Marist Fathers’
General Chapter, Rome
On the 31st May, 2008, the feast of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr Jan Hulshof, SM, the superior general of the Marist Fathers, convoked the 28th general chapter of the Society of Mary. This convocation coincided with an invitation from the superior general for members of the Society of Mary from various parts of the world to join together in prayer, asking for God’s blessing on the undertakings of the 2009 general chapter. That year of prayer is drawing to an end.
A general chapter is a very significant event in the life of a religious congregation. Not only is it a time for careful and considered reflection but it is also an opportunity for important decision-making that affects the future. In the Constitutions of the Society of Mary, the purpose of a general chapter is described as an opportunity:
• To evaluate the fidelity of the Society to its spirit and mission,
• To resolve important questions of the Society as a whole,
• To decide on directions for the future,
• To elect the superior general and assistants,
• To safeguard the common heritage and to foster growth and development,
• To propose changes to the Constitutions and particular legislation (n.
167).
In 2001, the general chapters of the Marist Sisters, the Marist Missionary Sisters, the Marist Brothers, and the Marist Fathers took place simultaneously. It was a wonderful occasion for delegates from all of the Marist congregations to come together for a shared celebration of our Marist heritage and to meet the pope as representatives of the religious congregations of the Marist family. The occasion of the four general chapters also coincided with the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on 11th September, 2001. That event changed the world. It was also a clear reminder that chapters are about Marist mission to and in the world. Mission cannot be viewed in isolation from the pains, joys and challenges of the world in which we live and work. This awareness helps to explain the theme chosen for the general chapter: “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137) What we liked in this passage was, first of all, that it is about singing. For believers, singing is not simply matter of pastime; at times it is the only way left to get in touch with God: ‘God is ineffable. So since you can’t speak and don’t have the right to keep silent either, what is left for you but to sing?’ (St. Augustine). As religious, we need to learn again to listen to the song rising in our hearts.
Secondly, the verse is about the Lord’s song, whereas too often each of us is only occupied with his own song. And last, but not least, the verse speaks about the Lord’s song ‘in a foreign land'
As the delegates of the Society of Mary meet in Rome from 1st September to 23rd September in order to give prayerful consideration to how the Society can remain faithful to its mission while facing the challenges of our time, we would like to invite you to join with us in prayer. Just as Mary was present in the midst of the apostles at Pentecost, at a very crucial moment in our faith community’s history, she will be present with those at chapter - an encouraging presence in their midst.
Fr Ray Chapman sm—Delegate | |
Home
News September 2009 |
