO1uNXj7wyHxi9pjB3ZmQsr_8eiCRIp4G_-Xs3V92Pgu4SrNheVhGL-G8M_0ywuSqXorXk7hNIpLZ6J7V2nrXNWHW4yL23pILsHPA/s1600/PXL_20220505_152845979.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdnHgsWtLtMVlDLmqBy6yeEr-VnYL8voPN8BSef_iBKynKEmgqGUoi9HpEuCb5WRk13SNGaC09EK_W7uPPhGdDKO1uNXj7wyHxi9pjB3ZmQsr_8eiCRIp4G_-Xs3V92Pgu4SrNheVhGL-G8M_0ywuSqXorXk7hNIpLZ6J7V2nrXNWHW4yL23pILsHPA/s320/PXL_20220505_152845979.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">After this, there were Marketplace sessions in different locations on the property. Those in my language subgroup, mentioned in an earlier blog, went to the Young Lasallian and Young Brothers presentations. Br. Dylan Perry showed several videos prepared for the occasion which succinctly shared the results of those gatherings, after which he had us highlight with post-it stickers which ones we thought had already been done well or not been accomplished yet. It was a clever way to get a pulse on where the group stood.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaYUThgXKYG0DfSPOjkwaYapqiE1UrCq5G_Vs0vGC-my_RaMgyDLsyuKadn_0zVmFHDLkCn3swNqrGgZIDkekSm0NpbGiKWG12yrO5B_7kxZDgkITFE7a9Kkq0ZtEHbIh0VeCt8WQHsQj-8MT39GLxvJ3rrXlsY_CGLOniBqauJUy-kFy3tXegMBCAg/s1600/PXL_20220505_154626677.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaYUThgXKYG0DfSPOjkwaYapqiE1UrCq5G_Vs0vGC-my_RaMgyDLsyuKadn_0zVmFHDLkCn3swNqrGgZIDkekSm0NpbGiKWG12yrO5B_7kxZDgkITFE7a9Kkq0ZtEHbIh0VeCt8WQHsQj-8MT39GLxvJ3rrXlsY_CGLOniBqauJUy-kFy3tXegMBCAg/s320/PXL_20220505_154626677.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The second Marketplace session focused on the "Notes" that the Brothers had sent to the Chapter, only 100 in number. The presentation provided a summary of those notes and began a longer discussion of what we had learned during the day's events and what we wanted to "privilege" as we moved ahead. It was a very good group conversation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's activities finished at 6:43, seven minutes before Mass in the main chapel. A quick run to my room and then to the chapel, where the Mass would be in English, with Fr. Massingale as the main celebrant. I had volunteered to sing in the choir and therefore was busy with that for most of the Mass, although our point of view was rather limited.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke2E0fu61FjX0OdW0yiW5Iz9F0oKUi3gkNhDMN2jx4qd8HgMR4zyYjCztzd3VKTTuDpUvPKoiGSbu4DcuzFQBB7UtE2zzPkFu9B2vgtQ8iKKP1xIVpp4mYh5HAzOqyUkrANv_ZYolW2xZ5IIYccvu7JDdkW3Spt4is74gFNQtZCw1dtqR54pjmrvZjw/s4080/PXL_20220505_165257188.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke2E0fu61FjX0OdW0yiW5Iz9F0oKUi3gkNhDMN2jx4qd8HgMR4zyYjCztzd3VKTTuDpUvPKoiGSbu4DcuzFQBB7UtE2zzPkFu9B2vgtQ8iKKP1xIVpp4mYh5HAzOqyUkrANv_ZYolW2xZ5IIYccvu7JDdkW3Spt4is74gFNQtZCw1dtqR54pjmrvZjw/w285-h215/PXL_20220505_165257188.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><p></p>During dinner, I sat next to Br Alvaro Rodriquez Echeverria, the former Superior General from Costa Rica, who was a "by right" member of the Chapter. We had a fine conversation about many things, including the 2007 Chapter when he was reelected and I was overseeing the liturgies and prayer. We're both a little older now. After dinner, I popped down to the Den and found a find bunch of folks enjoying themselves. It was a nice place to relax for a while before heading upstairs to write up this blog post. Before leaving, I took out my phone and asked for a photo for the blog. People were happy and willing to do so. Below is the result. A very busy day once again, and a noteworthy one.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPY2OosgMuMUF5Aup58L9wY3cdlQwdTih-EsISZwhyiwNz8jGbgNpYZf0DrTCvtrus7e6HTp8QR6kr-JN6aiIkjPThOpUk3mnQuqpvb9iN5YSRfU2ZG5JzuU8rhAEDD1l_N7roB9VQ1GGwNZGVUv87ZqoDU5br8B7kkzbqJrkBYvLP5T5INTn3JQRKA/s1600/PXL_20220505_190032506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPY2OosgMuMUF5Aup58L9wY3cdlQwdTih-EsISZwhyiwNz8jGbgNpYZf0DrTCvtrus7e6HTp8QR6kr-JN6aiIkjPThOpUk3mnQuqpvb9iN5YSRfU2ZG5JzuU8rhAEDD1l_N7roB9VQ1GGwNZGVUv87ZqoDU5br8B7kkzbqJrkBYvLP5T5INTn3JQRKA/s320/PXL_20220505_190032506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-8083766538249898872022-05-04T13:26:00.003-07:002022-05-23T11:33:17.503-07:00May 4, 2022 - General Chapter 36<p style="text-align: justify;">It already seems like we have been meeting for several weeks. Now that the retreat days are done, the planned process has begun and the schedule is tightly configured. The Superior General's report this morning was the main event. He told me that he thought that it would not fill in the time given for it - 90 minutes - and he was right, except that part of that time was to be given over to questions and comments.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The presentation itself was about 45 minutes, and it was really excellent. He started by quoting Ephesians 4:23 about putting on a new mind and asked what it meant for us at this moment in the history of the Institute to "procure God's glory" because that is what we have consecrated ourselves to. We joyfully proclaim God's glory through the ministry of education. We must not forget why this charism came into existence, and we must realize that we inherited that charism, one that always exceeds our expectations and our cautions. It is a charism that witnesses to Jesus and his project for the reign of God.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs7NzY12Yxh2QvNat61mogyJVT8pxzmdKYQKJ_m05wW7sTeJmNWAfdcQY-AEzI4mdx30dVKZOtjLNvePlRM9E1h48AM62WQ02hZB0oyZMK4wIIbMOzA-B6R-GkKgmRqgNuz_-20ZmGCm3ojhYqJc9bctGffpXkq_NriaBAf87c2USqstBemYbW4C8rg/s515/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="515" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs7NzY12Yxh2QvNat61mogyJVT8pxzmdKYQKJ_m05wW7sTeJmNWAfdcQY-AEzI4mdx30dVKZOtjLNvePlRM9E1h48AM62WQ02hZB0oyZMK4wIIbMOzA-B6R-GkKgmRqgNuz_-20ZmGCm3ojhYqJc9bctGffpXkq_NriaBAf87c2USqstBemYbW4C8rg/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The talk went on in that vein, and it is well worth reading once it is publicly made available. Listening to it was like a spiritual rally - a sort of political rally without the fuss and noise and confetti - touching lots of echoes in the heart and articulating all those things that first attracted you to this Lasallian vocation and that keeps you in it. In one section, he said, "Brothers, we too are called to be men of the spirit. The renewal of the Institute will become a reality to the extent that we give ourselves to spiritual renewal. Each Brother is invited to renew himself spiritually. This won’t happen without knowing that we are loved. ..." He also highlighted the new realities of today: "Our world has changed in these last two years. What meaning does a changed world have for us? ... It is time to realize the dreams of past chapters ... Reimagine who we are and for whom we are as followers of Jesus Christ." And in terms of the expectations for this General Chapter, "We don’t expect that Chapter to offer a definitive governance model in these three weeks, but we do hope that it provides clear direction for developing a model by the next General Chapter." These are only little nuggets that I managed to write out almost verbatim, but it gives you a sense of the message. He also repeatedly urged us to be aware of the fact that while there are few Brother vocations, the Holy Spirit has given us thousands and thousands of Lasallian vocations. What does that mean? How do we read that for our lives and our future?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After the talk, there were some questions and some comments, a number of them highlighting the organizational realities and responsibilities that were part of our educational scope today. One of his responses stood out to me, although it's not exactly verbatim; "Through dialogues and discussion, I am convinced that we can move toward new models. ... I wonder if we have been offering models to our Partners based on religious life structures? I hope that we come up with a model whereby Brothers and Partners share responsibility for the mission." He highlighted some of the ways that France and ARLEP have responded to their realities and have shared responsibility for the mission with their Partners, and Brothers made reference to synodality. One asked, "Are we really enriching the entire Lasallian world in terms of the charismatic path, or are we just maintaining the mission?" Here I'll stop putting down quotations. Just know that it was one of those genuinely engaging exchanges that are as rare as they are rich. At the end of the 90 minutes we deserved a break and took it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zQFoSeIJLLtvnar1JzrBOBguCVCFT5mz23UkB8ta5Ij0s_vFUnq2axcB2iZmQSXmRgtQkleVdwZ8HfZX7hwbAxCyRYbvjpyxf3GmJ1us-bjBl4PpDNuh7NyUVnuQcDBbVeSNI1o605n2rVwZe-Poeaonr66TYMdGSekjEyzYVtthTbsIEXTml2FZwg/s3543/DAY%2004_FSC46GC_47.