The Road to the 19th General Chapter: A Journey of Synodality

Prelude to the Chapter

The Road to the 19th General Chapter was not a solitary journey, but a collective effort of discernment, planning, collaboration, reflections, and discussions. The prayer that reigned throughout the months preceding the Chapter was a testament to the unity and shared commitment of each member of the Society of the Divine Word, the rest of the Arnoldus Family, and our lay collaborators. This significant occasion was not just about the Chapter itself, but about the journey we all undertook together towards its realization, each of us playing a vital role.

The Capitulars and other participants will meet at Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi for the 19th General Chapter in a few days. This is not just another event, but a milestone in the history of our Society, a testament to our collective efforts and commitment. As we prepare for the General Chapter, let us reflect on how we got here and all the planning that went into it. Remember, your participation is crucial, and together, we will talk, think, and decide on important things for our Society’s future.

Guidance from the General Superior and Council

The preparatory process was not just a series of tasks, but a journey guided by the General Superior and his Council. Their communications were not just letters, but beacons of light, guiding us towards the objectives of the General Chapter. Starting as early as June 18, 2021, these communications provided key themes, deadlines, and expectations, ensuring clarity and alignment across the Society. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in our journey.

Official Communications Highlights:

June 18, 2021: Letter of Superior General soliciting proposals on the theme and primary concerns for the 2024 General Chapter.
January 27, 2022: Announcement of the Chapter theme and dissemination of a guide for communal reflection.
August 3, 2022: Superior General announces the First Preparatory Commission members.
March 2, 2023: Request for updated reports from PRMs for the SVD Mission 2024.
March 10, 2023: Distribution of the Second Guide for Communal Reflection and further instructions for Chapter preparation.
March 14, 2023: Announcement of the Facilitators of the 19th General Chapter.
September 8, 2023: Official convocation of the 19th General Chapter.
October 13, 2023: Declaration of the official logo and hymn of the 19th General Chapter.
October 17, 2023: Superior General announces members of the Second Preparatory Commission.
April 30, 2024: Superior General sends a circular letter with practical information for the smooth running of the Chapter and safe travel to Rome and Nemi. Generalate Administration requests PRMs to postpone non-urgent matters of ordinary administration requiring decisions of the General Council during the General Chapter.

International Preparatory Commissions

Two international preparatory commissions, comprising members from different zones, played a vital role in shaping the agenda and focus of the General Chapter.

The First International Preparatory Commission was held from December 12-17, 2022, at Collegio del Verbo Divino. The members were tasked with putting together the reports from the PRMs on the chapter theme. They were also responsible for formulating the prayer we recited in our communities in preparation for the Chapter.

The ten Second International Preparatory Commission members met at Collegio del Verbo Divino from April 15-21, 2024. They studied and analyzed the reports and reflections on the Second Guide for Communal Reflection submitted by the PRMs. The Commission developed a draft text that will eventually serve as a working paper.

The work of the two preparatory commissions provided significant steps, clarity, and direction to the 19th General Chapter. Coming from different zones, they worked together as a team and were guided by the representatives of the Generalate. When you come from different educational backgrounds and fields of expertise, working and reflecting together is a challenge, but all the efforts yielded good results.

Preparatory Commissions Membership:

First Commission: Generalate Anselmo Ribeiro (Chairman), Thanuzraj Stanislaus Lazar (Secretary), Philander Pinalgan (MOZ), Douglas Simonetti (KEN), Wilibaldus Gaut (IDE), Naveen Wilson Rebello (INM), Cesar Francisco Alves da Silva (POR), Krzsztof Kolodynski (POL), Gbandi Nakpane (MEX), and Adam MacDonald (USC).

Second Commission: Generalate Anselmo Ribeiro Chairperson, Stanislaus Thanuzraj Lazar, (Secretary), Andrews Obeng (GHA), Marcelus Anggo (MOZ), Tony Salas (PHC), Prakash Menezes (AUS), Marlon Vargas (ESP), Jozef Korneliusz Trzebuniak (POL) Luis Antonio Vergara (CAM), and Bro. Jairo Godinho (BRC).

Guides for Communal Reflection

Two comprehensive guides, circulated in two phases, were distributed to the PRMs and our lay partners to facilitate communal reflection. They provided structures and prompts for meaningful dialogue at the local and provincial levels, encouraged engagement with the Chapter theme, and fostered a spirit of renewal and transformation within communities.

Active Participation of Provinces, Regions, and Missions

The success and relevance of the General Chapter are not solely dependent on the leadership, but on the active engagement of the entire membership. The Provinces, Regions, and Missions have played a crucial role in shaping the Chapter’s agenda through their contributions, from proposing the theme and primary concerns to engaging in communal reflections and providing updates on their progress. This collaborative effort has reinforced a sense of collective ownership and responsibility. Let us continue this spirit of active participation as we move forward.

Highlights of PRM Participation

Submission of proposals on the theme and primary concerns for the General Chapter.
Active engagement in communal reflections including the lay partners based on the provided guides.
Contribution to the Yellow Book, containing updated reports and statistical data.

Conclusion: A Journey of Renewal and Commitment

As we stand on the threshold of the 19th General Chapter, we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this pivotal moment. The meticulous planning, fervent prayer, and active participation of members across the globe have imbued this process with purpose and anticipation.

As we gather in Centro Ad Gentes in Nemi, let us carry forward the spirit of “Let your light shine before others, Faithful and Creative disciples in a wounded world. This is the backdrop of our preparative journey leading to this General Chapter. With trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we embark on this collective endeavor to discern the will of God for our Society and its mission in the world.