The objective of the 18th General Chapter was “to foster a process of a spiritual rekindling, bringing us back to the Word of God as the source of our life, vocation, and mission and our religious missionary commitment” (2018 GC, Guide). Thus, the Chapter’s theme “The Love of Christ impels us” (2 Cor 5:14): Rooted in the Word, Committed to His Mission” inspired us to embark on the path of renewal and transformation of ourselves and the whole world according to the values of the Kingdom of God and helped us “to rediscover the spiritual foundations that sustain and nourish our personal and community life and give meaning to our mission.” (2018 GC #2)

In order to animate and nourish the process of renewal and transformation after the Chapter, the office of the Coordinator for Spiritual Animation prepared a series of reflections and videos on the 18 GC Statement. The three–year project started in January 2019 and ended in December 2021. Thirty five reflections and videos covering all 53 paragraphs of the Chapter Statement were prepared, posted on our svdcuria.org website as well as sent out to the members of the Arnoldus Family. Altogether 33 speakers participated in this process, among them one lay partner.

After the project was done, the idea came to collect all the written reflections and put them together in an e-publication for future reference and usage.

Thanking all 34 writers, translators, our svdcuria.org webmaster and all who participated in this project, I am presenting these reflections with a wish that they may continue to inspire us and help us to become transforming missionary disciples, rooted in the Word and committed to Christ’s mission.

Rome, January 18, 2022 Fr. Peter Dusicka SVD