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2362" data-original-width="3543" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zQFoSeIJLLtvnar1JzrBOBguCVCFT5mz23UkB8ta5Ij0s_vFUnq2axcB2iZmQSXmRgtQkleVdwZ8HfZX7hwbAxCyRYbvjpyxf3GmJ1us-bjBl4PpDNuh7NyUVnuQcDBbVeSNI1o605n2rVwZe-Poeaonr66TYMdGSekjEyzYVtthTbsIEXTml2FZwg/s320/DAY%2004_FSC46GC_47.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The next person on the agenda was me; my fifteen minutes of fame, as it were. The report was going to be on the Lasallian Research and Resources Service, for which I am the "Secretary/Coordinator" - a rather strange title, but okay. For the last couple of weeks, I'd been working on the talk, figuring out ways to keep it informative but also appealing. The text was written out, with cues for the Powerpoint pieces, and timed to the minute. I'd figured out a way whereby a smaller corner video could run across multiple slides, allowing me to make my points while a silent walk-through video of the various locations ran in one corner of the slide. I had also made copies of the text, with DeepL.com translation copies in French and Spanish, to be given to the translators in their booths. They would certainly appreciate the English text I was going to use, but perhaps they's like the pre-translated ones as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BXAPUgqbcKzmxmg1TKnJVi49jitVpOPUK-cmQnQ-GtIAQG_oKSGIRvtZvuEXEWyBP_wzv2si6pvCqqde3MygU3uOsc-fNwqwGAWNzGZKE01_zOGnn20x5lU3dZXpXFgGza68Yv8xbi24V2fzJaxfep1umaqUS7AotN0NzQMwEPeqfz7b9zafb2y4Uw/s3543/DAY%2004_FSC46GC_45.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2362" data-original-width="3543" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BXAPUgqbcKzmxmg1TKnJVi49jitVpOPUK-cmQnQ-GtIAQG_oKSGIRvtZvuEXEWyBP_wzv2si6pvCqqde3MygU3uOsc-fNwqwGAWNzGZKE01_zOGnn20x5lU3dZXpXFgGza68Yv8xbi24V2fzJaxfep1umaqUS7AotN0NzQMwEPeqfz7b9zafb2y4Uw/s320/DAY%2004_FSC46GC_45.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">People seemed to be quite happy with the result. After the applause, as I was walking back to my seat carrying the laptop with its dangling power cord and clutching my text, all the Brothers I passed or caught my eye gave me the thumbs-up with a wide genuine smile. And for most of the day, Brothers I know well, and some I don't, have come to let me know that they really appreciated the presentation. We had also prepared a booklet about the SRRL (the acronym, in French, for our Service) that we placed at each seat during the break, in the language of that particular person, along with a copy of "The Teacher's Saint" in the same language. And so I think that everything was well covered. The talk would make them interested in reading the booklet, and my "observations" during the presentation may help advance the interests of this Service. A couple of folks asked for copies of the Powerpoint, but it was simpler to record the Powerpoint and then put it on YouTube. (<a href="https://youtu.be/A7zRLBBRxOY" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEyVlqW-pOyWtkzgCzrbn0VXy8o-icAGR2DE7jpEvdMwwYcYoPzVfPG6gWncqserstMg-mvETfcNvj1m8swT7dELV9ZI-OwKV8AM8g9cloOGXBA5paT1bPv1qAeo0SErm5IwlYG3dxSBXcgL2mv07yDQp1AAs6VCd7R1F6BFjHWwN_n6TRVJ8JySh4A/s4080/PXL_20220504_090431050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEyVlqW-pOyWtkzgCzrbn0VXy8o-icAGR2DE7jpEvdMwwYcYoPzVfPG6gWncqserstMg-mvETfcNvj1m8swT7dELV9ZI-OwKV8AM8g9cloOGXBA5paT1bPv1qAeo0SErm5IwlYG3dxSBXcgL2mv07yDQp1AAs6VCd7R1F6BFjHWwN_n6TRVJ8JySh4A/s320/PXL_20220504_090431050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The Communications Service followed my presentation, and Br. Alexander did a fine job of explaining all of the work that his staff does to ensure publications and communications on all sorts of media. (#FSC46GC is the hashtag to use on Twitter, although I'm not a Twitter user.) One of the guests sitting next to the Superior General was Br. Ernesto Sanchez, the Superior General of the Marist Brothers. He also spoke to the assembly with kind words, recollecting times when groups he was associated with had used that particular hall, and identifying with many of our concerns and priorities. Then everyone went off for a short break before lunch.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At 3:00 pm, the usual time to resume things in the Motherhouse, we gathered in language groups in different rooms to answer one or more of some questions that would begin our discernment journey. The process for the group - there were two English language groups of about 16 people - was that first four people would converse for 30 minutes, then two 4-person groups would come together for 30 minutes to share their results and continue the conversation, and then the whole group would come together for another 30 minutes to consolidate their thoughts which the Secretary for the group would report on afterwards. The question that our small group chose was "What challenges have been met during this seven-year term that have had the greatest impact on you?" By the end of the 90 minutes, we were rather tired but had raised a number of things that we appreciated and things we were concerned about. (Not enough time or space to cover these here.) It should be said, however, that various works of direct service of the poor such as the Fratelli project and the Beyond the Borders projects were repeatedly mentioned as examples of where charismatic life seems to be most evident.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YIVwM47tKzRQZEx0qatRoucVmF4emob6RmGVMrVJpd3NPNsUXtlPRqPwQuDozRUPag0Zskj1fOZUTOBGkBoDLQI6PiBy4anUUkxEDte3d5GD40OdoCQeDVJigJQpnV3idsjvOhvoymjXhZC5F_KQFkGeKKEM__PlSHA1OxSx_dKXizwFVWT1ivVURQ/s4080/PXL_20220504_164140781.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YIVwM47tKzRQZEx0qatRoucVmF4emob6RmGVMrVJpd3NPNsUXtlPRqPwQuDozRUPag0Zskj1fOZUTOBGkBoDLQI6PiBy4anUUkxEDte3d5GD40OdoCQeDVJigJQpnV3idsjvOhvoymjXhZC5F_KQFkGeKKEM__PlSHA1OxSx_dKXizwFVWT1ivVURQ/s320/PXL_20220504_164140781.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p>We finished at 4:30 and had a short break before returning to the Aula Magna at 5:00 pm for our group reports, which took about an hour. After that, there were questions and comments from the floor, and Sr. Leslie, our facilitator, provided her comments, very impressed with the deep and bold thinking that had been expressed. In effect, she said "The touchpoint in the center of the table is charism, which will move us - some things will fall away and others move forward; but that charism rekindles our passion. Be encouraged; there is alot of to be proud of here; these examples have given you much support." Then there were announcements and instructions for upcoming events, so that by the time we left the Aula Magna it was 6:34 pm - Mass would start at 6:45 pm. But it started on time, and I think many people were relieved to be somewhere where they didn't have to do anything but pray.</p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-9258268851820476882022-05-03T12:46:00.002-07:002022-05-04T11:44:23.042-07:00May 3, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Bear with me while I take a mental breath. Although today was a retreat day, and the schedule was simple and straightforward, the rich input that we had reminded me of the Far Side cartoon where the student raises his hand and asks to be excused because his brain is full. Today's talks were a kind of spirituality equivalent of that, at least for me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOo99fbEqsfuEUfguPppAvwqa7m9MtOvVdc5iNzpbGWtYnjMdU2Xjs8uv4vhD_6i02MUIZQ1MaiJO1WfEksEwSmL7tF2aRutCZSbEkFhh2-UL4CyB0ddZhcbFsMH6SzksyWXWs8_4P-QSBvEhwTcjyH6tWWZXtEQpnq5FlOtOUHE5qWWLoxNyarxwPw/s4080/PXL_20220503_071518387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOo99fbEqsfuEUfguPppAvwqa7m9MtOvVdc5iNzpbGWtYnjMdU2Xjs8uv4vhD_6i02MUIZQ1MaiJO1WfEksEwSmL7tF2aRutCZSbEkFhh2-UL4CyB0ddZhcbFsMH6SzksyWXWs8_4P-QSBvEhwTcjyH6tWWZXtEQpnq5FlOtOUHE5qWWLoxNyarxwPw/s320/PXL_20220503_071518387.