The majority of capitulants took the opportunity to use their rest day visiting places in and around Rome. To this point, the program of the Chapter has been intense and the “day of rest” was a welcome change for many.
Today, with renewed energy, they resumed the task of dealing with the issues of the Chapter. Fr Hulshof warmly encouraged the capitulants to remember that Sunday was the “first day of creation”. Allons-y!.
The first item on the program for Day 6 of the Chapter was the discussion concerning the Ordo Electionis.
The Ordo Electionis outlines the process for electing the Superior General and the Assistants General. The capitulants were presented with draft copies of the document in English and French. Following its discussion, and with one minor alteration, the Chapter endorsed the document unanimously.
Following a period of discernment and identification of the “critical issues”, the members of the Chapter identified six Topic Areas which have become a major focus of their discussion and discernment for the remainder of the Chapter. The topic areas are:
- Strategies for a Positive Future,
- Formation and Recruitment,
- Communion for Mission,
- Partnership with Marist Laity,
- Solidarity and Sharing of Resources,
- Governance.
The capitulants have formed groups of six to seven deal with each topic area. Today began the process of deep, personal discernment and group work that will the capitulants arrive at some recommendations which they will put before the Chapter. At the end of the day’s proceedings, the capitulants reported to the plenary session on their progress.