The General Chapter in session represents the whole Society and is its highest internal legislative authority.
As such, it:
- takes cognizance of the Society's state in its totality and in the various units which compose it;
- joins individuals and communities more closely in brotherly love;
- inspires all to new zeal for our religious-missionary life and activity;
- seeks by reflection and common deliberation adequate solutions for current problems;
- issues decrees and ordinances deemed necessary and opportune in response to the Lord speaking to us constantly through the church and the world.
Co. 616
“Your Light Must Shine Before Others”
(Mt 5:16)
Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World.
"Understanding the context of the world today and the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word, the objective of this General Chapter is to enhance our growing in authentic discipleship by strengthening our identity, being creative in our ways of proclamation and witnessing to Christ in a wounded world."
It will take place at the Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, Italy, and will begin on 16 June 2024. Though it is the right of the Chapter to decide when to clos, we envision it to last not more than four weeks, ending therefore not later than 14 July 2024.
“The Love of Christ Impels us”
(2 Cor 5:14):
Rooted in the Word, Committed to His Mission.
The objective of this 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. Thus, the aim of this Chapter – a Spiritual Chapter – was “the renewal of oneself, community life, and mission.”
It took place at the Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, Italy, and began on June 17, 2018. The chapter ended on July 15, 2018.
“From every Nation, People, and Language”
Sharing Intercultural Life and Mission
In the last two Chapters we started a process of reflection leading to the writing of a mission statement for the whole Society. In the 15th General Chapter we reflected on the challenges of our missionary commitment and action as a prophetic dialogue. In the 16th General Chapter we sought to renew our vision of our life and identity in contemporary society. In the XVII General Chapter we wanted to build on the spiritual foundation of the previous two chapters by developing a plan of action for our entire Society.
It took place at the Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, Italy, and began on June 17, 2012. The chapter ended on July 15, 2012.