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sr. Maria Cimperman from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago was our presenter, and there were two presentations, one at 9:00 am and the other at 3:00 pm, both about 90 minutes long. Her experience as a professor in social ethics and a female religious were both evident in the things that she shared with us. Her style was conversational, which was really helpful, but her material was both challenging, deeply grounded, and very thought-provoking. I took over six pages of notes on my laptop, highlighting some things as they struck me as important.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The flow of thoughts, connections, and images were something like a symphony, which you can appreciate on any number of levels; melodic passages, interesting harmonics, exciting rhythm here or there, long thematic stretches, and so on. If you can imagine that on a verbal/mental/reflective level, you will also understand that it's useless to try to share its content here. All I might attempt is to share some of the statements or questions that captured my attention as something I'd want to think some more about.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r2qkHsquLwtKSwyUxt5qZCIzSHJzWUa9fxriK8r-SZ32biL0wwXQmHCkLwNbhKn6t5WN-dtiKclLY8cIx4U5uvtkxkERs_BgUqMgYdZteUymI4RtHKC32qG1TNSQlub391TKxI11xTHzjg0Q8g_NwoxNnUMu8SZU8D9_7wXfhZgsWQx2pFiakttDTA/s3320/PXL_20220503_091312767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="3320" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r2qkHsquLwtKSwyUxt5qZCIzSHJzWUa9fxriK8r-SZ32biL0wwXQmHCkLwNbhKn6t5WN-dtiKclLY8cIx4U5uvtkxkERs_BgUqMgYdZteUymI4RtHKC32qG1TNSQlub391TKxI11xTHzjg0Q8g_NwoxNnUMu8SZU8D9_7wXfhZgsWQx2pFiakttDTA/s320/PXL_20220503_091312767.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">- There is the hermeneutic or serendipity. When you think you are settled somewhere, surprises happen that call for new pathways, new thinking, different approaches from the past.<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- (One part of the General Chapter's theme is transforming lives.) Consecrated life is also in need of transformation, interior conversion. "Trannsfoming lives includes your own. It must."<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- Religious life doesn't own the charism; we embody it and seek to live it. The charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit, which means that it is brought forth in creativity and freedom. It's given for particular needs, always grounded in God. We're not called to be NGO's but to be the Good News.<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- The title "Brothers" speaks to the loving tenderness of relationship that your Founder of and is in your documents. You witness what it means to be a male religious.<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- She quoted from and expanded on a Canadian theologian's thinking about seven cautions or challenges for religious orders who engage in a "transformation" process: we make new improved versions of the past; we think we have to try harder rather than think differently; we play it safe rather than innovate; we engage in polite incremental change rather than vigorous and deep transformation; we exercise avoidance rather than creation; we download the same information and put it in another Excel form, not shifitng our consciousness; and we focus on external work rather than inner work.<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- Where are our new peripheries? Where is the charism calling us now, today? What message of Jesus does God want to speak to the world today through the Institute?<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- By their nature, the Brothers go to the peripheries (she used quotations from the Rule throughout her talks.) "You have the periphery at the center. They are your focus. The question is, if that's your center, where are your next peripheries? They may very well be the existential ones. ... What is calling next?"<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">- The need is for process more than structure. A pathway isn't a building. It's not concrete. It will be far more organic, and you will walk this way. The richness comes from listening, listening long and hard.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">By now you're either a little bored or just trying to figure out how all that ties together. Did I mention that the talks were hard to summarize? I just know that several times I wanted to hit the Pause button, so that I could think through something that was said, either by the presenter or by one of the Brothers during the open response times. But I think that it was the overall impact that was her focus, which was to help us to contextualize the riches that we carry, become increasingly aware of our present realities as opportunities, and motivate us to trust in the Holy Spirit's dynamic in the existential realities of the present and move forward in a way that aligns with our foundational (think Heroic Vow) and Gospel priorities. In some ways, her talk was like a collie herding sheep, getting the group to move in a direction that was being guided by one whose perspective was outside of our own immediate minutiae of life. I'm not sure if I enjoyed the whole experience, but it certainly was rich with potential and meaning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7t-lzB9CvKOtfGzAv_DHKHaaOeWeNqyLlmgT4AItQnY3adoXucEYfKh3dFKbxUrmjuGcF4dpDH-nDePe_N1LHFhaXxiqXyShUR_-twX4LDAalCEIYK8H3OTREnhUrhVtgKIDgwGhJ_7S9BRJ0HAnq-3Ift1ZHIKwANJN8m_SKc_-0VuM8xPP65RI3Q/s2917/PXL_20220503_091239653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="2280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7t-lzB9CvKOtfGzAv_DHKHaaOeWeNqyLlmgT4AItQnY3adoXucEYfKh3dFKbxUrmjuGcF4dpDH-nDePe_N1LHFhaXxiqXyShUR_-twX4LDAalCEIYK8H3OTREnhUrhVtgKIDgwGhJ_7S9BRJ0HAnq-3Ift1ZHIKwANJN8m_SKc_-0VuM8xPP65RI3Q/s320/PXL_20220503_091239653.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">When we weren't in the talks, we were supposed to be reflecting on questions that were give out at the end of each session. And I'm sure that many people did that. In my own case, I had a number of things happening in my Secretariat and needed to be there for most of the day. Plus, tomorrow is the day for my short 15-minute presentation to the Chapter about the Lasallian Research and Resources Service. I'll let you know tomorrow how that went.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">By the time I had finished my work, Mass had started, and so I arrived late and remained in the background. But there was a nice photo from that angle, however. Just looking at all the Brothers present there, from all the countries where we have ministries, it was impressive to see that inter-culturality (one of the strengths and catalysts of transformation according to Sr. Maria) was clearly and quietly on display. We are just at the beginning of our time together, but already the strong sense of common mission and community provides assurance that we may do some rather good things here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcctK4aB_jiWihjWXCssal5Jm_tG07_s32Zpthqeb_Q-2sNpZZNhwdYoExbe-_w_ZW6RALC4qw3O8JCBwyYPktZ4YAX38InNNE4uXdNzEAuYQWPS1KfGFw7bzmwVK4KQcgL0q8VXt9XxowQHjRbXmBAsXcXUz6EBDyG2yz5MwBktI6Nmlz4F_H6GcEDg/s3072/PXL_20220503_171531896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2639" data-original-width="3072" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcctK4aB_jiWihjWXCssal5Jm_tG07_s32Zpthqeb_Q-2sNpZZNhwdYoExbe-_w_ZW6RALC4qw3O8JCBwyYPktZ4YAX38InNNE4uXdNzEAuYQWPS1KfGFw7bzmwVK4KQcgL0q8VXt9XxowQHjRbXmBAsXcXUz6EBDyG2yz5MwBktI6Nmlz4F_H6GcEDg/s320/PXL_20220503_171531896.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-49930249710973586912022-05-02T14:05:00.002-07:002022-05-02T21:42:17.167-07:00May 2, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p> 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.