Days 7 and 8 of the Inter-chapter were dedicated to retreat. The meeting commenced again on Day 9. If you would like to read the descriptions from the retreat days,
OBRA, POLAND
10-07-2019
After two days of retreat, it was once more time for the inter-capitulars to engage in dialogue regarding the implementation of the calls of the 36thGeneral Chapter. The inter-chapter focuses not only on what has been achieved in the three years that follow the General Chapter. It also puts forward plans to implement what has not yet been achieved.
On this 9th day, the inter-capitulars met in regions to discuss the priorities that they have identified for their respective regions. These priorities come with concrete and practical means through which the regions aim to realise them. All of the priorities that were highlighted by the regions are in line with the calls of the previous General Chapter, and they also prepare regions for the next General Chapter. Amongst the priorities that were mentioned, formation and interculturality were present in almost all of the regions. This shows the commitment of the congregation to have missionaries that are formed to respond to the signs of times.
The evening session began with the sad news of the passing of Fr Alex ROQUE of the US province. A moment of silent prayer was observed for the eternal rest of his soul. As the inter-capitulars engaged in discussions with the General Administration, the initial formation was at the centre of the discussions. This inter-chapter seeks to ensure that formation becomes a priority of the whole congregation. In conclusion to the events of the day, Fr Louis Lougen, the Superior General, gave his brief evaluation of the 2019 inter-chapter. He commended the inter-capitulars for the deep family spirit that is present and animates all of the discussions.
OBRA, POLAND
12-07-2019
As the inter-chapter draws towards the end, the inter-capitulars and the General Administration took time to focus on special activities that animate the life of the congregation. The role and participation of the lay associate in the mission of the congregation, and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the Oblates were some of the themes that the inter-capitulars focused on today. As the Congregation journeys towards the 37th General Chapter, the regions and units are called to actively engage the lay associate in their preparations. Frs. Peter STOLL, Ramon BERNABE, Paolo ARCHIATI and Cornelius NGOKA presented some of the activities that the General Administration has put together to accompany the congregation towards the next General Chapter.
In continuation of the work done the previous day, the inter-capitulars proposed and presented their themes for the 37th General Chapter to the Superior General. Their proposition gave a global view of the direction the congregation wishes to take in the proclamation of the Gospel to the poor and the most abandoned. The Superior General will take into consideration their proposals in discerning for the theme of the next General Chapter.
Inter-Chapter Day 12: Evaluation and Concluding Eucharist
OBRA, POLAND
13-07-2019
On the opening of the inter-chapter on the 1st of July 2019, the inter-capitulars were invited to journey with Christ as the two disciples of Emmaus. The two disciples of Emmaus shared with Christ their disappointments and worries. They equally shared their hopes, and the faith they had in Jesus. In the same manner, during these past two weeks, the inter-capitulars shared the successes and challenges that regions and units face in responding to the calls of the last chapter. Their hearts were on fire as they listened to each other during the past two weeks.
On this last day of the inter-chapter, the presidents of the regions engaged in a fraternal dialogue with the Central Government. They gave the evaluations from the regions, highlighting the urgent needs of each region. All regions thanked the collaboration and support that they have been receiving from the Central Government and called for a stronger bond as the congregation journeys towards the 37th General Chapter. Fr. Guillaume MUTHUNDA, on behalf of the Central Government, thanked the regions for their dedication during this period of the inter-chapter. He highlighted that the Central Government is open to collaboration with regions; however, more collaboration should exist amongst regions themselves and amongst units. Fr. Louis LOUGEN, the Superior General, thanked the province of Poland for opening their home to their Oblate brothers from around the world. He thanked all those who planned and animated the sessions of the inter-chapter.
In his homily during the closing Eucharist, the Superior General thanked the inter-capitulars for opening themselves to the Spirit. He reminded them that the evaluation of the last three years was done with the eyes of the heart. He called the Oblates to live with fraternal love, and to keep alight the missionary zeal. The Oblates are the friends of Jesus, and their love is so great that they are ready to lay down their lives for him and for each other. In conclusion to his homily, he stated that it is Jesus who is sending out the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He is sending them back in the Spirit to their Jerusalem. He is sending them to evangelise the poor.
Father General’s Closing Homily
