- svd-general-chapters
- / 19 General Chapter /
- News /
- July 13, 2024
Centro Ad Gentes, Nemi
From Excitement to Gratitude: The Heartfelt Closure of the 19th General Chapter
As the sun rose on this memorable Saturday, the Capitulars of the 19th General Chapter gathered with a sense of significance and closure. Superior General Paulus Budi Kleden addressed the assembly, highlighting the Chapter’s profound impact, meticulous preparation, and invaluable participation of the PRMs. He underscored the Chapter’s inclusive process and methodology and the critical involvement of the SSpS and lay partners.
The 19th General Chapter was a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with a significant digital presence. Events were widely shared across various social platforms, a testament to the Chapter’s commitment to a paperless approach and a conscious effort to care for our common home. Despite a flu virus affecting many at the Centro Ad Gentes, the true contagion was the overwhelming enthusiasm and excitement that kept everyone engaged from start to finish.
Father Kleden officially announced the inauguration of the new Council set for Sunday and his impending departure as Superior General. He proposed a motion to close the 19th General Chapter, which passed with overwhelming support, uniting the assembly in agreement—save for one, perhaps reluctant to leave Nemi.
Father Jose Antunes da Silva’s expression of deep gratitude to Budi was a poignant moment that resonated with everyone present. He lauded Budi’s dedication, simplicity, intelligence, and commitment, and as emotion overcame Jose, Franz Helm stepped in to conclude the heartfelt speech. Both Father Budi and Father Antunes received a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to their fraternal friendship and collaboration.
Thanks were also extended to Bro. Emili Turu and Franz Helm for their dedicated preparation and facilitation of the Chapter. They shared their experiences, noting the prevailing spirit of fraternity, simplicity, and openness. Incoming Superior General Anselmo Ribeiro and outgoing Superior General Paulus Budi Kleden expressed their gratitude to all who contributed to the Chapter, with special thanks to Father Antunes for leading the preparatory phase.
With heartfelt words of gratitude shared, Father Budi made the momentous declaration: “I declare the 19th General Chapter closed.” This declaration elicited immediate and joyful reactions, marking the end of a significant event. Participants congratulated each other as they moved towards the Church to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, animated by the PANAM Zone and presided over by Father Stephen Michael of USC.
Teamwork Shines: Chapter Staff’s Collective Effort in Action
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Under the leadership of Brother Emili Turú and Franz Helm, the Chapter staff comprises a diverse team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This team includes two secretaries and a secretariat coordinator, two general service managers, two liturgists, four members of the communications and IT Team, four translators, and three additional support staff. Each member is integral to the smooth functioning of the Chapter.
Entering the fourth week of the Chapter, the staff are no longer just names and roles but are now remembered for their valuable services and contributions. Their efforts, highlighted by Ecclesiastes, emphasize the importance of working together efficiently and effectively. The Chapter staff have shown that their collaborative approach yields better outcomes and enhances the overall experience for Chapter participants.
Throughout the past weeks, the Chapter staff have embraced the significance of collaboration. Teams, including Emili and Franz, the Communications and IT Team, the Secretaries and translators, the liturgists, and the general service managers, have worked closely together, supporting each other in their respective roles. Their unity and teamwork have made them more capable of tackling challenges.
We sincerely appreciate the staff’s dedication, often extending into late-night sessions to meet deadlines and solve unforeseen problems. Their tireless efforts have fostered a strong sense of companionship and belonging. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment, which has directly contributed to the success of the 19th General Chapter. Their exceptional service has made a significant difference, and we are thankful for their hard work and dedication.
Chapter Staff:
Facilitators
- Emili Turú
- Franz Helm
Chapter Secretary
- Maxwell Wullar Jr.
Assistant Chapter Secretary
- César Francisco Alves da Silva
Secretariat Coordinator
- Kieran Sun Jianjun
General Service Manager
- Seraphin Kpakpayi
Assistant General Service Manager
- John Kobina Bissue
Liturgy Director
- Nicolas Sengson
Assistant Liturgy Director
- Thomas Heck
Communications and IT Team
- Modeste Munimi
- Sonny de Rivera
- Piotr Gracz
- Mark Ramos
- Luis Antonio Vergara
- Endo Isidorus Mau Loko
Translators
- Sonny de Rivera ESP-ENG
- Maria Selvan Rajayan ESP-ENG
- Marcelo Oyarzun ENG-ESP
- Luis Antonio Vergara S. ENG-ESP
Nemi Community
- Kulandaisamy Soosai
- Fabio Pires
Driver and Contact with CVD
- Jan Mojs