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmQxSfHlEoYBYOCrwY9Tthvtd3gRWAqWYcsryI3gxmrrJT_HdisJFSqPT33z7AKk8eqdFU0-m0Z1J0bjFaMwdY4zHCvd1wPuL_NwsI6VjINaxEUgI04m1BJ-5TzuhjjNifAZvCCFy61yWuMdD4pMr2dMNdEl864cUMdRxiRKOpoJev31FmdxyR6h_ZA/s4080/PXL_20220502_133541340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmQxSfHlEoYBYOCrwY9Tthvtd3gRWAqWYcsryI3gxmrrJT_HdisJFSqPT33z7AKk8eqdFU0-m0Z1J0bjFaMwdY4zHCvd1wPuL_NwsI6VjINaxEUgI04m1BJ-5TzuhjjNifAZvCCFy61yWuMdD4pMr2dMNdEl864cUMdRxiRKOpoJev31FmdxyR6h_ZA/s320/PXL_20220502_133541340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first part of the morning was presented and overseen by Sr. Leslie, the Salesian Sister from Nicaragua who would be our facilitator. A roomful of 70+ male religious could be a daunting audience, but she had already loosened us up yesterday with her exercises, and today she would introduce "Appreciative Inquiry" - a methodology of organiziation inquiry coming from a professor in Cleveland and successfully used in many settings, although not many in the USA. We started with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_uZ8AZfPTU" target="_blank">this video</a>, followed by spontaneous insights and comments by the Brothers. Then she began to explain aspects of this methodology as one that promotes growth and motivation, highlighting strengths that contribute to achieving success together by concentrating on what gives us life instead of what we see as problems. Her presentation was articulate and convincing. Over a period of about an hour, she gradually wove a tapestry of understanding of what this methodology meant, sharing basic principles behind it and highlighting things like the reality of genuine circumstances, the power of collective imagination based on the refusal to say "I can't", and the recognition that many things happen at the same time (simultaneousness). I was struck by the analogy of a child who encounters a tree and immediately begins to imagine the ways that the tree could be made part of his/her experiences and life. <br /><p></p><p>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?" </p><p>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.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UqtDuDpfybZwewJ81FbHdnSI550S3rZhIRCCIpSskF196YtxKsfZk741Iidf40Iz-YVcbKE6lHUW60K2_SV4zEMNvZ7eDnpQIuL5bO68iMG5n8nNYHo922vmkWQkgtyqR9W6pJ9lmh51-xHLZVUXwBLdHz6yUn7tRRaGKCIkgOQuMNkAAt7936a61Q/s4080/PXL_20220502_100709563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UqtDuDpfybZwewJ81FbHdnSI550S3rZhIRCCIpSskF196YtxKsfZk741Iidf40Iz-YVcbKE6lHUW60K2_SV4zEMNvZ7eDnpQIuL5bO68iMG5n8nNYHo922vmkWQkgtyqR9W6pJ9lmh51-xHLZVUXwBLdHz6yUn7tRRaGKCIkgOQuMNkAAt7936a61Q/s320/PXL_20220502_100709563.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaLOwLXB_ZRNC7hVlmy5escU1HrCo0SjIjCvP5RgEWCjQ5sDd7BRwYUKuDL6LnzQEXadepPdMGrlhYP7RfMu7kw1ZCMym_Z5SJ18JD7RTMtnwpYU9LeJg59htYcDUk9A94zVx7opJDsEsnGMt70tFQAZ_1fgFqprvJJxmc2Cvgh8OSXcVM0h1h6qW_Q/s4362/PXL_20220502_141500099.PANO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="4362" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaLOwLXB_ZRNC7hVlmy5escU1HrCo0SjIjCvP5RgEWCjQ5sDd7BRwYUKuDL6LnzQEXadepPdMGrlhYP7RfMu7kw1ZCMym_Z5SJ18JD7RTMtnwpYU9LeJg59htYcDUk9A94zVx7opJDsEsnGMt70tFQAZ_1fgFqprvJJxmc2Cvgh8OSXcVM0h1h6qW_Q/s320/PXL_20220502_141500099.PANO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4itcZU1zzeOss0Dro4XXaODPPq174FS0AeOfhnvPo25BqOxcEZ5fJceOkxjqRo1A48oIdE8yorwEWfAnzWcnXinf6vofccIt7GaPIVmYB_lBww_EdgApX2ghtVwQadOaqSu2mqqIDOnhBgEKWy2nPPS0CZx9cEUil8fw2gduZWIJnH1orHAH2dwMeg/s1600/2022_05_02%20-%20GC46%20-%20Den.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4itcZU1zzeOss0Dro4XXaODPPq174FS0AeOfhnvPo25BqOxcEZ5fJceOkxjqRo1A48oIdE8yorwEWfAnzWcnXinf6vofccIt7GaPIVmYB_lBww_EdgApX2ghtVwQadOaqSu2mqqIDOnhBgEKWy2nPPS0CZx9cEUil8fw2gduZWIJnH1orHAH2dwMeg/s320/2022_05_02%20-%20GC46%20-%20Den.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-65365481210358156732022-05-01T13:51:00.000-07:002022-05-01T13:51:03.796-07:00May 1, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p> It was Sunday today, but it certainly was NOT a day of rest. The 46th General Chapter started today, with it 71 voting delegates, 13 Consultants, and a variety of secretaries, translators, and others responsible for making sure that things run smoothly.</p><p>Thankfully, the official gathering was scheduled for 9:00 am inthe "Aula Magna" - which is the grand meeting hall that had been fully renovated some years back. It is used by other religious congregations for their international gatherings because it has everyone you need for a meeting space... lots of seats with microphones and voting buttons, a grand dais with room for plenty of "moderators" and important people, four translator booths looming high up in the back like miniature luxury boxes at a football stadium, and a projection and audio system that allows for maximum flexibility. All you have to figure out how to do is operate the portable Snickers Bar sized translation unit that are being charged at the back of the room.</p><p>Clearly, I wasn't wise enough to know how they operated. Not only did I report that they weren't working, when I went into the hall to show a Pakistani Brother where his place would be and how to use the equipment (this was 45 minutes before the first session) - that the units weren't lit and that taking them out and pressing the power button produced nothing on the small screen - but later in the day when I was trying to help the French-speaking Brother from Africa who was seated next to me by showing him where and how those translation units worked, the damn things didn't work even, even though the problem to the power units was explained to me (the unit had been turned off... the switch was in an obvious position). It turns out that you need to plug in one of the earphones before the unit even thinks about turning on. One you plug an earphone in, it's as happy as a clam and works very well. Who knew?</p><p>By the time we started in the Aula Magna, everyone was there with a quiet sort of excitement. There were the expected instructions - "Here is how you use the translation units!" - and an inspirational short talk by Br. Robert Schieler, the Superior General. Then the General Secretary, Br. Antxon, went through many of the needed details, with slides above his head to match, after which Br. Robert Schieler said: "I now declare this General Chapter officially open" - or words to that effect. One the "rules" that we were told is that photos or recordings of the sessions were not permitted; there were official photographers taking photos. Therefore, the photo below is probably the only photo that you will see from my position among the rows.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7dFvY3acdZxdAhKgTJ4toCQnAF9OlwWAtYxufJzrUDiGKEqOCVDJjQY9Hsc5N_NMsgkoKbE7PtuMkQso0IbiYqnpzcfHTGCSsn-0ALJFJLXM-y1sut44Tx_ybl0YHSYBX7lcIvAe02-8-2hC4Y44iO3kJ2mDKpryH0vYD1PJMhDcH_9mGpprcvb1Cg/s1020/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(2)%20(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1020" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7dFvY3acdZxdAhKgTJ4toCQnAF9OlwWAtYxufJzrUDiGKEqOCVDJjQY9Hsc5N_NMsgkoKbE7PtuMkQso0IbiYqnpzcfHTGCSsn-0ALJFJLXM-y1sut44Tx_ybl0YHSYBX7lcIvAe02-8-2hC4Y44iO3kJ2mDKpryH0vYD1PJMhDcH_9mGpprcvb1Cg/w290-h218/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(2)%20(Medium).jpg" width="290" /></a></div><p>It is worth mentioning that the seats are attached in such a way that they swing out and back under the top counter, but the space between you and the person behind you is rather small. If someone seated in the middle wanted (or needed) to leave, they would have to ask the person seated near the end to either move into the aisle or to scrunch up to edge of the top counter so that they could squeeze behind them. Not the most optimal design, in the opinion of some. I was blessed in scoring an aisle seat, as it were. (They are spread out alphabetically from the front row to the back.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub7F6TK_Wt5xait9L_U3CHkWp4IILeRk_bVbD8zyYpPi9fIlPAhBKxoG_n0uCeLQ1p88FrOW7RfOOVWd2WRszXDPmz470qukigt-lH7kr0TyWtmHH167cYvpRkpLUjr3aQxxHddtmtvzj0EOoYfJUHpJnWpg_uDLoTUmCEh_LbysiMGYRMMazhxw9HA/s4080/PXL_20220501_084042840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub7F6TK_Wt5xait9L_U3CHkWp4IILeRk_bVbD8zyYpPi9fIlPAhBKxoG_n0uCeLQ1p88FrOW7RfOOVWd2WRszXDPmz470qukigt-lH7kr0TyWtmHH167cYvpRkpLUjr3aQxxHddtmtvzj0EOoYfJUHpJnWpg_uDLoTUmCEh_LbysiMGYRMMazhxw9HA/w211-h159/PXL_20220501_084042840.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><p>The official preliminaries took a good 60-90 minutes, after which there was a welcome coffee break. When we returned, we tried out the voting system with some imagined resolutions - "Proposition to have a weel-long online session after this three-week in-person session." - and the Preparatory Committee provided an overview of what they proposed for the flow and substance of our time together. The "Capitulants" will vote on this later in the week.</p><p>After a decent break for lunch and siesta (Noon to 3 pm) we regathered in the Aula Magna. After lunch, I used the opportunity to to with Br. John Fernando to a nearby grocery store for "supplies" for the Den, which is the English-language lounge in the basement. We are making it available to those Brothers who would like to use it, and I'll let you guess what "supplies" refer to. When the group resumed, they introduced a Salesian Sister from Nicaragua who would be our facilitator, Sr. Leslie Sandigo Ortega. She jumped right into her role and had the Spanish, French, and English groups gather in different parts of the room. First they had to take a selfie, which I could only do with a small part of the group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNZbek6sPcmEuT8g5pH5ufQXTEeblDoGHrpC1UXP2GZHrcGegDpFjuPktZ4UmuTmWZuYralTZbgblrVnjwOxLRVy6NNt5DDwCtE30WWMaWl5uf7skWRn-JbWvb9sGamUm4WbIcC4_GGpVm0wsGOkbCpj7LhU5H3r6gaQpLwvInESILrZfVnwX0H9dDw/s1022/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(4)%20(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1022" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNZbek6sPcmEuT8g5pH5ufQXTEeblDoGHrpC1UXP2GZHrcGegDpFjuPktZ4UmuTmWZuYralTZbgblrVnjwOxLRVy6NNt5DDwCtE30WWMaWl5uf7skWRn-JbWvb9sGamUm4WbIcC4_GGpVm0wsGOkbCpj7LhU5H3r6gaQpLwvInESILrZfVnwX0H9dDw/w269-h202/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(4)%20(Medium).jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p>After that, we had to come up with a greeting to their Lasallian colleagues back home that would be filmed. Quick creativity was called for. The Spanish and French folks looked like they were organizing themselves well. The English group stood around staring at one another and wondering what to do. Finally, when crunch time came, Br. Armin suggested the word "Animo!" and we ended up shouting that into the camera. It had the virtue of being short, loud, and easy to do.</p><p>What followed was a very interesting and rather good process, whereby the participants had to schedule "appointments" for five time periods from 10 to 20 minutes with either one or more Brothers. The purpose was to share the answers to some questions about our hopes, fears, vocation stories, etc. with different English-speakers in the room (in my case). The last task was to decide on a word that represented our commitment to the upcoming session. My small group of four Brothers decided on "Prophetic Encounter" as our best description. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5EkvguD5dL5gnSEHUdKRFBDyvQhSSSJ_byKeFkoe6dOUr8iaOjP8uuw5ZW2e3fOoDyvkxKCURn-pvQFfcqmePpuS06oT7s5nQV9NfDemI9K0Q-jDSF5xMwaX5-8JKDmjLyVQYuJJIar6QVofQpfxSbtVg4MR5sAub4O7FDPob47kvmdFVnZvDMGoRw/s1020/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(5)%20(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1020" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5EkvguD5dL5gnSEHUdKRFBDyvQhSSSJ_byKeFkoe6dOUr8iaOjP8uuw5ZW2e3fOoDyvkxKCURn-pvQFfcqmePpuS06oT7s5nQV9NfDemI9K0Q-jDSF5xMwaX5-8JKDmjLyVQYuJJIar6QVofQpfxSbtVg4MR5sAub4O7FDPob47kvmdFVnZvDMGoRw/s320/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(5)%20(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then we all met in another location to share out group words and the "whys" behind them. Some three hours later, we had a rather impressive set of words that I unfortunately failed to record but will provide in a later post. Sr. Leslie pointed out that ALL of those words were important, just as all of our contributions were important, and that we should think about and apply those principles as we move ahead with the process.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEM9pwLgCFw7Nj0Aerwn3-Yflgqe7jvgiyG84ryr08yRfc7SeJC_avFsY2v4gAlJDJP8z5E-4HaVhx_9mB5TWPM9vhqTTamBDUTdGmG8mjI5DOH0SYrvd8K5W7KFmFZxmVAiUhZY_L7r5Gnl9gMbdcd_k_I1uD4GjFGtRwX6cbUNYxmqY-G6AFDbUfSA/s1020/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(6)%20(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="768" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEM9pwLgCFw7Nj0Aerwn3-Yflgqe7jvgiyG84ryr08yRfc7SeJC_avFsY2v4gAlJDJP8z5E-4HaVhx_9mB5TWPM9vhqTTamBDUTdGmG8mjI5DOH0SYrvd8K5W7KFmFZxmVAiUhZY_L7r5Gnl9gMbdcd_k_I1uD4GjFGtRwX6cbUNYxmqY-G6AFDbUfSA/w176-h234/2022_05_01%20-%20GC46%20(6)%20(Medium).jpg" width="176" /></a></div><p>By now, it was close to 6:00 pm. We were given ten minutes to get into our robes and then to show up at the front steps of the Casa Generalizia where our "first photo" would be taken. The picture taking, along with a swooping drone that we had to wave at several times, took another twenty minutes. Then it was into the main church for our opening Mass. The main celebrant was Cardina Michale Czerny, S.J. , who was just appointed by Pope Francis to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He gave a very nice homily, telling us the the encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" was our very own encyclical since it was part of our vocation to encourage and support sibling relationships within society, which was one of the only ways that the planet might yet be saved. Powerful stuff.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAHIRjzRngQOLxbe41TPpwQN2DX8JtBp7J7he1b_Xn8VP2BGBeXLC4Gc7sSiRz4qQ3ihAy6TZnx4syDnPqVpxNmNs7ogAk_hRfXHhChtTxycyACmCBwdHp1V785ZxfGuNzQb667GGJ1u7jYlWV-MGSdQh71LiDdHqU9DNF8badNXQQcid92twyULxdw/s4080/PXL_20220501_172554434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAHIRjzRngQOLxbe41TPpwQN2DX8JtBp7J7he1b_Xn8VP2BGBeXLC4Gc7sSiRz4qQ3ihAy6TZnx4syDnPqVpxNmNs7ogAk_hRfXHhChtTxycyACmCBwdHp1V785ZxfGuNzQb667GGJ1u7jYlWV-MGSdQh71LiDdHqU9DNF8badNXQQcid92twyULxdw/w251-h189/PXL_20220501_172554434.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><p>After this, we went to the dining room for a festive opening meal. It ended around 9:30 pm when the dolce (cake) was served. A long long day with lots of activities. And it only the first day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0XaL0lfTUYCX04fqW4bNT4suiRNGq1n048LKS5dUFJpn4mgEwIV52jUzwR_XvLisYjFQ4Hz7lga4b4_S3TxXVKG4yauipRWhyi8-aQ1o8bJ0cuQ7DLqNHtMfk07nRb9w1maCJTCLhEAJSnEBctSEnC-LjRdoczQrj6dUcFjP0GgLQ_eCFdjSlYZngw/s4080/PXL_20220501_192857512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0XaL0lfTUYCX04fqW4bNT4suiRNGq1n048LKS5dUFJpn4mgEwIV52jUzwR_XvLisYjFQ4Hz7lga4b4_S3TxXVKG4yauipRWhyi8-aQ1o8bJ0cuQ7DLqNHtMfk07nRb9w1maCJTCLhEAJSnEBctSEnC-LjRdoczQrj6dUcFjP0GgLQ_eCFdjSlYZngw/w158-h210/PXL_20220501_192857512.jpg" width="158" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-13019006872991915912022-04-30T12:28:00.001-07:002022-05-04T11:43:36.761-07:00Aprile 30, 2022 - General Chapter 46<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's been a great while since I've contributed to this blog, and it's probably has more to do with a lack of discipline than an intentional neglect. Like any interesting practice that becomes a habit, after some time it is simply a habit and the "interesting" part wanes. Whether or not one sticks to the habit is matter of relativity. Are other priorities becoming more important? Are you just becoming a bit more lazy - that's the guilty part of the equation. Whatever the cause, I've decided to see if I can't keep some sort of record of my experience during this General Chapter in Rome, as I did back in 2007 when I participated as the one who organized the liturgies and prayers. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This time around, I'm here as a "Consultor" to the Chapter. As such, I'm one of ten Consultors, most of which are in charge of "Secretariats" here at the Casa Generalizia. There are also two women Consultors, which is a distinct blessing. In this position, we can participate in all aspects of the General Chapter except vote. Whether I will even say anything on the floor and not just in committee is yet to be determined. But my disposition is to be helpful but not to get too involved in areas where others are in a better position to do so.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Brothers have been arriving for GC46 for the last week of so. The nearer we got to today, the more people arrived. Until this morning, all of our meals were held in the community's dining room - a large room but finally too small for the 70+ guests who will be joining us. It was lunch today that was held in one of the larger public dining rooms, and that will be the case until May 22nd, when the Chapter ends.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For most of today, I worked on my 15-minute public report on my area, the Lasallian Research and Resources Service. The report is schedule for May 4th, after the report of the Superior General (the main event and much longer) and the 15-minute report of the Communications Office that follows it. Trying to squeeze as much information as possible into that 15 minutes is balanced by the realization that most people in the room will already be somewhat exhausted by facts and don't need to head a plethora of them from me. Therefore, we prepared a booklet with the information which will be handed out at the time, and I'll just provide some highlights. But still, there is a verbal script, with cues for Powerpoint changes, and I've worked on the Powerpoint to keep it interesting and engaged.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For lunch, I invited a younger Brother from Lebanon, Br. Louis, to lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. We had a great conversation about his circumstances in Lebanon where, for example, there is no reliable power - therefore you pay others to get plugged into their generators. The U.S. Dolllar was king 20 years ago, but today it is worth a mere fraction of what it used to be, and banks don't let you transfer dollars or withdraw them. Our schools are surving, mostly because the 900 teachers all of the country receive $100 every once in while from the Brothers to tide them over; paid for my generous charities overseas. It's just a very strange and difficult situation that becomes much more real when you're speaking with a 33-year-old Brother who faces that each day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1Y4oCGuZpowQDGDzjCP3itzIwuJ3Fm_VPlpRYLAnCD-iGlH1ncI6j9E8uvprwiexFyW0LVXY0kGGFvWjrvibsxA6R5UgJrUXuiAJJ1aM6padyporZerBgR_jG9GxHmBNmkUbPgqUa_-aHd1u19tmiQwmXQ4CtN3l9ZJfgCGmCQcHY4DZqLjODIn3EA/s4080/PXL_20220430_163858619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1Y4oCGuZpowQDGDzjCP3itzIwuJ3Fm_VPlpRYLAnCD-iGlH1ncI6j9E8uvprwiexFyW0LVXY0kGGFvWjrvibsxA6R5UgJrUXuiAJJ1aM6padyporZerBgR_jG9GxHmBNmkUbPgqUa_-aHd1u19tmiQwmXQ4CtN3l9ZJfgCGmCQcHY4DZqLjODIn3EA/w211-h159/PXL_20220430_163858619.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This evening, we sort of began the Chapter because today is De La Salle's birthday (April 30, 1951), and we had Mass in the small downstairs chapel instead of the large, echo-filled, main church. As a result, almost every seat was taken, and the singing was amazingly loud and vigorous. The Mass was in Spanish, English, French, and Italian, with the language hop-scotching across the prayers and readings. But it all seemed just fine, because 95% of the place was filled with Brothers from around the world. At the very end, with the singing of the Salve Regina, the volume and depth was really impressive and wonderful; filled with a sort of exuberance.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWoLqUTOnFk_lJSAKJShDQo2Ge59cQ2X9G99lCzhITY3CIo40P1BPEUSp6B3tIGGB_m5OGxTRFIZsfK1UqR-BgKVwQNej_PIgKNGBEaghfYm-k9tBT8me83abTNSpMI5ROZ-jsItlu39CupyIEPDcoqytXqauFyg1yw-8GLwO5lekaT5hsHmzkB8Sxw/s4080/PXL_20220430_170756882.jpg" style="margin-center: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWoLqUTOnFk_lJSAKJShDQo2Ge59cQ2X9G99lCzhITY3CIo40P1BPEUSp6B3tIGGB_m5OGxTRFIZsfK1UqR-BgKVwQNej_PIgKNGBEaghfYm-k9tBT8me83abTNSpMI5ROZ-jsItlu39CupyIEPDcoqytXqauFyg1yw-8GLwO5lekaT5hsHmzkB8Sxw/w253-h191/PXL_20220430_170756882.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">After that, most of the Brothers lingered outside, waiting for dinner to start at 7:30 pm (the usual time for dinner here). The English-speaking crowd drifted toward the "Den" - which is the English language group's hangout. By the time I got there, it was filled with people, noisily talking and helping to empty the sparse bar that we keep there. But it was a great atmosphere; very positive, enjoyable, and filled with life. Usually, there are 3-5 of us here during that time period, having had our evening prayer at 6:45 pm. Now it was a nice cauldron of energy and conversation.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the dinner that followed, we sort of figured out to get some food and then drift around until you heard or saw a table with English-speaking folks, joining them if there was room. This is not a requirement, but it's the usual practice. I'm sure that over the next couple of weeks, we will sit at tables where other languages are generally spoken. But the Brothers are very good about noticing someone who isn't really participating and speaking with them in their native language. Certainly for me, it's a saving grace.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMwJVfTCrbUIuov47UCA2SIJ-7WnEJ2SNIep3Z7qMMDUDwISI8FaR8VwLuijy7xHbJOGLT6yuKk5pMV6np9r8XmK5qXrnDUjNkcdiPo5z901Ags4GCtAiCKBEORqZvN12-qp29BOsCf9HIpbhThwQEa9EKp_a0aBpLIujYyadzAXOFUSSm-RGuehKnw/s4080/PXL_20220430_173816646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMwJVfTCrbUIuov47UCA2SIJ-7WnEJ2SNIep3Z7qMMDUDwISI8FaR8VwLuijy7xHbJOGLT6yuKk5pMV6np9r8XmK5qXrnDUjNkcdiPo5z901Ags4GCtAiCKBEORqZvN12-qp29BOsCf9HIpbhThwQEa9EKp_a0aBpLIujYyadzAXOFUSSm-RGuehKnw/w234-h176/PXL_20220430_173816646.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At one point during dinner, a last contingent of Brothers from Spain arrived, having taken a late flight to Italy. At once, the hubub increased, lots of greetings all around, many "What's that guy's name. I recognize him but don't remember his name?" incidents at table. Tomorrow, when we officially start at 9:00 am, we will all be wearing our name tags, so eventually we should be able to recognize others when we see them. Even an old brain like me might be able get close to that goal.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tonight's atmosphere is like a group of athletes before their primary event. Lots of happy energy, greetings, conversations, and laughter. But we know that the work starts soon, and that we will be very busy for the next three weeks. I'm looking forward to it with hope and a little trepidation. Real Providence tends to be like that.</p><br />George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-268994702071202902021-02-05T06:40:00.003-08:002021-02-19T06:55:45.439-08:00Hope for Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQSv3ua1V0qo3gjeTg19zqRKYgsoz1ZyV4t9HIjQx0w2MPOxSy69oz_MqW4lGFrajmRGp76JQ6AvSrQVVAfTHKLIVvq89FcvmQXpHohxPq_VPAfKIo7wICDOjbc2KVXpepoignVn1mQb7/s820/2020_02_05-B-Lasallian-Reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQSv3ua1V0qo3gjeTg19zqRKYgsoz1ZyV4t9HIjQx0w2MPOxSy69oz_MqW4lGFrajmRGp76JQ6AvSrQVVAfTHKLIVvq89FcvmQXpHohxPq_VPAfKIo7wICDOjbc2KVXpepoignVn1mQb7/s320/2020_02_05-B-Lasallian-Reflection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">“Faith is the foundation of the hope that we have.” </em><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">[1]</a></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; text-align: center;">– St. John Baptist de La Salle –</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">Many of us were very much taken by Amanda Gorman’s poem at the recent inauguration ceremony. It’s simplicity, rhythm, authenticity, and hope reverberated in the hearts of those witnessing the scaled-down, isolated ceremony on a cold day in Washington, D.C. Another of her poems is entitled “The Miracle of Morning.” It gives a description of what hope can look like, even today, to those who pay sincere attention. “I see a dad with a stroller taking a jog. Across the street, a bright-eyed girl chases her dog. A grandma on a porch fingers her rosaries. She grins as her young neighbor brings her groceries.” <a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">These are expressions of what may be called a sacramental sensibility, fostered I should think in some small part by her family’s ties to St. Bridget’s in Los Angeles. Amanda looked beyond and through the world around her, with a wider, larger, more inclusive perspective. One might say that she saw with the eyes of faith.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">De La Salle writes that “Faith is the foundation of the hope that we have.” And scripture has it that “Faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance about what we do not see.” (Heb 11:1) Those are rich statements, but it’s harder to know what they might mean in the daily world of pandemic life. Where and how does one live hope today? Chesterton wisely wrote “Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all. … As long as matters are really hopeful, hope is mere flattery or platitude; it is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength.” Hoping for the best is certainly different than hoping for truth, justice, peace, and genuine goodness in one’s life and relationships. The first is wishful and the second takes work. The first is easy and the second is hard. The first is impersonal and the second is very personal. Jonathan Sacks writes, “Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that we can make things better. Optimism is a passive virtue; hope is an active one. It takes no courage to be an optimist, but it does need courage to hope.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">One good illustration of this kind of hope comes from Ronald Rolheiser. In 2011 he underwent 168 chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer, and he kept a journal, vowing “I’ll get through it! I’ll endure it!” His hope was focused on getting to the end of the treatments, ignoring all other matters of importance. About halfway through these many weeks of treatment, he had a revelation. “…I woke up, I woke up to the fact that I was putting my life on hold, that I wasn’t really living but only enduring each day in order check it off and eventually reach that magical 168th day when I could start living again. I realized that I was wasting a season of my life. Moreover, I realized that what I was living through was sometimes rich precisely because of the impact of chemotherapy in my life. That realization remains one of the special graces in my life… The coronavirus has put us all, in effect, on a conscripted sabbatical and it’s subjecting those who have contracted it to their own type of chemotherapy. And the danger is that we will put our lives on hold as we go through this extraordinary time and will just endure rather than let ourselves be graced by what lies within this uninvited season. Yes, there will be frustration and pain in living this through, but that’s not incompatible with happiness.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[4]</a> Lived hope, real hope, embraces the graces that lie within reach. In fact, these are the only ones that God truly places before us at each moment of each day in each circumstance. Our trust / faith lies here.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">Hope “is congenital, in the gut, a trust, not deflected by anything, that our lives are not mere accident, that we are more than brute chips fallen off the conveyor-belt of chance, that we have individual significance and destiny, that every small act of conscience and fidelity has meaning within the eternal schema of things, and that the tiny rivulet of our lives is flowing into the great ocean of meaning and eternity where, far from being absorbed or obliterated, we will enjoy perfect, self-conscious mutuality in love in an ecstatic, communal, yet individual, eternal fulfilment. This is hope, as we feel it practically.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[5]</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">Hope does not need to be dour or resigning. Hope needs to be alive and engaged. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Rom 12:12) For those of us involved in Lasallian educational ministries – in whatever capacity – remember De La Salle’s inspired insight that “[The students] are your hope, your joy, and your crown of glory before our Lord Jesus Christ.” <a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[6]</a> That is certainly enough to keep us grounded and motivated to look for and see the graces hidden within the very real challenges and difficulties associated with the current pandemic.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">How do these final lines of Amanda Gorman’s poem echo in your life, ministry, mind & heart?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">Let every dawn find us courageous, brought closer;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Heeding the light before the fight is over.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When this ends, we’ll smile sweetly, finally seeing<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In testing times, we became the best of beings.<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[7]</a></p><hr style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(214, 214, 214); border-top-style: solid; box-sizing: content-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; height: 0px; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-top: 1px;" /><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A PDF of this reflection is <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqrBwuM4yLt05BY7I_Apan7MIu3BdUT5/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a></em></span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[1]</a> De La Salle, John Baptist, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Meditations by St. John Baptist de La Salle</em>, trans. Richard Arnandez, and Augustine Loes, eds. Augustine Loes and Francis Huether, (Landover, MD: Christian Brothers Conference, 1994), Meditations 40.3</h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a> https://www.treatsforthesoul.org/the-miracle-of-morning/</h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a> Sacks, Jonathan. <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Celebrating Life</em> (Continuum Press, 2004) p. 175</h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[4]</a> https://ronrolheiser.com/love-in-the-time-of-covid-19/#.YByZA-hKguW</h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[5]</a> https://ronrolheiser.com/practical-hope/#.YBxF3OhKguU</h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[6]</a> Meditations, op. cit., 207.3</h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-february-2021-hope-for-today/#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[7]</a> https://www.treatsforthesoul.org/the-miracle-of-morning/</h6>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3852170615249314900.post-56325526299690210492020-12-01T11:48:00.001-08:002021-02-19T06:56:51.233-08:00Lasallian Reflection - Advent & Daffodils<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_EYXdtYw_p39-DrG2UrU3QRDpsGpcSM15a7sj37MLNovI7im90GBS-ud6IZ6LAYkGTTC9jLx6I3W9Wfit7x41NyDelomXkDgTS2Rlenf92lv4yBISHRK2675Tnuh8Fm6WMe5LGOdwG7u/s2048/laila-gebhard-duXCrgV-Y6s-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="2048" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_EYXdtYw_p39-DrG2UrU3QRDpsGpcSM15a7sj37MLNovI7im90GBS-ud6IZ6LAYkGTTC9jLx6I3W9Wfit7x41NyDelomXkDgTS2Rlenf92lv4yBISHRK2675Tnuh8Fm6WMe5LGOdwG7u/w425-h287/laila-gebhard-duXCrgV-Y6s-unsplash.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Because you have to prepare the hearts of others for the coming of Jesus Christ, you must first of all dispose your own hearts to be entirely filled with zeal, in order to render your words effective in those whom you instruct.” <a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[1]</a></em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></em><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">– </em>St. John Baptist de La Salle –</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">This has been a good training year for the season of Advent, for waiting and waiting and waiting a little longer. A vaccine? An upcoming election? A change in systemic racism? Reform of Church clericalism, among other things? A visit to friends, relatives, neighbors, even strangers? A county COVID-19 status to a better color? An in-person, three-dimensional, messily immersive Mass?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">But Advent is not about the “let’s get back to some kind of normal” sort of waiting. It is a more appealing and optimistic kind of waiting because it is “a season to get in touch with our deepest yearnings. Like Mary, we wait patiently, preparing a womb within which Christ can be born.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a> It’s more like waiting for spring, for the re-emergent flowering of deep, rich, wonderful things, bringing their glorious fragrances, complexities, colors, and sheer beauty. It is a springtime for our souls.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">For each of us, we remember different life-moments of such springtime experiences, dotting the landscape of our lives like a field of daffodils. The conversation with a professor in college, who took your stumbling attempt at a question about his presentation, articulated the question better than you ever could, and then kindly explained why your assumptions were wrong. The visit to a museum where you turned a corner and a single El Greco painting, isolated in its own space, stunned you with its quiet intensity and drama, elevating the power of art to a whole new level. An encounter with a small group of students on retreat, for whom you were able to be the attentive listener they craved for, an experience that deepened your appreciation of accompaniment — by you, by others, by God — as graced opportunities. The sermon or reading that answered a burning question or shaped a difficult decision. The reluctant response to a request to do, to go, or to be available for something, which led to unexpected shores and brand-new horizons. All these are manifestations of the deeper yearnings, harbingers of what this year’s Advent spring may yet bring.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">Advent essentially means staying awake “to the truth that God is with us even when most everything in our lives and in the world seems to belie that.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a> For those in Lasallian education, staying awake invites us to “dispose our own hearts to be entirely filled with zeal, in order to render our words effective in those whom we instruct.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[4]</a> Recall teachers who were not effective and put us to sleep, not because they lacked knowledge, but because they lacked zeal, which is not found in loud gestures and shouting, but in an intensity of purpose and attention that burns into hearts.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">For most of us, it is a zeal awakened and fostered through conversations that we regularly have. David Brooks has tips for deepening conversations, such as open-ended or elevated questions. But genuine attention and approaching others “with awe” make the real difference: “It’s best to act as if attention had an on/off switch with no dimmer. Total focus.” Why? Because “deeper conversation builds trust, the oxygen of society, exactly what we’re missing right now.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[5]</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">Perhaps it is the recently deceased Rabbi Jonathan Sacks who said it best: “Conversation is a kind of prayer. Because in conversation, by reaching out to the human other, we begin the journey of reaching out to the divine other.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[6]</a> Some twenty years earlier, his description of a conversation that he had when he was much younger, traveling 3,000 miles to visit a quiet, rather non-charismatic international Jewish rabbinic leader makes the same point from the listening side. “As I left the room, it occurred to me that it had been full of my presence and his absence. Perhaps that is what listening is, considered as a religious act. I knew then that greatness is measured by what we efface ourselves towards. There was no grandeur in his manner; neither was there any false modesty. He was serene, dignified, majestic; a man of transcending humility who gathered you into his embrace and taught you to look up.”<a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[7]</a> What a fine way of talking about the graced teaching encounter, animated by what De La Salle calls the Spirit of Faith & Zeal.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">During this Advent season, perhaps we can – in our conversations, reading choices, online habits, prayer practices, and perceived deeper yearnings – look up a little more and look down a little less. Because then, the daffodils buried deep within the soil of our lives will have a chance to grow, emerge, and bloom once more, soaking up the sun’s bounty and enhancing the inherent beauty of our local vistas.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 16px;">That is indeed something worth waiting (and working) for.</p><hr style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(214, 214, 214); border-top-style: solid; box-sizing: content-box; color: #363433; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; height: 0px; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-top: 1px;" /><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">A PDF of this reflection is <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vFHu5YhpDxAr-gOFskj1XCehKSnrR7C/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a></em></span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@lailagebhard?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">Laila Gebhard</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/daffodil-field?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">Unsplash</a></span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[1]</a> De La Salle, John Baptist, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Meditations by St. John Baptist de La Salle</em>, trans. Richard Arnandez, and Augustine Loes, eds. Augustine Loes and Francis Huether, (Landover, MD: Christian Brothers Conference, 1994), 36 (Meditation 2.2 – The Second Sunday of Advent)</span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a> Rolheiser, Ronald. Liturgical Press, “Give Us This Day” November 2020, 298-299.</span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a> Rolheiser, op. cit.</span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[4]</a> This is the opening quotation from De La Salle, slightly altered.</span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[5]</a> Brooks, David. <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The New York Times</em>, November 19, 2020. “Nine Nonobvious Ways to Have Deeper Conversation.” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/opinion/nine-nonobvious-ways-to-have-deeper-conversations.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/opinion/nine-nonobvious-ways-to-have-deeper-conversations.html</a></span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[6]</a> Sacks, Jonathan. <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">On Being Studios</em>. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/onbeing/rabbi-sacks-conversation-is-a" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/onbeing/rabbi-sacks-conversation-is-a</a> Retrieved November 30, 2020</span></h6><h6 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #363433; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://lasallianresources.org/news/lasallian-reflection-december-2020-advent-daffodils/#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d5c88; text-decoration-line: none;">[7]</a> Sacks, Jonathan. The Tablet<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">, 1 April, 2000, 451.</em></span></h6>George Van Grieken FSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07722455045066397180noreply@blogger.com